The 1.6-liter Opel Z16SE or L55 engine was assembled from 2000 to 2004 at a plant in Hungary and installed on a number of popular models of its time, such as Astra, Corsa, Meriva. This unit, in fact, was only an upgraded version of the famous X16SZR motor.
Compared to its predecessor, the Z16SE has a completely different intake manifold, a changed cylinder head, a new valve cover gasket, completely different pistons and a completely changed cylinder-piston group. The environmental standards of the engine have been brought up to Euro-4 indicators. The 8-valve engine was produced until 2004, after which it was replaced with a 16-valve analogue. Decoding of marking Z16SE:
- Z – Euro 4 engine;
- 16 – 1.6 liters;
- S – Compression ratio 9.5-10.0: 1;
- E – multiport fuel injection system.
Z15 family: Z16SE, Z16XE, Z16XEP, Z16XER, Z18XE, Z18XER.
Specifications
| Production years | 2000-2004 |
| Displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 84 |
| Torque output, Nm | 138 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 79 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 81.5 |
| Compression ratio | 9.6 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.25 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Opel Astra 2001) — city — highway — combined |
9.8 5.8 7.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 100 |
The engine was installed on:
- Opel Astra G (T98) in 2000 – 2004;
- Opel Corsa C (X01) in 2001 – 2004;
- Opel Combo C (F06) in 2002 – 2004;
- Opel Meriva A (X03) in 2003 – 2004.
Disadvantages of the Z16SE engine
- The main problem of this motor is in the oil burner and decoking does not help it for a long time;
- This issue can be radically solved only with the help of a full overhaul;
- The catalyst is destroyed very quickly, and its dust is sometimes sucked into the cylinders;
- The timing belt runs quietly up to 100 – 120 thousand km and when it breaks, the valves do not bend.
Frequently asked questions about the Opel Z16SE
How much power does the Opel Z16SE make?
The Opel Z16SE develops 84 hp and 138 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Opel Z16SE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.25 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Opel Z16SE have a timing belt or chain?
The Opel Z16SE uses a timing belt.
Is the Opel Z16SE turbocharged?
No, the Opel Z16SE is naturally aspirated.
Does the Opel Z16SE need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Opel Z16SE has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Opel Z16SE last?
The typical lifespan of the Opel Z16SE is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Opel Z16SE?
Opel Astra 2001: city 9.8, highway 5.8, combined 7.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Opel Z16SE installed on?
Opel Astra G (T98) in 2000 - 2004; Opel Corsa C (X01) in 2001 - 2004; Opel Combo C (F06) in 2002 - 2004; Opel Meriva A (X03) in 2003 - 2004.
What are the common problems of the Opel Z16SE?
The main problem of this motor is in the oil burner and decoking does not help it for a long time. This issue can be radically solved only with the help of a full overhaul. All known problems.
