The 1.6-liter Opel Z16XER or LDE engine was assembled at different factories from 2006 to 2010 and installed on many popular concern models, such as Astra, Zafira and Insignia. This power unit was also installed on Chevrolet cars under its F16D4 index.
In 2005, the third generation of gasoline engines of the GM Family 1 family was introduced and one of its first representatives was a 1.6-liter engine for Opel cars. This is a fairly simple engine with multiport fuel injection, a cast-iron cylinder block, an aluminum 16-valve block head without hydraulic lifters, a timing belt drive, DCVCP phase shifters on two camshafts and a VGIS intake geometry change system.
Z15 family: Z16SE, Z16XE, Z16XEP, Z16XER, Z18XE, Z18XER.
Specifications
| Production years | 2006-2010 |
| Displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 115 |
| Torque output, Nm | 155 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 79 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 81.5 |
| Compression ratio | 10.8 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | DCVCP |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Opel Astra 2008) — city — highway — combined |
8.7 5.2 6.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 115 |
The engine was installed on:
- Opel Astra H (A04) in 2006 – 2010;
- Opel Insignia A (G09) in 2008 – 2010;
- Opel Zafira B (A05) in 2008 – 2010.
Disadvantages of the Z16XER engine
- The first power units of this line were equipped with defective phase regulators, but they were replaced under warranty a long time ago, and now the main problems here are associated with contamination of the solenoid valve grids, which is why they simply jam.
- In second place, according to the complaints of the owners, is the ever-leaking oil heat exchanger, through which the lubricant seeps into the coolant, and vice versa, antifreeze dilutes the oil, and this greatly reduces the life of the oil pump and all liners in the engine.
- A capricious electrician delivers a lot of trouble, and this applies to all motors of the family. The engine ECU regularly fails, and usually the problem is in its connectors, and not in the board itself, often the electronically controlled thermostat or the ignition coil module fails.
- The weak points of the motor also include the membrane of the crankcase ventilation valve, which constantly bursts, forever leaking seals and the absence of hydraulic compensators. And do not forget to monitor the condition of the timing belt, because when it breaks, the valves bend.
Frequently asked questions about the Opel Z16XER
How much power does the Opel Z16XER make?
The Opel Z16XER develops 115 hp and 155 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Opel Z16XER take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Opel Z16XER have a timing belt or chain?
The Opel Z16XER uses a timing belt.
Is the Opel Z16XER turbocharged?
No, the Opel Z16XER is naturally aspirated.
Does the Opel Z16XER need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Opel Z16XER last?
The typical lifespan of the Opel Z16XER is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Opel Z16XER?
Opel Astra 2008: city 8.7, highway 5.2, combined 6.5 L/100 km.
What cars was the Opel Z16XER installed on?
Opel Astra H (A04) in 2006 - 2010; Opel Insignia A (G09) in 2008 - 2010; Opel Zafira B (A05) in 2008 - 2010.
What are the common problems of the Opel Z16XER?
The first power units of this line were equipped with defective phase regulators, but they were replaced under warranty a long time ago, and now the main problems here are associated with contamination of the solenoid valve grids, which is why they simply jam. In second place, according to the complaints of the owners, is the ever-leaking oil heat exchanger, through which the lubricant seeps into the coolant, and vice versa, antifreeze dilutes the oil, and this greatly reduces the life of the oil pump and all liners in the engine. All known problems.
