From 2000 to 2004, a plant in Hungary assembled the 1.6-liter Opel Z16SE or L55 engine, which was fitted to several popular models at the time, including the Astra, Corsa, and Meriva. In actuality, this device was merely an improved version of the well-known X16SZR motor.
The engines Z16XE, Z16XEP, Z16XER, Z18XE, and Z18XER are also part of the Z15 family.
The Z16SE’s intake manifold, cylinder head, valve cover gasket, pistons, and cylinder-piston group are all entirely different from those of its predecessor. The engine’s environmental requirements have been raised to Euro-4 indicators. The 8-valve engine was manufactured until 2004, at which point a 16-valve equivalent took its place. Z16SE marking decoding:
- Z – Euro 4 engine;
- 16 – 1.6 liters;
- S – Compression ratio 9.5-10.0: 1;
- E – multiport fuel injection system.
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.
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 |
Disadvantages of the Z16SE engine
This motor’s primary issue is the oil burner, and decoking won’t solve it for a long time;
A complete overhaul is the only way to significantly resolve this problem;
The catalyst is rapidly degraded, and occasionally its dust is drawn into the cylinders;
The valves do not bend when the timing belt breaks, and it operates silently for up to 100,000–120,000 kilometers.