The Opel Z18XER is a 1.8 l (1,796 cc, 109.6 cu-in) straight-four four-stroke natural aspirated gasoline engine from the third generation of GM Family 1. The engine was developed by Opel (a subsidiary of General Motors) and manufactured since 2005.
The Opel Z18XER engine uses a cast grey iron block with five-bearings crankshaft and aluminum head with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder (16 valves in total). The engine is equipped with a sequential fuel injection system, double continuous variable cam phasing (DCVCP) and electronic ignition system.
Cylinder bore and piston stroke are 80.5 mm (3.17 in) and 88.2 mm (3.47 in), respectively and compression ratio rating is 10.5:1. The Z18XER engine produces 140 PS (103 лW; 138 HP) at 6,300 rpm of maximum horsepower and 175 Nm (17.8 kg·m; 129.1 ft·lb) at 3,800 rpm of maximum torque. Redline is 6,500 rpm.
The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:
- Z – Euro 4 engine
- 18 – 1.8 Liter displacement
- X – Comression ratio from 10 to 11.5:1
- E – Multi Point Fuel Injection system
- R – Power is increased compared to Z18XE
General information
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine code | Z18XER |
| Layout | Four stroke, Inline-4 (Straight-4) |
| Fuel type | Gasoline (petrol) |
| Production | 2005- |
| Displacement | 1.8 L, 1,796 cm3 (109.6 cu in) |
| Fuel system | Sequential fuel injection |
| Power adder | None |
| Power output | 140 PS (103 KW; 138 HP) at 6,300 rpm |
| Torque output | 175 Nm (17.8 kg·m; 129.1 ft·lb) at 3,800 rpm |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | – |
| Weight | 119 kg (262 lbs) |
Cylinder block
The Z18XER cylinder block is based on the proven hollow-frame concept. Gray cast iron provides an extremely durable foundation, optimized with a deep skirt that minimizes both wear and vibration. Pistons apply a floating-pin design. The wrist pins, which attach the piston to the connecting rod, “float” inside the rod bushing and pin bores in the piston barrel. Pistons also have oil-spray cooling. Each piston has its own individual directed jet that sprays oil toward its skirt, coating its underside and the cylinder wall with an additional layer of lubricant.
| Cylinder block | ||
| Cylinder block alloy | Cast-iron | |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 | |
| Cylinder bore: | 80.5 mm (3.17 in) | |
| Piston stroke: | 88.2 mm (3.47 in) | |
| Number of piston rings (compression / oil): | 2 / 1 | |
| Cylinder inner diameter (standard): | 80.492-80.508 mm (3.169-3.1696 in) | |
| Piston skirt diameter (standard): | 80.455-80.465 mm (3.1675-3.1679 in) | |
| Piston pin outer diameter: | 19.000 mm (0.748 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance: | Top | 0.040-0.080 mm (0.0016-0.0031 in) |
| Second | 0.030-0.070 mm (0.0012-0.0028 in) | |
| Oil | 0.030-0.130 mm (0.0012-0.0051 in) | |
| Piston ring end gap: | Top | 0.20-0.40 mm (0.0079-0.0157 in) |
| Second | 0.40-0.60 mm (0.0157-0.0236 in) | |
| Oil | 0.25-0.75 mm (0.0098-0.0295 in) | |
| Crankshaft journal diameter: | 54.980-54.997 mm (2.1646-2.1652 in) | |
| Crankpin diameter: | 42.971-42.987 mm (1.6918-1.6924 in) | |
Connecting rod bearing cap bolt tightening procedure and torque specs:
- Step 1: 35 Nm (3.6 kg·m; 25.8 ft·lb)
- Step 2: Turn all bolts 45°
- Step 3: Turn all bolts 15°
Crankshaft Bearing Cap Bolt:
- Step 1: 50 Nm (5.1 kg·m; 36.9 ft·lb)
- Step 2: Turn all bolts 45°
- Step 3: Turn all bolts 15°
Cylinder head
The cylinder head is made of an aluminum alloy. The Z18XER engine has Double Continuous Variable Cam Phasing (DCVCP) on the intake and exhaust sides. The camshafts are driven by timing belt. The engine has a composite intake manifold and fabricated stainless steel maniverter 4-1 with a close-coupled catalyst.
| Cylinder head (after 2006) | ||
| Valve Arrangement: | DOHC, belt driven | |
| Valves: | 16 (4 valves per cylinder) | |
| Valve head diameter: | INTAKE | 31.1-31.3 mm (1.2244-1.2323 in) |
| EXHAUST | 27.4-27.6 mm (1.0787-1.0866 in) | |
| Valve length: | INTAKE | 101.65 mm (4.002 in) |
| EXHAUST | 102.46 mm (4.034 in) | |
| Valve stem diameter: | INTAKE | 4.965-4.980 mm (0.1955-0.1961 in) |
| EXHAUST | 4.950-4.965 mm (0.1949-0.1955 in) | |
| Valve spring free length: | 41.6 mm (1.6378 in) | |
| Cam stroke: | INTAKE | 9.3 mm (0.3661 in) |
| EXHAUST | 8.3 mm (0.3268 in) | |
Head tightening procedure and torque specs:
- Step 1: 25 Nm; 2.5 kg·m; 18.5 ft·lb)
- Step 2: Turn all bolts 90°
- Step 3: Turn all bolts 90°
- Step 4: Turn all bolts 90°
- Step 5: Turn all bolts 45°
Maintenance data
| Valve clearance (Cold) | |
| Intake valve | 0.21-0.29 mm (0.008-0.011 in) |
| Exhaust valve | 0.27-0.35 mm (0.010-0.014 in) |
| Compression pressure | |
| Standard | 16.0 kg/m2 |
| Minimun | 14.0 kg/m2 |
| Compression differential limit between cylinders | 0.1 kg/m2 |
| Oil system | |
| Oil consumption , L/1000 km (qt. per miles) | up to 0.5 (1 qt. per 1200 miles) |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-20, 5W-30 |
| Oil type | GM-LL-A-025 |
| Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) |
With filter change 4.5 l Without filter change 4.3 l |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 10,000 (6,000) |
| Ignition system | |
| Spark plug | Bosch: FQR8LEU2 |
| Spark plug gap | 0.85-0.95 mm (0.034-0.037 in) |
| Spark plug tightening torque | 25 Nm (2.55 kg·m; 18.45 ft·lb) |
Vehicle applications
| Model | Years Produced |
| Alfa Romeo 159 1.8 JTS | 2005-2010 |
| Fiat Croma 1.8 16v | 2005-2010 |
| Opel Astra H 1.8 16v | 2006-2010 |
| Opel Astra H 1.8 16v | 2006-2010 |
| Opel Vectra C 1.8 16v | 2005-2008 |
| Opel Signum 1.8 16v | 2006-2008 |
| Opel Zafira B 1.8 16v Ecotec | 2005-2010 |
Author:
Is the sump the same? Xe & xer engines.
No. Totally different engines
What’s the difference between the x18xe-1 and the x1z18xe?
I had to replace my z18 as the water pump died and killed the motor. Wreckers sold me the x18 engine. I see that I can swap the inlet manifold and exhaust manifold.
Cheers Sav
Is there a difference between the z18xer and f18d4 engines or heads, could I put a z18xer head on a f18d4 block or even exchange a f18d4 for a z18xer engine.
Cheers
Hello Pete. I have the same question. Did you get your answer pls?
Which 5w-30 can be used on a Z18XER?
There are so many, was going to use Comma Syner-z 5w-30. Comma guarantee compatibility… any thoughts on this? Cheers
Can anyone tell me is the x18xe1 a non intereference engine or interference ?
I have bought 2nd hand engine to replace my Zafira 1.8 Z18XER but I was given F18d4 engine then I complained but the guy said it’s a same engine I needed someone to do for me. Engine replacement was done successfully but car had lacked power. Only engine was changed/replaced though ECU and engine wiring harnesses/ loom remained Z18XER. I still have some challenges till today I don’t because what need to be done as I struggled to buy camshaft and crankshaft sensors because I don’t know which one must I buy? Someone can assist please
hi
i have chevrolet cruze and its engine F16d4 is giving me hard times so now during my searching on the internet i saw that i can replace f16d4 engine with z18xer engine on chevrolet cruze. the car has lose power and it has a knocking sound, the coolant container is always full of air after running an engine and it has a a malfunction light, i have been buying sensors and it does not go off. please help me
I have same problem with those mentioned here, I have Zafira 1.8 engine Z18XER broken down so I bought 2nd hand which I was told is F18d4. I was told it will fit my car if I have someone to do for of which it was fitted well with Z18XER ECU and wiring harnesses but engine lacks power and I don’t know what to do. Anyone for help please
Same problem with my engine Z18XER replaced by F18d4 as I was told that are same engine. My car have no power and I have taken to Opel mechanics but none could help. Checked on computer but still nothing was found to be wrong
Can the Aircon compressor for 1800 cc Opel Zafira be used on 2200 cc Opel Zafira. Anyone have answer?
A great engine, I use 5w/40 in mine with 290,000km