GM Medium Diesel engine

Medium Diesel Engine (MDE)
Company type	Engine
Industry	Automotive
Founded	December 1, 2013; 12 years ago in Szentgotthárd, Hungary
Headquarters	Szentgotthárd, Hungary
Products	Four-cylinder diesel engines (1.6 CDTI Ecotec)
Parent	General Motors

Medium Diesel Engine Overview

The Medium Diesel Engine (MDE) is a four-cylinder diesel powerplant engineered by General Motors and commonly known as the "1.6 CDTI Ecotec" in various markets. In select regions, Opel markets it under the name "Whisper Diesel," emphasizing its superior noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction characteristics. Production commenced in late 2013 at the manufacturing facility in Szentgotthárd, Hungary. Representing Opel's inaugural all-aluminum diesel design, the MDE achieves a high power density of per liter () in its peak performance variant. It delivers enhanced power and torque compared to the earlier 1.7-liter engine while offering fuel savings of up to 10% relative to a similarly rated 2.0-liter CDTI unit. The 1.6 CDTI serves as a replacement for both the 1.7-liter and lower-output 2.0-liter diesel engines within Opel's portfolio, available in multiple power configurations. The most potent version generates at 3,500–4,000 rpm and at 2,000 rpm, initially featured in the 2013 Zafira Tourer, followed by the 2014 Astra J and refreshed Meriva B. Additional lower-power variants of were launched in 2014.

The engine's total displacement is , with bore and stroke dimensions of , cylinder pressures reaching , and a compression ratio set at 16.0:1. Constructed with an aluminum block, die-cast aluminum bedplate, and aluminum cylinder head, it employs a chain-driven dual overhead camshaft that operates four valves per cylinder via lightweight hydraulic roller finger followers. The pistons are made from aluminum featuring shallow-bowl designs and benefit from under-skirt oil cooling sprays to reduce reciprocating weight and improve combustion efficiency. A forged steel crankshaft equipped with four counterweights minimizes mass and is paired with forged steel connecting rods.

To mitigate noise and vibrations, the MDE incorporates several design features: a cam cover made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic that is fully isolated from the engine block; a composite intake manifold lined with acoustic insulation and protected by an external plastic shield; a mechanical crankshaft isolator that dampens accessory drive vibrations; and timing system scissor gears utilizing Low Noise Shifting (LNS) tooth profiles. The engine control unit (ECU), developed internally by GM through collaborative engineering efforts spanning Italy, Germany, and the United States, manages over 150 patented diesel-specific functions and will serve as the foundation for upcoming GM four-cylinder diesel engines.

Fuel economy improvements and adherence to Euro 6 emissions regulations (effective from September 2015) are achieved through Opel’s "BlueInjection" Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, which introduces AdBlue (a urea-based solution) into the exhaust gases. This process converts nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water via catalytic reduction.

Since its introduction in 2013, the MDE has replaced the 1.7 L CDTI and lower-powered 2.0 L CDTI Ecotec engines ( variants) in Opel models, also taking over from the 1.3 L CDTI units found in vehicles such as the Corsa, Meriva, and Astra. Additionally, this engine was incorporated into the US-market 2017 Chevrolet Cruze as well as the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.

Applications and usage

The different engine versions and their respective uses are as follows:

Variant	Cylinder Configuration	Displacement	Bore x Stroke (mm)	Induction	Power hp/rpm	Torque N⋅m/rpm	Vehicle Model	Production period
F15DVC	Inline 3	1496	84 x 90	Turbodiesel Direct injection common rail	105/3250	260/ 1500–2500	Opel Astra K 1.5 CDTI 105 HP	from 08/2019
F15DVH					122/3500	300/ 1750–2500	Opel Astra K 1.5 CDTI 122 HP	from 08/2019
F15DVH					122/3500	300/ 1750–2500	Opel Insignia B 1.5 CDTI (122 HP)	from 03/2020
B16DTC	Inline 4	1598	79.7 x 80.1		95/3500	280/ 1500–1750	Opel Meriva B 1.6 CDTI 95 HP	2014–17
B16DTE					95/3500	280/ 1500–1750	Opel Astra K 1.6 CDTI 95 HP	07/2015-06/2018
B16DTL					110/4000	300/ 2000–2250	Opel Insignia B 1.6 CDTI (110 HP)	02/2017-10/2019
							Opel Mokka 1.6 CDTI 110HP	06/2015-08/2016
							Opel Mokka X 1.6 CDTI 110 HP	09/2016-06/2019
						300/ 1750–2000	Opel Astra J 1.6 CDTI 110 HP	2014–18
B16DTN							Opel Meriva B 1.6 CDTI 110 HP	2014–17
B16DTU							Opel Astra K 1.6 CDTI 110 HP	07/2015-06/2018
D16DTU							Opel Astra K 1.6 CDTI 110 HP	06/2018-07/2019
B16DTJ					120/4000	320/ 2000–2250	Opel Insignia A 1.6 CDTI 120 HP	08/2015-02/2017
B16DTJ					120/4000		Opel Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI 120 HP	06/2014-11/2018
B16DTH					136/4000		Opel Astra J 1.6 CDTI 136 HP 5p	05/2014-08/2015
							Opel Astra J Sedan, Sports Tourer & GTC	05/2014-11/2018
							Opel Astra K 1.6 CDTI 136 HP	07/2015-06/2018
							Opel Insignia A & B 1.6 CDTI 136 HP	08/2015-02/2020
							Opel Meriva & Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI 136 HP	02/2014-07/2019
							Opel Mokka & Mokka X 1.6 CDTI (136 HP)	04/2015-06/2019
							D16DTH	Opel Astra K 1.6 CDTI (136 HP)	06/2018-07/2019
							B16DTR	Biturbodiesel direct injection common rail	160/4000	350/ 1500–2250	Opel Astra K Biturbo 1.6 CDTI	10/2015-06/2018
							D16DTR	Biturbodiesel direct injection common rail	150/4000	350/ 1500–2250	Opel Astra K Biturbo 1.6 CDTI	06/2018-04/2019
F20DVH							1995	84 x 90	Turbodiesel Direct injection common rail	174/3500	381/ 1500–2750	Opel Insignia B 2.0	from 03/2020

Timing chain issues

This engine family is susceptible to early timing chain degradation and eventual failure, often first noticeable through a rattling noise during startup and while running, which can ultimately cause complete engine breakdown. The manufacturer has yet to officially acknowledge this defect, which is present across all model years. Due to the timing chain being positioned at the rear of the engine, its replacement is more involved and costly compared to chains located at the front.

Preventative strategies include using SAE J300 0w20 motor oil, now endorsed by Vauxhall and Opel, and scheduling timing chain replacement during clutch maintenance since removing the gearbox provides easier access. Additionally, fitting a more durable timing chain tensioner sourced from the GM Duramax 3.0 engine enhances longevity.

Rattling symptoms may appear as early as around 50,000 miles, resembling problems encountered with the earlier generation of the 1.3 LSF engine used in previous Astra models; nonetheless, consistent oil and filter servicing can extend the chain's lifespan up to approximately 100,000 miles. Some drivers report occasional rattling noises on startup and between roughly 1,500 and 2,500 rpm.

Vauxhall suggests oil changes every twenty thousand miles or once a year; however, it is recommended to reduce this interval by half—to every ten thousand miles or six months—to lower the risk of timing chain complications. Repairing the timing chain typically requires between fourteen and sixteen hours in a workshop equipped with a two-post lift system.

External links

Medium Diesel Engine Overview

Applications and usage

Timing chain issues

See also

External links