The Peugeot XW3 is a 1,124 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1987 and 1991. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 8 valves and a carburetted fuel system. This engine was designed for economical urban mobility in the Peugeot 106, delivering modest outputs of approximately 45 kW (60 PS) and 88 Nm of torque.
Fitted primarily to the Peugeot 106 (XW3 platform), the XW3 engine was engineered for fuel efficiency and low — cost ownership in city driving. Emi…
Production years 1987–1991 predate the Euro emissions standards framework. Compliance was governed by national regulations in effect at time of manufacture .
The Peugeot XW3 is a 1,124 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for supermini applications (1987-1991). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with a single-barrel carburettor to deliver reliable, economical urban performance. Designed for pre-Euro regulatory environments, it prioritizes low-cost ownership and ease of maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,124 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 72.0 mm × 69.0 mm | |
Power output | 45 kW (60 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
Torque | 88 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
Fuel system | Single-barrel carburettor | |
Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (National Standards) | |
Compression ratio | 9.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt-driven | |
Oil type | Mineral 10W‑40 or 15W‑40 | |
Dry weight | 95 kg |
The Peugeot XW3 was used exclusively in Peugeot's 106 (Phase I) platform with transverse mounting. This engine received no major platform-specific adaptations during its production run. All technical specifications are consistent across the model range. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The XW3's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to age or missed service intervals. Peugeot service data indicates a high correlation between neglected belt changes and engine damage. Urban driving with frequent short trips accelerates belt wear and carburettor gumming, making adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The XW3 is mechanically simple and robust if basic maintenance is followed. Its main Achilles' heel is the timing belt; failure to replace it at 60,000 km can destroy the engine. With proper care, including carburettor upkeep, it can be very reliable for high-mileage use.
The most frequent issues are timing belt failure, carburettor malfunctions (idle, mixture, starting), oil leaks from the valve cover, and coolant leaks from hoses or the water pump. These are all well-documented in Peugeot service manuals for the 106.
The XW3 engine was used exclusively in the first-generation Peugeot 106 (produced from 1987 to 1991), specifically in the 1.1-litre variant. It was not shared with other Peugeot models or manufacturers during this period.
Minor tuning is possible. Options include fitting a performance carburettor, free-flow air filter, and exhaust manifold. Significant power gains are limited by the engine's basic design. Most tuning yields modest improvements in throttle response rather than large power increases.
Excellent for its time. A well-maintained Peugeot 106 with the XW3 engine can achieve around 5.5 L/100km (51 mpg UK) on the highway and 7.0 L/100km (40 mpg UK) in the city. Real-world combined figures typically range from 45 to 50 mpg (UK).
Yes. The XW3 is an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks or slips, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing severe internal damage that requires a costly cylinder head rebuild or engine replacement.
A good quality mineral 10W-40 or 15W-40 engine oil meeting ACEA A2 or equivalent specification is recommended. Synthetic oil is not necessary and offers no significant advantage for this engine's design and operating conditions.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.