Reconditioned Opel Vivaro 1.6 CDTi Engine

The 1.6 CDTi in the Vivaro B from 2014 to 2019: fourteen R9M variants, one engine family

Between 2014 and 2019, the Vivaro B dropped the older 2.0 units in favour of the exclusive R9M engine of 1.6 litres, co-developed with Renault and Nissan. This unit comes in fourteen distinct codes here — from R9M408 to R9MMH — covering different power outputs, emissions standards and injection configurations. A single model year can therefore correspond to several engine codes depending on the power level chosen and the emissions standard applicable at the date of first registration. Going by mileage or year alone is not enough: the engine code stamped on the block is the only reliable reference for selecting the correct part.

Exchange basis: the only option available in this collection

This collection offers a single purchasing option: exchange, meaning that rebuilding your own unit is not available within this range. This approach reflects the reality of the market: the R9M is a recent engine, still widely in circulation, and wear components (pistons, liners, crankshaft) remain readily available for reconditioning from stock. Rebuilding your own unit to the original specification makes most sense for a rare or discontinued engine, which is not yet the case here. The engine is sold as a bare engine: the turbo, injectors, high-pressure pump and ancillary components are not included and should be reused or replaced according to their condition.

Key points to watch with the R9M on the Vivaro B

The R9M is known for weaknesses in the timing chain — tensioner and chain guide — particularly on versions built before 2016, as well as EGR valve and cooling circuit issues. On a van used predominantly on short urban runs, these problems deteriorate more quickly than in road use. Before placing an order, confirm that the fault genuinely originates from within the engine block rather than from a defective ancillary component — this avoids replacing an engine for an external cause that has not been addressed.