Reconditioned Opel Zafira Gearbox

19 engine codes across 7 engines: why the Zafira requires precise identification before any order

The Zafira spans twenty years of production (1999–2019) and seven engines, yet the engine capacity shown on the registration document is never enough to identify the correct gearbox. The 1.8 petrol alone exists under three codes (X18XE1, Z18XE, Z18XER) corresponding to different generations of the block, each paired with 5-speed gearboxes whose ratios and mountings are not interchangeable. The 1.6 petrol likewise covers four codes (Z16XE, Z16XEP, Z16XER, A16XER): the early versions (Zafira A, 1999–2005) do not accept parts designed for the Zafira B. It is the engine code stamped on the block — not the engine capacity or the year alone — that determines the correct reference.

5-speed or 6-speed: a clear divide depending on the engine

All Zafira gearboxes are manual, but they fall into two distinct families. The 1.6 petrol, 1.8 and 2.2 CDTi engines are fitted with a 5-speed gearbox. The more recent engines — 1.4 Turbo (codes A14NET, B14NET), 1.6 CDTi (codes B16DTC, B16DTH, B16DTL), 1.7 CDTi (codes A17DTJ, A17DTR, Z17DTR) and 1.9 CDTi (codes Z19DT, Z19DTH, Z19DTL) — are fitted with a 6-speed gearbox. Mixing up the two families is the most common mistake on this model: a 6-speed gearbox will not fit a bellhousing dimensioned for a 5-speed, even with an identical engine capacity.

Key points to watch on Opel diesel engines of this generation

The 1.9 CDTi is the most widespread diesel engine in the Zafira B: its three variants (Z19DT, Z19DTH, Z19DTL) differ notably in power output and engine management, which has a direct bearing on the gearbox's final-drive ratio. The 2.2 CDTi (code Y22DTR), found only on the Zafira A, is considerably rarer and uses a specific 5-speed gearbox. On diesel versions, gearbox failure is often the result of a faulty dual-mass flywheel: checking its condition before fitting is a basic precaution to avoid a repeat failure.