2012 — 2015
1.6L I4 Turbo (EP6CDT)
Petrol
Start the engine from stone cold. Listen closely with the bonnet popped for a metallic rattling or 'death rattle' sound from the left-hand side of the engine bay that fades as the oil warms up. | Note: The Prince engine (EP6CDT) is notorious for timing chain stretch and tensioner failure. Running the engine with a loose chain can cause it to jump timing, leading to catastrophic internal engine damage.
Accelerate hard in a higher gear (e.g., 3rd or 4th) from low RPMs. Feel for any hesitation, sputtering, or sudden drops in power, and watch for an 'Engine Fault' warning on the dashboard. | Note: The High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) commonly fails on these direct-injection units, resulting in fuel starvation, limp mode, and costly diagnostic hours at New Zealand specialists.
Pay attention to the cold idle quality for the first few minutes. Note if the engine experiences lumpy, uneven idling or mild misfires that clear up once the engine reaches operating temperature. | Note: Being a direct-injection engine, the EP6CDT suffers from severe carbon buildup on the intake valves, as petrol does not wash over them. This restricts airflow and robs the car of performance.
After the test drive, park up and look underneath the front-centre of the car for oil spots, and smell for burning oil wafting through the front grille or cabin vents. | Note: The turbocharger oil feed line is located close to extreme heat. The rubber seals degrade over time, leading to oil leaks which can drip onto the hot exhaust manifold and create a fire hazard.
Perform a minor service with high-grade fully synthetic 5W-30 oil meeting PSA B71 2290 specifications. Inspect the coolant expansion tank and plastic thermostat housing for early hairline cracks.
Replace the spark plugs and cabin filters. Perform a preventative walnut blasting of the intake valves to remove carbon deposits. Check the timing chain tensioner extension length to assess wear.
Major overhaul recommended: Replace the timing chain kit (chain, guides, tensioner), swap out the plastic thermostat housing and water pump, flush the automatic transmission fluid, and inspect the turbocharger for shaft play.
Strictly adhere to 10,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals, using only PSA-approved B71 2290 or B71 2312 engine oil to protect the timing chain.
Check engine oil levels manually on the dipstick every two weeks, as the EP6CDT can consume up to 0.5L of oil per 1,000 km under normal operation.
Always run the vehicle on high-octane premium unleaded fuel (95 or 98 RON) to reduce the rate of carbon deposit formation and prevent low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI).
Monitor the coolant temp gauge closely; if it fluctuates or drops suddenly, inspect the electronic thermostat housing immediately as they are prone to electrical and physical failure.
Locate a trusted independent European or Peugeot specialist in NZ, as general garages often lack the specific diagnostic software and tooling required for Prince engines.
Estimated repair costs if issues arise
Preventative maintenance is critical if there is no documented service history of replacement. Ensure the upgraded OEM Peugeot/BMW chain kit is fitted.
A common failure item. Sourcing this part locally from NZ dealers is highly expensive; importing OEM Continental parts from Europe can save on component costs.
Highly recommended every 60,000 km to restore factory throttle response, cure cold-start rough idling, and improve fuel economy.
Plastic housing degrades and leaks coolant. It is best to replace the water pump and auxiliary friction wheel at the same time to save on overlapping Kiwi labour rates.
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Disclaimer: This report is generated with the assistance of AI analysis based on verified automotive data. While we strive for 100% accuracy, enthusiasts should always conduct physical inspections and consult service records. View Full Disclaimer