Which engine is used in the BAIC Senova X35?
3 Answers
The BAIC Senova X35 is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine independently developed and produced by BAIC Group, making it a domestically manufactured engine. The engine model used in the BAIC Senova X35 is A151, with a maximum horsepower of 116 HP, a maximum power output of 85 KW, a maximum power speed of 6000 rpm, and a peak torque of 148 N·m. For daily maintenance of the BAIC Senova X35's engine, the following methods can be employed: Use lubricating oil of the appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, select SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil based on the additional equipment of the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions; for diesel engines, choose CB--CD grade diesel engine oil according to mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the manufacturer's requirements. Regularly change the engine oil and filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will deteriorate over time during use. After a certain mileage, performance degradation can lead to various engine issues. To prevent malfunctions, change the oil regularly according to usage conditions and maintain an appropriate oil level. When oil passes through the fine pores of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter becomes clogged and oil cannot pass through the filter element, it may rupture the filter element or open the safety valve, allowing oil to bypass through the bypass valve and carry contaminants back to the lubrication points, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal contamination. Periodically clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls, mixing with metal particles from component wear to form sludge. Small amounts remain suspended in the oil, while larger amounts precipitate, clogging the filter and oil passages, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear. Regularly use a radiator cleaner to flush the radiator. Removing rust and scale deposits not only ensures proper engine operation but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.
Friends who have driven the Senova X35 know that its older model was powered by BAIC's own 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, model named BA151A-C. I've handled quite a few of these engines—while the technology isn't cutting-edge, they're quite durable, with a maximum power of 116 horsepower and torque of 148 Nm, paired with either a 5MT or 4AT transmission. In terms of fuel consumption, it averages around 7-8 liters per 100 km in the city and can drop to about 6 liters on the highway. I've seen owners drive over 100,000 km before the valve cover gasket started leaking. For routine maintenance, semi-synthetic oil is sufficient, and repair parts are inexpensive. Later, the National VI version was equipped with a new 1.5T engine, code-named A151R1, boosting power to 150 horsepower, but it's rarely seen on the roads now.
When helping a friend pick a used X35 back then, I specifically researched the engine. It comes in 1.5L and 1.5T variants, with most people opting for the BA151A-C 1.5L naturally aspirated version. This engine has decent low-end torque, making it sufficient for city commuting, though highway acceleration at higher speeds can feel slightly sluggish. During test drives, I noticed the cold start noise is relatively loud, but it quiets down after the engine warms up. The engine bay layout is quite compact—replacing spark plugs requires removing the intake pipe. I recommend opting for 2016-2018 models, as the timing chain versions have lower failure rates compared to belt-driven ones. During maintenance, remember to check the engine mount bushings for wear.
