Suzuki Jimny "In its own way." M13A is the most common engine for Suzuki
Suzuki Jimny is a compact SUV from the legendary Japanese company. Many Jimny modifications are positioned as cars for single people, disabled people and retirees living outside the city, in rural areas.
But we can also say that Jimny cars are an interesting offer for everyone who simply likes 4x4 and off-road. Thanks to reliable all-wheel drive, dependent suspension and a lightweight body, the vehicle copes excellently off-road.
Car history
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Suzuki began to develop this interesting SUV back in the late sixties of the XX century. The name Jimny was coined in 1970 by company specialists. This word is a kind of mix of the words "jeep" and "mini", and it really works well to describe four-wheel drive compact SUVs. In the same 1970s, the first LJ10 Jimny, based on another SUV, the HopeStar ON360, rolled off the assembly line.
In 1974, the company released an updated Jimny with a more powerful engine - its displacement was 0.55 liters. The weight of the car has increased, and the interior has undergone major changes - two folding seats have appeared in the rear. IN European countries The first Suzuki Jimny appeared three years later. They already had 0.8 liter engines, and the wheel arches in the body were enlarged, which gave the cars a more stylish look.
In 1986, the Suzuki Jimny began to be considered one of best cars in its segment, it has already been sold in hundreds of countries around the planet. Consumers were attracted by the moderate price of these mini-SUVs combined with the modern (at that time) technologies embodied in the car.
In the next decade, in 1997, a new generation of models was presented at the prestigious Tokyo Motor Show, which can already be called modern. And what is surprising is that over the past decades, the SUV has not lost its special style - it is easy to recognize from thousands of others.
The story of the Suzuki Jimny is not really over yet. Perhaps it will last for more than a dozen years. Recently, specialized media reported that a new generation of these unique jeeps will be presented in the fall of 2018. 
Generations of Suzuki Jimny and their corresponding engines
| Generations and modifications of cars | Engine make | Volume and power | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Jimny JB43 restyling 2012, third generation (produced from July 2012 to this day) | M13A | 1.3 liters, 85 Horse power | Petrol |
| Suzuki Jimny JB43 third generation (produced from 2002 to 2012) | M13A | 1.3 liters, 85 horsepower | Petrol |
| Suzuki Jimny JB23 second restyling 2012 3rd generation (production time from July 2012 to the present day) | K6A | Petrol | |
| Suzuki Jimny JB23 restyling 2002, 3rd generation (production time from 2002 to 2012) | K6A | 0.7 liters, 64 horsepower | Petrol |
| Suzuki Jimny JB23, third generation (manufactured from 1998 to 2001) | K6A | 0.7 liters, 64 horsepower | Petrol |
| Suzuki Jimny SN413 / SN415D (produced from 1998 to 2009) | K9K700 and K9K266 | 1.5 liters, power K9K700 - 65 horsepower, K9K266 - 86 horsepower. | Diesel |
Features of the K6A gasoline engine and K9K700 and K9K266 turbodiesels
It should be noted that the Suzuki Jimny with a diesel turbocharged internal combustion engine is not a common occurrence on Russian roads. But in Europe such cars are not exotic. Such modifications, as follows from the table, have been produced for eleven years, but many experts still consider them not very successful. It has been noticed that one and a half liter K9K turbodiesels (produced, by the way, by Renault) may have problems over time:
- with fuel injection system,
- with turbochargers,
- with EGR valve,
- with crankshaft bearings.
But be that as it may, mini-SUVs with turbodiesel have their fans, especially among those who love everything original.
0.7-liter K6A turbo engines running on gasoline were installed only on modifications intended for domestic Japanese market. In this case we are talking, for example, about the following modifications of the Suzuki Jimny:
- 660 XC 4WD;
- 4WD660 X Adventure XA;
- 660 Land Venture;
- 4WD660 FIS Freestyle World Cup limited 4WD etc.
But such cars were still imported in fairly large numbers (as a rule, these are used cars with a slight runaway) to the Russian Far East - so in our country we also have happy owners of a Suzuki Jimny with the K6A engine.
In principle, this is a good four-stroke three-cylinder unit. It is manufactured directly by Suzuki, which in itself is a certain sign of quality and a guarantee of perfect compatibility with other elements of the car.
This engine, largely due to its compactness, is actively used in aircraft conversion. They also put it on snowmobiles.
In general, it must be admitted that these engines are not intended for regions with very harsh weather conditions and severe frosts. Starting the engine at a temperature of –15°С, and even more so at a temperature of –30°С, contributes to its more rapid wear. Therefore, it is better to find a warm garage for a car with such an engine.
M13A is the most common engine for Suzuki
The M13A gasoline unit belongs to the atmospheric subtype (that is, there are no compressors or turbines for additional injection of air under pressure). This is an inline four-cylinder water-cooled engine that professionals consider very reliable.
In a large city, such an engine consumes from 9.5 liters per hundred kilometers (much depends on the driving style and drive format). The EFI electronic intake helps to save overall fuel consumption, which ensures the most even distribution of the air-fuel mixture.
It is also worth noting that the M13A has:
- improved VVT gas distribution system
- reduction system harmful emissions LEV.
And the timing chain is famous for its special endurance - it can operate silently and without unnecessary problems for more than 200 thousand kilometers. The occurrence of any malfunctions with the described power unit- rather an exception than a rule.
And to make the engine last even longer, it is necessary to correctly select the oil viscosity in winter and monitor the condition of the tachometer (it is important that its needle does not go into the red zone).
TO weak points Some people attribute the M13A engine only to an unreliable pump, which may need to be replaced after only 60 thousand kilometers.
Among all those mentioned, the M13A engines are the most common and tested in the Russian Federation. Therefore, it is better to choose from a number of modifications of the Suzuki Jimny a modification equipped with this gasoline engine.
However, other options cannot be called completely bad either - they all have their advantages. And in general, each case is individual and the choice always depends on many factors. This is not only the type of engine, but also the cost, appearance and the condition of a particular car, financial capabilities, and so on.
Suzuki Jimny is not only a real “long-liver”, but also one of the few “classic jeeps” remaining on the market: despite its modest dimensions, it is a full-fledged SUV with a frame structure, short overhangs, solid axles and all-wheel drive... Because, if not on the road, then in the mud, this “Japanese” is capable of giving shape to more famous, larger and more powerful competitors...
The third generation of the Japanese mini-all-terrain vehicle was born in the fall of 1997 - its international display was organized at the Tokyo Motor Show (the car's European debut took place a year later in Paris). During its “career” the car was updated several times: at the beginning of 2005, “edits” were made to the interior and the engines were slightly modernized, and in the summer of 2012, the appearance and “apartments” were transformed, new equipment was separated, but left untouched technical part... and in the spring of 2018 its production was completed.
Despite its miniature and slightly “toy” appearance, the Suzuki Jimny’s body proportions resemble “real jeeps”, and the solidity of its appearance is added by a high body with roof rails, a pronounced relief of the wheel arches, a spare wheel suspended on the tailgate and vertical rear lights.
But from the front, the car looks nice, but quite funny - the “look” of the lighting technology is completely devoid of aggression, the radiator grille with five slots and the “protruding lip” of the bumper.
In terms of its dimensions, the Jimny is very compact: it is 3695 mm long, 1705 mm high, and 1600 mm wide. The wheelbase of the mini-all-terrain vehicle does not go beyond 2250 mm, and its ground clearance fits into 190 mm.
In “combat” form, the “Japanese” weighs from 1005 to 1074 kg, depending on the modification.
The interior of the “third” Suzuki Jimny looks nice, laconic and strict, but old-fashioned. This is especially true for the center console, which houses a double-din radio, a climate control unit with a slider and three classic knobs, and keys that control all-wheel drive. The simple three-spoke steering wheel with a “flat” rim and the extremely clear instrument cluster are not far behind.
The SUV's interior is made from inexpensive materials (although in the “top” versions the seats are covered in leather), but it is made with high quality.
Only the front passengers can sit more or less comfortably inside the Jimny - they are provided with comfortable seats with unobtrusive support on the sides and sufficient adjustment intervals. You shouldn’t expect any space in the second row – there’s only enough space here for a couple of teenagers, and you won’t envy them either: the cushion and back fillings are so thin that you can feel the frame through them.
The luggage compartment of the SUV in the “stowed” state is simply scanty - only 113 liters. The backs of the rear “bench” fold in two symmetrical sections, increasing the amount of free space to a quite decent 816 liters. However, in this case an uneven loading area with a noticeable “step” is formed.
Specifications. For Russia, the third “release” of the Suzuki Jimny is provided with one gasoline engine - the “heart” of the car is an all-aluminum in-line “four” M12AA with a volume of 1.3 liters (1328 cubic centimeters) with two camshafts, a 16-valve timing belt, distributed injection MPI, sequentially controlled ignition and variable valve timing. It has 85 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque, which is generated at 4100 rpm.
By default, the SUV is equipped with a 5-speed manual and all-wheel drive transmission, and for an additional fee it is offered a 4-speed automatic transmission with a gear hold function.
The all-wheel drive system of the three-door is organized according to the classic “Part Time” scheme with a connected front axle. It has three operating modes: 2WD – all traction goes backwards; 4WD – half the power goes to the front wheels (works at speeds up to 100 km/h); 4WD-L - four-wheel drive with downshift engaged.
The third generation Suzuki Jimny feels great off-road: its approach and departure angles reach 40 and 49 degrees, respectively, and the forced fording depth is 450 mm.
But in the “driving” disciplines, things are not so rosy for him: the SUV reaches a maximum of 135-140 km/h, accelerating to the first “hundred” in 14.1-17.2 seconds. In mixed driving mode, the three-door “eats” from 7.3 to 7.8 liters per 100 km.
The third generation Jimny is based on a three-section ladder-type spar frame, to which the body is connected via eight rubber-metal supports. Front and rear suspension The car has dependent, spring axles, and continuous axles are held against movement by transverse rods and powerful trailing arms.
The SUV is equipped with a rack and pinion steering system, which integrates a hydraulic booster. Ventilated discs on the front axle and drum devices in the rear, supplemented by default with ABS.
Options and prices. On Russian market The “third” Suzuki Jimny in 2018 is sold in the “JLX” (from 1,155,000 rubles, surcharge for automatic transmission – 60,000 rubles) and “JLX Mode 3” (1,259,950 rubles) trim levels.
As standard, the car has two airbags, ESP, ABS, air conditioning, fabric seat upholstery, heated front seats, fog lights, power steering, two electric windows, audio preparation for two speakers and 15-inch steel wheels wheels And the “JLX Mode 3” option additionally “flaunts” leather trim on the seats and steering wheel + silver roof rails.
Covered 45,000 km. And I’ll describe what has accumulated.
I’ve driven a couple of times over a distance of more than 500 km, I’ll tell you straight - it’s hard for one person, constant control of the steering wheel and your foot automatically goes silent. On the highway 80-90 km/h, it’s simply impossible to drive at a higher speed (according to traffic regulations), and consumption increases and comfort goes to zero on our roads. A car is not suitable for travel; daredevils, of course, travel long distances, but fortunately I have something to go to the neighboring region or somewhere a little further.
In the extreme position (when you move it all the way), the passenger seat began to make sounds on bumps, the sound comes from under the seat. I think that the sled mechanism has become a little loose due to frequent use. It doesn’t bother you, you just move the seat forward a little (about one notch) and everything calms down. Well, of course, there were some minor cabin noises. I think that after 4 years on a fairly stiff suspension and on our roads this is normal, and then the tanks will fall apart. Strange behavior of the seat belt return mechanism, they were initially reluctant to tighten, when you unfasten, you have to adjust and make sure that the belt does not slam the door. One of the sounds was eliminated quickly, but after a long search, the upper mounting bolt came loose dashboard, twisted it and everything disappeared.
I noticed one nuance: the doors on the car closed a little reluctantly and I had to apply force, but if you open the window a little, it’s like a “refrigerator”, easily and gently.
There was a desire to change the speakers and install them in standard places, the desire disappeared after I removed the plastic, there are tiny speakers about 10 cm in diameter (or maybe less, there are replacements), but I didn’t want to touch the hardware, I left it as is, the radio plays and doesn't bother me.
There were no breakdowns at all, just maintenance. And then some things could not have been done, for example, changing the oil in the transfer case. When they drained it, it was like a tear, but once it was drained, they had to fill it with a new one, the same story with the gearboxes, but here they acted wiser: they opened the filler plug and took a “sample”, also like a tear.
The problem only occurred with cabin filter(for those who are interested and who buy spare parts themselves, the original number is 95860-81A10), most analogues are small (for example 9.7.612 and 9.7.611 TSN - these do not fit exactly), the size of the original is 210 * 185 * 20. But I will write about this and other substitutes in the consumables in the appropriate place.
Due to the fact that the valves are adjusted in nickels, not every service can make the adjustment, and the officials do not have a kit, only after ordering, and this means paying twice for removing and installing the valve cover. The first time for measuring and listing the required dimensions, after which the order of the necessary nickels follows, the second time for direct repairs. (What can one do, not go to Japan by car because of this).
Over the course of 4 years, the car has taken root as if it were a family car and has come to the rescue many times when I needed to quickly get somewhere in winter on snowy roads or pull out a stuck friend. I forgot to write that because of autorun (I think it became main reason) the battery failed, last winter I charged it 3 times a month, I had to replace it. Otherwise, everything is just great, consumables are quite affordable, there are many analogues.
I bought it for the summer alloy wheels from a UAZ, they came in like family, even a plastic decorative cup rear hub got accustomed. They differ only in that they are 1/2 inches wider and +5 mm offset. After calculations and calculations, it turned out that the inner edge of the rim had practically not moved (relative to the factory ones). I put on "Vikom 106" without any fear.
The paint was a little disappointing; several spots of rust appeared on the back door, but I quickly cleaned them off with an engraver and after a series of treatments painted them over (in order not to scare people, I’ll say that after the repair the spot remained no more than 1 mm in diameter; on cars of a different color, owners probably don’t even notice such little things, of course you can see them on white after washing)
And in conclusion, I only needed the spare tire once, I thought it would be a little inconvenient to place it on the back door, but no, even I would say that it’s easier than pulling the 18" spare tire out of the niche in the trunk of the crossover.
As in the case of off-road, Suzuki's main trump cards in the city are its dimensions and layout. The vertical landing and narrow body pillars provide excellent visibility, and the short wheelbase and steering settings allow you to turn even on a “patch” with a radius of less than 5 m. A high ground clearance will also be a good help when storming the urban jungle, in combination with a short wheelbase allowing you not to be afraid high curbs, and if desired, park in a snowdrift.
But a continuous front axle is absolutely not needed in the city; it even gets in the way - the large unsprung mass in front does not in the best possible way affects comfort. The Jimny's suspension is rigid, transmitting almost any potholes in the road surface, except the smallest ones, to the body. High transverse “steps” are especially difficult for an SUV; they cause a strong blow to the front suspension even at low speeds. In front of speed bumps, it is also better to slow down in advance more than is necessary on other city cars. However, springs with properly selected shock absorbers provide acceptable performance frame SUV smooth ride. It can’t be compared to a “passenger car,” but you don’t get the feeling of moving on a tractor or truck.
Torque is maximum around 3000-4000 rpm, so when starting from a traffic light it is better to press the gas harder.
And the handling is excellent - the roll in corners is not as great as one might expect, the car does not try to leave the trajectory. But, of course, it is better not to abuse speed - for a short base in combination with rear wheel drive(and on asphalt, the Jimny is a rear-wheel drive car) is characterized by such a negative feature as a sharp and poorly controlled skid. It is especially important to remember this in winter - driving the Jimny in snow or ice requires special care.
Only one is offered for Suzuki Gas engine volume 1.3 liters, producing 85 hp. A little by modern standards? Perhaps. But we must not forget that the car weighs just over a ton, and the weight-to-power ratio looks quite acceptable. However, maximum torque (110 Nm) is achieved at 4000 rpm, which means that the engine needs to be revved up. This has been confirmed in practice. Overclocking at low revs, up to 2500-3000 rpm, is not impressive, it is barely enough to not fall out of the general city traffic. The maximum torque is around 3000-4000 rpm, so when starting from a traffic light it is better to press the gas harder. The best acceleration is achieved in the most “running” urban speed range of 40-80 km/h. After 100 km/h it is unlikely that you will be able to overtake intensively, but this speed is quite suitable for cruising. Jimny holds it without straining, is not afraid of ruts, and the sound of the engine is unobtrusive, although quite distinct.
By the way, about sounds. Despite the “squareness” of the body, there is minimal aerodynamic noise when driving on the highway. And here transfer case at speeds above 90 km/h it becomes noticeably audible. However, this sound is far from what is usually called a “howl”; it is in no way similar to the famous pulsating rumble of the same Niva, and does not interfere with talking or listening to music on the road.
Of course, Jimny cannot be called fast - the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h “according to its passport” in 17 seconds, and this figure is similar to the truth. But let's not forget about the purpose of this Suzuki: after all, super speed and dynamics are not the “strong point” of a frame “all-terrain vehicle”, which is structurally similar to SUVs half a century ago.
But the SUV can boast of efficiency, especially in comparison with its full-size “brothers”. On-board computer not on the Jimny, so exact data was not available to us, but the estimated consumption was no more than 8 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle, which is quite consistent with the information from the manufacturer.
Springs with properly selected shock absorbers provide a smooth ride on asphalt that is acceptable for a full-fledged frame SUV.
Nothing bad can be said about the brakes. Discs are installed at the front, drums at the rear. Their effectiveness is quite sufficient for light car, as they say, “behind the eyes.” The “information content” of the brake pedal is high, dosing the force is easy, as it should be in real life Japanese car. Three-channel ABS also copes with its duties “perfectly”.
The Jimny, which constructively continues the idea of its predecessor Suzuki Samurai, has been on the production line for 13 years now and has no plans to retire. The secret to such longevity may lie in a clear niche focus. Even if a “random” person buys such a car, he will most likely quickly be disappointed in it. But this “baby” has many loyal fans, and among them, as a rule, are people who regularly go off-road. One of the decisive factors, among other qualities, is the price - it is simply impossible to buy any other new full-fledged “foreign” SUV for comparable money.
Jimny is a very unusual car, unique in many ways, which Suzuki is rightfully proud of. It is obvious that, like any specialized equipment, this “micro-SUV” cannot be strong everywhere, and not everyone will like it. But it is almost impossible to remain indifferent to him. And all its shortcomings are a continuation of its many advantages.
Suzuki Swift is a reliable and durable car. Other operational advantages include reasonable fuel consumption, the availability of a large number of replacements for original spare parts and ease of maintenance work. All these features do not require excessive maintenance costs. You can save money by taking on some of the worries about maintenance and repairs. It's not difficult at all.
Suzuki Swift was equipped gasoline engines with a volume of 1.3, 1.5 or 1.6 liters and a 1.3-liter Fiat diesel engine. The most popular is the 1.3 liter petrol. Changing the air filter, oil or coolant is easy. More complex operations include adjusting the valve clearance. If the car is not operated on gas, then, as a rule, up to 100,000 km there is no need for adjustment. When working with the chassis, the main obstacle can be corrosion of the bolts - problems arise with unscrewing them.
One of the conditions for maintaining high reliability Suzuki Swift - strict compliance Maintenance, recommended by Suzuki. Experiments with increasing service intervals are out of the question. Maintenance must be carried out at least once a year or 10,000 km.
Oil filter
The filter has easy access from under the car. Cost – from 200 rubles. The engine lubrication system uses 3.9 liters of oil with a viscosity of 5W-30.
Replacing spark plugs
The ignition system uses nickel spark plugs (replacement every 30,000 km) or iridium spark plugs (every 90,000 km). The first type corresponds NGK spark plugs BKR6E-11 (about 100 rubles per piece), the second - NGK IFR6J-11 (from 500 rubles per piece). The spark plugs are hidden under the air filter. You also need to remove the top cover. Next, you will need a 16 mm wrench with a long nozzle and an extension, since the spark plugs are located in deep “wells”.
Air filter
Replacement air filter will not take more than 10 minutes. Just release the latches on the case and move it away back. The cost of the filter is from 300 rubles. Replacement - every 45,000 km.
Transmission
For manual transmission gears will need 2.2 liters transmission oil class GL-4. Control and filler plug located at the top of the box body.
Coolant
Glycol-based fluid requires replacement every 45,000 km or 3 years. System capacity is 6.2 liters. There is a convenient drain located in the lower middle of the radiator. Expansion tank located next to the battery.
Brake pads
Replacement brake pads and disks is not a difficult task. The minimum permissible disc thickness is 18 mm. The system uses brake fluid DOT4.
Circuit breakers
The fuses are located in two places - under the hood (next to the battery) and under the steering wheel. They can be divided into two groups – basic and individual. The instructions will be useful for replacement.
Cabin filter
Not all Suzuki Swifts are equipped with a cabin filter. Its presence can be checked by completely opening the glove compartment in front of the front passenger, having first released it from the stoppers. Next, you need to press the lid latches and remove the filter. The cost of the filter is from 300 rubles.
Bulbs in the headlight
There is no need to disassemble anything in the headlight to replace the bulbs. The turn signal uses WY21W lamps, and for the low and high beam lamp H4 answers. In addition, a W5W type gauge is provided.
Back light
To access the lamps, you need to unscrew two screws and release two latches - on the top and on the side. The turn signal uses a P21W lamp, the brake light and side lights– P21/5W. Lantern light reverse is provided by a P21W incandescent lamp.
Drive belt
Replacement drive belt not a very difficult task. Belts auxiliary units should be changed every 60,000 km or 3 years of operation. The procedure must be carried out in accordance with the recommended timing, so that you do not have to frantically look for the belt and tinker with it somewhere on the road, at night, in snow or rain.
Engine control electronics
The electronics are pretty simple. You can read the error codes yourself, but it is better to entrust the search for the causes of errors to professionals.
Timing drive
The engine uses a chain-type timing drive. If you suspect wear, diagnostics should be entrusted to service specialists.
Conclusion
Sometimes you can hear the misconception that Japanese machines are complex, and any operations require knowledge and special tools. Suzuki Swift strongly counters misconceptions. A basic set of wrenches will allow you to complete most maintenance work.
