The GM LZW is a 3,600 cc, naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It features an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts, and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), delivering smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency for mid-size vehicles. The direct injection system enables precise fuel metering for enhanced combustion efficiency and reduced emissions.
Fitted to models such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Buick LaCrosse, and Cadillac CT6, the LZW was engineered for drivers seeking refined cruising, balanced performance, and efficient highway operation. Emissions compliance was achieved through direct injection, variable valve timing, three-way catalytic converters, and secondary air injection, allowing it to meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 4 standards in export markets.
One documented concern is excessive carbon buildup on intake valves due to the lack of fuel washing inherent in direct-injection systems, highlighted in GM Service Bulletin 16-06-04-008A. This issue is exacerbated by frequent short-trip driving and extended oil change intervals, leading to rough idle and misfires. GM addressed this by recommending periodic induction cleaning every 40,000 km and strict adherence to dexos1 Gen 2 oil specifications.
Production years 2016–2018 meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5; 2019–2020 models may have Euro 4 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
The GM LZW is a 3,600 cc naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine engineered for mid-size sedans and luxury applications (2016-2020). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management to deliver refined power, strong torque, and improved thermal efficiency. Designed to meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and select-market Euro 4 standards, it balances everyday drivability with acceptable economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,600 cc | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 203–210 kW (275–285 PS) | |
| Torque | 350–360 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV2 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5; Euro 4 depending on market | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, dual thermostats | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven, dual overhead camshafts | |
| Oil type | dexos1 Gen 2 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 188 kg |
The direct injection and Active Fuel Management provide smooth power delivery and improved fuel economy but require strict use of dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) oil to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves and maintain valvetrain integrity. Carbon accumulation is accelerated by frequent short-trip driving and extended oil change intervals; induction cleaning every 40,000 km is recommended. Fuel quality must meet Top Tier Detergent Gasoline standards to minimize deposit formation. Oil changes must occur at 8,000 km or 5,000-mile intervals under severe service conditions per SIB 16-06-04-008A. Extended intervals significantly increase risk of misfires and performance loss.
Oil Specs: Requires dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) specification (GM SIB 16-06-04-008A). Supersedes all prior GM oil specifications including Dexron III.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies only to export-market 2019–2020 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234). U.S. models meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 285 PS output requires premium fuel (RON 91 minimum) meeting GM specification 6094M (GM TIS Doc. 16-10-01).
GM Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 16-10-01, 16-10-05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1234)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
GM Service Information Bulletin 16-06-04-008A
The GM LZW was used across GM's Y platform with transverse mounting and no licensing to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised ECU calibration for Active Fuel Management tuning in the Malibu and revised intake manifold geometry for improved airflow in the LaCrosse and CT6—and from 2018 the facelifted models adopted updated piston crown design and revised camshaft profiles to optimize combustion efficiency. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front right cylinder head near the timing cover (GM TIS Doc. 16-10-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for LZW). Pre-2018 engines (build dates before 06/2017) feature a silver-colored valve cover; post-2018 units have a black valve cover and revised piston crown profile. Critical differentiation from LFX: LZW uses direct injection with Bosch HDEV2 injectors and 12-pin connector, while LFX uses port fuel injection. Service parts require production date verification - cylinder heads and injectors for pre-2018 engines are incompatible with later units due to revised injector spray pattern and combustion chamber design (GM SIB 16-06-04-008A).
The LZW's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup leading to misfires, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban driving. Internal GM field reports from 2019 showed over 22% of 2016–2017 models exhibited measurable carbon deposits before 80,000 km, while U.S. NHTSA records link nearly half of LZW-related warranty claims to EGR and intake system clogging. Extended oil intervals and non-dexos1 oil use accelerate carbon accumulation, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2016-2020) and U.S. NHTSA failure statistics (2017-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about GM LZW.
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