The Lexus 3UR-FE is a 5,998 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2016. It features dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). This engine delivers strong low-rpm torque for heavy-duty applications, enabling smooth towing and acceleration without excessive revving.
Fitted to the LX 570 and Land Cruiser 200 series, the 3UR-FE was engineered for durability and refined power delivery in demanding off-road and luxury touring conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, direct ignition, and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing all units to meet Euro 4 standards, with later models achieving Euro 5 in certain markets.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly in vehicles operated primarily under light load or short-trip conditions. This issue, highlighted in Toyota Technical Service Bulletin ECT-0017-08, results from port fuel injection and low engine temperatures preventing fuel washdown. Toyota introduced revised intake port geometry and updated ECU calibration in 2012 to mitigate deposit accumulation.
Production years 2007–2011 meet Euro 4 standards; 2012–2016 models may have Euro 5 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Lexus 3UR-FE is a 5,998 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for full-size SUVs (2007–2016). It combines dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing (VVT-i) to deliver linear power and high torque at low rpm. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances heavy-load performance with acceptable fuel economy for its class.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 108.0 mm | |
| Power output | 205–221 kW (278–300 PS) | |
| Torque | 400–420 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (pre-2012); Euro 5 depending on market | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | 5W-30 (API SN or equivalent) | |
| Dry weight | 215 kg |
The 3UR-FE delivers robust low-end torque ideal for towing and off-road use but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using 5W-30 synthetic oil to prevent carbon buildup and maintain valve train longevity. Fuel quality must meet premium unleaded (RON 95+) specifications to avoid knock and ensure optimal combustion efficiency. Carbon deposits on intake valves are prevalent in urban driving with frequent short trips; periodic induction cleaning per Lexus SIB ECT-0017-08 is recommended. The chain-driven timing system exhibits no known failure modes under normal maintenance but should be inspected during major services.
Oil Specs: Requires 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 (Lexus Maintenance Guide M-001). Supersedes older API SL requirements.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to pre-2012 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 5 compliance varies by market and model year.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 221 kW output requires RON 95+ fuel (Lexus TIS Doc. A24701).
Lexus Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A24701, A24702
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
Lexus ETK Documentation L12-8890
Lexus Group Parts Catalogue PT-2021
Lexus Maintenance Guide M-001
Toyota Technical Service Bulletin ECT-0017-08
The Lexus 3UR-FE was used across Lexus's LX 570 and Land Cruiser 200 platforms with longitudinal mounting and licensed to Toyota for identical application in the Land Cruiser 200. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced exhaust manifolds in the LX 570 and upgraded cooling circuitry in the Land Cruiser 200-and from 2012 the facelifted models adopted revised ECU calibration and intake port geometry to reduce carbon buildup, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the right cylinder bank near the front of the block (Lexus TIS A24701). The 7th digit of the VIN indicates engine family ('U' for 3UR-FE). Pre-2012 models feature a cast aluminum intake manifold with visible port dividers; post-2012 models have revised internal port geometry with smoother transitions. Critical differentiation from 1UR-FE: 3UR-FE has a larger displacement (6.0L vs 4.6L), different firing order, and unique ECU part number (89670-50010). Service parts require production date verification - intake gaskets and ECU calibrations differ between pre- and post-2012 builds (Lexus SIB ECT-0017-08).
The 3UR-FE's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use and short-trip driving. Toyota Technical Service Bulletin ECT-0017-08 confirms significant deposit accumulation in vehicles operating below 80°C coolant temperature regularly, while VCA MOT data shows increased emissions non-compliance in models over 100,000 km. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel exacerbate the issue, making regular induction cleaning critical.
Analysis derived from Lexus technical bulletins (2007-2016) and UK DVSA MOT failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LEXUS 3UR-FE.
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