The Vauxhall A28NER is a 2,792 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2012. It features a DOHC 24‑valve layout with variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard form it delivered 152 kW (207 PS) and 266 Nm of torque, offering smooth power delivery and refined high‑rpm performance.
Fitted primarily to the Vectra C, Signum, and Zafira B, the A28NER was engineered for executive-level refinement and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise engine management and a dual‑catalyst exhaust system, allowing adherence to Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the variable valve timing (VVT) actuator solenoids, which can cause rough idle or timing-related fault codes. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS 08‑052, is often linked to oil contamination or extended service intervals. Later production units incorporated revised solenoid internals and updated oil feed passages to improve reliability.
Production years 2006–2012 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6215).
The Vauxhall A28NER is a 2,792 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive and large MPV applications (2006–2012). It combines dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust banks to deliver smooth, linear power. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances performance with acceptable fuel consumption for its class.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,792 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 152 kW (207 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 266 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Bosch ME7.8) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (dual front‑mounted chains) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The dual VVT system provides smooth power delivery but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) to prevent VVT solenoid clogging and timing errors. RON 95+ fuel is essential to avoid knock and maintain catalyst efficiency. Extended oil intervals can lead to sludge buildup in oil galleries feeding the VVT actuators. Vauxhall SIB 08‑052 recommends solenoid inspection if rough idle or P0011/P0021 codes appear before 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 08‑052). Not interchangeable with older GM-LL-A-025.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2006–2012 A28NER models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6215).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Peak output assumes RON 95 fuel quality (Vauxhall TIS Doc. A28‑5601).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A28‑5510, A28‑5530, SIB 08‑052
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6215)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A28NER was used across Vauxhall's Vectra C and Signum platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Signum and revised intake manifolds in the Zafira B—and from 2008 the facelifted Vectra C MY08 models adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS A28‑5515). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('8' for A28 series). All A28NER units feature a black plastic cam cover with “2.8 V6” badge and lack a turbocharger or intercooler plumbing. Critical differentiation from turbocharged Z28LH/Z28TH: A28NER uses Bosch ME7.8 ECU and has no charge-air cooler; turbo variants use ME9.6 and feature twin-scroll turbo. ECU and intake manifolds are not interchangeable (Vauxhall SIB 07‑041).
The A28NER's primary reliability risk is variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non‑Dexos2 oil or extended service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2009 indicated a measurable uptick in VVT-related warranty claims before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions failure correlation. Oil quality and change discipline make VVT longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2007–2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-28-NER.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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