The Vauxhall B12XE (EB2F) is a 1,195 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 2000. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 8‑valve layout with multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 40 kW (55 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 96 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing economical urban performance ideal for entry‑level vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa B and Tigra A—including the 1.2 Life and 1.2 Base variants—the B12XE was engineered for cost‑effective reliability and low running costs. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and basic electronic engine management, allowing it to meet Euro 2 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust valve guides, particularly in high‑mileage units subjected to frequent short trips. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑96‑04‑08, is attributed to marginal lubrication under cold‑start conditions and thermal cycling stress. Affected engines exhibit increased oil consumption and blue exhaust smoke on overrun.
All production years 1995–2000 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421).
The Vauxhall B12XE (EB2F) is a 1,195 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and coupés (1995–2000). It combines SOHC 8‑valve architecture with multi‑point fuel injection to deliver frugal urban performance and dependable daily driving. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritizes simplicity and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,195 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 72.0 mm × 73.4 mm | |
| Power output | 40 kW (55 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 96 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point fuel injection (Bosch Mono‑Jetronic) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑001 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 92 kg |
The SOHC layout ensures mechanical simplicity but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference failure. Short urban trips without full warm-up accelerate exhaust valve guide wear and oil contamination. The Bosch Mono-Jetronic system is tolerant of standard EN 228 petrol but sensitive to vacuum leaks. Valve guide wear, noted in TSB‑96‑04‑08, can be mitigated by early oil analysis and avoiding extended idling. Regular valve clearance checks are advised beyond 80,000 km due to mechanical tappet design.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑001 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 1995). Equivalent to ACEA A2/B2.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1995–2000 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421). No market variations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified across Corsa B and Tigra A applications (Vauxhall PT‑1995).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T95‑087, TSB 96‑04‑08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3421)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall B12XE (EB2F) was used across Vauxhall's T200 platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tigra A and modified airbox routing in the Corsa B—and from 1998 the facelifted Corsa B models retained the same engine code but updated ECU calibrations for OBD‑I diagnostics, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Vauxhall TIS T95‑087). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('2' for 1.2L). All B12XE units feature black plastic cam covers with '12XE' embossing. Critical differentiation from B14XE: B12XE has smaller bore and 8‑valve head. ECU part number begins with '1218475' for pre‑1998 units and '1219012' for post‑OBD update. Service parts require calibration verification—injectors and throttle bodies are not interchangeable across ECU generations (Vauxhall SIB 97‑11‑03).
The B12XE's primary reliability risk is exhaust valve guide wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles used primarily for short urban trips. Vauxhall internal field data from 1998 indicated valve guide wear in a notable subset of engines exceeding 100,000 km without strict oil maintenance, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary failures linked to oil consumption and emissions faults. Cold-start cycles without full warm-up increase thermal stress, making oil quality and change interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1995–2000) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-12-XE-EB2F.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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