The Vauxhall B12XEL is a 1,229 cc, inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 12‑valve layout with sequential multi‑point fuel injection, delivering 55 kW (75 PS) and 115 Nm of torque. The use of a lightweight cast‑aluminium block and chain‑driven DOHC enables compact packaging and reduced internal friction for improved urban fuel economy.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa D, Adam, and Karl, the B12XEL was engineered for entry‑level city driving with emphasis on low running costs and emissions compliance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, allowing the engine to meet Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in high‑mileage or infrequently serviced units. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TIS‑12‑04‑02, is attributed to marginal oil pressure during cold starts and thermal degradation of the plastic tensioner shoe. From 2014, revised tensioner materials were introduced to mitigate this failure mode.
All production years (2010–2018) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8453).
The Vauxhall B12XEL is a 1,229 cc inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for city cars and entry-level hatchbacks (2010–2018). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with DOHC 12‑valve architecture to deliver responsive low‑speed drivability and efficient urban operation. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances affordability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,229 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 94.6 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 115 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch ME17.4.6 sequential MPI | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 89 kg |
The compact inline‑three layout provides agile urban performance but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12‑month oil change intervals using GM‑LL‑A‑025 oil to protect the timing chain tensioner and valve train. Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves and throttle bodies. The chain‑driven DOHC system is generally robust, but pre‑2014 units are prone to tensioner shoe wear; replacement with updated OEM unit (P/N 93176543) per TIS‑12‑04‑02 is recommended if rattle is heard on cold start. No turbo or DPF simplifies long‑term ownership, though catalytic converter efficiency must be monitored for emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑025 specification (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑12‑04‑02). ACEA A5/B5 oils are acceptable if GM‑LL‑A‑025 is unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all B12XEL production (2010–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8453). No market variants deviate from this standard.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑2011 test protocol.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑12‑01‑07, TIS‑12‑02‑13, TIS‑12‑04‑02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8453)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall B12XEL was used across Vauxhall's D/Small platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Karl and modified intake manifolds in the Adam—and from 2015 minor ECU updates improved cold‑start emissions, 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 TIS‑12‑02‑01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('2' for 1.2L). All B12XEL units feature black plastic cam covers with '12V' embossed. Critical differentiation from B10XFL: B12XEL has 1,229 cc displacement and 75 PS output; B10XFL is a 1.0L 3‑cylinder with 65 PS. ECU part numbers beginning with '1231456' denote B12XEL; post‑2014 models use updated ECU '1231890' with revised idle maps (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑12‑04‑05).
The B12XEL's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated a measurable uptick in tensioner replacements beyond 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary failures linked to catalytic converter degradation from unburned fuel. Extended oil change intervals and low‑quality oil significantly accelerate wear, making adherence to GM‑LL‑A‑025 oil specs and service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2010–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-12-XEL.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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