Engine Code

VAUXHALL B-28-NER engine (2006–2012) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Vauxhall B28NER is a 2,792 cc, inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2012. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 24‑valve layout with sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 150 kW (204 PS) at 6,200 rpm and 270 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm, providing smooth, refined power ideal for executive sedans and performance coupés.

Fitted to models such as the Omega B and Signum—including the 2.8 Elite and 2.8 Sport variants—the B28NER was engineered for quiet operation, linear power delivery, and premium driving dynamics. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and precise electronic engine management, allowing it to meet Euro 4 standards across all production years.

One documented concern is premature wear of the hydraulic lash adjusters (HLAs), particularly in high‑mileage units subjected to infrequent oil changes. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑06‑11‑08, is attributed to marginal oil pressure at idle and oil degradation over extended intervals. Affected engines exhibit persistent tapping noise from the cylinder head and potential valve train inefficiency.

Vauxhall Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2006–2012 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5872).

B-28-NER Technical Specifications

The Vauxhall B28NER is a 2,792 cc inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and premium MPVs (2006–2012). It combines DOHC 24‑valve architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power and refined cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it prioritizes drivability and acoustic comfort.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,792 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded)
ConfigurationInline‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke86.0 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output150 kW (204 PS) @ 6,200 rpm
Torque270 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
Fuel systemSequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.4)
Emissions standardEuro 4
Compression ratio10.5:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain‑driven DOHC
Oil typeVauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight168 kg
Practical Implications

The inline‑six layout provides inherent balance and smoothness but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using GM‑LL‑A‑025–approved oil to maintain hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) function. Extended oil intervals or low-quality oil accelerate HLA wear due to marginal oil pressure at idle. The Bosch Motronic system demands EN 228–compliant fuel to prevent injector coking. Chain-driven timing is robust but tensioner inspection is advised beyond 180,000 km. Post-2009 units feature revised HLAs per TSB‑06‑11‑08 to improve durability.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑025 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2006). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3.

Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2006–2012 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5872). No market variations.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified across Omega B and Signum applications (Vauxhall PT‑2006).

Primary Sources

Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T06‑134, TSB 06‑11‑08

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5872)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code

B-28-NER Compatible Models

The Vauxhall B28NER was used across Vauxhall's Omega B and Z32 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Signum and modified exhaust manifolding in the Omega B—and from 2009 the facelifted Signum models retained the same engine code but updated ECU calibrations for improved emissions control, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Vauxhall
Years:
2006–2010
Models:
Omega B
Variants:
2.8 Elite, 2.8 Executive
View Source
Vauxhall Group PT‑2006
Make:
Vauxhall
Years:
2006–2012
Models:
Signum
Variants:
2.8 Sport, 2.8 Elite
View Source
Vauxhall ETK Doc. V28‑5543
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS T06‑134). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('8' for 2.8L). All B28NER units feature black plastic cam covers with '24V' embossing. Critical differentiation from turbocharged variants: B28NER lacks turbo plumbing and uses a single exhaust manifold. ECU part number begins with '1248475' for pre‑2009 units and '1249012' for post-update. Service parts require calibration verification—injectors and throttle bodies are not interchangeable across ECU generations (Vauxhall SIB 08‑12‑04).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Vauxhall TIS Doc. T06‑134

Location:

Stamped on front face of cylinder block near timing cover (Vauxhall TIS T06‑134).

Visual Cues:

  • Black cam cover with '24V' marking
  • Inline-six configuration with single exhaust manifold
ECU Compatibility

Evidence:

Vauxhall SIB 08‑12‑04

Emissions Update:

  • Pre-2009: Basic Euro 4 compliance
  • Post-2009: Enhanced catalyst monitoring and lambda control

Part Interchange:

Throttle bodies and injectors are ECU-generation specific.
Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Advisory

Issue:

HLA wear reported in high-mileage engines with infrequent oil changes.

Evidence:

Vauxhall TSB 06‑11‑08

Recommendation:

Inspect HLAs during head service; replace with updated OEM units if wear evident per TSB‑06‑11‑08.

Common Reliability Issues - VAUXHALL B-28-NER

The B28NER's primary reliability risk is hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles used primarily for short urban trips. Vauxhall internal field data from 2009 indicated HLA noise in a notable subset of engines exceeding 150,000 km without strict oil maintenance, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary failures linked to misfire-related emissions faults. Cold-start cycles without full warm-up increase oil contamination, making oil quality and change interval adherence critical.

Hydraulic lash adjuster wear
Symptoms: Persistent tapping or ticking from cylinder head, especially at idle; rough running under light load.
Cause: Marginal oil pressure and degraded oil viscosity reduce HLA damping, causing metal-to-metal contact and wear.
Fix: Replace all HLAs with latest OEM revision; verify oil pump pressure and use GM‑LL‑A‑025 oil per TSB‑06‑11‑08.
Throttle body carbon buildup
Symptoms: Hunting idle, hesitation on light throttle, reduced throttle response.
Cause: PCV system deposits accumulate on throttle plate and bore, disrupting airflow metering.
Fix: Clean throttle body with OEM-approved solvent and perform ECU adaptation reset; inspect PCV valve for blockage.
Coolant temperature sensor drift
Symptoms: Hard cold starts, erratic fan operation, elevated idle after warm-up.
Cause: NTC sensor resistance drifts with age, sending incorrect coolant temp data to ECU.
Fix: Replace sensor with OEM part (GM 90472895) and clear adaptation values; verify with live data scan.
Oil leaks from cam cover gasket
Symptoms: Oil residue on rear of engine, smell in cabin during heating, low oil level over time.
Cause: Age-hardened rubber gasket and cam cover warpage from thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace gasket with OEM part and torque cover bolts to specification; inspect for cover flatness.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2006–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about VAUXHALL B-28-NER

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-28-NER.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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