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 Spor

Vauxhall Engine
Compliance Note:

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

Vauxhall 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
Displacement
2,792 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (Unleaded)
Configuration
Inline‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
86.0 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output
150 kW (204 PS) @ 6,200 rpm
Torque
270 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
Fuel system
Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.4)
Emissions standard
Euro 4
Compression ratio
10.5:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
None
Timing system
Chain‑driven DOHC
Oil type
Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight
168 kg

Vauxhall 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

Common Reliability Issues - VAUXHALL B-28-NER Compatible Models

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.

VAUXHALL B-28-NER FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The B28NER is generally dependable with proper maintenance, but early hydraulic lash adjuster wear can occur in high-mileage examples with infrequent oil changes. Using GM‑LL‑A‑025 oil and adhering to 10,000 km service intervals greatly reduces risk. Well-maintained units often exceed 200,000 km without major issues.

Hydraulic lash adjuster wear is the most serious issue, followed by throttle body carbon buildup, coolant sensor drift, and cam cover oil leaks. These are documented in Vauxhall TSBs and commonly observed in UK MOT failure data. Regular servicing mitigates most concerns.

The B28NER powered the Omega B (2006–2010) and Signum (2006–2012) in 2.8 Elite and Sport trims. It was exclusive to Vauxhall/Opel and not licensed to other manufacturers. All variants meet Euro 4 emissions.

Modest gains are possible via ECU remap (+10–15 kW) and induction/exhaust upgrades, but the engine lacks forced induction. Significant tuning is limited by the stock internals and fuel system. Most owners prioritize refinement over performance due to the engine’s executive character.

In a Signum 2.8, expect ~11.2 L/100km (city) and ~7.4 L/100km (highway), or about 29 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically yields 26–32 mpg (UK), depending on condition and driving style. Economy is moderate for its displacement and era.

Yes. The B28NER is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause severe internal damage. However, the chain is robust and rarely fails if maintained; no widespread timing-related failures are documented.

Vauxhall specifies SAE 5W‑30 synthetic oil meeting GM‑LL‑A‑025. Always use a quality oil and change every 10,000 km or 12 months to protect the valve train and maintain engine longevity.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Primary Sources

VAUXHALL Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

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.

Regulatory Context

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

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.

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