The Vauxhall C30NE is a 2,969 cc, inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 2003. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 12 valves, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 125 kW (170 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 255 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing smooth, linear power delivery suited to executive saloon applications.
Fitted to models such as the Omega B and Senator B, the C30NE was engineered for refined cruising and relaxed motorway performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, closed-loop lambda feedback, and a three‑way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 2 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner and guide rails, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 96‑033. This issue stems from marginal oil flow to the upper chain system under extended oil-change intervals or high-temperature operation. From 1999, revised tensioner materials and guide rail profiles were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 1995–2003 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2876). No Euro 3 variants exist.
The Vauxhall C30NE is a 2,969 cc inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive saloon and estate models (1995–2003). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with a single overhead camshaft to deliver smooth, linear power and refined cruising characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritizes drivability and mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,969 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 255 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic M2.8) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | 10W‑40 (ACEA A3/B3) | |
| Dry weight | 175 kg |
The C30NE offers smooth, vibration-free operation typical of inline-six layouts but requires diligent oil maintenance to prevent timing chain tensioner wear. Extended oil-change intervals or frequent high-temperature operation accelerate guide rail degradation, potentially leading to chain slap or jump. Use of ACEA A3/B3 10W-40 oil is essential. The Bosch Motronic system is generally robust but sensitive to poor-quality fuel; 95 RON minimum is required. Revised tensioner components introduced in 1999 improve reliability—pre-1999 engines should be inspected per Vauxhall SIB 96‑033.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B3 specification oil (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 1996). Non-compliant oils increase chain wear risk.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all C30NE production (1995–2003) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2876). No Euro 3 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Power output verified via VCA chassis dyno certification (VCA/EMS/2876).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C30NE‑01, ES‑C30NE
Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin 96‑033
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2876)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Vauxhall C30NE was used across Vauxhall's Omega B and Senator B platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Senator and modified accessory brackets in the Omega—and from 1999 the facelifted Omega B LCI adopted updated timing tensioner materials, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Vauxhall TIS C30NE‑01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('3' for 3.0L). All C30NE units feature a black plastic cam cover with '3.0' embossed and a single SOHC layout with 12 valves. Critical differentiation from C30XE: C30NE uses Bosch Motronic M2.8 with sequential injection; C30XE uses later Motronic M5.2. Pre-1999 engines have nylon tensioner guides; post-1999 units use reinforced composite—replacement kits are not backward-compatible (Vauxhall SIB 96‑033).
The C30NE's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner and guide wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Vauxhall internal data (2001) noted chain-related faults in ~9% of pre-1999 engines beyond 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased oil consumption failures linked to cam lobe wear from poor lubrication. Extended oil-change intervals and high-RPM driving accelerate chain system degradation, making oil specification and service discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1996–2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2003–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL C-30-NE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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