The Vauxhall C30SEJ is a 2,969 cc, inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 2003. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and multi-point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 130 kW (177 PS) with 265 Nm of torque, engineered for smooth, refined performance in executive sedans and coupés.
Fitted to models such as the Omega B and Senator B, the C30SEJ was designed for drivers prioritising linear power delivery, mechanical simplicity, and long-distance comfort. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 2 standards across all markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear in early production units, which can cause ignition timing drift and misfires. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-98-04-21, was linked to marginal case hardening of the gear material under thermal cycling. From 2000 onward, revised distributor drive gears with improved metallurgical treatment were introduced to resolve the failure mode.
All production years (1995–2003) comply with Euro 2 standards across EU and UK markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3345).
The Vauxhall C30SEJ is a 2,969 cc inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and performance coupés (1995–2003). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver smooth power delivery and dependable operation. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritises mechanical robustness and serviceability over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,969 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 130 kW (177 PS) | |
| Torque | 265 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic M1.5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SG/CD or ACEA A2 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The SOHC inline-six provides exceptional smoothness and mechanical simplicity but requires strict adherence to 60,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference damage. Multi-point injection ensures reliable cold starts but is sensitive to fuel quality—use of EN 228 petrol is recommended. Early units (1995–1999) should have the distributor drive gear inspected per TSB-98-04-21; post-2000 engines feature the updated component. The absence of hydraulic lifters necessitates periodic valve clearance checks every 120,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/CD or ACEA A2 (10W-40) specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual 1996). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable but not required.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1995–2003 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3345). Verified under Directive 94/12/EC.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 petrol (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V66120).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V66100, V66105, V66110, TSB-98-04-21
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3345)
EEC Directive 80/1269 Power Measurement Standards
The Vauxhall C30SEJ was used across Vauxhall's Omega B platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Lotus Carlton-derived models and modified intake ducting for right-hand drive variants—and from 2000 the updated distributor drive gear created interchange limits for ignition components. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS V66125). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for 3.0 petrol series). All C30SEJ units feature black rocker covers and external distributor. Critical differentiation from C30NE: C30SEJ uses Bosch Motronic M1.5 with external distributor; C30NE uses Motronic 2.8 with distributorless ignition. Distributor drive gears for pre-2000 engines are not interchangeable with post-2000 units due to TSB-98-04-21 metallurgical changes.
The C30SEJ's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Vauxhall internal data from 2001 indicated a measurable increase in ignition-related service visits before 130,000 km for 1995–1999 builds, while UK DVLA records show timing belt neglect as a common cause of engine seizure in later life. Extended oil intervals and low-quality petrol accelerate valve train wear, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1998–2002) and UK DVLA/DVSA service records (1999–2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL C-30-SEJ.
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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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