The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L E S is a 2,994 cc, inline‑six petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1986. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 12‑valve layout with a carburettor or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection depending on variant. In standard fuel-injected form it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 226 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm, providing smooth, torque-rich performance for executive applications.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Royale, Senator A, and early Monza—including the Senator 3.0 E and Royale 3.0 S—the CIH 3.0L E S was engineered for refined cruising and strong highway stability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and secondary air injection on later variants, allowing certain post-1983 builds to meet early Euro 1-equivalent standards under UK VCA Type Approval.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobe and tappet due to marginal oil pressure at high engine speeds, leading to valve train noise and reduced performance. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑79‑04‑01, is attributed to the engine’s long camshaft design and reliance on splash lubrication for upper components. From 1982, revised oil pump gears and improved camshaft metallurgy were introduced.
Production years 1975–1982 meet pre-Euro standards; 1983–1986 models may comply with early Euro 1-equivalent requirements under VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345.
The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L E S is a 2,994 cc inline‑six petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and coupés (1975–1986). It combines SOHC 12‑valve architecture with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection (on E S variants) to deliver smooth, linear power and relaxed motorway cruising. Designed before formal Euro standards, later builds incorporated emissions controls to meet early UK regulatory requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,994 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, post-1986 only) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 105.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 226 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (1975–1982); early Euro 1-equivalent (1983–1986) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall SAE 10W‑40 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 172 kg |
The inline-six layout provides inherent smoothness ideal for long-distance cruising but requires consistent oil pressure to protect the camshaft and tappets. Early engines (1975–1981) are prone to cam lobe wear due to marginal upper-end lubrication, especially at sustained high RPM. Revised oil pumps introduced in 1982 improve flow. The Bosch L-Jetronic system relies on accurate airflow meter and injector function; degraded sensors can cause lean running and overheating. Use of leaded petrol in early models necessitates hardened valve seats; post-1986 unleaded variants include hardened seats. Chain-driven timing is generally durable but inspect for tensioner wear if valve train noise occurs.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Vauxhall TSB-79-04-01). Modern synthetic oils may reduce oil pressure in worn engines.
Emissions: No formal Euro standards applied before 1992. Post-1983 builds meet early UK emissions requirements equivalent to Euro 1 precursors (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across Senator and Royale applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V05678).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V05678, V05712, TSB-79-04-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2345)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle engine power measurement
The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L E S was used across Vauxhall's Royale and Senator A platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Monza and modified accessory drive layouts in the Senator—and from 1982 the oil pump and camshaft were updated to address wear concerns, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the distributor mount (Vauxhall TIS V05690). The suffix 'E S' denotes fuel-injected variants with emissions controls. All CIH 3.0L E S units feature a black air cleaner housing with '3.0 E' badge and Bosch L-Jetronic ECU mounted in the engine bay. Critical differentiation from carburetted 3.0 S: E S models have fuel rail, injectors, and airflow meter; carburetted versions use a single downdraft carburettor. Pre-1982 engines use early-design camshaft; post-1982 units feature improved lobe hardening per TSB-79-04-01.
The CIH 3.0L E S's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to sustained high-RPM operation or infrequent oil changes. Vauxhall internal service data from 1984 indicated a notable rate of camshaft replacement before 150,000 km in affected fleets, while UK MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to misfires from valve train degradation. Extended oil change intervals and low-viscosity oils accelerate wear, making oil specification and service discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1975–1986) and UK DVSA/MOT failure statistics (1990–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL CIH-30L-E-S.
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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