The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L E 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 Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection and a cast‑iron block with cast‑iron cylinder head. In standard form it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) and 221 Nm of torque, providing smooth, linear power delivery ideal for executive saloons and performance estates.
Fitted primarily to the Vauxhall Royale, Senator A, and early Monza models—including the 3.0 E variants—the CIH 3.0L E was engineered for refined highway cruising and relaxed motorway performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic fuel injection and a three‑way catalytic converter in later models, meeting early UK emissions standards under VCA Type Approval frameworks.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobe due to marginal oil pressure at high mileage, highlighted in Vauxhall Engineering Report ER‑78‑045. The SOHC design places high load on the single cam lobe driving all six cylinders, leading to tappet noise and reduced valve lift if oil changes are neglected.
Production years 1975–1986 meet pre-Euro UK emissions standards under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2103. No Euro classification applies.
The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L E is a 2,994 cc inline‑six petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and coupés (1975–1986). It combines Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection with a robust SOHC valvetrain to deliver smooth, torque-rich performance. Designed before formal Euro standards, it complies with UK emissions regulations of its era through precise fuel metering and catalytic aftertreatment in later builds.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,994 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 105.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) | |
| Torque | 221 Nm @ 3,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | UK Pre-Euro (VCA compliant) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The inline‑six layout provides inherent balance and smooth power delivery but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil changes using high-detergent mineral oil to protect the SOHC cam lobes. Marginal oil pressure at high mileage accelerates cam wear, leading to tappet noise and reduced valve lift. Use only RON 95 petrol to prevent knock under load. Later models (1983–1986) with catalytic converters require unleaded fuel and oxygen sensor monitoring. Pre-1983 units lack catalysts and may tolerate leaded fuel, but modern unleaded is recommended for valve seat protection.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W‑40 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Vauxhall Workshop Manual 1982). Modern ACEA A3/B3 oils are acceptable if zinc content is sufficient for flat-tappet protection.
Emissions: No Euro standard applies. Complies with UK emissions regulations under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2103 (1975–1986).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all model applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. SEN‑ENG‑030).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs SEN‑ENG‑030, ROY‑CIH‑01
Vauxhall Engineering Report ER‑78‑045
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2103)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement
The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L E was used across Vauxhall's Royale, Senator A, and Monza platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Senator for NVH control and modified airbox routing in the Monza—and from 1983 minor ECU and emissions updates introduced catalytic converters, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the oil filter (Vauxhall TIS SEN‑ENG‑030). The engine is identified as "CIH 30LE" or "3.0 E" in service records. All variants use a cast-iron valve cover with "3.0" embossed. Critical differentiation from carburetted CIH 3.0S: CIH 3.0L E has Bosch L-Jetronic ECU, airflow meter, and fuel rail; 3.0S uses twin Zenith carburettors. Catalytic converter presence indicates post-1983 production.
The CIH 3.0L E's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear due to insufficient lubrication under extended service intervals, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or neglected examples. Vauxhall engineering data from 1980 indicated cam wear in over 18% of engines exceeding 150,000 km without regular oil changes. The SOHC design concentrates load on a single camshaft, making oil quality and interval adherence critical for longevity.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall engineering reports (1975–1986) and historical VCA compliance records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL CIH-30L-E.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
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
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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