The Vauxhall E 18 NV is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It features multi‑point fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a 16‑valve configuration. In standard form it delivers 85 kW (115 PS) and 165 Nm of torque, providing smooth and predictable performance for compact family vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Astra G, Zafira A, and Vectra B, the E 18 NV was engineered for reliability, low maintenance costs, and everyday drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a conventional three‑way catalytic converter, allowing adherence to Euro 3 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobes, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0308. This is attributed to marginal lubrication under sustained high‑rpm operation and suboptimal oil viscosity in hot climates. From 2003, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated valve train clearances were introduced to mitigate this issue.
All production years (2000–2005) meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
The Vauxhall E 18 NV is a 1,796 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size family cars (2000–2005). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with DOHC 16‑valve architecture to deliver smooth, linear power delivery and dependable operation. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it prioritizes serviceability and cost‑effective ownership.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.5 mm × 88.2 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 165 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MPFI (multi‑point fuel injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 10W‑40 or 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 125 kg |
The naturally aspirated design offers linear throttle response and low mechanical complexity but requires adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or 12 months) to prevent camshaft lobe wear. Use of GM‑LL‑A‑025–approved oil (10W‑40 or 5W‑30) is essential, especially in sustained high‑load or hot‑climate conditions. The front‑mounted timing chain is designed for life‑of‑engine service but relies on consistent oil pressure; low oil levels or degraded oil can accelerate wear. Vauxhall SIB PI0308 recommends inspection of exhaust cam lobes during major services on pre‑2003 units and replacement with updated camshafts (P/N 93185672) if pitting is observed.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑025 specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual Astra G 2001). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2000–2005 E 18 NV engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 reference conditions. Output assumes RON 95 fuel and ambient temperature per ISO 1585.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-E18NV-01, TIS-E18NV-02
Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0308
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2345)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Vauxhall E 18 NV was used across Vauxhall's Astra G, Zafira A, and Vectra B platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira for NVH control and modified intake manifolds in the Vectra—and from 2003 minor ECU calibration updates were introduced to refine idle stability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump housing (Vauxhall TIS TIS-E18NV-01). The 7th and 8th VIN digits identify engine variant ('E8' for E 18 NV 115 PS). All units use Bosch Motronic ME7.4 ECU with silver casing. Critical differentiation from X18XE: E 18 NV has DOHC (X18XE is SOHC). Service parts for camshafts require production date verification—units before 01/2003 use part number 90452180; later units use 93185672 with hardened lobes (Vauxhall SIB PI0308).
The E 18 NV's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-rpm or hot-climate use. Vauxhall internal data from 2004 indicated a measurable uptick in camshaft replacements before 100,000 km for 2000–2002 units, while UK DVSA records show catalytic converter degradation as the second-most common emissions fault in high-mileage examples. Extended oil intervals and incorrect viscosity amplify cam and chain stress, making adherence to GM‑LL‑A‑025 oil critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2002–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL E-18-NV.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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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.
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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