The Vauxhall S9W 700 is a 2,993 cc, V6 turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018 under licence from Renault. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, and twin variable geometry turbochargers (VGT) with intercooler. In standard form it delivered 173 kW (235 PS) at 3,800 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 1,800 rpm, providing refined high-output performance for executive MPVs and crossovers.
Fitted to models such as the Zafira Tourer and Insignia, the S9W 700 was engineered for smooth, high-torque delivery with low NVH characteristics in premium applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through high-pressure common-rail injection, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a diesel oxidation catalyst, allowing all units to meet Euro 5 standards.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling, which can lead to sudden loss of fuel pressure and engine stalling. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS-15-04-16, is attributed to material fatigue in the pump drive flange under sustained high-load conditions. From 2014, revised pump drive components were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7340).
The Vauxhall S9W 700 is a 2,993 cc V6 turbo‑diesel engine engineered for executive MPVs and large crossovers (2010–2018). It combines DOHC 24-valve architecture with twin variable geometry turbochargers to deliver smooth, high-torque performance with low vibration. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances premium drivability with operational efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,993 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 173 kW (235 PS) @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin variable geometry turbos (Garrett VNT17) | |
| Timing system | Chain (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | ACEA B4 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The twin-VGT V6 design provides seamless torque delivery ideal for executive driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and turbo actuators. ACEA B4 (5W-30) oil is essential for injector and pump longevity due to the Bosch CP4.2 system’s sensitivity to lubricity. The high-pressure pump drive coupling is prone to fatigue under sustained load; post-2014 units include reinforced components per Vauxhall SIB TIS-15-04-16. EGR cooler clogging is common in urban use and should be inspected every 80,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA B4 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB TIS-15-04-16). Not compatible with ACEA C3 low-SAPS oils due to CP4.2 pump requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all model years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7340). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V10‑3701).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V10‑3701, SIB TIS-15-04-16
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7340)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall S9W 700 was used across Vauxhall's Zafira Tourer and Insignia platforms with transverse mounting and licensed from Renault. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Insignia for NVH control and compact accessory layout in the Zafira Tourer—and from 2014 the high-pressure pump drive was upgraded to address coupling failures, creating service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS V10‑3701). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('W' for 3.0L V6 diesel). All S9W 700 units feature a black plastic cam cover with '3.0 dCi V6' embossed and dual camshaft pulleys per bank. Critical differentiation from S9W 710: S9W 700 uses Bosch EDC17C74 ECU with 24-pin under-hood connector; S9W 710 is a higher-output variant (265 PS) with revised turbo actuators. Service parts for high-pressure pump drive differ pre/post 2014 due to coupling redesign (Vauxhall SIB TIS-15-04-16).
The S9W 700's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling failure, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load use such as motorway towing. Vauxhall internal data from 2015 noted increased stalling complaints on Insignia models under 90,000 km in fleet service, while UK DVSA MOT records show EGR-related emissions failures as a recurring cause in executive MPVs. Frequent high-load operation and delayed oil changes accelerate mechanical wear, making scheduled maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2010–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL S9W-700.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VAUXHALL or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
