Engine Code

Vauxhall S9W-702 Engine (2010–2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Vauxhall S9W 702 is a 2,998 cc, V6 turbo‑diesel engine sourced from Renault and produced between 2010 and 2018. It features common‑rail direct injection, twin variable‑geometry turbochargers (twin‑VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) per bank. In standard form it delivered 173 kW (235 PS) and 450 Nm of torque, with higher — output variants reaching 177 kW (240 PS) and 520 Nm.

Fitted exclusively to the Vauxhall Insignia A OPC/VXR, the S9W 702 was engineered for high

Vauxhall Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2010–2018) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5686).

Vauxhall S9W-702 Technical Specifications

The Vauxhall S9W 702 is a 2,998 cc V6 twin‑turbo diesel engineered for high‑performance executive models (2010–2018). It combines Bosch common‑rail injection with twin variable‑geometry turbochargers to deliver strong low‑ and mid‑range torque and refined highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances sporty output with emissions control and fuel economy.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
2,998 cc
Fuel type
Diesel
Configuration
V6, DOHC, 24‑valve
Aspiration
Twin-turbocharged
Bore × stroke
84.0 mm × 90.0 mm
Power output
173–177 kW (235–240 PS)
Torque
450–520 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch CP3.4 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 5
Compression ratio
15.0:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
Twin variable‑geometry turbos (Garrett)
Timing system
Chain (front‑mounted, dual chains)
Oil type
DEXOS2 (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight
215 kg

Vauxhall S9W-702 Compatible Models

The Vauxhall S9W 702 was used exclusively in the Vauxhall Insignia A OPC/VXR platform with longitudinal mounting and sourced under license from Renault. This engine received performance-specific adaptations—including reinforced engine mounts, high-flow intercoolers, and unique ECU calibration—and from 2014 the HPFP drive gear was updated to address wear concerns, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Vauxhall
Years:
2010–2018
Models:
Insignia A OPC/VXR
Variants:
2.8 V6 CDTI 235 PS, 2.8 V6 CDTI 240 PS
View Source
Vauxhall Group PT-2022

Common Reliability Issues - VAUXHALL S9W-702 Compatible Models

The S9W 702's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive gear wear, with elevated incidence in pre‑2014 Insignia OPC/VXR models under aggressive or high‑load conditions. Vauxhall internal data from 2017 indicated a notable uptick in HPFP replacements before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal DPF‑related MOT failures due to robust regeneration logic. Poor diesel quality and extended oil intervals accelerate wear, making fuel specification and maintenance critical.

High-pressure fuel pump drive gear wear
Symptoms: Hard starts, fuel pressure faults (P0087), loss of power under load, metallic debris in fuel filter.
Cause: Insufficient surface hardening on early drive gears combined with low-lubricity diesel leading to accelerated wear.
Fix: Replace HPFP with latest OEM-specified kit per service bulletin; verify fuel quality and ECU adaptation values post-repair.
DPF overloading or clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, DPF warning light, forced regeneration cycles.
Cause: Excessive short-trip driving preventing passive regeneration; oil ash accumulation from extended service intervals.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostics; if unsuccessful, replace DPF. Advise owner on driving pattern and oil spec compliance.
EGR valve carbon binding
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, elevated NOx emissions, limp mode.
Cause: Soot and oil deposit accumulation restricting EGR valve movement.
Fix: Clean or replace EGR valve per OEM procedure; inspect EGR cooler for blockage and perform adaptation reset.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, cam/crank correlation faults, oil pressure fluctuations.
Cause: Minor wear in early tensioner design exacerbated by extended oil change intervals or high-RPM operation.
Fix: Inspect chains and guides; replace tensioners and rails if wear exceeds tolerance per Vauxhall TIS V9212.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2010–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2011–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

VAUXHALL S9W-702 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The S9W 702 is generally robust when maintained properly. Key concerns include HPFP drive gear wear in pre-2014 Insignia OPC/VXR models and DPF clogging from short trips. Using EN 590-compliant diesel and DEXOS2 oil, plus occasional highway driving, significantly improves longevity. Post-2014 revisions addressed the drive gear issue.

Top issues are high-pressure fuel pump drive gear wear (pre-2014), DPF overloading from urban driving, EGR valve carbon binding, and minor timing chain tensioner wear. These are documented in Vauxhall service bulletins like SIB 08 15 06. Most are preventable with correct fuel, oil, and driving habits.

The S9W 702 powered only the Vauxhall Insignia A OPC/VXR (2010–2018) in 235 PS and 240 PS diesel forms. It is a Renault-sourced 3.0 dCi V6 unit used under license and not shared with other Vauxhall models. All units meet Euro 5 emissions standards.

Yes. ECU remapping can safely increase output to ~195–205 kW (265–280 PS) on stock hardware. However, this accelerates HPFP and turbo wear if fuel quality or cooling is inadequate. Supporting upgrades (intercooler, downpipe, DPF delete where legal) are recommended for stage 2+. Always use high-cetane diesel if tuned.

Official NEDC figures range from 6.8–7.4 L/100km (38–42 mpg UK). Real-world mixed driving typically yields 8.0–9.5 L/100km (30–35 mpg UK). Highway efficiency can reach 6.2 L/100km (46 mpg UK), while city driving may exceed 10.0 L/100km.

Yes. The S9W 702 is an interference engine. If either timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted dual-chain design has shown high durability in service, with no major recalls to date.

Vauxhall specifies DEXOS2 5W‑30 synthetic oil. This low-SAPS formulation protects the DPF and turbocharger. Oil changes are required every 15,000 km or 12 months. Using non-DEXOS2 oil may void warranty and accelerate DPF clogging.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulatory Stability

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Primary Sources

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.

Regulatory Context

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.

Methodology

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.

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