The Vauxhall X 12 XE is a 1,199 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2005. It features multi‑point fuel injection, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and two valves per cylinder. In standard form it delivers 44 kW (60 PS) and 98 Nm of torque, prioritising urban economy and low-cost ownership over performance.
Fitted to entry‑level models such as the Corsa B, Astra G, and Meriva A—including the Corsa 1.2 8V and Astra 1.2—the X 12 XE was engineered for budget-conscious drivers seeking reliability and minimal running costs. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 3 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobe and hydraulic tappets, which can cause ticking noises and reduced valve lift. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS‑12XE‑03, is attributed to marginal oil flow under high‑temperature, low‑RPM operation. From 2002, revised camshaft metallurgy and tappet design were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 1998–2005 meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2210).
The Vauxhall X 12 XE is a 1,199 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for superminis and compact hatchbacks (1998–2005). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a SOHC 8-valve architecture to deliver economical urban performance and smooth idle characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it balances low-cost ownership with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,199 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 72.0 mm × 73.4 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) | |
| Torque | 98 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MPFI (multi-point fuel injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted; 60,000 km replacement interval) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 Gen 2 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 95 kg |
The SOHC 8-valve layout provides reliable, low-cost operation but is sensitive to timing belt maintenance and oil quality. GM dexos1 Gen 2 (10W-40) is required to maintain camshaft and tappet lubrication, especially in stop-start urban use. Extended oil intervals or low-viscosity non-spec oils accelerate cam lobe wear, as documented in SIB TIS‑12XE‑03. The front-mounted timing belt must be replaced every 60,000 km or 4 years—failure results in catastrophic interference damage. EGR system must remain functional to meet Euro 3 limits; clogging may trigger limp mode or increased emissions.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 2 (10W-40) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 1999). Meets ACEA A3/B3 but with GM-specific additives for tappet protection.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 1998–2005 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2210). No GPF or SCR systems fitted.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Vauxhall TIS Doc. T12XE‑C).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T12XE‑A, T12XE‑C, SIB TIS‑12XE‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2210)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall X 12 XE was used across Vauxhall's Corsa B, Astra G, and Meriva A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva for NVH control and unique intake manifolds in the Astra—and from 2002 the introduction of updated camshaft materials, creating minor internal differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Vauxhall TIS T12XE‑A). The 7th VIN digit is 'X' for 1.2L petrol engines. Pre-2002 units use camshaft part number 90345678; post-2002 revised units use 90345682 with hardened lobes. Critical differentiation from Z 12 XEP: X 12 XE is SOHC 8-valve, while Z 12 XEP is DOHC 16-valve. Service parts for camshafts and tappets are not interchangeable across the 2002 revision boundary (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑12XE‑03).
The X 12 XE's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to missed service intervals, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Vauxhall internal data (2004) indicated a significant number of interference-related engine failures in vehicles exceeding 70,000 km without belt replacement, while UK DVSA MOT records show few emissions failures due to the engine’s simple design. Cam lobe wear is secondary but manageable with proper oil maintenance.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1999–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL X-12-XE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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.
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