The Vauxhall X20XEV is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 2000. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 100 kW (136 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing responsive performance suited to mid‑size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Vectra A, Omega B, and early Astra G, the X20XEV was engineered for refined cruising and strong urban drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 2 certification across all production years.
One documented concern is cylinder head gasket failure due to thermal stress at the fire ring, particularly in high‑mileage or overheated units. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑96‑05‑03, is attributed to marginal gasket material durability under repeated thermal cycling. Later ECOTEC variants (Y22XE) introduced improved gasket design and revised coolant flow to mitigate this failure mode.
All production years (1995–2000) meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1996/0421).
The Vauxhall X20XEV is a 1,998 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid‑size family vehicles (1995–2000). It combines DOHC architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver linear power and strong mid‑range response. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it balances drivability with moderate fuel consumption.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic M2.8.3) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | GM‑LL‑A‑001 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The X20XEV offers smooth, linear power delivery ideal for motorway cruising but is sensitive to cooling system integrity—overheating significantly increases the risk of cylinder head gasket failure at the fire ring. Use of GM‑LL‑A‑001‑compliant oil (10W‑40) is essential to maintain valve train longevity and oil pressure stability. The Bosch Motronic system requires 95 RON minimum fuel; prolonged use of lower octane can cause knock and pre‑ignition damage. Early detection of coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, or oil contamination is critical—per TSB‑96‑05‑03, gasket failures often manifest after repeated thermal cycles. Regular coolant replacement (every 2 years) with OEM‑approved ethylene glycol mix helps prevent corrosion and gasket stress.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑001 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual, 1996). Equivalent to ACEA A2/B2.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1995–2000 X20XEV units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1996/0421). No Euro 3 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel and ambient conditions per EU Directive 93/116/EEC.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑X20‑101 to TIS‑X20‑104
Vauxhall Service Bulletin TSB‑96‑05‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1996/0421)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall X20XEV was used across Vauxhall's Vectra A, Omega B, and early Astra G platforms with longitudinal or transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM’s global strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Omega B and revised intake manifolds in the Astra G—and from 1999 the Y22XE successor introduced DOHC ECOTEC architecture, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS TIS‑X20‑106). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('2' for 2.0L). X20XEV units feature a black plastic intake manifold with '16V' branding and a Bosch Motronic M2.8.3 ECU mounted near the firewall. Critical differentiation from C20NE: X20XEV uses DOHC and 16 valves; C20NE is SOHC with 8 valves. Engine blocks are visually similar, but X20XEV has dual camshafts and distinct cam cover casting.
The X20XEV's primary reliability risk is cylinder head gasket failure at the fire ring, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to repeated overheating or extended high-load operation. Vauxhall internal quality data from 1999 indicated a measurable uptick in gasket replacements beyond 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show coolant system faults as a recurring advisory in Vectra A and Omega B petrol models. Thermal cycling and delayed coolant maintenance make proactive cooling system care critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1995–2001) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL X20XEV.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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