The Vauxhall Y32SE is a 3,175 cc, 60° V6 petrol engine produced between 2003 and 2008. It features a cast-iron block, aluminium heads, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and sequential multi-port fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 152 kW (207 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 290 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm, providing smooth power delivery for mid-size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Vectra C and Signum, the Y32SE was engineered for refined cruising and responsive highway performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed-loop fuel system and dual catalytic converters, allowing compliance with Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is oil sludge accumulation under severe service conditions, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TECH-03-07. This is typically caused by infrequent oil changes or sustained short-trip driving, which prevents the engine from reaching optimal operating temperature. Vauxhall recommends strict adherence to 10,000 km oil intervals with ACEA A3/B4 oil to mitigate this risk.
Production years 2003–2008 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall Y32SE is a 3,175 cc V6 petrol engine engineered for mid-size sedans and estates (2003–2008). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with sequential multi-port fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power and refined highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,175 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 152 kW (207 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 290 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection (Bosch ME7.6) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | ACEA A3/B4 (SAE 5W‑30 or 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 172 kg |
The naturally aspirated V6 provides smooth, linear power ideal for motorway cruising but is sensitive to oil maintenance under urban driving conditions. ACEA A3/B4 oil must be used with changes every 10,000 km or 12 months to prevent sludge formation in the upper engine and oil pickup screen blockage. The Bosch ME7.6 ECU requires genuine ignition components to maintain coil-on-plug reliability. Coolant should be replaced every 5 years to protect the aluminium heads. No major timing system recalls exist, but chain tensioners should be inspected at 160,000 km per Vauxhall TECH-03-07.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4 specification (Vauxhall SIB TECH-03-07). Not compatible with ACEA C-class low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2003–2008 Y32SE models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified via VCA dynamometer logs (VCA/EMS/5678).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-Y32-A, VEC-Y32-01
Vauxhall Service Bulletin TECH-03-07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Y32SE was used across Vauxhall's Vectra C and Signum platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Signum and revised intake manifolds in late Vectra C—and from 2006 the facelifted models adopted updated engine mounts and ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front left cam cover near the oil filler neck (Vauxhall TIS ENG-Y32-A). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('Y' for 3.2L V6). All Y32SE units feature a black plastic upper intake manifold with “3.2 V6” embossed on the side. Critical differentiation from earlier C32NE: Y32SE uses DOHC heads and coil-on-plug ignition, whereas C32NE used SOHC and distributorless ignition coils. Engine serial numbers begin with “Y32SE” followed by a 6-digit production code.
The Y32SE's primary reliability risk is oil sludge formation under severe service conditions, with elevated incidence in urban or short-trip use. Vauxhall internal data (2006) indicated a measurable increase in oil pickup screen blockages in vehicles with extended oil intervals, while UK DVSA MOT records show low mechanical failure rates but occasional emissions faults linked to ageing catalytic converters. Infrequent oil changes and use of non-approved oils make strict maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2003–2009) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Y-32-SE.
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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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