The Vauxhall Z12XE is a 1,199 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2005. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,200 rpm with 110 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, offering economical urban performance suitable for entry‑level superminis.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa B and Corsa C, the Z12XE was engineered for cost‑effective ownership and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic engine management with a three‑way catalytic converter and oxygen sensors, allowing adherence to Euro 3 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust cam lobe and hydraulic tappets, particularly in high‑mileage or infrequently serviced units. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑99‑06‑12, stems from marginal oil flow to the camshaft under sustained high‑load conditions. From 2001 onward, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated tappet designs were introduced to mitigate this risk.
All production years 1998–2005 meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1999/0451).
The Vauxhall Z12XE is a 1,199 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact superminis (1998–2005). It combines SOHC 8‑valve architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver economical urban driving and low running costs. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances fuel efficiency with basic drivability.
| 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 | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.1) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted, replace every 60,000 km or 4 years) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 10W‑40 or 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The SOHC layout provides simplicity and low-cost maintenance but requires timely timing belt replacement to prevent catastrophic failure. Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 oil (10W‑40 or 5W‑30) is recommended to ensure adequate cam lubrication, especially in warm climates or frequent short trips. The Bosch Motronic system demands clean fuel meeting EN 228 standards. Revised camshafts from 2001 (per TSB 99‑06‑12) improve lobe durability; pre‑2001 engines should have cam/tappet inspection at 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 specification (Vauxhall TSB 99‑06‑12). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all Z12XE production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1999/0451). No Euro 2 or Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output consistent across all applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. VTIS‑A2105).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs VTIS‑A2105, VTIS‑A2110
Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB 99‑06‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1999/0451)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall Z12XE was used across Vauxhall's Corsa B and Corsa C platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts and unique intake manifolds in the Corsa C—and from 2001 the facelifted Corsa C models retained the same engine but with updated camshaft metallurgy, creating minor internal differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Vauxhall TIS VTIS‑A2105). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('Z' for Z12XE). Pre-2001 models use silver cam covers with black intake manifolds; post-2001 Corsa C models feature black cam covers and updated airbox routing. Critical differentiation from X12XE: Z12XE is SOHC 8-valve; X12XE is DOHC 16-valve. ECU part numbers differ—Z12XE uses Bosch 0 261 204 XXX series. Service parts for camshafts changed in 2001 per TSB 99‑06‑12.
The Z12XE's primary reliability risk is exhaust cam lobe wear, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Vauxhall internal service data from 2003 indicated a measurable increase in camshaft replacements in engines exceeding 120,000 km without oil changes at recommended intervals, while UK DVSA MOT records show elevated emissions failures in Corsa B/C models with neglected maintenance. Sustained high‑load driving and infrequent oil changes exacerbate wear, making oil specification and service interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1999–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-12-XE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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