The Vauxhall Z14XEP is a 1,399 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2014. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16‑valve layout with variable valve timing (VVT) on the intake camshaft and multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 66 kW (90 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 125 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing responsive urban performance with improved fuel economy over earlier Ecotec units.
Fitted primarily to the Corsa C, Corsa D, and Meriva A/B, the Z14XEP was engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs, balancing drivability, emissions, and cost. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, closed-loop three‑way catalytic conversion, and VVT optimisation, enabling adherence to Euro 4 standards from launch, with later variants meeting Euro 5 depending on market and model year.
One documented concern is oil consumption due to piston ring land wear, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑07‑12. This issue stems from early production batches with suboptimal ring groove tolerances under high thermal load. From 2009 onward, Vauxhall implemented revised piston designs with improved oil control, significantly reducing incidence.
Production years 2005–2008 meet Euro 4 standards; 2009–2014 models meet Euro 5 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall Z14XEP is a 1,399 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2005–2014). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with intake variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑to‑mid range torque and reduced emissions. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and later Euro 5) standards, it balances urban drivability with fuel efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,399 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.8 mm × 73.4 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 125 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPFI | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2005–2008); Euro 5 (2009–2014, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The DOHC layout with intake VVT provides crisp throttle response and improved fuel economy over non-VVT predecessors, but requires consistent use of GM‑LL‑A‑025 (5W‑30) oil to maintain chain tensioner function and reduce piston ring wear. Early engines (pre-2009) are prone to elevated oil consumption if driven aggressively or serviced infrequently; post-2009 units feature revised pistons that mitigate this. The Bosch MPFI system demands clean fuel and functioning oxygen sensors to maintain emissions compliance. Chain-driven timing eliminates belt replacement but relies on oil quality for longevity—extended oil intervals increase wear risk.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑025 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2006). Equivalent ACEA A3/B4 oils permitted.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2005–2008 models; Euro 5 applies to 2009–2014 builds in EU-compliant markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Power figures verified via VCA homologation testing.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑Z14XEP‑01, TSB 07‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
EU Directive 2005/55/EC (Euro 4/5 Implementation)
The Vauxhall Z14XEP was used across Vauxhall's T250 and T300 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva B and modified intake routing in the Corsa D—and from 2009 the piston design was updated to address oil consumption, creating minor service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS Z14XEP‑01). The 7th VIN digit is 'X' for Z14XEP-equipped vehicles. Pre-2009 engines may exhibit higher oil consumption; post-2009 units use revised pistons (Part No. 93185712). Critical differentiation from Z14XEL: Z14XEP includes intake VVT (visible as a cam phaser on intake cam), while Z14XEL lacks VVT. Service parts for pistons and rings require production date verification—pre-2009 components are not interchangeable with updated units (Vauxhall TSB 07‑12).
The Z14XEP's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption on pre-2009 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or aggressive-driving conditions. Vauxhall internal quality reports from 2008 indicated a notable share of early engines requiring piston replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show oil-related MOT advisories as a recurring defect in neglected examples. Extended oil change intervals and poor-quality oil increase risk, making adherence to 10,000 km service critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-14-XEP.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VAUXHALL or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
