The Vauxhall Z22SE is a 2,198 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16‑valve layout with multi‑point fuel injection and no variable valve timing. In standard form it delivered 108 kW (147 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 205 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing robust mid-range performance suited to larger hatchbacks and MPVs.
Fitted primarily to the Vectra B, Signum, and Zafira A, the Z22SE was engineered for smooth highway cruising and responsive urban driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed-loop three‑way catalytic converter and electronic engine management, allowing adherence to Euro 3 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobes due to marginal oil feed design under sustained high load, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑03‑08. This issue stems from early camshaft metallurgy and insufficient lubrication pathways. From 2003 onward, Vauxhall updated the camshaft material and revised oil gallery routing to improve durability.
All production years (2000–2005) meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
The Vauxhall Z22SE is a 2,198 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for mid-size and MPV applications (2000–2005). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with multi‑point fuel injection to deliver smooth power delivery and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it balances drivability with emissions compliance and mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,198 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 94.6 mm | |
| Power output | 108 kW (147 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 205 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPFI | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The DOHC 16-valve layout provides smooth power delivery and strong mid-range torque but requires consistent use of GM‑LL‑A‑025 (10W‑40) oil to maintain camshaft lubrication and reduce lobe wear. Early engines (pre-2003) are prone to exhaust cam lobe degradation under sustained high-load conditions; post-2003 units feature revised camshafts 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 (10W‑40) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2001). Equivalent ACEA A3/B3 oils permitted.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all Z22SE models (2000–2005) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Power figures verified via VCA homologation testing.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑Z22SE‑01, TSB 03‑08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4567)
EU Directive 98/69/EC (Euro 3 Implementation)
The Vauxhall Z22SE was used across Vauxhall's T200 platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Signum and modified airbox routing in the Zafira A—and from 2003 the camshaft design was updated to address lobe wear, 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 Z22SE‑01). The 7th VIN digit is '2' for 2.2-litre petrol engines. Pre-2003 engines may exhibit exhaust cam lobe wear; post-2003 units use revised camshafts (Part No. 93185633). Critical differentiation from X22XE: Z22SE is DOHC (16-valve), while X22XE is SOHC (8-valve). Service parts for camshafts require production date verification—pre-2003 components are not interchangeable with updated units (Vauxhall TSB 03‑08).
The Z22SE's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear on pre-2003 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or motorway-driven vehicles. Vauxhall internal quality reports from 2003 indicated a notable share of early engines requiring cam replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show misfire-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 (2000–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-22-SE.
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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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