The Vauxhall Z20LEL is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2012. It features an aluminium block and head, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and sequential multi-port fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing responsive urban performance with modest fuel consumption and smooth highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Astra H, Zafira B, and Vectra C, the Z20LEL was engineered for compact and mid-size applications with a focus on refinement and emissions compliance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed-loop fuel system and a single catalytic converter, allowing compliance with Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves under sustained low-load operation, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TECH-08-14. This is typically caused by infrequent high-RPM operation or prolonged short-trip driving, which limits natural valve cleaning. Vauxhall recommends periodic highway driving or induction cleaning to maintain airflow and idle stability.
Production years 2005–2012 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7123).
The Vauxhall Z20LEL is a 1,998 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size applications (2005–2012). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with sequential multi-port fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end torque and refined operation. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances efficiency with serviceability.
| 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection (Bosch ME7.9.7) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | ACEA A3/B4 (SAE 5W‑30 or 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 105 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline‑4 provides brisk urban response but is prone to intake valve carboning under low-RPM, short-trip usage. ACEA A3/B4 oil must be used with changes every 15,000 km or 12 months to maintain valve train lubrication. The Bosch ME7.9.7 ECU requires genuine ignition coils to prevent misfires. Coolant should be replaced every 5 years to protect the aluminium block. No major timing system recalls exist—the chain is designed for life, though tensioners should be inspected at 180,000 km per Vauxhall TECH-08-14.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4 specification (Vauxhall SIB TECH-08-14). Not compatible with ACEA C-class low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2012 Z20LEL models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7123).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified via VCA dynamometer logs (VCA/EMS/7123).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-Z20-B, AST-Z20-01
Vauxhall Service Bulletin TECH-08-14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7123)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Z20LEL was used across Vauxhall's Astra H, Zafira B, and Vectra C platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira B and updated intake manifolds in late Astra H—and from 2008 facelifted models adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front cam cover near the oil filler neck (Vauxhall TIS ENG-Z20-B). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('L' for 2.0L). All Z20LEL units feature a black plastic upper intake manifold with “2.0” embossed on the side. Critical differentiation from earlier Z20NET: Z20LEL uses lower-output calibration (140 PS vs 155 PS) and revised cam profiles for Euro 4 compliance. Engine serial numbers begin with “Z20LEL” followed by a 6-digit production code.
The Z20LEL's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup under sustained low-load urban use. Vauxhall internal data (2009) indicated increased rough-idle complaints in vehicles with >80% short-trip mileage, while UK DVSA MOT records show low mechanical failure rates but occasional emissions faults linked to ageing lambda sensors. Infrequent high-RPM operation and use of low-detergent fuels make periodic induction maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z20LEL.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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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