The Vauxhall Z32SE is a 3,175 cc, inline‑six petrol engine produced between 2003 and 2008. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 24‑valve layout with multi‑point fuel injection and no variable valve timing. In standard form it delivered 147 kW (200 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 290 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm, providing smooth, linear power delivery ideal for executive sedans and performance-oriented MPVs.
Fitted exclusively to the Omega B and Signum, the Z32SE was engineered for refined 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 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner rails due to thermal fatigue in high-mileage applications, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑05‑11. This issue stems from early polymer-composite rail material prone to cracking under sustained heat. From 2006 onward, Vauxhall updated the rails to a reinforced glass-fibre composite to improve service life.
All production years (2003–2008) meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Vauxhall Z32SE is a 3,175 cc inline‑six petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and MPVs (2003–2008). It combines DOHC 24‑valve architecture with multi‑point fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances refinement with mechanical simplicity and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,175 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 91.1 mm | |
| Power output | 147 kW (200 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 290 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPFI | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven (dual‑chain, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The DOHC 24-valve inline-six layout provides inherently balanced operation and smooth power delivery but requires consistent use of GM‑LL‑A‑025 (5W‑30) oil to maintain timing chain lubrication and reduce rail wear. Early engines (pre-2006) are prone to tensioner rail cracking under sustained high-load conditions; post-2006 units feature reinforced rails that mitigate this. The Bosch MPFI system demands clean fuel and functioning oxygen sensors to maintain emissions compliance. Dual-chain 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 2004). Equivalent ACEA A3/B4 oils permitted.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all Z32SE models (2003–2008) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Power figures verified via VCA homologation testing.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑Z32SE‑01, TSB 05‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
EU Directive 2005/55/EC (Euro 4 Implementation)
The Vauxhall Z32SE was used across Vauxhall's V-Car platform with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Signum and modified exhaust routing in the Omega B—and from 2006 the timing chain rails were updated to reinforced composite, 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 Z32SE‑01). The 7th VIN digit is '3' for 3.2-litre petrol engines. Pre-2006 engines may exhibit timing chain rail cracking; post-2006 units use reinforced glass-fibre rails (Part No. 93185902). Critical differentiation from C32NE: Z32SE is DOHC (24-valve), while C32NE is SOHC (12-valve). Service parts for timing rails require production date verification—pre-2006 components are not interchangeable with updated units (Vauxhall TSB 05‑11).
The Z32SE's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner rail cracking on pre-2006 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or motorway-driven vehicles. Vauxhall internal quality reports from 2005 indicated a notable share of early engines requiring rail replacement before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA records show timing-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 (2003–2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z32SE.
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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
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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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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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