The Vauxhall H 25 E is a 2,498 cc, inline‑five naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2003 and 2012. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 20‑valve architecture with variable valve timing and sequential multi‑point fuel injection, delivering 125 kW (170 PS) and 230 Nm of torque. Its smooth five‑cylinder layout provides distinctive engine note and linear power delivery.
Fitted primarily to the Vectra C and Signum—including the 2.5i and 2.5 Elite trim…
Production years 2003–2007 meet Euro 4 standards; 2008–2012 models comply with Euro 5 .
The Vauxhall H 25 E is a 2,498 cc inline‑five naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and liftbacks (2003–2012). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with DOHC and variable valve timing to deliver smooth, linear power and refined drivability. Designed to meet Euro 4 (early) and Euro 5 (late) emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,498 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑5, DOHC, 20‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
Torque | 230 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.5) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2003–2007); Euro 5 (2008–2012) | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain‑driven camshafts | |
Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
Dry weight | 142 kg |
The Vauxhall H 25 E was used across Vauxhall's Vectra C and Signum platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Signum for NVH refinement and updated intake manifolds for throttle response—and from 2008 the facelifted Vectra C adopted Euro 5 calibration with updated catalytic converters, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The H 25 E offers smooth performance and distinctive character, but pre-2009 models are prone to timing chain tensioner wear. Post-2009 revisions improved durability significantly. With regular servicing, correct 5W‑30 oil, and quality fuel, well-maintained examples can reliably exceed 180,000 km.
Top issues include timing chain tensioner wear, intake manifold runner motor failure, CCV system clogging, and coolant temperature sensor drift. These are documented in Vauxhall SIB‑03‑052 and routine service advisories. Most are manageable with OEM-recommended updates.
The H 25 E powered the Vectra C (2003–2012) and Signum (2003–2012) in 2.5i, 2.5 SRi, and 2.5 Elite trims. Early models meet Euro 4; 2008 onward comply with Euro 5. It was not licensed to other manufacturers.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the H-25-E platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Moderate for a 2.5L petrol. In a Vectra C 2.5i, expect ~10.2 L/100km (city) and ~6.4 L/100km (highway), or about 32 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically yields 28–35 mpg (UK), depending on driving style and maintenance condition.
Yes. The H 25 E is an interference design. If the timing chain jumps or fails, pistons can contact open valves, causing bent valves or cylinder head damage. Chain tensioner and guide inspection is recommended at 120,000 km.
Vauxhall specifies 5W‑30 synthetic oil meeting GM‑LL‑A‑025 (or ACEA A3/B3). Change every 15,000 km or annually. Correct viscosity ensures proper camshaft lubrication and VVT actuator function.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
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.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.