The 1.2-liter Opel Z12XEP or LB4 engine was produced from 2004 to 2009 in Austria and was installed only on the third and fourth generations of the Corsa model and the very first Agila. After upgrading to Euro 5 environmental standards, this power unit received a new A12XER index.
The Opel Z12XEP engine uses a lightweight cast iron cylinder block with a cast iron crankshaft and an aluminum overhead camshaft head with 2 chain drives (DOHC) and 4 valves per cylinder (16 valves in total). This is an updated version of the Z12XE engine equipped with Twinport technology. The crankshaft and oil galleries have also been redesigned. The engine uses ECU Bosch ME7.6.1 / Bosch ME7.6.2.
Explanation of Z12XEP marking
- Z – Euro 4 engine;
- 12 – 1.2 liters;
- X – Compression ratio from 10 to 11.5: 1;
- E – multi-point fuel injection system;
- P – increased power.
Z10 family: Z10XE, Z10XEP, Z12XE, Z12XEP, Z14XE, Z14XEP.
Specifications
| Production years | 2004-2009 |
| Displacement, cc | 1229 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 80 |
| Torque output, Nm | 110 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 73.4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 72.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | Twinport |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Opel Corsa 2007) — city — highway — combined |
8.0 5.0 6.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 100 |
The engine was installed on:
- Opel Agila A (H00) in 2004 – 2007;
- Opel Corsa C (X01) in 2004 – 2006;
- Opel Corsa D (S07) in 2006 – 2009.
Disadvantages of the Z12XEP engine
- most of the calls to the service are due to electrical failures or an ECU block;
- in second place are the problems with the Twinport dampers and the EGR valve;
- chain resource rarely exceeds 100,000 km, then it stretches and begins to rattle;
- also periodically the owners have to replace the thermostat and the oil pump;
- when looking for the source of an oil leak, start with the oil pressure sensor, the weak point is there.
Frequently asked questions about the Opel Z12XEP
How much power does the Opel Z12XEP make?
The Opel Z12XEP develops 80 hp and 110 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Opel Z12XEP take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Opel Z12XEP have a timing belt or chain?
The Opel Z12XEP uses a timing chain.
Is the Opel Z12XEP turbocharged?
No, the Opel Z12XEP is naturally aspirated.
Does the Opel Z12XEP need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Opel Z12XEP has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Opel Z12XEP last?
The typical lifespan of the Opel Z12XEP is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Opel Z12XEP?
Opel Corsa 2007: city 8.0, highway 5.0, combined 6.1 L/100 km.
What cars was the Opel Z12XEP installed on?
Opel Agila A (H00) in 2004 - 2007; Opel Corsa C (X01) in 2004 - 2006; Opel Corsa D (S07) in 2006 - 2009.
What are the common problems of the Opel Z12XEP?
most of the calls to the service are due to electrical failures or an ECU block. in second place are the problems with the Twinport dampers and the EGR valve. All known problems.
