The 3.0-liter Toyota 1MZ-FE engine was produced from 1993 to 2008 at the company’s plants in Japan and the USA and was installed on numerous models of the Japanese concern for all markets. Usually, two versions of the power unit are distinguished: with and without a VVT-i phase regulator at the intake.
The MZ family also includes engines: 2MZ‑FE and 3MZ‑FE.
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Alphard 1 (AH10) in 2002 – 2008;
- Toyota Avalon 1 (XX10) in 1994 -1999; Avalon 2 (XX20) in 1999 -2004;
- Toyota Camry 3 (XV10) in 1993 – 1996; Camry 4 (XV20) in 1996 – 2001; Camry 5 (XV30) in 2001 – 2006;
- Toyota Estima 2 (XR30) in 2000 – 2005;
- Toyota Highlander 1 (XU20) in 2000 – 2003;
- Toyota Mark II Wagon X100 in 1997 – 2001;
- Toyota Sienna 1 (XL10) in 1997 – 2002;
- Toyota Solara 1 (XV20) in 1999 – 2003;
- Lexus ES300 2 (XV10) in 1993 – 1996; ES300 3 (XV20) in 1996 – 2001; ES300 4 (XV30) in 2001 – 2003;
- Lexus RX300 1 (XU10) in 1998 – 2003.
Specifications
| Production years | 1993-2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 2994 |
| Fuel system | injector MPI |
| Power output, hp | 168 – 194 (non VVT-i) 210 – 220 (VVT-i) |
| Torque output, Nm | 248 – 275 (non VVT-i) 301 – 328 (VVT-i) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | no (non VVT-i) electronic choke (VVT-i) |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no VVT-i intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 (non VVT-i) EURO 3/4 (VVT-i) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km — city — highway — combined |
Without VVT-i for Toyota Camry 2001 15.7 8.3 11.0 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km — city — highway — combined |
With VVT-i for Lexus ES 300 2001 11.2 8.1 9.7 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~450 000 |
| Weight, kg | 175 |
Disadvantages of the 1MZ-FE engine
- At high mileage, the engine often begins an impressive oil burner;
- The reliability of knock sensors is quite low, they often have to be changed;
- Engine speed fluctuates due to throttle fouling;
- Trouble of the engine in case of failure of the VVT-i phase regulator valve;
- This power unit is very afraid of overheating;
- Drivers periodically complain about the refusal to start in severe frost;
- The motor is prone to increased carbon formation, especially in the manifolds.
