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.
MZ family: 1MZ-FE, 2MZ-FE, 3MZ-FE.
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 |
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about the Toyota 1MZ-FE
How much power does the Toyota 1MZ-FE make?
Power output of the Toyota 1MZ-FE, hp: 168 - 194 (non VVT-i); 210 - 220 (VVT-i). Torque, Nm: 248 - 275 (non VVT-i); 301 - 328 (VVT-i).
How much oil does the Toyota 1MZ-FE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.7 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Toyota 1MZ-FE have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota 1MZ-FE uses a timing belt.
Is the Toyota 1MZ-FE turbocharged?
No, the Toyota 1MZ-FE is naturally aspirated.
Does the Toyota 1MZ-FE need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Toyota 1MZ-FE last?
The typical lifespan of the Toyota 1MZ-FE is ~450 000 km with proper maintenance.
What cars was the Toyota 1MZ-FE 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 and 4 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Toyota 1MZ-FE?
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. All known problems.
