The 3.3-liter Toyota 3MZ-FE engine was produced from 2002 to 2015 at factories in Japan and the USA and was installed on many models of the concern. The motor was equipped with a VVT-i phase regulator on the intake shaft, a variable length manifold and an ETCS-i electronic throttle.
The MZ family also includes engines: 1MZ‑FE and 2MZ‑FE.
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Camry XV30 in 2004 – 2006;
- Toyota Highlander XU20 in 2004 – 2007;
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid XU20 in 2005 – 2007; Highlander Hybrid XU40 in 2007 – 2010;
- Toyota Sienna XL20 in 2004 – 2006;
- Toyota Solara XV30 in 2004 – 2008;
- Lexus ES 330 XV30 in 2003 – 2006;
- Lexus RX 330 XU30 in 2003 – 2006; RX 400h XU30 in 2004 – 2008;
- Mitsuoka Orochi in 2006 – 2014.
Specifications
| Production years | 2002-2015 |
| Displacement, cc | 3310 |
| Fuel system | injector MPI |
| Power output, hp | 225 – 255 |
| Torque output, Nm | 325 – 350 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 92 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 10.8 |
| Features | ACIS and ETCS-i |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | VVT-i intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Lexus RX 330 2005) — city — highway — combined |
13.1 9.8 10.7 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 177 |
Disadvantages of the 3MZ-FE engine
- On long runs, an impressive oil burn often begins;
- When the timing belt breaks, the valves always bend;
- RPM fluctuates due to dirty throttle;
- Severe engine tripping in the event of a breakdown of the VVT-i phase regulator valve;
- The engine is afraid of overheating and is very prone to carbon deposits;
- Due to clogged injectors, power can drop significantly;
- New knock sensors finally solve the problem with their failure.
