The popular German brand Opel Vectra C and the Swedish sports sedan Saab 9-3 are developed on a single platform. The powertrains of both vehicles are identical. Each vehicle is equipped with a motor developed by GM and not related to the Swedish car company. The powertrain is equipped with a powerful and reliable turbine.
The engine for Opel and Saab is based on the C20LET powertrain dating back to 1987. The engineer from Germany Fritz Indra is the creator of this legendary motor. Subsequently, the designer worked as Executive Director of Advanced Development at GM in Detroit and held this position from 1997 to 2005.
The B207 engine generally has German roots, although it is installed on Saab. Its full analog for the Opel Vectra C is labeled Z20NET. The atmospheric power unit has a volume of 2.2 liters. The cylinder block is made of aluminum alloy, the liners are smelted from cast iron. The timing drive is of chain type, the motor is made without phase shifters. A special feature of the engine is the presence of two balancer shafts with a separate chain. Simplicity and reliability of this motor distinguish it among a number of analogs. The unit practically does not cause problems, even in comparison with the original model. At the same time, the designers still did not manage to avoid minuses.
Motor specifications Saab B207E 2.0 turbo
| Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Exact volume | 1998 cm³ |
| Power system | Distributed injection |
| Power | 150 hp |
| Torque | 240 Nm |
| Cylinder block | Aluminum, in-line 4-cylinder (R4) |
| Cylinder head | Aluminum, 16 valves |
| Cylinder diameter | 86 mm |
| Piston stroke | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 |
| Engine (internal combustion engine) | Intercooler |
| Hydrocompensators | Yes |
| Transmission timing | Chain |
| Fasor regulator | No |
| Turbocharger | Garrett GT2052S* |
| What oil to use | 5.7 liters, 5W-30 |
| Ecological class | Euro 4/5 |
| Example service life | 300,000 km |
| Turbine note | Replaced in 2006 with MHI TD04-11TK |
Main problems of B207E/Z20NET motors
There are several modifications of the specified power units. The most powerful is the model that produces 210 horsepower. Changing the firmware and turbine reduced the power of the motor to 150 hp, the intermediate version has a power of 170 hp. Mechanics of service centers record similar problems with motors.
Throttle valve problems
Throttle valve fouling on the B207E/Z20NET is clearly noticeable. In most cases, engine traction is reduced, there is instability in the revs, and a pause is clearly visible when the accelerator pedal is pressed. An obvious symptom of problems with the flap is an increase in fuel consumption. The standard option for eliminating defects is to clean the throttle valve. If the operation does not give positive results, it is necessary to replace the part.
Failure of the gasoline pump
For power units B207E/Z20NET, the danger is the breakdown of the gasoline pump. When using low-quality fuel, the gasoline pump motor may break down or debris may accumulate in the intake screen. In summer time these breakdowns are clearly visible by lack of dynamics, spontaneous engine stop in hot weather.
Crankshaft position sensor failure
One of the weak points of the power unit B207E/Z20NET is the crankshaft position sensor. The unit has a short life and can fail at the most inopportune moment. In this case, the car refuses to start or stalls while driving. Replacement of the sensor does not cause difficulties and is performed in any workshop.
Electronic control unit – diagnosis and replacement
Another weak point of the B207E/Z20NET is the ECU. The electronics is installed not in the most favorable place under the hood, is constantly exposed to high temperatures and gets very warm. The standard life of the ECU does not exceed 250 thousand kilometers of mileage. The need to replace the module can be recognized by the poor performance of injectors, engine trojan, sudden engine stops, too light exhaust smoke. It is impossible to repair the ECU, you have to replace it with a similar new or used unit, as well as re-flashing before installation.
Failures of the crankcase gas ventilation valve
The ventilation valve is located in the exhaust manifold. Valve failure automatically causes the crankcase gases to flow in both directions. Traction is lost, the car reacts smoothly to the accelerator pedal. Often oil leaks are recorded from under the vacuum pump gasket. Sometimes oil deposits appear on the inlet. Replacing the valve allows you to eliminate the problem and return the original characteristics of the power unit.
Turbine problems
The B207E engine for Saab is equipped with turbines from two manufacturers. Possible options: a unit from Mitsubishi or an analog from Garret. Products of the first type are installed on motors with a capacity of 210 horsepower. The brand of the turbine is Mitsubishi TD04-14T. For 150 and 170-horsepower motors produced after 2006, a Mitsubishi TD04-11TK turbine is installed. On earlier models, Garret GT2052 equipment was used.
If necessary, 150 and 170 horsepower motors can be equipped with an advanced turbine from Aero, to bring the engine power up to 210 hp. This will also require re-flashing the control unit. Each of these turbines is equipped with bypass valves that bleed off excess pressure when closing the flap. Such a design has disadvantages, the loss of power is due precisely to underinflating the turbine on the valves.
The rubber diaphragm in the actuator of the bypass valve can in some cases tear. If a Mitsubishi turbine is installed on the car, you can buy an original repair kit and restore the performance of the unit. Garret turbines are less repairable, the original valve can be bought only as an assembly. At the same time, you can replace the diaphragm with their repair kit for Volvo. Some craftsmen manage to install a bypass from Mitsubishi on Garret or restore the torn diaphragm.
Another cause of turbine underinflating can be the breakage of the electro-vacuum valve. As a result, the bypass becomes uncontrollable. An obvious symptom is an increase in traction immediately after starting the engine. Fan speed relay failures can also cause underblow.
Transmission timing chain problems
The standard service life of the timing chain drive and balancers is about 200,000 kilometers of mileage.
Knocking, rattling and clanking are clear signs of failure of the unit. They manifest themselves at cold start of the power unit. If the timing chain is not replaced in time, metal chips begin to appear. The consequences are expressed in scoring on the liners and clogging of oil channels. The most unpleasant situation occurs due to overskipping of the stretched chain, as a result of which the valves are bent, the engine requires major repairs.
The cost of replacing 2 chains, tensioner, gears and shoes requires considerable financial expenses. Therefore, the condition and operation of B207E/Z20NET engines should be constantly monitored.