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Opel · Mid-Size · 2003–2008 Custom Search

Opel Signum Signum

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 9 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

177–184 PS

3.0L CDTI V6 Diesel

Signum diesel top

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

150 PS

1.9L CDTI Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Opel Signum Signum is available with 8 engine variants — from 101 to 280 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.9L CDTI · Diesel· 120–150 PS Engine Change
2004 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2004 2008
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.0L CDTI V6 · Diesel· 177–184 PS
2003 2008
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.8L 16V · Petrol· 140 PS
2005 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L Turbo · Petrol· 175 PS
2003 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.2L 16V Direct · Petrol· 155 PS
2004 2008
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.8L V6 Turbo · Petrol· 230 PS
2005 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.8L V6 Turbo VCT · Petrol· 250–256 PS
2006 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.2L V6 · Petrol· 211 PS
2003 2005
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Opel 1.9L CDTI (Diesel, 120–150 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Z19DT (2004–2008, Be Careful) and Z19DTH (2004–2008, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.9L CDTI!

The Opel 3.0L CDTI V6 (Diesel, 177–184 PS) has the Y30DT (3.0L CDTI V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.8L 16V (Petrol, 140 PS) has the Z18XER (1.8L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.0L Turbo (Petrol, 175 PS) has the Z20NET (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.2L 16V Direct (Petrol, 155 PS) has the Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.8L V6 Turbo (Petrol, 230 PS) has the Z28NEL (2.8L V6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.8L V6 Turbo VCT (Petrol, 250–256 PS) has the Z28NET (2.8L V6 Turbo VCT) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 3.2L V6 (Petrol, 211 PS) has the Z32SE (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!IDS electronic dampers worn

Electronically controlled ZF-Sachs dampers fail around 90,000–130,000 km. OEM parts over 1,600 €; aftermarket from 150 € per unit.

Symptoms: Harsh ride, fault message, IDS warning light, poor suspension.
from 100,000 km
Ad IDS shock absorber SignumZF Sachs 93190528
 Medium
●Track rods worn

Track rods and track rod ends show play from approx. 100,000 km. Parts are inexpensive but wheel alignment must be done afterwards.

Symptoms: Steering play, pulling under braking, rattling from the front when steering.
from 110,000 km
Ad tie rod Signumtie rod end Signum
 Low
●Shock absorbers worn (standard suspension)

Even without IDS, shock absorbers wear from approx. 100,000–130,000 km. Short-trip use accelerates wear.

Symptoms: Pitching over road waves, persistent bounce, uneven tyre wear, strong nose-dive under braking.
from 120,000 km
Ad shock absorber Signum rear
 Low

Alternatives

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Mid-Size (2006–2011)

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Mid-Size (2006–2011)

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Mid-Size (2006–2013)

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo 159 939

Mid-Size (2005–2011)

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Mid-Size (2005–2009)

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Mid-Size (2005–2013)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 50 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Signum Signum (2003–2008) — 37 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct), Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI), Y30DT (3.0L CDTI V6). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, HVAC, Electronics.

Signum (Y30DT, 2003–2008) — Stay Away!: Cylinder liner sinking — compression into cooling system, High-pressure pump metering unit clogged, M32 gearbox: bearing failure. Power: 177–184 PS.

Signum (Z19DT, 2004–2008) — Be Careful: Dual mass flywheel worn, Timing belt breaks when replacement interval is exceeded, EGR valve coked up. Power: 120 PS.

Signum (Z19DTH, 2004–2008) — Stay Away!: Swirl flap failure in intake manifold, Turbocharger failure (Garrett GT1749MV), Dual mass flywheel and M32 gearbox. Power: 150 PS.

Signum (Z20NET, 2003–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / tensioner faulty (pre-facelift), Turbocharger failure at high mileage, Bypass valve membrane torn — boost pressure loss. Power: 175 PS.

Signum (Z32SE, 2003–2005) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking (between cylinder banks), Head gasket faulty, Cam cover and oil pressure switch leaking. Power: 211 PS.

Signum (Z22YH, 2004–2008) — Stay Away!: High-pressure pump faulty, Timing chain stretch, EGR valve coking / actuator gear failure. Power: 155 PS.

Signum (Z18XER, 2005–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chain and tensioner worn, Electric thermostat faulty, Increased oil consumption at high mileage. Power: 140 PS.

Signum (Z28NEL, 2005–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chains stretch (V6 turbo), Misfires / juddering at idle, Turbocharger wastegate rattling. Power: 230 PS.

Signum (Z28NET, 2006–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chains stretch (V6 turbo VCT), Misfires / juddering at idle, Turbocharger wastegate / boost pressure loss. Power: 250–256 PS.

What to watch out for with the Opel Signum? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Signum Signum have? +
The Opel Signum Signum has 37 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Signum Signum? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Z18XER (1.8L 16V), Z20NET (2.0L Turbo), Z19DT (1.9L CDTI), Z28NEL (2.8L V6 Turbo), Z28NET (2.8L V6 Turbo VCT), Z32SE (3.2L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Y30DT (3.0L CDTI V6). Problem engine: Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI) — stay away!
Which Opel Signum Signum engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Opel Signum Signum — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 130 kW V6 diesel – the best engine in the Signum for long-distance trips.
Is the Opel Signum Signum worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Opel Signum Signum — 3 of 9 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Signum Signum? +
The Opel Signum Signum is available with engine variants from 101 to 280 hp. Petrol: Z18XER (1.8L 16V), Z20NET (2.0L Turbo), Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct), Z28NEL (2.8L V6 Turbo), Z28NET (2.8L V6 Turbo VCT), Z32SE (3.2L V6). Diesel: Z19DT (1.9L CDTI), Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI), Y30DT (3.0L CDTI V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee