Many of the company’s models were equipped with the 3.3-liter Toyota 3MZ-FE engine, which was manufactured in factories in the USA and Japan between 2002 and 2015. The motor had an ETCS-i electronic throttle, a variable length manifold, and a VVT-i phase regulator on the intake shaft.
The engines 1MZ-FE and 2MZ-FE are also part of the MZ family.
The engine was mounted 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
An impressive oil burn frequently starts on long runs;
RPM varies because of a dirty throttle; the valves always bend when the timing belt breaks;
severe engine tripping in the event that the VVT-i phase regulator valve fails;
The engine is highly susceptible to carbon deposits and fears overheating;
Power can drop dramatically as a result of clogged injectors; new knock sensors finally address this issue.