The Dacia H4M 738 is a 1,598 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2018. It is part of the Renault-Nissan M4M/H4M family, designed for durability and low-cost ownership. Featuring a cast-iron block, aluminium head, and multi-point fuel injection (MPi), it delivers 85 kW (115 PS) and 152 Nm of torque. Its SOHC 8-valve design prioritises simplicity and serviceability.
Fitted to models such as the Dacia Logan, Sandero, and Duster, the H4M 738 was engineered for economical daily transport and emerging market reliability. Its driving character is smooth and linear, with strong low-end response suitable for urban and rural use. Emissions compliance was achieved via a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, allowing Euro 4 compliance from 2008 and Euro 5 from 2010, verified under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves in stop-start driving conditions, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin TIS-ENG-0247 (2015). This results from port fuel injection and absence of direct injection cleaning effects. From 2014, revised piston ring designs were introduced to reduce oil consumption in later production runs.
Production years 2008–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2018 models comply with Euro 5 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Dacia H4M 738 is a 1,598 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for budget-oriented compact models (2008–2018). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a cast-iron block for durability, delivering reliable urban and highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances cost-effective operation with proven mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 83.6 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 152 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPi) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2008–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (renew every 120,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (ACEA A1/B1 or A5/B5) | |
| Dry weight | 117 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable throttle response ideal for city driving but requires regular high-RPM operation to mitigate intake valve carbon buildup. Adherence to 120,000 km timing belt replacement intervals per Renault SIB TIS-ENG-0112 is critical to prevent engine damage. SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 oil meeting ACEA A1/B1 or A5/B5 is sufficient for most climates. The MPi system is less prone to injector clogging than GDI but benefits from periodic fuel system cleaning. Post-2014 engines show reduced oil consumption due to revised piston rings; pre-2014 units should be monitored for usage above 1,500 km/month.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A1/B1 or A5/B5 specification (Renault SIB TIS-ENG-0112). BMW Longlife or MB-Approval oils are not required.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2010 and later models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Market-specific variants may differ.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades 95–98 RON (Renault TIS Doc. M4M-H4M-POWER-08).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M4M-H4M-TECH-001, TIS-ENG-0112, TIS-ENG-0247
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
UNECE Regulation No. 85 (ECE R85)
The Dacia H4M 738 was used across Dacia's Logan, Sandero, and Duster platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Renault and Nissan in emerging markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Sandero and revised engine mounts in the Duster-and from 2014 the facelifted Logan II adopted revised piston rings to reduce oil consumption, creating service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block, below the exhaust manifold (Renault TIS M4M-H4M-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('K' for H4M 738). Pre-2014 models have green valve covers; post-2014 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from H4M 736: H4M 738 produces 115 PS (85 kW), while H4M 736 produces 105 PS (77 kW). Service parts require production date verification—timing belts and tensioners for pre-2014 engines are not compatible with post-2014 revisions due to updated pulley alignment (Renault SIB TIS-ENG-0112).
The H4M 738's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup in urban use, with elevated incidence in vehicles driven under 15 km per trip. Renault field reports from 2016 indicated over 30% of high-mileage units showed restricted airflow, while VCA MOT data links hesitation and misfires to uncleaned intake systems. Short-trip driving and low-octane fuel increase deposit formation, making periodic cleaning and use of quality petrol critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2010-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DACIA H4M738.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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