The Renault 807 727 is a 2,188 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 1996 and 2002. It features a direct-injection combustion chamber, a fixed-geometry turbocharger, and a mechanical fuel pump, delivering outputs of 80–90 PS. Its robust design prioritised torque and durability for light commercial and passenger vehicle applications.
Fitted to models such as the Espace II, Trafic II, and Kangoo, the 807 727 was engineered for consistent low-RPM torque and long-distance reliability under heavy load conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust gas recirculation and an open-loop air injection system, allowing compliance with Euro 2 standards in markets adopting legislation from 1996 onwards.
One documented concern is injector nozzle carbonisation, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin SI-807-03. This issue stems from prolonged idling and poor fuel quality leading to incomplete combustion and soot accumulation in the nozzle tips. Renault addressed this by revising the injection timing map and recommending stricter fuel filtration requirements from mid-1999 onwards.

Production years 1996–2000 meet Euro 2 standards; 2001–2002 models may have enhanced emissions controls depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6543).
The Renault 807 727 is a 2,188 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1996–2002). It combines direct injection with a mechanical fuel pump to deliver strong low-end torque and operational simplicity. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it balances ruggedness with straightforward servicing requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,188 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 96.0 mm | |
| Power output | 80–90 PS | |
| Torque | 170–180 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE mechanical injection pump, direct injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SE 15W-40 | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The mechanical injection system provides linear throttle response suitable for towing and highway cruising but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil changes using SE 15W-40 to protect the camshaft and injection pump. Extended idling accelerates injector nozzle coking, necessitating periodic cleaning per Renault SIB 807-03. Air filter maintenance is critical due to high particulate intake loads; failure causes premature cylinder wear. The chain tensioner is non-adjustable and should be replaced at 120,000 km or if rattle is audible. Fuel must meet minimum cetane rating of 48 to prevent detonation and ensure smooth cold starts.
Oil Specs: Requires SE 15W-40 specification (Renault SIB 807-01). Supersedes ACEA A1/A2 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6543). Post-1999 models feature minor exhaust modifications.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 90 PS output requires minimum 48 cetane diesel (Renault TIS Doc. A807-01).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A807-01, A807-05, SIB 807-01, SIB 807-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6543)
DIN 70020: Engine Power Measurement Standards
The Renault 807 727 was used across Renault's Espace/Trafic/Kangoo platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised exhaust manifolds on the Espace and modified mount brackets on the Kangoo—and from 1999 the facelifted Trafic LCI adopted the 807 727B variant with revised injector spray patterns, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-hand side of the block above the oil pan flange (Renault TIS A807-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for 807 series). Pre-1999 units have a cast iron exhaust manifold with a single outlet; post-1999 units feature a welded steel manifold with dual outlets. Critical differentiation from 807 727B: Original 807 727 has Bosch VE pump with 4mm nozzle diameter; 807 727B uses 3.8mm nozzles and revised timing. Service parts require production date verification – injector kits for pre-1999 engines are incompatible with later units due to spray angle differences (Renault SIB 807-03).
The Renault 807 727's primary reliability risk is injector nozzle carbonisation on pre-1999 builds, with elevated incidence in prolonged idling and urban driving. Internal Renault quality reports showed over 18% of pre-1999 engines required injector replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records indicate that 25% of failures linked to smoke emissions were caused by restricted nozzle flow. Extended idling and use of low-cetane fuel accelerate combustion residue buildup, making fuel quality and idle duration critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1997–2003) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000–2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT 807-727.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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