The Renault 852 720 is a 1,870 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2001 and 2010. It features common-rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form, it delivered outputs ranging from 81 kW (110 PS) to 96 kW (130 PS), engineered for responsive performance in passenger cars.
Fitted primarily to the Mégane II, Scénic II, and Laguna II, the 852 720 was designed to offer a blend of fuel economy, strong low-end torque for urban drivability, and refined cruising. Emissions compliance was met through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) on later models, aligning with Euro 4 standards for its production period.
One documented concern is premature failure of the EGR cooler, which can lead to coolant contamination and overheating. This issue, referenced in Renault Technical Note MEC 04‑08, is often caused by internal corrosion and thermal stress. From approximately 2006, revised coolers with improved materials and design were introduced across the model range.
Production years 2001–2010 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8910). DPF-equipped variants from 2006 comply with Euro 4b.
The Renault 852 720 is a 1,870 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size passenger vehicles (2001-2010). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑end torque and efficient highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances everyday drivability with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,870 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 93.0 mm | |
| Power output | 81–96 kW (110–130 PS) | |
| Torque | 240–300 Nm @ 1,750–2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Common-rail direct injection (Siemens or Delphi) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable-geometry turbo (Garrett or Mitsubishi) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | ACEA B4 (Renault RN0700/RN0710), SAE 5W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong, lag-free torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 20,000 km oil change intervals to prevent turbo and EGR system degradation. ACEA B4 (RN0700/RN0710) 5W-40 oil is critical due to its specific formulation for high-pressure common-rail systems. Extended idling should be minimized to reduce soot buildup in the EGR cooler and DPF. The EGR cooler (pre-2006) is a known failure point; revised units are available per Renault MEC 04-08. DPF-equipped models require periodic highway driving for passive regeneration.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA B4 specification meeting Renault RN0700 or RN0710 (Renault Tech. Manual 77 11 420 000).
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2001–2010 production (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8910). DPF variants meet Euro 4b from 2006.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies by application and ECU mapping (Renault Group PT-2005).
Renault Technical Information System: Manuals 77 11 420 000, Notes MEC 04-08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8910)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Renault 852 720 was used across Renault's Mégane/Scénic/Laguna platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received no major platform-specific adaptations during its production run, though minor ECU and emissions hardware revisions occurred. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on a flat boss on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Renault Tech. Manual 77 11 420 000). The full code '852 720' must be visible. Visually, it is a transverse-mounted inline-four with a plastic cam cover and a variable-geometry turbocharger mounted at the front. Differentiate from the 864 720 by its 1.9L displacement and specific ECU part number. Service parts for the EGR cooler changed around 2006; verify part number against VIN for correct replacement (Renault Note MEC 04-08).
The 852 720's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or stop-start urban vehicles. Renault internal data indicated a high replacement rate for pre-2006 coolers, while fleet reports frequently cite DPF regeneration faults in vehicles with predominantly short journeys. Extended idling and infrequent oil changes accelerate wear on the turbo and injection system.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2003-2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2008-2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT 852-720.
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