The Renault K4M 753 is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with 16 valves and multi‑point fuel injection, delivering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness for urban and highway driving. Output ranges from 79 kW (107 PS) to 84 kW (114 PS), with torque figures around 148–151 Nm.
Fitted to models such as the Clio III, Mégane III, and Scénic III, the K4M 753 was engineered for everyday practicality and smooth, linear power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control and precise fuel metering, allowing the engine to meet Euro 4 and, in later iterations, Euro 5 standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft and its lobes, particularly in engines produced before 2010. This issue, referenced in Renault Technical Note MEC‑08‑012, is often linked to insufficient lubrication under specific operating conditions. Renault addressed this by revising the camshaft material and oil gallery design in subsequent production runs.
Production years 2008–2010 meet Euro 4 standards; 2011–2015 models meet Euro 5 compliance (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Renault K4M 753 is a 1,598 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact and family hatchbacks/MPVs (2008-2015). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with DOHC 16-valve architecture to deliver smooth, linear power and everyday drivability. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.5 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 79–84 kW (107–114 PS) | |
| Torque | 148–151 Nm @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Siemens) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2008–2010); Euro 5 (2011–2015) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven (requires periodic replacement) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable, linear power ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 30,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Renault RN0700 (5W-40) oil is critical for protecting the valvetrain, particularly the exhaust camshaft prone to wear in early units. The engine is sensitive to fuel quality; use of E10 petrol meeting EN 228 standards is recommended. Pre-2010 engines should have the exhaust camshaft inspected at 100,000 km; post-2010 units feature the revised component per Renault Technical Note MEC‑08‑012. The electronic throttle body requires periodic cleaning to maintain idle stability.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (5W-40) specification (Renault Technical Note LUB‑01‑005). Equivalent ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2008–2010 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 5 compliance confirmed for 2011–2015 models.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies by model application and ECU calibration (Renault Technical Manual 60A).
Renault Technical Information System: Manuals 60A, Notes MEC‑08‑012, LUB‑01‑005
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Renault K4M 753 was used across Renault's B/C-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Scénic and revised intake manifolds in facelifted Mégane models-and from 2011 the updated K4M 754 variant with minor ECU and emissions tweaks, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, near the gearbox flange (Renault Tech. Manual 60A). The 8th VIN digit typically corresponds to the engine type ('K' for K4M family). Early models (pre-2011) have a black plastic cam cover with '16V' branding; later models may have a textured grey cover. Critical differentiation from K4M 754: K4M 753 uses a Siemens SIM32 ECU with a specific part number suffix; K4M 754 uses a Continental ECU. Service parts, particularly for the camshaft and timing kit, require verification of the engine's production date and ECU type for compatibility (Renault Technical Note MEC‑08‑012).
The K4M 753's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Renault internal service data indicated a notable number of pre-2010 engines required camshaft replacement before 150,000 km, while owner reports frequently cite timing belt tensioner noise as a precursor to potential failure. Extended oil change intervals and use of incorrect oil viscosity accelerate cam wear, making adherence to service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2008-2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT K4M-753.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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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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