The Renault L7X 731 is a 2,188 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2000 and 2006. It features a cast‑iron block, aluminium head, indirect injection via pre-chambers, and a fixed‑geometry turbocharger. In its 85 kW (115 PS) form, it delivers peak torque of 270 Nm, providing strong pulling power suited to larger vehicles and light towing.
Fitted to models like the Laguna II and Espace III, the L7X 731 was engineered for comfortable, torque-rich performance in D-segment applications. Emissions compliance was met through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and oxidation catalysts, achieving Euro 3 standards for its entire production run.
A documented concern involves injector seal and pre-chamber liner failures, leading to coolant contamination and combustion issues, as noted in Renault Technical Note EM‑4891. This design, while robust for its era, was superseded by common-rail direct injection engines offering improved refinement and emissions control.
All production years (2000–2006) meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
The Renault L7X 731 is a 2,188 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for D-segment sedans and MPVs (2000-2006). It combines indirect injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-to-mid range torque for relaxed cruising and light load carrying. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it prioritizes durability and torque over ultimate refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,188 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 94.0 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) | |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection (Bosch VP44 rotary pump) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 18.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo and indirect injection provide robust, predictable torque but lack the refinement of later common-rail engines. Using Renault RN0700 (10W-40) oil is critical for injector and turbo longevity. The timing belt must be replaced at strict 120,000 km or 5-year intervals to prevent catastrophic interference engine failure. Injector seal failures are a known issue; symptoms include coolant loss and white smoke. Replacement requires specialized tools per Renault Technical Note EM-4891.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (10W-40) specification for pre-common-rail engines (Renault SIB EM-4891).
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all model years (2000–2006) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across model years (Renault TIS Doc. L7X-003).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs L7X-001, L7X-002, L7X-003, SIB EM-4891
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5123)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault L7X 731 was used across Renault's D-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-different engine mounts and accessory brackets for the Laguna II versus the Espace III-but no major revisions occurred during its production run. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, near the alternator (Renault TIS L7X-005). The 8th VIN digit often corresponds to the engine variant ('L' for L7X series). All L7X 731 engines feature a distinctive Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump mounted on the side of the engine block. Critical differentiation from later dCi engines: The L7X 731 uses indirect injection with pre-chambers and an 8-valve SOHC head, unlike the 16-valve DOHC common-rail engines that followed. Service parts, particularly for the fuel system, are unique to this engine family.
The L7X 731's primary reliability risk is injector seal and pre-chamber liner failure, leading to coolant ingress into the combustion chamber. Renault internal workshop data indicated a high incidence of this failure around the 150,000 km mark, while UK DVSA records show a correlation between age-related coolant system failures and MOT advisories for white exhaust smoke. Strict adherence to maintenance intervals is critical for longevity.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2000-2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT L7X-731.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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