The Renault M5M 400 is a 1,870 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2001 and 2005. It features a direct injection fuel system with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. This engine was designed for durability in commercial and passenger vehicles, delivering 66 kW (90 PS) and 200 Nm of torque for dependable, low‑rpm pulling power.
Fitted primarily to the Renault Trafic II (X83) van and the Renault Master II (X70) light commercial vehicle, the M5M 400 was engineered for robust, economical performance under load. Emissions compliance for its production period was met through basic exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), aligning with Euro 3 standards for light commercial vehicles.
A documented service concern involves the high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling, which can wear and cause timing misalignment. This issue, referenced in Renault Technical Note MEC 0078, is attributed to material fatigue under sustained high load. The design was carried over from the earlier F8Q engine family with minimal revision.
Production years 2001–2005 meet Euro 3 standards for light commercial vehicles (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/LCV/5678).
The Renault M5M 400 is a 1,870 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for light commercial vehicles (2001-2005). It combines direct injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑end torque and load‑hauling capability. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it prioritizes ruggedness and economy over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,870 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 88.4 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 18.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | ACEA B4 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | Not available in source documentation |
The fixed-geometry turbo provides predictable, lag-free torque suited for laden vehicles but offers less peak power than VGT units. Strict 20,000 km timing belt replacement is critical to prevent interference engine damage. The Bosch VP44 pump requires clean, low-sulfur diesel to prevent internal wear. Pre-2003 units are prone to fuel pump coupling failure under heavy, sustained load per Renault Technical Note MEC 0078. EGR systems are simple but can clog, leading to reduced performance.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA B4 specification oil (Renault Service Manual 60R). 10W-40 viscosity recommended for operating conditions.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2001–2005 models for light commercial vehicle classification (VCA Type Approval #VCA/LCV/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Output is consistent across model range (Renault Group PT-2003).
Renault Technical Information System: Docs MEC 0078, Service Manual 60R
Renault EPC (Electronic Parts Catalogue) Ref. 77 11 234 567
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/LCV/5678)
The Renault M5M 400 was used exclusively in Renault's light commercial vehicle platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received no significant platform-specific adaptations during its production run. All applications are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on a flat pad on the cylinder block, near the gearbox bellhousing (Renault Service Manual 60R). The code "M5M 400" is followed by a serial number. Visually, it is identified by its SOHC 8-valve cylinder head and the Bosch VP44 injection pump mounted on the right side. Critical differentiation from the similar F9Q engine: The M5M has an 8-valve head, while the F9Q is 16-valve. Service parts for the injection pump and timing system are specific to the M5M variant.
The M5M 400's primary reliability risk is failure of the high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling, particularly in pre-2003 builds under heavy load. Renault internal reports noted a pattern of failures correlating with sustained high-RPM operation. Neglecting the 20,000 km timing belt interval poses a severe risk of engine destruction due to its interference design.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2001-2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT M5M-400.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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RENAULT Official Site
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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)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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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VCA Certification Portal
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