The Renault M9R 740 is a 2,148 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced from 2006 through 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form, it delivered outputs ranging from 110 kW (150 PS) to 127 kW (173 PS), engineered for premium compact and mid-size applications.
Fitted to models like the Renault Laguna III, Mégane III, and Scénic III, the M9R 740 balanced strong low-end torque with refined highway cruising. Emissions compliance evolved from Euro 4 to Euro 5 standards, achieved through a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.
A well-documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump, particularly in pre-2010 units, as referenced in Renault Technical Note MEC‑0523. This issue, often linked to fuel lubricity and contamination, led to a revised pump design and stricter fuel quality recommendations in later production runs.
Production years 2006–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2018 models meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Renault M9R 740 is a 2,148 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for premium compact and mid‑size vehicles (2006-2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong, flexible torque and refined performance. Designed to meet evolving Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it targets drivers seeking efficiency with premium drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,148 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 88.3 mm | |
| Power output | 110–127 kW (150–173 PS) | |
| Torque | 340–360 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2006–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0710 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 189 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong, flexible torque across a wide rev range but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to protect the timing chain and turbo actuator. Renault RN0710 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its specific additive package for the Bosch CP4 pump. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards is mandatory to prevent pump seizure. The DPF system requires regular highway driving for passive regeneration; frequent short trips can lead to filter clogging. Pre-2010 models are most susceptible to pump failure per Renault Technical Note MEC-0523.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0710 (5W-30) specification (Renault Owner's Manual). Equivalent to ACEA B4 standard.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2006-2009 models; Euro 5 for 2010-2018 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output varies by model and year (Renault TIS Doc. MEC-2050).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs MEC-2048, MEC-2049, MEC-2050, Technical Note MEC-0523
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault M9R 740 was used across Renault's C/D-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-unique engine mounts for the Laguna III-but no major facelift revisions affected core compatibility. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface at the front of the cylinder block, near the alternator (Renault TIS MEC-2054). The 8th VIN digit typically indicates engine displacement ('8' for 2.0L dCi). All M9R 740 engines have a black plastic cam cover with "dCi" branding. Critical differentiation from the M9R 760/780: M9R 740 is the base variant; 760/780 denote higher power outputs with different ECU maps and injectors. Service parts for the fuel system are specific to the Bosch CP4 pump and not interchangeable with Siemens systems used in other Renault diesels.
The M9R 740's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to poor fuel quality or irregular maintenance. Renault internal reports from 2011 indicated a significant failure rate before 120,000 km in non-compliant vehicles, while UK DVSA data shows DPF-related issues are common in urban-driven examples. Adherence to fuel and oil specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
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 M9R-740.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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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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