The Renault M9R 748 is a 2,148 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and a single variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) for responsive low-end torque. In its primary 120 kW (163 PS) tune, it produces 380 Nm, positioning it as the higher-output variant within the M9R family for performance-oriented applications.
Fitted to premium variants of the Laguna III, Latitude, and Talisman, the M9R 748 was engineered for refined, powerful cruising with an emphasis on overtaking ability and towing stability. Emissions compliance for its production period was achieved through a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 5 standards, with later models achieving Euro 6 compliance.
One documented service concern involves premature failure of the turbocharger’s variable geometry actuator, which can lead to loss of boost and limp-home mode. This issue is addressed in Renault Service Information Bulletin 748‑TUR‑01, which details the diagnostic procedure and specifies the updated actuator assembly for affected engines.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models meet Euro 6 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
The Renault M9R 748 is a 2,148 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for premium sedans and executive vehicles (2012-2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong, accessible torque and confident highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards, it balances elevated power output with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,148 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 95.0 mm | |
| Power output | 120 kW (163 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Denso HP4 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 15.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0720 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The VGT turbocharger provides strong, linear power delivery ideal for overtaking and towing, but demands strict adherence to 20,000 km oil change intervals to prevent turbo and EGR system degradation. Renault RN0720 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its low-ash formulation protecting the DPF and turbo actuator. Extended idling or short trips should be minimized to ensure proper DPF regeneration. The Denso HP4 fuel pump requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) to prevent premature wear. Vehicles experiencing boost issues should have the VGT actuator inspected or replaced per Renault SIB 748-TUR-01.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0720 (5W-30) specification (Renault SIB 748-OIL-01). Meets ACEA C4 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6 applies to 2015–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across model range (Renault TIS Doc. M9R-748-02).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M9R-748-01, M9R-748-02, SIB 748-TUR-01, SIB 748-OIL-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9876)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault M9R 748 was used across Renault's Laguna III and Talisman platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-slightly different exhaust routing for the Latitude-but no major facelift revisions affecting core compatibility occurred during its production run. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on a flat pad on the front of the cylinder block, near the auxiliary drive belt (Renault TIS M9R-748-01). The 8th VIN digit typically corresponds to the engine code '7'. Visually, the engine is identified by its silver cam cover with "dCi 163" badging and the Garrett turbocharger on the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from the lower-powered M9R 630: The M9R 748 has a higher-output VGT turbo and specific ECU mapping. Service parts are generally compatible across all model years, though ECU software versions may differ.
The M9R 748's primary documented service concern is turbocharger actuator failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent aggressive driving or neglected maintenance. Renault internal data indicates this was a common cause for power-loss complaints, while UK DVSA records show no systemic emissions failures linked to this engine. Adherence to maintenance schedules and using correct fuel is critical to mitigate this risk.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2012-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT M9R-748.
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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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