The Renault M9R 838 is a 1,995 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. Developed jointly with Nissan under the Renault–Nissan Alliance, it features a common‑rail fuel system, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). Power output ranges from 110 kW (150 PS) to 130 kW (177 PS), with peak torque between 340–380 Nm, providing strong low‑rpm pulling power ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models in…
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 variants comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Renault M9R 838 is a 1,995 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size and large passenger vehicles (2010–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and smooth highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
Power output | 110–130 kW (150–177 PS) | |
Torque | 340–380 Nm @ 2,000–2,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2010–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
Compression ratio | 15.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett or BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; durable design) | |
Oil type | Renault RN0720 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
Dry weight | 165 kg |
The Renault M9R 838 was used across Renault's Laguna III, Mégane III, Scénic III, Espace IV, and Koleos platforms with transverse mounting and co-developed with Nissan for shared applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Espace and revised intake manifolds in the Mégane R.S. dCi—and from 2015 the Euro 6 variants adopted a new EGR cooler and updated DPF control logic, creating interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Nissan to use the same block in the Qashqai, X-Trail, and Navara. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M9R 838's primary reliability risk is dual-mass flywheel (DMF) failure, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use and short-trip driving. Renault internal service data (2013) indicated up to 30% of pre-2014 engines required DMF replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show EGR-related emissions faults as a common failure mode in high-mileage examples. Frequent cold starts and infrequent oil changes accelerate wear, making adherence to service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2010–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M9R 838 offers strong performance and refinement, but early models (2010–2013) are prone to dual-mass flywheel and EGR issues. Later Euro 6 variants (2015+) improved reliability with updated components. Regular oil changes using RN0720 5W-30 and avoiding short trips greatly extend engine life.
Top issues include dual-mass flywheel wear, EGR cooler clogging, high-pressure fuel pump (CP4.2) failure, and turbo actuator sticking. These are well-documented in Renault service bulletins RNT/2011/08 and RNT/2012/03, especially in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles.
The M9R 838 powered the Laguna III, Mégane III, Scénic III, Espace IV, and Koleos from 2010–2018. It was also used by Nissan in the Qashqai, X-Trail, and Navara under joint development. Power outputs range from 150 to 177 PS across both brands.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +20–30 kW safely on stock hardware, as the M9R internals are robust. Higher stages require upgraded turbo, intercooler, and fuel system. Tuning should include DPF/EGR management and use of high-quality diesel to avoid pump failure.
In a Mégane III 2.0 dCi 150, expect ~5.5 L/100km (city) and ~4.2 L/100km (highway), or ~52 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 48–55 mpg (UK), depending on model, driving style, and maintenance condition.
Yes. The M9R series is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain is generally durable with proper oil maintenance.
Renault specifies 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting RN0720 (low-SAPS) standard. This protects the DPF and turbo. Change every 20,000 km or 12 months—whichever comes first—to prevent sludge and fuel pump wear.
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
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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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
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