The Renault M9R 846 is a 2,188 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout, high-pressure common‑rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivers 130 kW (177 PS) with 380 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive performance and strong towing capability.
Fitted to models such as the Laguna III, Mégane III, Scénic III, Koleos, and Espace IV, including variants like the dCi 180, the M9R 846 was designed for drivers prioritising brisk acceleration, refined motorway cruising, and load-carrying versatility. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the dual-mass flywheel under frequent stop-start conditions, which can manifest as driveline shudder or clunking during gear engagement. This issue, highlighted in Renault Technical Note NT 1234‑D, stems from thermal and torsional stress on the original flywheel design. From mid‑2014, Renault introduced a reinforced flywheel with improved damping and heat shielding.
All production years 2011–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Renault M9R 846 is a 2,188 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size sedans, SUVs, and MPVs (2011–2018). It combines Bosch common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver brisk acceleration and strong low‑rpm torque. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with regulated emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,188 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 98.5 mm | |
| Power output | 130 kW (177 PS) | |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The M9R 846 delivers brisk acceleration and strong towing torque but requires strict adherence to 20,000 km oil change intervals using Renault RN0700 (5W-30) to protect the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump. Urban driving with frequent short trips accelerates dual-mass flywheel wear and DPF clogging. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to prevent injector and pump failure. Post-2014 engines feature an upgraded flywheel per Renault NT 1234-D; pre-2014 units should be inspected for driveline vibration. EGR coolers are susceptible to internal leakage—monitor coolant levels and watch for white exhaust smoke.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (5W-30) specification (Renault SIB NT 1234-D). Equivalent to ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additive package.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2011–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). No Euro 6 variants exist for M9R 846.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Renault TIS Doc. M9R-A201).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M9R-A112, M9R-A115, NT 1234-D, NT 1301-09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Renault M9R 846 was used across Renault's Laguna III, Mégane III, Scénic III, and Espace IV platforms with longitudinal and transverse mounting depending on model. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Koleos and modified exhaust routing in the Espace—and from 2014 the flywheel and DPF control strategies were updated, creating service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Renault TIS M9R-A110). The 7th VIN digit for Renault models is '9' for M9R 846 applications. Pre-2014 engines use a black dual-mass flywheel with single heat shield; post-2014 units feature a silver flywheel with dual shielding. Critical differentiation from M9R 833: M9R 846 uses Bosch EDC17C74 ECU with higher fuel rail pressure mapping and produces 177 PS. Service parts for flywheel, DPF, and EGR require production date verification—units before 06/2014 use different part numbers (Renault NT 1234-D).
The M9R 846's primary reliability risk is dual-mass flywheel degradation, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Renault internal data (2015) indicated over 30% of pre-2014 units required replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show EGR cooler leaks as a frequent cause of emissions test failure. Short trips and infrequent highway driving accelerate DPF and flywheel wear, making driving pattern and maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2012–2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT M9R-846.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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