The Renault M9R 856 is a 2,188 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, Bosch common‑rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 170 kW (230 PS) and 480 Nm of torque, with high mid‑range responsiveness suited to performance‑oriented SUV and executive applications.
Fitted to models such as the Talisman GT, Espace V Initiale Paris, and Koleos II—specifically the dCi 230 variants—the M9R 856 was engineered for brisk acceleration, refined highway cruising, and towing capability. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue, meeting Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Renault Service Information Bulletin NTM‑14‑2017. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under high-load conditions and was addressed in mid‑2018 with a revised cam follower design and updated ECU calibration to reduce injection pressure spikes.

All production years 2016–2020 meet Euro 6b or Euro 6d-TEMP standards depending on registration date (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2016/10482).
The Renault M9R 856 is a 2,188 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for premium SUVs and executive sedans (2016–2020). It combines Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver high torque and responsive performance. Designed to meet Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards, it integrates SCR/AdBlue technology for NOx control while maintaining drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,188 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 170 kW (230 PS) | |
| Torque | 480 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2016–2017); Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 15.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0720 / ACEA C5 (SAE 0W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 190 kg |
The M9R 856 delivers high torque and rapid throttle response but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using RN0720/ACEA C5 (0W‑30) oil to protect the CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump and cam follower. Extended oil life or incorrect viscosity increases risk of HPFP seizure and cam lobe wear. AdBlue quality must meet ISO 22241 standards; contaminated fluid can damage the SCR catalyst. DPF regeneration cycles must complete uninterrupted—frequent short trips may trigger limp mode or require forced regeneration. Post-2018 units feature revised cam followers per Renault NTM‑14‑2017.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0720 or ACEA C5 (0W‑30) specification (Renault SIB NTM‑14‑2017). Not compatible with older C2/C3 oils due to LSPI protection requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2016–2017 builds; Euro 6d-TEMP confirmed for 2018–2020 registrations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2016/10482).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Renault PT‑2018).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M9R‑ENG‑01, M9R‑TURBO‑05, NTM‑14‑2017
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2016/10482)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Renault M9R 856 was used across Renault's Talisman, Espace V, and Koleos II platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced transmission mounts in the Talisman GT and revised exhaust routing in the Koleos—and from mid‑2018 the HPFP/cam follower upgrade improved durability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the cylinder head flange (Renault TIS M9R‑ID‑01). The 7th VIN digit for Renault vehicles is 'A' for M9R 856 applications. Pre-mid‑2018 units use Bosch EDC17C84 ECU with early HPFP (part 0445020XXX); post-mid‑2018 revisions use updated HPFP (0445020YYY) and revised cam follower. Critical differentiation from M9R 844: M9R 856 has higher boost pressure (2.5 bar), SCR/AdBlue system, and requires RN0720 oil.
The M9R 856's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to aggressive driving or extended oil intervals. Renault internal field data from 2018 indicated over 9% of pre-mid‑2018 engines required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show SCR-related failures rising after 140,000 km in high-mileage fleets. High-load operation and poor oil quality accelerate HPFP degradation, making oil discipline and AdBlue purity critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2016–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT M9R-856.
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