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—specifica…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M9R 856 offers strong performance and refinement, but pre-mid‑2018 models are prone to HPFP cam follower wear if oil changes are neglected or incorrect oil is used. Post-mid‑2018 revisions improved HPFP durability. Using RN0720/ACEA C5 oil and avoiding aggressive short-trip driving greatly enhance longevity.
Top issues include HPFP cam follower wear, SCR/AdBlue system faults, DPF ash clogging, and VGT turbo actuator seizure. These are documented in Renault service bulletins NTM‑14‑2017 and NTM‑09‑2018, with clear OEM repair paths.
The M9R 856 powered the Talisman (2016–2020), Espace V Initiale Paris (2016–2020), and Koleos II (2016–2020), all as the dCi 230 variant. It was not used in smaller models like Megane or Scénic, nor in Nissan applications.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +30–40 kW (40–54 PS) and +80–100 Nm safely, as the internals are robust. However, tuning increases stress on the HPFP and turbo, so upgraded fuel system, intercooler, and RN0720 oil are essential for sustained performance.
In a Talisman dCi 230, expect ~7.2 L/100km (city) and ~5.4 L/100km (highway), or about 42 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 38–45 mpg (UK), depending on driving style, DPF regeneration frequency, and AdBlue system status.
Yes. The M9R series is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain is generally reliable with proper maintenance.
Renault specifies SAE 0W‑30 oil meeting RN0720 or ACEA C5 standards. Using non-approved oil risks HPFP failure and increased LSPI (low-speed pre-ignition) potential. Change every 15,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with RENAULT or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
RENAULT Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialRENAULT documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.