Engine Code

RENAULT M9R-865 engine (2015–2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Renault M9R 865 is a 1,995 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2015 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). In standard form it delivered 120 kW (163 PS), with torque peaking at 380 Nm for responsive performance across the rev range.

Fitted to models such as the Mégane IV, Scénic IV, and Espace V—including the dCi 160 variants—the M9R 865 was engineered for refined drivability and compliance with stringent Euro 6b emissions standards. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection.

One documented concern is AdBlue system crystallisation in cold or infrequent-use conditions, highlighted in Renault Service Information Bulletin NTM 10‑089. This issue stems from improper dosing or use of non-compliant fluid, leading to injector blockage and NOx catalyst inefficiency. From 2016, revised dosing strategies and fluid quality advisories were reinforced to improve system robustness.

Renault Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2015–2018 meet Euro 6b standards across all markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

M9R-865 Technical Specifications

The Renault M9R 865 is a 1,995 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size platforms (2015–2018). It combines Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver smooth torque and responsive acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions from launch, it integrates SCR/AdBlue technology alongside EGR and DPF systems.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,995 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke84.0 mm × 90.0 mm
Power output120 kW (163 PS)
Torque380 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm
Fuel systemBosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6b
Compression ratio15.5:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett)
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted)
Oil typeRenault RN0720 (ACEA C3, SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight172 kg
Practical Implications

The M9R 865 delivers smooth, high-torque performance ideal for both urban and highway use but requires strict adherence to 20,000 km oil change intervals to protect the CP4.2 fuel pump and timing chain. Renault RN0720 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its low-SAPS formulation, which safeguards the DPF, SCR catalyst, and turbocharger. Use only ISO 22241-compliant AdBlue and EN 590 diesel to prevent SCR injector crystallisation and fuel pump wear. Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate carbon buildup in the EGR and intake. AdBlue system integrity must be maintained—low-quality fluid can permanently damage the NOx catalyst.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0720 (5W-30) specification (Renault SIB NTM 08‑112). Equivalent to ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additive limits.

Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all 2015–2018 M9R 865 engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 120 kW output requires EN 590-compliant diesel with minimum lubricity (Renault TIS Doc. M9R‑010).

Primary Sources

Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M9R‑001, M9R‑002, M9R‑005, NTM 07‑045, NTM 10‑089

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code

M9R-865 Compatible Models

The Renault M9R 865 was used across Renault's Mégane IV and Scénic IV platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Nissan for select Euro 6 applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—enhanced cooling in the Espace V and revised engine mounts in the Kadjar—and from 2017 the introduction of updated AdBlue control modules created minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Nissan's dCi 160 variant in the X-Trail (T32). All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Renault
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
Mégane IV
Variants:
dCi 160
View Source
Renault PT‑2019
Make:
Renault
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
Scénic IV
Variants:
dCi 160
View Source
Renault TIS Doc. M9R‑008
Make:
Renault
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
Espace V
Variants:
dCi 160
View Source
Renault TIS Doc. M9R‑009
Make:
Renault
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
Kadjar
Variants:
dCi 160
View Source
Renault TIS Doc. M9R‑011
Make:
Nissan
Years:
2016–2018
Models:
X-Trail (T32)
Variants:
dCi 160
View Source
Nissan EPC #NIS-M9R-2016
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the cylinder head (Renault TIS M9R‑003). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('8' for M9R 865). All M9R 865 units feature black cam covers and Continental EMS3125 ECU with AdBlue dosing module. Critical differentiation from M9R 854: M9R 865 is the 163 PS variant with revised boost map and updated NOx sensor calibration. Service parts require production date verification—AdBlue injectors for engines before 03/2016 use different electrical connectors per Renault NTM 10‑089.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Renault TIS Doc. M9R‑003

Location:

Stamped on the left-side engine block near the cylinder head (Renault TIS M9R‑003).

Visual Cues:

Black cam cover, Continental EMS3125 ECU, visible AdBlue tank and dosing unit
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

  • Renault NTM 10‑089
  • Renault TIS Doc. M9R‑012

Fuel System:

CP4.2 pump is shared with M9R 854 but uses different rail pressure maps and injector calibration.

Ad Blue System:

AdBlue injector and control module differ between pre- and post-03/2016 engines; electrical harnesses are not interchangeable.
AdBlue Maintenance

Issue:

M9R 865 engines are susceptible to AdBlue crystallisation when non-compliant fluid is used or during prolonged vehicle inactivity.

Evidence:

Renault NTM 10‑089

Recommendation:

Refill only with ISO 22241-certified AdBlue; run the vehicle for at least 20 minutes weekly to prevent deposit formation per Renault NTM 10‑089.

Common Reliability Issues - RENAULT M9R-865

The M9R 865's primary reliability risk is AdBlue system crystallisation, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-certified fluid or driven infrequently. Renault field reports from 2017 noted a significant share of dCi 160 vehicles requiring AdBlue injector replacement before 80,000 km in cold climates, while UK DVSA MOT data links NOx-related emissions failures to fluid quality issues in Euro 6 diesels. Extended short-trip driving and neglect of AdBlue top-ups further accelerate system degradation, making fluid compliance and usage patterns critical.

AdBlue injector crystallisation
Symptoms: Check Engine light, reduced power, AdBlue system fault codes, countdown to engine start lockout.
Cause: Use of non-ISO 22241 fluid or vehicle inactivity causing urea deposits to harden in the dosing injector and lines.
Fix: Replace AdBlue injector and flush lines with deionised water per Renault procedure; refill with certified fluid and reset system adaptations.
High-pressure fuel pump (CP4.2) wear
Symptoms: Hard starting, loss of power, fuel pressure DTCs, metallic particles in fuel filter.
Cause: Insufficient lubricity from low-quality diesel or extended service intervals causing internal scuffing in the Bosch CP4.2 pump.
Fix: Replace pump with latest OEM unit; flush entire fuel system and replace filter; verify diesel meets EN 590 standard.
NOx sensor drift or failure
Symptoms: Limp mode, excessive AdBlue consumption, NOx efficiency fault codes.
Cause: Thermal cycling and contamination leading to inaccurate NOx readings, triggering false SCR inefficiency alerts.
Fix: Replace upstream and downstream NOx sensors with OEM units; perform SCR efficiency test and adaptation reset.
EGR valve sticking
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, increased DPF regeneration frequency.
Cause: Carbon buildup on EGR valve stem due to short-trip driving and crankcase ventilation oil vapour.
Fix: Clean or replace EGR valve per Renault diagnostics; inspect and renew associated vacuum lines and actuators.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2015–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about RENAULT M9R-865

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT M9R-865.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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