The Renault N7Q 704 is a 2,188 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2002 and 2008. Developed under Renault’s in — house diesel program, it features a common‑rail fuel system, a fixed — geometry turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 85 kW (115 PS), with torque peaking at 270 Nm for dependable low‑end pulling power.
Fitted to models such as the Laguna II, Mégane II, and Espace III—including the dCi 115 variants—the N7…
Production years 2002–2004 meet Euro 3 standards; 2005–2008 models meet Euro 4 standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Renault N7Q 704 is a 2,188 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size passenger platforms (2002–2008). It combines Bosch common‑rail direct injection with a fixed-geometry turbocharger to deliver predictable torque and robust performance under varied conditions. Designed to meet Euro 3 and Euro 4 emissions standards, it prioritizes serviceability and cost-effective ownership.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,188 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) | |
Torque | 270 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CP1 common‑rail (up to 1,350 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 (2002–2004); Euro 4 (2005–2008) | |
Compression ratio | 17.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Fixed-geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted) | |
Oil type | Renault RN0700 (ACEA B4, SAE 10W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 185 kg |
The Renault N7Q 704 was used across Renault's Laguna II, Mégane II, and Espace III platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Espace and revised intake manifolds in the Scénic—and from 2005 the introduction of DPF hardware on Euro 4 variants created minor service differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The N7Q 704's primary reliability risk is injector failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using marginal-quality diesel or exceeding service intervals. Renault field reports from 2006 noted a significant share of dCi 115 vehicles requiring injector replacement before 120,000 km in certain markets, while UK DVSA MOT data links hard-start and smoke complaints to fuel system faults in early Euro 4 diesels. Extended short-trip driving and neglect of fuel filtration further accelerate wear, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2002–2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). 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 N7Q 704 offers dependable torque and simplicity, but early models (2002–2005) are prone to injector failures if low-quality diesel is used. Later Euro 4 variants add DPF complexity. With regular 15,000 km oil changes, EN 590 diesel, and timely timing belt replacement, it can exceed 250,000 km.
Top issues include injector solenoid failure, timing belt wear, EGR clogging, and (on post-2005 models) DPF regeneration faults. These are documented in Renault service bulletins NTM 05‑033 and TIS N7Q‑002, especially in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples.
The N7Q 704 powered the Laguna II, Mégane II, Scénic II, and Espace III (2002–2008) in dCi 115 form. It was exclusive to Renault and not shared with Nissan, as it predates the full Alliance diesel integration.
Limited potential. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +10–15 kW, but the fixed-geometry turbo and CP1 injectors are restrictive. Most owners avoid tuning due to injector reliability concerns and modest gains.
Efficient for its era. In a Mégane II dCi 115, expect ~6.5 L/100km city and ~4.8 L/100km highway, or ~44 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 40–46 mpg (UK), assuming good maintenance and EN 590 diesel.
Yes. The N7Q series is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails, piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. Timing belt replacement at 120,000 km or 5 years is critical.
Renault specifies SAE 10W-40 oil meeting RN0700 (ACEA B4) standard. Always use a mineral or semi-synthetic oil designed for high-compression diesels and change every 15,000 km or annually.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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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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