The Renault S8U 770 is a 2,298 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features a high — pressure common‑rail fuel system, a fixed — geometry turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 120 kW (163 PS) and 380 Nm of torque, engineered for robust mid‑range pull and towing capability.
Fitted to models such as the Laguna III, Latitude, and Espace IV—including the 2.3 dCi 163 variants—the S8U 770 was engineered f…
All production years (2013–2018) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Renault S8U 770 is a 2,298 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size and large models (2013–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and dependable towing performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances load-carrying capability with regulated emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,298 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 92.4 mm | |
Power output | 120 kW (163 PS) | |
Torque | 380 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 15.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 168 kg |
The Renault S8U 770 was used across Renault's large sedan and MPV platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Nissan for select commercial applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Espace IV and revised cooling ducting in the Laguna III Estate—and from 2016 the facelifted Latitude adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Nissan's Navara and Pathfinder to use a closely related variant (dCi 163). All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The S8U 770's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load applications such as towing or fleet use. Renault internal field data (2016) indicated a measurable increase in head-related warranty claims for vehicles used >50% under load before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows DPF-related failures rising after 90,000 km in mixed-use profiles. Extended high-RPM operation and infrequent oil changes accelerate wear, making oil specification and service interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). 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 S8U 770 offers strong torque and excellent towing stability, but early units (2013–2015) have known exhaust camshaft wear issues under sustained load. Post-2015 revisions improved durability. With strict adherence to oil changes (Renault RN0700, every 15,000 km) and avoidance of continuous high-load operation, it can be reliable beyond 200,000 km.
Top issues include exhaust camshaft lobe wear, DPF regeneration failures in mixed driving, EGR valve sticking, and turbo wastegate actuator failure. These are documented in Renault SIB 12B05 and TIS updates, not anecdotal reports.
The 2.3 dCi 163 (S8U 770) appears in the Laguna III (2013–2015), Latitude (2013–2018), and Espace IV (2013–2015). Nissan also used a closely related variant in the Navara and Pathfinder (2014–2016) under their dCi 163 branding.
Yes, but cautiously. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +15–20 kW, leveraging the robust CP3 and fixed-geometry turbo. However, the exhaust camshaft remains a weak point—any tuning should include the SIB 12B05 upgrade and enhanced oil cooling to avoid premature failure.
Good for its class. In a Latitude 2.3 dCi 163, expect ~6.8 L/100km (city) and ~5.2 L/100km (highway), or ~48 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 42–50 mpg (UK), depending on load and maintenance.
Yes. Like all modern DOHC diesels, the S8U 770 is an interference design. Timing chain failure (rare but possible) can cause piston-to-valve contact and catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain has strong OEM durability when maintained properly.
Renault specifies RN0700 (5W-40) synthetic oil meeting ACEA B4. This high-shear formulation protects cam lobes and ensures proper lubrication under load. Always use OEM-approved oil and change every 15,000 km or 12 months.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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