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 for drivers requiring strong load-carrying performance and highway stability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobes, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 12B05. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under sustained high-load conditions, particularly in fleet or towing applications. In late 2015, Renault revised camshaft material hardness and updated oil jet positioning to mitigate wear.
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 fixed-geometry turbo provides linear torque delivery suited to towing but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using Renault RN0700 (5W-40) to prevent exhaust camshaft lobe wear. Sustained high-load operation—common in fleet or caravan use—accelerates cam wear due to elevated oil temperatures and marginal lubrication. The Bosch CP3 pump demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to avoid premature failure. Post-2015 engines include hardened camshafts per Renault SIB 12B05; pre-2015 units benefit from the retrofit oil jet kit. DPF regeneration frequency increases under partial-load conditions—regular highway driving is recommended.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (5W-40) specification (Renault SIB 12B05). Equivalent to ACEA B4 with OEM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 5 compliance confirmed for all 2013–2018 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Output stable with EN 590 diesel (Renault TIS Doc. S8U‑A26015).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs S8U‑A24680, S8U‑A25142, SIB 12B05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
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.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold flange (Renault TIS S8U‑A24890). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('U' for S8U series). All S8U 770 units feature silver valve covers and a Honeywell fixed-geometry turbo with external wastegate actuator. Critical differentiation from S8U 740: S8U 770 uses Bosch EDC17C54 ECU with OBD2 port under dash; S8U 740 uses EDC16C39. Service parts require production date verification—camshaft oil jet kits for engines before 06/2015 are incompatible with later units due to gallery redesign (Renault SIB 12B05).
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT S8U-770.
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