The Renault Z7U 700 is a 3,498 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2015. It features port fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with variable valve timing on the intake side, and a 24‑valve architecture. In standard form it delivers 184 kW (250 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, engineered for smooth high‑rpm power delivery and refined highway cruising.
Fitted to premium models such as the Laguna III GT, Latitude V6, and Espace IV Initiale—specifically the 3.5 V6 250 variants—the Z7U 700 was engineered for drivers prioritizing refinement, linear throttle response, and effortless overtaking. Emissions compliance was achieved through three‑way catalytic converters and precise air‑fuel ratio control, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the variable valve timing (VVT) actuator seals, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 10C08. This issue stems from thermal cycling and marginal seal material resilience, leading to oil leakage into the timing cover and potential cam phaser malfunction. In mid‑2013, Renault updated the actuator seal compound and revised installation torque procedures to improve longevity.
All production years (2010–2015) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Renault Z7U 700 is a 3,498 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for large sedans and MPVs (2010–2015). It combines port fuel injection with dual overhead camshafts and intake-side variable valve timing to deliver smooth, linear power and refined highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with regulated emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 85.5 mm | |
| Power output | 184 kW (250 PS) | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point port injection (Bosch ME7.8) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The naturally aspirated V6 provides smooth, linear power ideal for relaxed highway cruising but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using Renault RN0700 (5W-40) to prevent VVT actuator seal degradation. Frequent thermal cycling—common in stop-start urban use—accelerates seal hardening and oil leakage. The Bosch ME7.8 ECU demands high-octane (RON 95+) fuel to maintain optimal combustion and knock control. Post-2013 engines include updated VVT seals per Renault SIB 10C08; pre-2013 units benefit from the revised seal kit during timing cover service. Catalytic converter efficiency declines with rich-running conditions—maintain injector and lambda sensor health to avoid emissions-related faults.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (5W-40) specification (Renault SIB 10C08). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B4 with OEM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 5 compliance confirmed for all 2010–2015 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Output stable with RON 95+ petrol (Renault TIS Doc. Z7U‑A26015).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs Z7U‑A24680, Z7U‑A25142, SIB 10C08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3456)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Renault Z7U 700 was used across Renault's large premium platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Nissan for select flagship applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Espace IV and revised exhaust manifolding in the Laguna III GT—and from 2014 the facelifted Latitude adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Nissan's Maxima and Quest to use a closely related variant (VQ35DE-based, though not identical). All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Renault TIS Z7U‑A24890). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('U' for Z7U series). All Z7U 700 units feature silver valve covers and dual camshaft position sensors on each bank. Critical differentiation from Nissan VQ35DE: Z7U 700 uses Bosch ME7.8 ECU with Renault-specific calibration and OBD2 port under dash; VQ35DE uses Nissan ECCS. Service parts require production date verification—VVT actuator seals for engines before 07/2013 are incompatible with later units due to material redesign (Renault SIB 10C08).
The Z7U 700's primary reliability risk is VVT actuator seal leakage, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent thermal cycling (e.g., urban stop-start use). Renault internal field data (2014) indicated a measurable increase in timing cover oil leaks and cam phaser DTCs for vehicles with >60% city driving before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows catalytic converter failures rising after 100,000 km in rich-running conditions. Extended idling and infrequent oil changes accelerate seal degradation, making oil specification and service interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2012–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT Z7U-700.
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