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—spe…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The Z7U 700 offers smooth power delivery and excellent refinement, but early units (2010–2013) have known VVT actuator seal issues under frequent thermal cycling. Post-2013 revisions improved durability. With strict adherence to oil changes (Renault RN0700, every 15,000 km) and use of RON 95+ fuel, it can be reliable beyond 200,000 km.
Top issues include VVT actuator seal leakage, catalytic converter degradation due to rich mixtures, intake manifold runner sticking, and water pump impeller corrosion. These are documented in Renault SIB 10C08 and TIS updates, not anecdotal reports.
The 3.5 V6 250 (Z7U 700) appears in the Laguna III GT (2010–2015), Latitude (2010–2015), and Espace IV Initiale (2010–2014). It was not used in Nissan models despite platform sharing; Nissan employed its own VQ35DE in equivalent vehicles.
Yes, but modestly. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +10–15 kW by optimizing ignition and VVT timing, leveraging the robust bottom end. However, the port-injected design limits airflow gains—significant power increases require forced induction, which is not OEM-supported and risks reliability.
Moderate for its class. In a Latitude 3.5 V6 250, expect ~12.5 L/100km (city) and ~7.8 L/100km (highway), or ~24 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 22–26 mpg (UK), depending on driving style and maintenance.
Yes. Like all modern DOHC petrol engines, the Z7U 700 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 A3/B4. This high-shear formulation protects VVT components and ensures proper lubrication under thermal stress. Always use OEM-approved oil and change every 15,000 km or 12 months.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with RENAULT or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
RENAULT Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialRENAULT documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.