The Renault Z7V 708 is a 2,946 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1992 and 2000. It features a DOHC 24‑valve layout and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivers 147 kW (200 PS) and 267 Nm of torque, with smooth power delivery and a characteristic V6 sound.
Fitted primarily to the Laguna I and Safrane, the Z7V 708 was engineered for refined highway cruising, strong mid‑range response, and compliance with Euro 2 emissions standards. Exhaust after‑treatment includes a three‑way catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).
One documented concern is premature failure of the timing belt tensioner pulley, which can lead to belt slippage or breakage. This issue, referenced in Renault Technical Note TN‑ME‑1996‑04, is linked to bearing wear under high thermal loads. From 1997, revised tensioner components improved service life.
Production years 1992–2000 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105).
The Renault Z7V 708 is a 2,946 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and coupés (1992–2000). It combines sequential multi-point fuel injection with dual overhead camshafts to deliver smooth, linear power and refined cruising. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it balances performance with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,946 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 82.6 mm | |
| Power output | 147 kW (200 PS) | |
| Torque | 267 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point injection (Bosch Motronic) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (ACEA A3/B3, SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The V6 layout provides smooth, refined power ideal for motorway cruising but requires strict adherence to 60,000 km or 48-month timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic failure. Renault RN0700 (10W‑40 ACEA A3/B3) oil is essential for valve train protection and sludge control. Use only EN 228 unleaded petrol (95 RON minimum) to avoid knocking and catalytic converter damage. Post-1997 units include updated tensioner pulleys per Renault TN‑ME‑1996‑04.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (10W‑40, ACEA A3/B3) specification (Renault SB‑LUB‑1993).
Emissions: Euro 2 applies to all 1992–2000 Z7V 708 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel quality (Renault TIS Doc. Z7V‑A05).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs Z7V‑A01 to Z7V‑A05, TN‑ME‑1996‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2105)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Renault Z7V 708 was used across Renault's large sedan platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Safrane and revised cooling in the Laguna I—and from 1997 the updated timing system introduced minor service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Renault TIS Z7V‑A07). The 7th VIN digit for Renault models is 'P' for petrol V6 variants. Pre-1997 units use Bosch Motronic 2.10.4 ECU with round OBD port; post-1997 models use Motronic 2.10.5 with updated ignition mapping. Critical differentiation from Z7X: Z7V 708 is 24-valve DOHC; Z7X is 12-valve SOHC. Timing belt kits differ before/after 01/1997 (Renault TN‑ME‑1996‑04).
The Z7V 708's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles or those subjected to extended service intervals. Renault internal field data from 1998 indicated a measurable uptick in belt-related failures before 80,000 km in non-compliant maintenance cases, while UK DVSA MOT data shows catalytic converter degradation in high-lead-exposure legacy fuel regions. Infrequent oil changes and poor-quality petrol accelerate valve train wear, making maintenance discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1994–2000) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1998–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT Z7V-708.
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.
