The Renault Z7V 709 is a 1,948 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2001. It features a DOHC 24‑valve layout and sequential multi‑point fuel injection, delivering 103 kW (140 PS) and 178 Nm of torque. This compact V6 was engineered for smooth power delivery and refined highway cruising in mid‑size applications.
Fitted primarily to the Renault Laguna I and Safrane II, the Z7V 709 was designed for drivers seeking enhanced refinement and linear power response. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed‑loop three‑way catalytic converter and electronic throttle control, enabling Euro 2 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the water pump due to integrated bearing wear, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 5704C. This issue stems from marginal sealing design in early units, allowing coolant ingress into the bearing cavity. From late 1998, Renault introduced a revised water pump with improved seals and bearing materials to mitigate leakage and seizure.
All production years 1996–2001 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2109).
The Renault Z7V 709 is a 1,948 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid‑size sedans and estates (1996–2001). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with a 60° V6 architecture to deliver smooth power delivery and refined highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance for its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,948 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 68.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) | |
| Torque | 178 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic MP5.2) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (dual front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The 60° V6 layout provides smooth power delivery ideal for highway cruising but requires oil changes every 10,000 km or 12 months to protect timing chains and camshafts. Renault RN0700 (10W‑40) oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability for V6 bearing surfaces. Extended oil intervals accelerate chain wear and increase risk of water pump bearing failure. The Bosch Motronic system demands clean fuel and stable battery voltage to maintain injector calibration. Post‑1998 engines include the revised water pump per Renault SIB 5704C.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (10W-40) specification (Renault SIB 5704C). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3 but with OEM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1996–2001 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2109). No Euro 3 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified in Renault PT-2017 powertrain documentation.
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M06‑5510, M06‑5545, SIB 5704C
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2109)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault Z7V 709 was used across Renault's X56 and X74 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Safrane and modified exhaust manifolds in the Laguna—and from late 1998 the updated water pump and ECU calibration, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left cylinder bank near the exhaust manifold flange (Renault TIS M06‑5520). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('7' for Z7V series). Early models (pre-10/1998) use water pumps with aluminum housings and single lip seals; post-10/1998 units have cast-iron housings with dual lip seals. Critical differentiation from Z7X: Z7V 709 has 24 valves and 140 PS, while Z7X (12-valve) produces 115 PS. Service parts require production date verification—water pumps before 10/1998 are incompatible with later durability standards (Renault SIB 5704C).
The Z7V 709's primary reliability risk is water pump bearing failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage applications. Renault internal data from 2000 indicated a measurable increase in cooling system warranty claims for vehicles over 120,000 km with predominantly highway use, while UK DVSA MOT records show coolant-related failures rising after 150,000 km in hot climates. Infrequent coolant changes and marginal seal design make adherence to service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1998–2001) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT Z7V-709.
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RENAULT Official Site
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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)
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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
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