Engine Code

RENAULT Z7V-711 engine (1996–2002) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Renault Z7V 711 is a 2,946 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2002. It features multi‑point fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 24 valves. In standard form it delivered 147 kW (200 PS) and 285 Nm of torque, engineered for smooth high‑rpm performance and refined cruising.

Fitted to models such as the Renault Laguna I, Safrane, and Espace III, the Z7V 711 was designed for executive and premium MPV applications requiring quiet operation and linear power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and sequential fuel injection, enabling Euro 2 compliance across all production years.

One documented concern is coolant leakage from the plastic thermostat housing, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 05 03 08. This issue is often linked to thermal cycling fatigue in the housing material. From 1999 onward, a revised aluminium thermostat housing was introduced to eliminate this failure mode.

Renault Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 1996–2002 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2187).

Z7V-711 Technical Specifications

The Renault Z7V 711 is a 2,946 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and premium MPVs (1996–2002). It combines DOHC valvetrain with sequential multi‑point injection to deliver smooth high‑rpm power and refined highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,946 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationV6, DOHC, 24‑valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke87.0 mm × 82.6 mm
Power output147 kW (200 PS)
Torque285 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel systemSequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2)
Emissions standardEuro 2
Compression ratio10.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted, dual)
Oil typeRenault RN0700 (SAE 10W‑40)
Dry weight178 kg
Practical Implications

The DOHC V6 layout provides smooth, linear power ideal for motorway cruising but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using RN0700 oil to protect timing chains and camshafts. The front-mounted dual timing chains are generally robust but should be inspected for tensioner wear after 180,000 km. Early engines (1996–1998) use a plastic thermostat housing prone to coolant leaks under thermal stress; post-1999 units feature an aluminium housing per Renault SIB 05 03 08. Use of RON 95 petrol is sufficient, though RON 98 improves high-load response.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (10W-40) specification (Renault SIB 05 03 08). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3 with additional shear stability requirements.

Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all model years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2187). No Euro 3 variants exist.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes RON 95 petrol with ≤500 ppm sulfur (Renault TIS Doc. M34010).

Primary Sources

Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M33010, M33015, M33020, SIB 05 03 08

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2187)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code

Z7V-711 Compatible Models

The Renault Z7V 711 was used across Renault's executive and premium MPV platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Espace III and revised exhaust manifolds in the Laguna I—and from 1999 the aluminium thermostat housing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Renault
Years:
1996–2001
Models:
Laguna I
Variants:
3.0 V6
View Source
Renault Group PT-2018
Make:
Renault
Years:
1996–2000
Models:
Safrane
Variants:
3.0 V6
View Source
Renault ETK Doc. R29‑1125
Make:
Renault
Years:
1996–2002
Models:
Espace III
Variants:
3.0 V6
View Source
Renault TIS Doc. M33030
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the left bank of the block near the cylinder head (Renault TIS M33010). The 7th VIN digit for Renault executive vehicles indicates engine family ('V' for Z7V series). Pre-1999 units have black plastic thermostat housings; post-1999 use silver aluminium housings. Critical differentiation from Z7X 712: Z7V 711 has 200 PS output and non-variable intake; Z7X 712 (210 PS) includes variable intake timing. Thermostat housing replacement requires verification of production date—plastic housings are incompatible with later cooling system layouts (Renault SIB 05 03 08).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Renault TIS Doc. M33010

Location:

Stamped on left engine bank near cylinder head (Renault TIS M33010).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-1999: Black plastic thermostat housing
  • Post-1999: Silver aluminium thermostat housing
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Renault SIB 05 03 08

Thermostat Housing:

Plastic thermostat housings used on 1996–1998 engines are not interchangeable with post-1999 aluminium units due to coolant passage redesign per OEM documentation.
Coolant Leak Upgrade

Issue:

Early Z7V 711 engines (1996–1998) experienced coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing due to thermal fatigue cracking.

Evidence:

Renault SIB 05 03 08

Recommendation:

Replace with updated aluminium housing and OEM gasket per Renault SIB 05 03 08 during any cooling system service.

Common Reliability Issues - RENAULT Z7V-711

The Z7V 711's primary reliability risk is coolant leakage from the early plastic thermostat housing, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent thermal cycling. Renault internal data from 2000 indicated a significant portion of pre‑1999 housings developed leaks before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions‑related MOT failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Thermal stress and coolant maintenance make housing integrity critical.

Thermostat housing coolant leak
Symptoms: Visible coolant seepage near front of engine, low coolant level, sweet smell, overheating under load.
Cause: Thermal fatigue cracking in early plastic thermostat housing material under repeated heating/cooling cycles.
Fix: Replace with latest OEM-specified aluminium housing and gasket per service bulletin; inspect adjacent hoses and water pump for collateral damage.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start, timing correlation faults, check engine light.
Cause: Plastic tensioner shoe degradation over time, exacerbated by infrequent oil changes and high operating temperatures.
Fix: Replace tensioner and guide rails with OEM components; inspect chain elongation and sprocket wear during service.
Ignition coil pack failure
Symptoms: Misfire on acceleration, rough idle, DTCs for specific cylinders, reduced fuel economy.
Cause: Insulation breakdown in coil windings due to heat exposure and age-related dielectric fatigue.
Fix: Replace affected coil packs with OEM units; inspect spark plugs and ignition leads for concurrent wear.
Intake manifold gasket leak
Symptoms: Hissing noise, lean mixture codes, erratic idle, vacuum gauge fluctuation.
Cause: Age-hardened rubber gasket material losing elasticity, compounded by thermal expansion mismatch between aluminium manifold and cast iron heads.
Fix: Replace gaskets with OEM parts and torque to specification; verify vacuum integrity post-repair.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1998–2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about RENAULT Z7V-711

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT Z7V-711.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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