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.

All production years 1996–2002 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2187).
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.
| 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 | 285 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, dual) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
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.
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).
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
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.
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).
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.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1998–2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT Z7V-711.
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