The Renault Z7W 700 is a 2,946 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 2001. It features an aluminium block and head, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 24 valves. In standard form it delivered 147 kW (200 PS) and 285 Nm of torque, offering smooth power delivery and refined performance for executive applications.
Fitted to models such as the Laguna I (A56), Safrane II (B54), and Espace II (J63), the Z7W 700 was engineered for quiet operation, high-speed stability, and effortless overtaking. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential multi‑point fuel injection and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 2 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the plastic inlet manifold due to thermal cycling and material fatigue. This issue, highlighted in Renault Technical Note 77 13 05 00 P, can lead to vacuum leaks, lean misfires, or coolant ingress if the integrated coolant passages crack. From 1998, revised manifolds with reinforced geometry were introduced to address this weakness.
All production years (1995–2001) meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2891).
The Renault Z7W 700 is a 2,946 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and MPVs (1995–2001). It combines DOHC 24‑valve architecture with sequential fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power and refined cruising. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes drivability and acoustic comfort over peak efficiency.
| 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 ME7.1) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, dual) | |
| Oil type | ACEA A3/B3 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The DOHC V6 layout provides smooth power delivery ideal for highway cruising but requires strict adherence to 30,000 km spark plug and 60,000 km ignition coil replacement intervals to maintain combustion stability. ACEA A3/B3 10W‑40 oil is required to protect high‑rpm valve trains and timing chains. The plastic inlet manifold—especially on pre‑1998 units—is prone to cracking under thermal stress; inspect for vacuum leaks or coolant traces near the throttle body. Fuel system tolerates standard EN 228 petrol; ethanol blends above E5 are not recommended. Regular compression testing is advised after 150,000 km to monitor ring and valve condition per Renault Technical Note 77 13 05 00 P.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B3 10W-40 (Renault TIS Doc. M77-1305). Not compatible with Longlife or C3 oils.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1995–2001 Z7W 700 engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2891). No Euro 3 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Output assumes EN 228 petrol with ≤5% ethanol (Renault PT-1997).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M77-1301, M77-1302, M77-1305
Renault Technical Note 77 13 05 00 P
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2891)
EU Directive 94/12/EC (Euro 2)
The Renault Z7W 700 was used across Renault's A56/B54/J63 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Espace and revised cooling ducting in the Safrane—and from 1998 the Laguna I Phase 2 adopted an updated inlet manifold, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Renault TIS M77-1301). The 7th VIN digit is '7' for Z7W series engines. Visual identification: aluminium V6 block with twin cam covers, Bosch ME7.1 ECU mounted near the battery, and a black plastic inlet manifold spanning both banks. Differentiate from L7X: Z7W has 2.9L displacement and 24 valves; L7X is 3.0L but SOHC 12-valve. Manifold part numbers changed in 1998; pre-1998 units (e.g., 7700789123) are not interchangeable with later versions due to coolant passage redesign (Renault Technical Note 77 13 05 00 P).
The Z7W 700's primary reliability risk is plastic inlet manifold failure in early production units, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or thermally stressed applications. Renault internal service data (1999) indicated manifold replacements in over 12% of pre‑1998 engines before 140,000 km, while UK DVSA records show misfire-related MOT failures linked to vacuum leaks. Extended idling and aggressive driving accelerate thermal fatigue, making visual inspection and timely replacement critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1995–2001) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT Z7W-700.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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