The Renault Z7W 712 is a 3,791 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features port fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts, and a 24‑valve architecture. In standard form it delivers 224 kW (305 PS) and 385 Nm of torque, engineered for high‑rpm power delivery and refined performance in premium applications.
Fitted to flagship models such as the Talisman Initiale Paris and Espace V Initiale—specifically the TCe 305 variants—the Z7W 712 was engineered for drivers prioritizing smooth power, responsive throttle, and grand touring comfort. Emissions compliance was achieved through three‑way catalytic converters, precise lambda control, and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 6b standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the dual‑VVT phaser solenoid seals, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 15C12. This issue stems from thermal degradation of early elastomer compounds under repeated high‑load cycles, leading to oil leakage and erratic cam timing. In mid‑2017, Renault updated the solenoid seal material and revised ECU adaptation thresholds to improve reliability.
All production years (2015–2020) meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
The Renault Z7W 712 is a 3,791 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for premium large sedans and MPVs (2015–2020). It combines port fuel injection with dual overhead camshafts and dual‑VVT (intake and exhaust) to deliver linear high‑rpm power and refined grand touring performance. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it balances performance with regulated emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,791 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.5 mm × 88.3 mm | |
| Power output | 224 kW (305 PS) | |
| Torque | 385 Nm @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point port injection (Bosch ME17.4) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0710 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 182 kg |
The naturally aspirated V6 provides smooth, high-revving power ideal for grand touring but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using Renault RN0710 (5W-40) to prevent dual-VVT solenoid seal degradation. Frequent high-load driving—common in motorway cruising—accelerates thermal stress on phaser seals. The Bosch ME17.4 ECU demands RON 98 premium fuel for optimal knock control and power delivery. Post-2017 engines include updated solenoid seals per Renault SIB 15C12; pre-2017 units benefit from the revised seal kit during timing cover service. Catalytic converter longevity depends on precise air-fuel ratio control—maintain lambda sensor health to avoid emissions faults.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0710 (5W-40) specification (Renault SIB 15C12). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B4 with OEM-specific additives for VVT protection.
Emissions: Euro 6b compliance confirmed for all 2015–2020 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Full 224 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (Renault TIS Doc. Z7W‑A26015).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs Z7W‑A24680, Z7W‑A25142, SIB 15C12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5123)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Renault Z7W 712 was used exclusively in Renault's premium large platforms with longitudinal mounting and no cross-manufacturer licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Talisman and revised engine mounts in the Espace V—and from 2018 the facelifted Espace V adopted updated ECU calibrations for smoother VVT transitions, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Renault TIS Z7W‑A24890). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('W' for Z7W series). All Z7W 712 units feature black valve covers with dual cam phaser housings and integrated solenoid connectors. Critical differentiation from earlier Z7U: Z7W 712 uses dual-VVT (intake and exhaust) with Bosch ME17.4 ECU and OBD2 port under dash. Service parts require production date verification—VVT solenoid seals for engines before 08/2017 are incompatible with later units due to material redesign (Renault SIB 15C12).
The Z7W 712's primary reliability risk is dual-VVT solenoid seal leakage, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent high-load motorway use. Renault internal field data (2018) indicated a measurable increase in cam phaser DTCs and oil seepage for vehicles with >50% highway driving before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows catalytic converter failures rising after 110,000 km in rich-running conditions. Extended high-RPM operation and infrequent oil changes accelerate seal degradation, making oil specification and service interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2016–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT Z7W-712.
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