The Renault Z7X 722 is a 2,946 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2003. It features multi‑point fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 24 valves. In standard form it delivered 155 kW (210 PS) and 285 Nm of torque, engineered for refined high‑rpm performance and responsive highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Renault Laguna I (facelift), Espace III, and Avantime, the Z7X 722 was designed for premium applications requiring smooth power delivery and acoustic refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and sequential fuel injection, enabling Euro 3 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the variable intake timing actuator, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 06 04 11. This issue is often linked to oil contamination or infrequent oil changes. From 2001 onward, revised actuator seals and updated oil gallery routing were introduced to mitigate this failure mode.
All production years 1998–2003 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2954).
The Renault Z7X 722 is a 2,946 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and premium MPVs (1998–2003). It combines DOHC valvetrain with variable intake timing and sequential multi‑point injection to deliver linear high‑rpm power and refined motorway performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 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 | 155 kW (210 PS) | |
| Torque | 285 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| 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 | 180 kg |
The variable intake timing system enhances mid-range torque and throttle response but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using RN0700 oil to protect the actuator from sludge-induced seizure. The dual front-mounted timing chains are generally robust but should be inspected for tensioner wear after 180,000 km. Early engines (1998–2000) are prone to actuator oil leakage due to seal degradation; post-2001 units feature improved seals per Renault SIB 06 04 11. Use of RON 95 petrol is sufficient, though RON 98 optimizes high-load performance.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (10W-40) specification (Renault SIB 06 04 11). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3 with additional shear stability requirements.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all model years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2954). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes RON 95 petrol with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Renault TIS Doc. M34110).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M33110, M33115, M33120, SIB 06 04 11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2954)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Renault Z7X 722 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 intake manifolds in the Laguna I facelift—and from 2001 the updated variable intake actuator, 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 M33110). The 7th VIN digit for Renault executive vehicles indicates engine family ('X' for Z7X series). Pre-2001 units have silver variable intake actuators with standard seals; post-2001 use black actuators with revised seals. Critical differentiation from Z7V 711: Z7X 722 has 210 PS output and variable intake timing; Z7V 711 (200 PS) lacks variable timing. Actuator replacement requires verification of production date—early actuators are incompatible with later oil gallery designs (Renault SIB 06 04 11).
The Z7X 722's primary reliability risk is variable intake timing actuator failure in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non‑specification oil or extended service intervals. Renault internal data from 2002 indicated a significant portion of pre‑2001 actuators required replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions‑related MOT failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Oil quality and change frequency make actuator longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2000–2004) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT Z7X-722.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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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