The Renault D4F 784 is a 1,149 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2010. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with 16 valves and multi‑point fuel injection. This compact unit delivered 55 kW (75 PS) and 105 Nm of torque, prioritizing urban efficiency. Its lightweight aluminium block contributes to overall vehicle economy.
Fitted primarily to the Clio II (B/C segments) and Twingo I, the D4F 784 was engineered for agile city driving and low r…
Production years 2000–2005 meet Euro 3 standards; 2006–2010 models may have Euro 4 compliance depending on market .
The Renault D4F 784 is a 1,149 cc inline‑four petrol engineered for supermini applications (2000-2010). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with multi-point fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end power and frugal urban consumption. Designed to meet Euro 3 (and some market-specific Euro 4) standards, it prioritizes compactness and efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,149 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 68.0 mm × 79.5 mm | |
Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
Torque | 105 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Siemens) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 (pre‑2006); Euro 4 depending on market | |
Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt-driven camshafts | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 89 kg |
The Renault D4F 784 was used across Renault's B-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-unique engine mounts for the Clio II versus the Twingo I-creating minor interchange limits for ancillary components. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The D4F 784's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or frequently high-RPM driven vehicles. Internal Renault reports indicate this was a notable failure mode for engines exceeding 150,000 km, while general owner feedback highlights timing belt neglect as a leading cause of catastrophic failure. Aggressive driving and infrequent oil changes accelerate cam wear, making adherence to service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2002-2008) and owner-reported failure data (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The D4F 784 is generally robust for urban use if meticulously maintained. Its main Achilles' heel is the exhaust camshaft, which can wear prematurely in high-mileage cars. Crucially, the timing belt must be changed every 60,000 km to avoid engine destruction. With strict adherence to service schedules and correct oil, it can be a dependable engine.
The top issues are exhaust camshaft lobe wear (causing a tapping noise), timing belt failure (if neglected), ignition coil pack failures (causing misfires), and coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing. These are well-documented in Renault service information and owner communities.
This 1.2L 16V petrol engine was primarily used in the Renault Clio II (2000-2005) and the second phase of the Renault Twingo I (2001-2007). It was the performance option over the 8-valve engines in these superminis, badged as the '1.2 16V' with 75 PS.
Minor gains are possible. An ECU remap can yield around +5-8 kW, and a performance exhaust can help. However, the engine's internals, particularly the known camshaft weakness, limit significant tuning potential. It's generally not considered a strong candidate for major power upgrades compared to other Renault engines.
It offers good economy for its era. In a Clio II, expect around 6.5-7.0 L/100km (40-43 mpg UK) combined in real-world driving. City driving might see 8.0 L/100km (35 mpg UK), while highway cruising can drop to 5.5 L/100km (51 mpg UK). Figures are highly dependent on driving style.
Yes. The D4F 784 is an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks or jumps, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing severe and expensive internal damage. This makes the 60,000 km timing belt replacement interval absolutely critical.
Renault specifies RN0700 or RN0710 (5W-40) oil. Using the correct specification is vital for protecting the camshafts. High-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oils meeting these Renault norms are strongly recommended. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 1 year.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.