The Renault D7F 730 is a 799 cc, inline‑three petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2004. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), multipoint fuel injection, and a cast iron block with an aluminium head. Designed for urban mobility, its 37 kW (50 PS) output and 68 Nm torque provide adequate performance for lightweight city cars.
Fitted primarily to the Twingo I and Clio II, the D7F 730 was engineered for fuel efficiency, low running costs, and ease of maintenance. Its…
Production years 1996–2004 meet Euro 2 standards .
The Renault D7F 730 is a 799 cc inline‑three petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (1996-2004). It combines multipoint fuel injection with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver economical and reliable urban performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes low running costs and ease of maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 799 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑3, SOHC, 6‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 70.0 mm × 69.0 mm | |
Power output | 37 kW (50 PS) @ 5,250 rpm | |
Torque | 68 Nm @ 2,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Multipoint fuel injection (Magneti Marelli) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain | |
Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 78 kg |
The Renault D7F 730 was used across Renault's B-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minimal platform-specific adaptations and no major facelift revisions during its production, ensuring broad parts interchangeability. 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 D7F 730's primary reliability risk is exhaust manifold stud failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips. Renault internal reports noted this as a common warranty claim, while its simple design otherwise contributes to good long-term durability. Regular inspection of the exhaust manifold makes preventative replacement critical.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. 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
Yes, the D7F 730 is generally very reliable long-term due to its simple, robust design. The main exception is the exhaust manifold studs, which are prone to failure. Addressing this with updated parts and maintaining regular oil changes ensures excellent longevity, often exceeding 200,000 km.
The most common issue is exhaust manifold stud failure, causing leaks. Other frequent problems include oil sludge buildup from infrequent changes, clogged fuel injectors, and failing coolant temperature sensors. These are well-documented in Renault service notes.
The D7F 730 was primarily used in the first-generation Renault Twingo (1996-2004) and the second-generation Renault Clio (1998-2001, specifically the 1.0L RT and Expression trims). It was not used in any vehicles outside the Renault brand.
Significant power gains are difficult due to its small displacement and simple design. Minor improvements can be had from an ECU remap or performance air filter, but gains are typically under 5 kW. Forced induction is not a practical or reliable option for this engine.
Excellent for its era. In a Renault Twingo, expect around 6.5 L/100km in the city and 4.5 L/100km on the highway, translating to approximately 43 mpg UK combined. Its efficiency was a key selling point for urban drivers.
No. The D7F 730 is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail, the pistons and valves will not collide, preventing catastrophic internal damage. This is a significant reliability advantage for this engine.
Renault specifies RN0700 (10W-40) oil. Using this specific grade is crucial to prevent sludge buildup, which is a known issue for this engine. Change the oil and filter every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
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.