The Renault E7J 724 is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2001. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), multipoint fuel injection, and a cast iron block with an aluminium head. In standard form, it delivered approximately 55 kW (75 PS) and 114 Nm of torque, designed for compact family cars where balanced performance and economy were key.
Fitted primarily to the Renault Mégane I and Scénic I, the E7J 724 was engineered for everyday versatil…

Production years 1996–2001 meet Euro 2 standards .
The Renault E7J 724 is a 1,390 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact family vehicles (1996-2001). It combines a robust cast iron block with multipoint fuel injection to deliver a balance of power and fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritises drivability and low running costs for daily use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 75.8 mm × 77.0 mm | |
Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
Torque | 114 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Multipoint Fuel Injection (Siemens) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt-driven SOHC | |
Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 98 kg |
The Renault E7J 724 was used across Renault's C-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-slight variations in accessory bracketry for the Scénic-but no major facelift revisions occurred, ensuring broad parts interchangeability within its production run. 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.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1999-2001) and aggregated European owner association repair data (2000-2010). 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 E7J 724 is generally a robust and simple engine. Its main vulnerabilities are the EGR valve and the critical timing belt. Addressing EGR issues proactively and strictly adhering to the 60,000 km timing belt replacement schedule allows these engines to reliably reach 200,000 km or more.
The most frequent issues are a sticking EGR valve causing rough idle, ignition system faults (coils, leads, distributor), and the critical risk of timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule. Coolant thermostat failures are also relatively common. These are well-documented in Renault service information.
This 1.4L petrol engine was used in the first-generation Renault Mégane (hatchback, sedan, coupe) and the first-generation Renault Scénic MPV, primarily in base and mid-level trims from 1996 to 2001.
Significant power gains are limited by its SOHC 8-valve design. Basic induction and exhaust modifications can yield minor improvements in throttle response, but substantial increases require internal modifications. It's not a common choice for serious tuning due to its modest base output.
Reasonable for its era and size. In a Renault Mégane, expect combined figures around 7.0-7.5 L/100km (approx. 38-40 mpg UK). The heavier Scénic might return 7.5-8.0 L/100km (approx. 35-37 mpg UK). Economy is best achieved with steady highway driving.
Yes. The E7J 724 is an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks or jumps, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing significant internal damage requiring a major engine rebuild. This makes the 60,000 km belt change non-negotiable.
Renault specifies oil meeting the RN0700 standard, typically a 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic. Using a quality ACEA A3/B3 10W-40 oil is also acceptable. Regular changes every 10,000-15,000 km are vital for engine longevity.
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.