Renault S8U-770 Engine (2013–2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Renault S8U 770 is a 2,298 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features a high — pressure common‑rail fuel system, a fixed — geometry turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 120 kW (163 PS) and 380 Nm of torque, engineered for robust mid‑range pull and towing capability.

Fitted to models such as the Laguna III, Latitude, and Espace IV—including the 2.3 dCi 163 variants—the S8U 770 was engineered f…

Renault Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2013–2018) meet Euro 5 standards .

Renault S8U-770 Technical Specifications

The Renault S8U 770 is a 2,298 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size and large models (2013–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and dependable towing performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances load-carrying capability with regulated emissions.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
2,298 cc
Fuel type
Diesel
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Bore × stroke
89.0 mm × 92.4 mm
Power output
120 kW (163 PS)
Torque
380 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 5
Compression ratio
15.5:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell)
Timing system
Chain (front‑mounted)
Oil type
Renault RN0700 (SAE 5W‑40)
Dry weight
168 kg

Renault S8U-770 Compatible Models

The Renault S8U 770 was used across Renault's large sedan and MPV platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Nissan for select commercial applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Espace IV and revised cooling ducting in the Laguna III Estate—and from 2016 the facelifted Latitude adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Nissan's Navara and Pathfinder to use a closely related variant (dCi 163). All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Renault
Years:
2013–2015
Models:
Laguna III (Sedan/Estate)
Variants:
2.3 dCi 163
View Source
Renault Group PT-2022
Make:
Renault
Years:
2013–2018
Models:
Latitude
Variants:
2.3 dCi 163
View Source
Renault TIS Doc. S8U‑A24901
Make:
Renault
Years:
2013–2015
Models:
Espace IV
Variants:
2.3 dCi 163
View Source
Renault TIS Doc. S8U‑A24901
Make:
Nissan
Years:
2014–2016
Models:
Navara (D40)
Variants:
2.3 dCi 163
View Source
Nissan EPC #NJ-772

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Common Reliability Issues - RENAULT S8U-770 Compatible Models

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.

Exhaust camshaft lobe wear
Symptoms: Ticking noise from cylinder head (especially under load), misfire codes, reduced power, elevated oil consumption.
Cause: Marginal oil film strength at exhaust cam lobes under sustained high-load conditions; early-design cam material hardness insufficient for thermal stress.
Fix: Replace camshaft with updated hardened version and install revised oil jet per Renault SIB 12B05; verify oil pressure and lifter condition post-repair.
DPF regeneration failures
Symptoms: Limp mode, excessive soot smell, reduced power, frequent forced regenerations, MIL illumination.
Cause: Partial-load driving prevents passive DPF regeneration; ash accumulation and faulty differential pressure sensors impede active cycles.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostics; inspect/replace pressure sensors and clean DPF if ash-loaded per OEM procedure.
EGR valve sticking
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, smoke on acceleration, EGR-related DTCs.
Cause: Carbon buildup in EGR valve stem and housing restricts motion, disrupting recirculation flow control.
Fix: Clean or replace EGR valve assembly with latest OEM part; inspect cooler for internal leaks and clean intake manifold.
Turbo wastegate actuator failure
Symptoms: Boost pressure fluctuations, over-boost codes, loss of power under acceleration.
Cause: Actuator diaphragm fatigue or linkage corrosion due to thermal cycling and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace wastegate actuator with OEM-specified unit; verify boost control solenoid function and recalibrate via diagnostics.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

RENAULT S8U-770 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The S8U 770 offers strong torque and excellent towing stability, but early units (2013–2015) have known exhaust camshaft wear issues under sustained load. Post-2015 revisions improved durability. With strict adherence to oil changes (Renault RN0700, every 15,000 km) and avoidance of continuous high-load operation, it can be reliable beyond 200,000 km.

Top issues include exhaust camshaft lobe wear, DPF regeneration failures in mixed driving, EGR valve sticking, and turbo wastegate actuator failure. These are documented in Renault SIB 12B05 and TIS updates, not anecdotal reports.

The 2.3 dCi 163 (S8U 770) appears in the Laguna III (2013–2015), Latitude (2013–2018), and Espace IV (2013–2015). Nissan also used a closely related variant in the Navara and Pathfinder (2014–2016) under their dCi 163 branding.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the S8U-770 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.

Good for its class. In a Latitude 2.3 dCi 163, expect ~6.8 L/100km (city) and ~5.2 L/100km (highway), or ~48 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 42–50 mpg (UK), depending on load and maintenance.

Yes. Like all modern DOHC diesels, the S8U 770 is an interference design. Timing chain failure (rare but possible) can cause piston-to-valve contact and catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain has strong OEM durability when maintained properly.

Renault specifies RN0700 (5W-40) synthetic oil meeting ACEA B4. This high-shear formulation protects cam lobes and ensures proper lubrication under load. Always use OEM-approved oil and change every 15,000 km or 12 months.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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Primary Sources

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.

Regulatory Context

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.

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