The 1.5-liter Renault K9K or 1.5 dCi diesel engine has been produced by the concern since 2001 and is installed on a huge number of company models under the Renault, Nissan or Dacia brands. The same motor can be found under the hood of front-wheel drive Mercedes called OM607 and OM608.
In 2001, a 1.5-liter diesel debuted on the second generation of the popular Clio model. It was quite a typical engine for its time with a Common Rail fuel system, a 4-cylinder cast-iron block, an aluminum 8-valve head without hydraulic lifters, a timing belt drive, a KKK or BorgWarner turbine and, of course, an intercooler.
Fuel systems from three manufacturers were installed on these engines: until 2009, Delphi was installed on all versions of units up to 100 hp, and Siemens was installed on powerful ones, then in 2009 Delphi replaced Bosch, and Siemens remained, but was renamed Continental. Low-power versions of this unit were equipped with a conventional BorgWarner KP35 turbocharger, and engine modifications over 100 hp with a BorgWarner BV39 variable geometry turbine. There are four generations of such engines under Euro 3, 4, 5 and 6 environmental standards, respectively.
K-series family: K4J, K7J, K4M, K7M, K9K.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2001 |
| Displacement, cc | 1461 |
| Fuel system | Common Rail |
| Power output, hp | 64 – 101 (1 gen. 2001 – 2005) 68 – 106 (2 gen. 2005 – 2010) 75 – 110 (3 gen. 2008 – 2016) 75 – 115 (4 gen. since 2012) |
| Torque output, Nm | 160 – 200 (1 gen. 2001 – 2005) 160 – 240 (2 gen. 2005 – 2010) 180 – 260 (3 gen. 2008 – 2016) 200 – 260 (4 gen. since 2012) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 76 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 80.5 |
| Compression ratio | 18.8 (1 gen. 2001 – 2005) 15.9 (2 gen. 2005 – 2010) 15.2 (3 gen. 2008 – 2016) 15.5 (4 gen. since 2012) |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Turbocharging | yes |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.5 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | Euro 3 (1 gen. 2001 – 2005) Euro 4 (2 gen. 2005 – 2010) Euro 5 (3 gen. 2008 – 2016) Euro 6 (4 gen. since 2012) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Renault Scenic 2011) — city — highway — combined |
5.8 4.4 4.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 145 |
The engine was installed on:
- Dacia: Duster 1 (HS) 2010-2018, Dokker 1 (K67) since 2012, Lodgy 1 (J92) since 2012, Logan 1 (L90) 2005-2013, Sandero 1 (B90) 2009-2012;
- Duster: 2 (HM) since 2018;
- Logan: 2 (L52) since 2012;
- Sandero: 2 (B52) since 2012;
- Infiniti: Q30 1 (H15) 2015-2018;
- Mercedes: A-Class W176 2013-2018, B-Class W246 2013-2018, CLA-Class C117 2013-2019, GLA-Class X156 2014-2018, Citan W415 since 2012;
- A-Class: W177 since 2018;
- B-Class: W247 since 2018;
- CLA-Class: C118 since 2019;
- Nissan: Almera 2 (N16) 2003-2006, Juke 1 (F15) 2010-2019, Micra 3 (K12) 2005-2010, Note 1 (E11) 2006-2013, NV200 1 (M20) since 2009, Tiida 1 (C11) 2007-2008, Qashqai 1 (J10) 2007-2013;
- Micra: 5 (K14) 2017-2018;
- Note: 2 (E12) 2012-2020;
- Qashqai: 2 (J11) since 2013;
- Renault: Clio 2 (X65) 2001-2005, Captur 1 (J87) 2013-2019, Fluence 1 (L38) 2010-2012, Duster 1 (HS) since 2010, Kangoo 1 (KC) 2002-2008, Kadjar 1 (HA) since 2015, Laguna 3 (X91) 2007-2015, Latitude 1 (L70) 2011-2012, Modus 1 (J77) 2004-2012, Megane 2 (X84) 2002-2009, Scenic 2 (J84) 2003-2009, Symbol 1 (L65) 2002-2008, Talisman 1 (L2M) 2015-2018, Twingo 2 (C44) 2007-2014;
- Clio: 3 (X85) 2005-2013, 4 (X98) 2012-2019, 5 (BF) since 2019;
- Captur: 2 (JB) since 2019;
- Kangoo: 2 (KW) since 2008;
- Megane: 3 (X95) 2008-2016, 4 (XFB) since 2016;
- Scenic: 3 (J95) 2009-2016, 4 (JFA) since 2016;
- Symbol: 2 (L35) 2008-2012, 3 (L52) since 2012;
- Suzuki: Jimny 3 (FJ) 2004-2009.
Disadvantages of the Renault K9K engine
- The most famous problem with such engines is cranking of the connecting rod bearings. This happens especially often with engines from Europe, where they change the oil every 30,000 km.
- The bulk of diesel engines until 2009 were equipped with the Common Rail Delphi system, which does not tolerate airing, a clogged fuel filter and bad diesel fuel. For any of these reasons, it begins to drive chips and primarily clogs the nozzles. Also, this metal pollen significantly reduces the life of the turbine and oil pump.
- The fuel system manufactured by Siemens or Continental is much more reliable, but its repair costs more money, some piezo injectors are several times more expensive. Therefore, we do not have an unambiguous opinion about which company’s equipment is better.
- Most diesel cars from Europe are equipped with a particulate filter and an EGR valve, which tend to clog.
- Much less often, such motors fail due to a drop in lubricant pressure in the system. This is due to the oil filter valve and the oil pump pressure reducing valve spring.
Frequently asked questions about the Renault K9K
How much power does the Renault K9K make?
Power output of the Renault K9K, hp: 64 - 101 (1 gen. 2001 - 2005); 68 - 106 (2 gen. 2005 - 2010); 75 - 110 (3 gen. 2008 - 2016); 75 - 115 (4 gen. since 2012). Torque, Nm: 160 - 200 (1 gen. 2001 - 2005); 160 - 240 (2 gen. 2005 - 2010); 180 - 260 (3 gen. 2008 - 2016); 200 - 260 (4 gen. since 2012).
How much oil does the Renault K9K take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30, 5W-40.
Does the Renault K9K have a timing belt or chain?
The Renault K9K uses a timing belt.
Is the Renault K9K turbocharged?
Yes, the Renault K9K is turbocharged.
Does the Renault K9K need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Renault K9K last?
The typical lifespan of the Renault K9K is ~400 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Renault K9K?
Renault Scenic 2011: city 5.8, highway 4.4, combined 4.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Renault K9K installed on?
Dacia: Duster 1 (HS) 2010-2018, Dokker 1 (K67) since 2012, Lodgy 1 (J92) since 2012, Logan 1 (L90) 2005-2013, Sandero 1 (B90) 2009-2012; Duster: 2 (HM) since 2018; Logan: 2 (L52) since 2012; Sandero: 2 (B52) since 2012; Infiniti: Q30 1 (H15) 2015-2018; Mercedes: A-Class W176 2013-2018, B-Class W246 2013-2018, CLA-Class C117 2013-2019, GLA-Class X156 2014-2018, Citan W415 since 2012 and 15 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Renault K9K?
The most famous problem with such engines is cranking of the connecting rod bearings. This happens especially often with engines from Europe, where they change the oil every 30,000 km. The bulk of diesel engines until 2009 were equipped with the Common Rail Delphi system, which does not tolerate airing, a clogged fuel filter and bad diesel fuel. For any of these reasons, it begins to drive chips and primarily clogs the nozzles. Also, this metal pollen significantly reduces the life of the turbine and oil pump. All known problems.
Changed timing belts on 2 cars. 1 was 2018 clio 273k (never changed), other one 2016 megane taxi 400k on clock, belt changed firstly 120k, so interval 280k. Both were ok.
I change the time belt at 162,000Km
When to replace timing belt on this model?
In some country Renault says every 60 000 km in other country 90 000 km.
I’ve replaced the first time at 70 000 km the car now has 125 000 km and I’m wondering if I should do it at 130 000 km or at 160 000 km.
Car is a Clio IV 1.5 dCi 90 HP.
I think you need to do as the factory recommends for your country.
I used the same car with same engine. In my country, Renault said 80 000km or 4 years -whichever comes first- for timing belt change. I changed it when the car was 6 years old and at 65000km. The old belt looked fine, no cracks or signs of wear but nonetheless I think the best option is the comply with the 4 year interval.
They recommend 4 years or 60 000km in my country.
Being at 63 000km on this belt, I made an appointment for next week.
Thanks for the advices.
I have a 2010 1.5 diesel 68hp, after 5 years and around 93 000 km the belt shifted sideways towards the inside, where it began to hit lightly the egine to the point where the belt was frayed for at least 25%.
So i changed it right away!
My advice is never exceed 5 years and about the milage, 90 000km should be fine.