Nissan QG15DE
Often drivers experience floating speed due to throttle contamination.
Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 engines
The Renault Scala / Samsung SM3 is a South Korean compact car manufactured by Renault Samsung Motors since 2002. The 2nd generation of the model has been produced since 2009. The car is assembled in the South Korean city of Busan. In 2006, the car was updated and began to be sold in Russia and Ukraine under the name Nissan Almera Classic. The 1st generation of the model was produced until 2013. In Chile, the car was sold as Samsung SM3, and in Mexico, Colombia and Egypt – under the name Renault Scala.
The Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 was offered with 4 engines between 2002 and 2020 (3 petrol, 1 diesel). Displacement ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 liters, power output from 64 to 145 hp. 3 use a timing chain and 1 a timing belt. 1 is turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Renault K9K (about 400,000 km).
Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Scala 2002–2013 | |||||||
| Nissan QG16DE | 2002–2013 | 1.6 L R4 | 100–120 hp | petrol | chain | 2.7 L | ~250,000 km |
| Samsung SM3 2 (L38) 2002–2020 | |||||||
| Nissan QG16DE | 2002–2013 | 1.6 L R4 | 100–120 hp | petrol | chain | 2.7 L | ~250,000 km |
| Nissan QG15DE | 2002–2013 | 1.5 L R4 | 90–110 hp | petrol | chain | 2.7 L | ~220,000 km |
| Renault M4R | 2009–2020 | 2.0 L R4 | 130–145 hp | petrol | chain | 4.7 L | ~350,000 km |
| Other Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 engines generation not specified | |||||||
| Renault K9K | 2001–present | 1.5 L R4 | 64–115 hp | diesel, turbo | belt | 4.5 L | ~400,000 km |
Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Renault Scala/Samsung SM3?
Renault Scala (2002–2013): Nissan QG16DE; Samsung SM3 2 (L38) (2002–2020): Nissan QG16DE, Nissan QG15DE and Renault M4R.
Which Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 engines are: Renault K9K — about 400,000 km; Renault M4R — about 350,000 km; Nissan QG16DE — about 250,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Nissan QG15DE — 2.7 L (5W-30); Nissan QG16DE — 2.7 L (5W-30); Renault K9K — 4.5 L (5W-30, 5W-40); Renault M4R — 4.7 L (5W-30, 5W-40).
Does the Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Nissan QG15DE, Nissan QG16DE and Renault M4R; timing belt: Renault K9K. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Renault Scala/Samsung SM3 available with a diesel engine?
Yes: Renault K9K.
Engine details
Nissan QG16DE
Dips in traction appear due to stretching of the timing chain, it serves about 150,000 km.
Renault K9K
The most famous problem with such engines is cranking of the connecting rod bearings. This happens especially often with engines from Europe,…
Renault M4R
Probably the most famous problem of this power unit is lubricant consumption. Sometimes the selection of a different oil or decarbonization helps,…
Models with the same engines
- Nissan Almera 3 shared engines
- Nissan Bluebird Sylphy 2 shared engines
- Nissan Sunny 2 shared engines
- Renault Clio 2 shared engines
- Renault Fluence 2 shared engines
- Renault Laguna 2 shared engines
- Renault Latitude/Samsung SM5 2 shared engines
- Renault Megane 2 shared engines
- Renault Scenic 2 shared engines
- Nissan Cube 1 shared engine