Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi anything to watch out for?

walus

I'm looking at Renault Scenic 2010 1.5 dci (no other engine options unfortunately:() as a third baby is on its way. I'm not a big admirer of MPVs but for safety reasons want to go for a vehicle with 3 isofix fitting points and Scenic fits that criteria. There seems to be a good selection in these (2-3 year old) with relatively low mileage < 50k km, short wheel base. Does anyone now what to watch out for with these cars/engines? Is the large number of second hand ones due to reliability reasons that Renault have been known from? Generally have nothing against Renault petrol engines, but know nothing about their diesel motors. Any comments or references to already existing posts are welcomed. Thanks.

Stallingrad

We had a 2006 Megane 1.5dci and had no engine issues at all during 6 years of ownership, a few electrical maladies but otherwise a reliable car that never failed to start or broke down. Now have a 2010 Grand Scenic with the same engine, just had a new alternator fitted but otherwise no problems at all. Post 2008 Renaults are streets ahead of previous Gen cars.

Just make sure you do decent mileage as these engines do not like lots of short journeys and you will have DPF problems.

walus

Stallingrad wrote: »

We had a 2006 Megane 1.5dci and had no engine issues at all during 6 years of ownership, a few electrical maladies but otherwise a reliable car that never failed to start or broke down. Now have a 2010 Grand Scenic with the same engine, just had a new alternator fitted but otherwise no problems at all. Post 2008 Renaults are streets ahead of previous Gen cars.

Just make sure you do decent mileage as these engines do not like lots of short journeys and you will have DPF problems.

Thanks Stallingrad. I've heard that with long oil change intervals these engines can suffer from the rod bearing failures, even with relatively light usage.

Yakuza

I was looking at the 2010 Grand Scénic (same reason as you, 3rd kid on the way) but the horror stories about its electrics convinced me to steer clear of it. Window regulators, electronic handbrake (a flimsy little button) and even the dash in the TomTom version (it's a screen) seemed to fail with enough regularity for me to look elsewhere.

Ironically, the car I ended up with then (2010 Qashqai+2) has the same soulless lump of an engine (K9K 1.5 dCi). I had no issues with the engine, other than it was a bit underpowered for the car I had.

Stallingrad

Yakuza wrote: »

but the horror stories about its electrics convinced me to steer clear of it. Window regulators, electronic handbrake (a flimsy little button)

Window reg failures don't affect the Scenic or any Renaults post 2008. After this date there are far fewer electrical issues. Haven't had any issues with handbrake or Tom tom on ours.

naughtysmurf

Have a 1.5dci in a Fluence bought new May 2011, 70K up on it now, hasn't missed a beat,

ThisRegard

Stallingrad wrote: »

Just make sure you do decent mileage as these engines do not like lots of short journeys and you will have DPF problems.

Not all their 1.5 DCi engines had DPFs.

Stallingrad

ThisRegard wrote: »

Not all their 1.5 DCi engines had DPFs.

Pretty sure they all do post 2009, which is what the OP is looking at, but open to correction.

walus

Stallingrad wrote: »

Pretty sure they all do post 2009, which is what the OP is looking at, but open to correction.

I would imagine that is the case. On top of the engine rod bearing concern is the issue with DPF that simply does not like short trips. And i don't do a lot of miles (~12k kms/year).

Stallingrad

It is not so much the mileage but the type of journey, no diesel will like short journeys and no motorway. Is the UK an option? There you can get a bigger choice of petrol Scenics but will be hard to shift when you come to sell.

http://www.cargiant.co.uk/Renault/Grand_Scenic/details-620560-Renault-Grand_Scenic.asp?viewtype=0

And what about an estate, Passat 1.4tsi would be a good option if you can fit the seats in.

walus

A bit annoyed there are no second hand petrols available. UK is an option but it is a fair bit of hassle. Did not think fo Passat, but would prefer a car with 3 isofix.

walus

As for the Passat Estate petrols - between 2009/11 none available.

ltdslipdiff

You can get Scenics right up to 2011 with no DPF. The Auto diesel will have a DPF, as will the 1.9 dCi engined version which is UK import only. Easy way to tell if it has a DPF, open the drivers door, check for DPF sticker on info plate on door edge, will also be clearly marked on cross member on bonnet slam section alongside the refrigerant info for a/c. The 09-> Renaults are holding up very well, you won't be disappointed. Worth trying to get 106bhp version, the 86bhp is quite underpowered.

ltdslipdiff

Alot of the ones knocking around are imports, they weren't a huge seller here due to being so expensive to buy new,the 'quality' perception and the overall downturn in the economy. They sold much better in UK and low-ish residuals means they make a great second-hand buy!

Soarer

walus wrote: »

Thanks Stallingrad. I've heard that with long oil change intervals these engines can suffer from the rod bearing failures, even with relatively light usage.

Change the oil more regularly?

walus

Soarer wrote: »

Change the oil more regularly?

I know that, but a lot of owners believed that a 2years/30k km is enough.

I was convinced that all post 09 diesels had DPFs fitted. Must look into that.

Moocow100

I have 60000km on a 2011 grand megane and she hasnt missed a beat my wife also has one the electrics are now nissan so no problems also the renault engine is tried and proven. I service on the 30000km mark I havent heard anything about bearing failure . I would like to know more and how frequent the problem is .
The only problem I heard of is the tendencie of the hearlights to blow but this is because there on all the time I think 2 years on a bulb is ok .

Guy:Incognito

walus wrote: »

I was convinced that all post 09 diesels had DPFs fitted. Must look into that.

They dont. The mothers 2010 megane doesnt. The change from 105 to 110bhp is when the dpf was fitted iirc.

As for the electronic handbrake being a flimdy button, do people pull other buttons off the dash? You dont use it to pull a cable with your own strenght like a traditional handbrake so you wont be using it any harder than a button on the radio for example. Plus, you rarely use the button anyway. When you turn off the ignition, the handbrake engages, go to drive off and it disengages. Ive put about 30000km on the missus scenic and used the handbrake switch itself about 10 times.its only if your stopping somewhere and leaving the car running.

walus

Moocow100 wrote: »

I have 60000km on a 2011 grand megane and she hasnt missed a beat my wife also has one the electrics are now nissan so no problems also the renault engine is tried and proven. I service on the 30000km mark I havent heard anything about bearing failure . I would like to know more and how frequent the problem is .
The only problem I heard of is the tendencie of the hearlights to blow but this is because there on all the time I think 2 years on a bulb is ok .

From what I read so far on this engine is that at high mileage intervals (such as 30k km) the oils is loosing its properties which affects the rod bearings the most (the furthest from the oil pump). In certain circumstances this can cause the rod bearing to spin as it seizes from a lack of proper lubrication. They say to make the oil changes more frequent (15k km, or even 10k km) which should make the bottom end of the engine last much longer.
I'm glad to hear good opinions on these engines so far, no DPF is also a great thing as I do not do a lot of driving. I saw quite a number of these Scenics around and was only thinking why would someone get rid of a 3 year old car with less than 40k km miles after it has lost half its value. Thought of it very suspicious.

Moocow100

the only thing id advise with the 1.5 engine is make sure you get the 110bhp with 6 gears we have both in a grand megane 110bhp and the megane 90bhp 5 gears the difference in speed and crusing speed as in engine revs is massive.

Stallingrad

Having come from a Megane I find the 1.5dci in the Grand Scenic less refined and more vocal than before, it's not unruly but there are quieter, smoother diesels out there. Be sure to test drive the contenders.

ThisRegard

Stallingrad wrote: »

Pretty sure they all do post 2009, which is what the OP is looking at, but open to correction.

You could get the engine as recently as 2010 without a DPF, we have one.

Moocow100 wrote: »

The only problem I heard of is the tendencie of the hearlights to blow but this is because there on all the time I think 2 years on a bulb is ok .

As above, our 2010 hasn't had any bulb blow. Are you talking about a headlight bulb or a DRL ?

Moocow100

DRL ive had 2 go ,I know someone with a 2010 megand hes had a few go also more than 2 .
Normally when one goes the other will follow .

ltdslipdiff

walus wrote: »

From what I read so far on this engine is that at high mileage intervals (such as 30k km) the oils is loosing its properties which affects the rod bearings the most (the furthest from the oil pump). In certain circumstances this can cause the rod bearing to spin as it seizes from a lack of proper lubrication. They say to make the oil changes more frequent (15k km, or even 10k km) which should make the bottom end of the engine last much longer.
I'm glad to hear good opinions on these engines so far, no DPF is also a great thing as I do not do a lot of driving. I saw quite a number of these Scenics around and was only thinking why would someone get rid of a 3 year old car with less than 40k km miles after it has lost half its value. Thought of it very suspicious.

The 106bhp engine has an OCS (Oil Control system) that monitors oil quality and will call you in early for a service if the oil looses its protective qualities before its due. 2 years between oil changes is crazy, how long would you leave the oil in the deep-frier for? Oil changes should be done annually regardless and most importantly, with the proper oil grade. I haven't seen a bearing failure in a 1.5 dci engine in my 9+ years in the garage. Any engine problems I've ever seen are usually due to taking in water,over-filling with oil, or turbo failure (usually due to poor servicing schedule). If you stick to the manufacturers guidelines you should be fine.

Dartz

110bhp with the 6 speed is a good engine/gearbox. Really go well together.

Only problem we had with ours was that it lost power after the vacuum pump got clogged and the turbo wastegate stuck open, but it was a 90Euro fix at Belgard Renault.

Took a rear-end impact from a Fiat Ducato without flinching, passed my driving test in it with the electronics, automatic handbrake as a godsend, and we only got rid of it because I cracked the front ARB on a ramp after not spotting it in the dark.

ltdslipdiff

Nice to see the anti-Renault brigade haven't high-jacked the post yet ! Nice to hear some positives too.....

Moocow100

The only confusion and unclear direction from renault I got was for the 1.5 megand 20000km service intervals which matches the onboard service interval on computer. The 1.5 110bhp grand megane has 30000km service intervals but when I got it serviced they put a badge saying nextservice was 20000km I asked why the difference between the manufacturers intervals and didnt get a direct answer. To be honest Im still mystified as to why they have changed the intervals?

ltdslipdiff

The pre-dpf 86bhp models had a 20k/12 month service interval, the 90bhp dpf models had a 30k/12 month service interval, the 106/110 models have the OCS system fitted so they are 30k/or up to 2 years. This two year time has been taken out more recently and its back to 12 months.

To avoid problems, garages can recommend earlier oil changes. Nissan use the same dci engines but recommend 15k service intervals. Its down to total cost of ownership issues too. Some people just don't see why they should service their car once year.

nikpmup

I had one of these and while it's a GREAT practical, roomy family car, the electrics were a nightmare. Maybe I was just unlucky, but all the electric window motors died one by one, the windscreen wiper motors, the dashboard completely died, the heater fan died twice or three times (unfortunately during the really bad winter a few years ago!) and various other things. It cost a bleeding fortune. It's a pity, because it was cheap to run and as I've said, extremely practical.

walus

nikpmup wrote: »

I had one of these and while it's a GREAT practical, roomy family car, the electrics were a nightmare. Maybe I was just unlucky, but all the electric window motors died one by one, the windscreen wiper motors, the dashboard completely died, the heater fan died twice or three times (unfortunately during the really bad winter a few years ago!) and various other things. It cost a bleeding fortune. It's a pity, because it was cheap to run and as I've said, extremely practical.

What year was it?

nikpmup

walus wrote: »

What year was it?

2004

Edit - a friend of mine has a more recent (petrol) model, and she's had issues with the key card, the card isn't recognised and the car won't start. I'm not sure of the ins & outs, but I do recall her driving us to a wedding with a butter knife jammed in the key card slot beside the key as a weird temporary fix! As I recall it was pricey to sort out. I had a similar issue, but I used the spare key, before I had a chance to sort it out the car died on me completely so I don't know how much it would have been to sort.

Moocow100

Renault changed electrics in 2009 so there completely different cars to the one being sold now ,thankfully.

naughtysmurf

nikpmup wrote: »

2004

Edit - a friend of mine has a more recent (petrol) model, and she's had issues with the key card, the card isn't recognised and the car won't start. I'm not sure of the ins & outs, but I do recall her driving us to a wedding with a butter knife jammed in the key card slot beside the key as a weird temporary fix! As I recall it was pricey to sort out. I had a similar issue, but I used the spare key, before I had a chance to sort it out the car died on me completely so I don't know how much it would have been to sort.

€70 approx fix for the keycard, used this guy last year, very good,
http://www.kcsystems.ie/home.html

ThisRegard

nikpmup wrote: »

2004

Completely different cars.

Oafley Jones

Moocow100 wrote: »

the only thing id advise with the 1.5 engine is make sure you get 10bhp with 6 gears we have both in a grand megane 110bhp and the megane 90bhp gears the difference in speed and crusing speed as in engine revs is massive.

I'd go along with this. Wife has the six speed in her grand megane and its far better than what's in my father's car. Car has been flawless in three years, they really are a different beast to what went before.

Moocow100

I changed to the renault from a volvo estate ( great car but 400miles on a tank if your lucky) before that a mercedes 7 seater e class estate ( unreliable piece of crap) id never again touch one 5k in 2 years on faults outside of serviceing . While the renault isnt the high end as in cars go they offer a lot for a little cash and they are for the moment very reliable.

Casati

naughtysmurf wrote: »

€70 approx fix for the keycard, used this guy last year, very good,
http://www.kcsystems.ie/home.html

I had one repaired for 30 quid, the keycards dont like being bent or sat on, but if you look after them they are grand

I've a 2007 106 bhp Megane, 140k+ from new & with no mechanical issues. Windows were all replaced under warranty and some small other electrical issues- (rear parking sensors and mirrors are no longer working) but overall its a good car and power isnt bad. Ive only ever had it serviced at main dealers, and generally get it serviced early

Big Boost

Great little engine very reliable mines a megane dci 106 with over 240,00 km on the clock, defiantly service between 10-15 k for the turbo s sake.
As for not liking short journeys total crap
My case anyway it's driven hard from the moment it starts (work 10 min away)
And ain't put a foot wrong in 2 years of owner ship, gets serviced every 10k.