What oil for a Renault 1.5 dCi? RN0720 standard and DPF

Oil for a Renault 1.5 dCi is a topic where what matters most is the right manufacturer approval, not the brand itself. This popular, economical diesel was fitted in millions of Renault, Dacia and Nissan cars, so the oil choice raises plenty of questions. We explain which oil to choose and what to watch out for, especially in versions with a particulate filter.

1.5 dCi — engine characteristics

The 1.5 dCi unit is a small turbodiesel with direct common-rail injection, valued for low fuel consumption. It comes in many power variants and — crucially for the oil — in versions with and without a DPF. It’s the presence of a DPF that most strongly affects the required oil specification.

The RN0720 and RN0710 standards

In 1.5 dCi engines the most important thing is the Renault approval appropriate for the given version:

• RN0720 — for diesels with a DPF (Low SAPS oil, most often 5W30)
• RN0710 — for older versions without a DPF
• Viscosity usually 5W30, in line with the car’s specification
• Best confirmed by VIN or in the manual

The DPF and Low SAPS oil

If your 1.5 dCi has a particulate filter, a Low SAPS oil with reduced sulphated-ash content is essential. Ordinary oil will clog the DPF far faster, and a costly filter replacement is an expense easily avoided with the right choice.

How often to change the oil in a 1.5 dCi?

Although the service book allows longer intervals, for a small diesel in the city it’s more sensible to stick to the lower limit:

• Every 10,000–15,000 km or once a year
• On short city trips even every 8,000–10,000 km
• Always change the oil filter together with the oil
• Check the oil level — diesels with a DPF can dilute it with fuel

In a 1.5 dCi with a DPF, Low SAPS oil with the RN0720 approval and a timely change are the cheapest insurance for the particulate filter.

Frequently asked questions about oil for the 1.5 dCi

What viscosity for a Renault 1.5 dCi?

Most often 5W30, but always confirm the requirement in the manual or select the oil by VIN — the RN0720/RN0710 approval is crucial, not just viscosity alone.

Can I pour ordinary diesel oil without a DPF?

In the version with a DPF, no — Low SAPS is needed. In the version without a DPF the choice is wider, but even so stick to the Renault approval for your engine.

We’ll select the oil for your 1.5 dCi with call-out

During a mobile oil change we’ll select a product with the right Renault approval and Low SAPS for the DPF version, change the filter and check the level — at your home or office.

See the price list or book a time online — we’ll come with the selected oil and filter for your Renault.