🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Renault Model: Espace I Year: 1987 Market Segment: MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) Body Style: 5-door minivan 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Pioneering MPV that redefined family car practicality, offering sedan-like driving dynamics with minivan space. The Espace was a significant departure from traditional vehicle designs. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Early competitors included large estate cars and other emerging MPV designs from various manufacturers as the segment developed. Key Features Unique Selling Points: Front-wheel-drive platform, modular interior seating system (removable and adjustable), aerodynamic and futuristic design for its era, spacious and versatile cabin. Manual Value Proposition Value: Indispensable resource for owners and independent workshops seeking accurate, factory-spec repair and maintenance information for the first-generation Espace. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All models and all repairs A-Z Page Count Page Count: Not specified, but comprehensive Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely Printed (traditional dealership manual format) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control systems. Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch service, gearbox overhaul, drive axles, propeller shaft. Brakes: Hydraulic system, disc/drum brake overhaul, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures. Steering: Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, ball joints, alignment procedures. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, wheel bearings, alignment. Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting systems, ignition system, instrumentation, fuses, relays, control units. Body: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, seals, chassis lubrication. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication, tune-ups. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault identification. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, etc. Installation: Correct procedures for installing new or reconditioned parts and accessories. Specifications: Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical tolerances, diagnostic parameters. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; includes detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level repair, and factory-level technical information. Accuracy: Vehicle-specific, not generic. Based on manufacturer's original service data. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Print (original dealership manual) Print Quality Print Quality: High (original factory quality for clarity and durability) Binding Type Binding Type: Likely spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat use in a workshop environment. Paper Type Paper Type: Durable, often slightly coated paper to resist grease and shop environments. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, transversely mounted. Displacement Liters: 2.0 L (1995 cc) Engine Code Example: J7R (common for later models, but may vary for early 1987) Performance Horsepower Ps: Approx. 108 PS (metric horsepower) at 5,250 rpm (for 2.0i models) Torque Nm: Approx. 160 Nm at 3,000 rpm (for 2.0i models) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) or Carburetor (depending on specific market and engine variant). Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Petrol) Cooling System Cooling Type: Water-cooled, pressurized system. Lubrication System Oil Type Recommendation: Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-50) and API service classification. Typically a good quality semi-synthetic or mineral oil. Engine Codes Covered Engine Codes: Includes all engine variants offered for the 1987 Espace I (e.g., 1.9, 2.0 petrol; potentially early turbodiesel variants). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed manual transaxle. Optional Transmission Type: 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transaxle (depending on engine and market). Features Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive (FWD). Transmission Fluid Spec Manual Fluid Type: Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil specification and viscosity grade (e.g., 75W-80, 75W-90). Automatic Fluid Type: Refer to manual for specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) type, likely a Dexron-II or equivalent. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: Approx. 4200-4400 mm (varies slightly by specific configuration) Width Mm: Approx. 1700-1750 mm Height Mm: Approx. 1600-1650 mm Interior Seating Capacity: 5 to 7 passengers (configurable) Cargo Cargo Volume Liters: Highly variable due to modular seating; substantial with rear seats removed/folded (estimated 1500-2500+ liters). Weights Curb Weight Kg: Approx. 1200-1400 kg (depending on engine and equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: No standardized official ratings like Euro NCAP or NHTSA were prevalent in the same format as today for this era. Safety was more focused on passive features. Active Features Active Safety: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may have been available on higher trims or later models within the generation. Passive Features Passive Safety: Seat belts (front and rear), reinforced body structure, crumple zones, safety glass. The manual would detail correct seat belt adjustment and maintenance. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic radio and cassette player, often with manual antenna. The manual covers speaker replacement and wiring. Driver Assistance Assistance Features: Limited by modern standards. Potential features include ABS on some models. The manual details...
Pioneering MPV that redefined family car practicality, offering sedan-like driving dynamics with minivan space. The Espace was a significant departure from traditional vehicle designs.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Early competitors included large estate cars and other emerging MPV designs from various manufacturers as the segment developed.
Key Features
Unique Selling Points:
Front-wheel-drive platform, modular interior seating system (removable and adjustable), aerodynamic and futuristic design for its era, spacious and versatile cabin.
Manual Value Proposition
Value:
Indispensable resource for owners and independent workshops seeking accurate, factory-spec repair and maintenance information for the first-generation Espace.
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault identification.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, etc.
Installation:
Correct procedures for installing new or reconditioned parts and accessories.
Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) or Carburetor (depending on specific market and engine variant).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Petrol)
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system.
Lubrication System
Oil Type Recommendation:
Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-50) and API service classification. Typically a good quality semi-synthetic or mineral oil.
Engine Codes Covered
Engine Codes:
Includes all engine variants offered for the 1987 Espace I (e.g., 1.9, 2.0 petrol; potentially early turbodiesel variants).
🔧 Transmission
Standard Transmission
Type:
5-speed manual transaxle.
Optional Transmission
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transaxle (depending on engine and market).
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-wheel drive (FWD).
Transmission Fluid Spec
Manual Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil specification and viscosity grade (e.g., 75W-80, 75W-90).
Automatic Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) type, likely a Dexron-II or equivalent.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
Approx. 4200-4400 mm (varies slightly by specific configuration)
Width Mm:
Approx. 1700-1750 mm
Height Mm:
Approx. 1600-1650 mm
Interior
Seating Capacity:
5 to 7 passengers (configurable)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Liters:
Highly variable due to modular seating; substantial with rear seats removed/folded (estimated 1500-2500+ liters).
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1200-1400 kg (depending on engine and equipment)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
No standardized official ratings like Euro NCAP or NHTSA were prevalent in the same format as today for this era. Safety was more focused on passive features.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may have been available on higher trims or later models within the generation.
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Seat belts (front and rear), reinforced body structure, crumple zones, safety glass. The manual would detail correct seat belt adjustment and maintenance.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic radio and cassette player, often with manual antenna. The manual covers speaker replacement and wiring.
Driver Assistance
Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Potential features include ABS on some models. The manual details the operation and basic diagnostics of these systems.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense. Connectivity would relate to the vehicle's internal electrical systems and diagnostics.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Km:
Refer to manual for specific mileage (e.g., typically 7,500 - 10,000 km) or time interval (e.g., 6-12 months), whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement Km:
Critical procedure; consult manual for specific interval (e.g., 60,000 - 80,000 km or 4-5 years), including tensioner and idler pulley replacement.
Brake Fluid Change Interval Years:
Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage, due to hygroscopic nature.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, mixed with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Renault specification (e.g., Type D or similar).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, as specified in the manual.
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual; often a specific hydraulic fluid or ATF.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, ball joints, exhaust system, clutch wear (manual transmission), minor electrical gremlins common for the era.
Body Rust:
Areas prone to rust include wheel arches, sills, and tailgate hinges, especially in areas with road salt. The manual will cover rust repair guidelines.
Maintenance Schedule Summary
Schedule:
The manual provides a detailed schedule for all routine maintenance tasks, including inspection points, replacement intervals for filters (oil, air, fuel), spark plugs, and drive belts.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Renault has a long history of innovation in automotive design and engineering, with a strong focus on practicality and family vehicles.
Model Evolution
Generation I Introduction:
Introduced in 1984, the Espace I was groundbreaking as Europe's first purpose-built minivan. It was designed by Matra and later produced by Renault.
Production
Production Period Gen I:
1984-1991
Production Location
Manufacturing Sites:
Primarily manufactured by Matra at its Romorantin-Lanthenay plant in France.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Design Awards:
The Renault Espace has received numerous accolades for its pioneering design and innovation in the automotive industry, often cited as a benchmark for MPVs.
Ratings
Reliability Ratings:
As with many vehicles of this era, reliability can vary based on maintenance. The manual is crucial for ensuring proper upkeep to maximize reliability.