Model Variant:
Espace III (JE0), all trims including Authentique, Expression, RT, RXE and Grand Espace
Model Years Covered:
1998
Chassis Generation:
Third generation (JE/Grand Espace JK)
Body Style:
Multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), 5-door
Target Audience:
Families and fleet buyers needing a spacious 5-7 seat MPV
Segment:
Full-size European minivan / people carrier
Primary Competitors:
Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan, Citroen/Peugeot 806/807 platform vans, Chrysler Voyager
Key Advantage:
Spacious interior with individual removable rear seats and distinctive one-box design
Tech Positioning:
Rear-wheel drive layout with longitudinal engine, unusual in the class
Seating:
Individual removable rear seats, optional third row
Construction:
Composite rear body panels on a steel chassis
Steering:
Speed-sensitive variable power-assisted steering
Dashboard:
Central digital instrument display with remote-mounted controls
Manual Type:
Service, repair and workshop manual with full wiring diagrams
Coverage:
Complete vehicle - every system, diagnostic and repair procedure covered
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, wiring schematics and specifications
Instruction Style:
Step-by-step instructions
Delivery Method:
Instant download on completion of payment
Printing:
All pages printable - print only what you need for the workshop
Shipping:
None - no shipping cost, no CD or paper manual wait
Engine:
Complete mechanical, timing, cylinder head and internal engine repair for all petrol and diesel engines
Fuel and Emissions:
Fuel injection, turbocharging, exhaust, evaporative and emission control systems
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, fans and coolant circuit
Transmission:
Manual gearbox, automatic transmission, clutch and driveshafts
Brakes:
Hydraulic circuit, discs, drums, calipers, ABS diagnostics
Steering and Suspension:
Power steering, front and rear suspension, wheel alignment
Electrical System:
Full wiring schematics, charging, starting, lighting, instrumentation
Heating and Air Conditioning:
Climate control, compressor, evaporator and blower service
Body and Interior:
Panels, trim, seats, sliding elements, locks and glazing
Restraints:
Seat belts and airbag/SRS system procedures
Diagnostics:
Fault code retrieval, troubleshooting charts and system tests
Maintenance:
Scheduled servicing, fluid changes, adjustments and inspections
Removal and Refit:
Step-by-step removal, overhaul and refitting for every major component
Repair and Rebuild:
Complete teardown and rebuild procedures for engines and transmissions
Torque Data:
Tightening torques and specifications throughout
Special Tools:
Special tool references where required
Depth Level:
Full workshop level - written for professional technicians and experienced DIY owners
Level of Detail:
Every single detail covered, from minor service to complete restoration
Diagrams:
Exploded views, wiring schematics and detailed illustrations
Parts Data:
Specifications and part identification data included within procedures
Parts Catalog:
N/A - separate illustrated parts catalog not included
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Petrol Engines:
2.0-litre 8-valve and 2.0-litre 16-valve four-cylinder; 3.0-litre V6 24-valve (PRV) on Grand Espace
Diesel Engines:
1.9-litre dT and 2.2-litre dT turbo-diesel
Layout:
Longitudinal, rear-wheel drive
Engine Options Range:
Four-cylinder and V6 petrol plus turbo-diesel options
2.0 8v Output:
Approximately 115 PS (85 kW)
2.0 16v Output:
Approximately 120 PS (88 kW)
3.0 V6 Output:
Approximately 167 PS (123 kW)
Exact Figures:
Refer to manual specifications for verified output and torque figures per engine code
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual gearbox
Optional Transmission:
4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
Drive Layout:
Rear-wheel drive with longitudinal gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry-plate clutch on manual models
Final Drive:
Integral final drive with differential in gearbox
Service Coverage:
Fluid specification, adjustment, removal, overhaul and diagnostics covered in manual
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,580 mm (Espace); approximately 2,880 mm (Grand Espace)
Length:
Approximately 4,510 mm (Espace); approximately 4,810 mm (Grand Espace)
Layout:
One-box MPV, 5-door
Exact Data:
Verify against manual for specific trim
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,400-1,600 kg depending on engine and trim
Seating Capacity:
5 seats standard, up to 7 with optional seating
Exact Figures:
N/A - confirm per engine and trim in the manual
Euro NCAP Rating:
N/A - Espace III tested in a later test cycle; consult official Euro NCAP data
Published Ratings:
Refer to period test reports for era-appropriate results
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags on most trims
Seat Belts:
Front belts with pretensioners on equipped models
Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones
ABS:
Anti-lock braking system available/standard on most trims
Steering:
Speed-sensitive power steering for stability at higher speeds
Traction Control:
N/A - not generally offered on this generation
Audio System:
AM/FM radio-cassette head unit; optional CD player and multi-speaker setup on higher trims
Instrumentation:
Central digital display panel with remote-mounted column controls, distinctive to the Espace III
Trip Computer:
Optional multifunction trip computer on higher trims
Driver Assistance Systems:
N/A - no modern ADAS on 1998 model; era features limited to ABS
Parking Sensors:
N/A - not available for this model year
Oil and Filter:
Petrol: every 10,000-15,000 km / 12 months; Diesel: every 10,000 km - follow manual schedule
Air Filter:
Inspect at each service; replace every 30,000 km or per condition
Timing Belt:
Replace per mileage/time interval stated in manual - critical for 16v and diesel engines
Brake Fluid:
Replace every 2 years
Coolant:
Replace per interval specified in manual
Engine Oil:
Viscosity and capacity per engine given in manual specification tables
Gearbox Oil:
Manual and automatic fluid specs included
Coolant:
Renault-specified ethylene glycol antifreeze mix
Brake Fluid:
DOT-specified hydraulic fluid per manual
Known Issues / Common Wear
Electrical:
Central digital dashboard and connectors are known age-related failure points
Body Panels:
Composite rear panels resist corrosion but clips and fixings need periodic check
Cooling System:
Aging hoses, thermostat and radiator on high-mileage vehicles
Suspension:
Rear trailing arm bushes and shock absorbers as high-mileage wear items
Manufacturer:
Renault, founded 1898 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Espace Origin:
Launched 1984 as a pioneering European MPV, developed with Matra
First Generation:
1984-1991, Matra-built space-frame MPV
Second Generation:
1991-1996, refined J63 series
Third Generation (this model):
1996-2002, JE0 platform with composite rear bodywork, digital dashboard and rear-wheel drive
Grand Espace:
Long-wheelbase JK version with extended cabin and third-row seating
Assembly Plant:
Matra facility, Romorantin-Lanthenay, France
Engines:
Renault and PRV (V6) engine supply
European Car of the Year:
Original Espace (1984) was runner-up; Espace III was a European Car of the Year finalist
Industry Standing:
Recognized as the defining European MPV throughout the 1980s and 1990s
Formal Awards:
N/A - no specific 1998 model-year awards documented