Any new Megane RS 280/300 owners?
Discussion
Luke. said:
My 300RS was a nightmare for throwing up false warnings. All due to the crappy lithium battery they put in the thing. The car left me stranded four or five times over 2 years. Couldn't wait to get shot, to be honest. Though I think the 280s got a normal battery.
Can someone just put a normal battery in it, code the thing and be done?Had my 280 Cup (manual) for nearly 6 years now, and no real issues of which to speak.
I had two recalls - one to replace a solonoid to stop oil starvation, and the 2nd to replace the fuel pump. I had no issues with either prior to the recalls, but I did have a fuel leak after getting the pump replaced. Took it back and the garage sorted it out, I assume it was a poorly fitted gasket.
My only 2 minor complaints are:
1. The alarm. It's as annoying as the one on my 220T was. It just goes off randomly sometimes when I unlock the car. I assume there's some poorly written code that doesn't get the timing right between the car unlocking and the alarm disabling. It's not all the time, but it's bloody loud when it goes off!
2. Battery drain. Every now and then I get a 'power steering fault' message on the dash. It's not a power steering fault at all, it's actually the battery being low on juice. Going for a drive only sorts it out so much, but plugging it into my CTEK charger and doing a regenerative cycle seems to do the trick. I think I've had to do this 2 or 3 times since owning the car, only since lockdown really as I assume the extended period of not going very far had a pretty negative effect on it. FYI, mine is the normal battery, not the lightweight one fitted on the Trophy.
Other than that, it's been great. I have no real intention of changing for anything else (I did look at an A110, but it wouldn't have been practical for me).
I had two recalls - one to replace a solonoid to stop oil starvation, and the 2nd to replace the fuel pump. I had no issues with either prior to the recalls, but I did have a fuel leak after getting the pump replaced. Took it back and the garage sorted it out, I assume it was a poorly fitted gasket.
My only 2 minor complaints are:
1. The alarm. It's as annoying as the one on my 220T was. It just goes off randomly sometimes when I unlock the car. I assume there's some poorly written code that doesn't get the timing right between the car unlocking and the alarm disabling. It's not all the time, but it's bloody loud when it goes off!
2. Battery drain. Every now and then I get a 'power steering fault' message on the dash. It's not a power steering fault at all, it's actually the battery being low on juice. Going for a drive only sorts it out so much, but plugging it into my CTEK charger and doing a regenerative cycle seems to do the trick. I think I've had to do this 2 or 3 times since owning the car, only since lockdown really as I assume the extended period of not going very far had a pretty negative effect on it. FYI, mine is the normal battery, not the lightweight one fitted on the Trophy.
Other than that, it's been great. I have no real intention of changing for anything else (I did look at an A110, but it wouldn't have been practical for me).
framerateuk said:
2. Battery drain. Every now and then I get a 'power steering fault' message on the dash. It's not a power steering fault at all, it's actually the battery being low on juice. Going for a drive only sorts it out so much, but plugging it into my CTEK charger and doing a regenerative cycle seems to do the trick. I think I've had to do this 2 or 3 times since owning the car, only since lockdown really as I assume the extended period of not going very far had a pretty negative effect on it. FYI, mine is the normal battery, not the lightweight one fitted on the Trophy.
That sounds lovely! I remember when I had my Trophy I had to plug it into the CTEK every time I washed it on a Sunday afternoon to be certain it would start for work on the Monday morning 
I used to always open the drivers door slightly to kill the ignition as soon as I parked up (as opposed to checking emails/messages for a few minutes), annoyingly this habit has now become embedded and I do it in every car I drive !
framerateuk said:
.
My only 2 minor complaints are:
1. The alarm. It's as annoying as the one on my 220T was. It just goes off randomly sometimes when I unlock the car. I assume there's some poorly written code that doesn't get the timing right between the car unlocking and the alarm disabling. It's not all the time, but it's bloody loud when it goes off!
My Clio 182 and to a lesser extent Megane RS250 would do this sporadically too. At least Renault are consistent My only 2 minor complaints are:
1. The alarm. It's as annoying as the one on my 220T was. It just goes off randomly sometimes when I unlock the car. I assume there's some poorly written code that doesn't get the timing right between the car unlocking and the alarm disabling. It's not all the time, but it's bloody loud when it goes off!
nickfrog said:
Gilhooligan said:
My Clio 182 and to a lesser extent Megane RS250 would do this sporadically too. At least Renault are consistent
Yes! Our Clio 200 does it twice a year lol.FWIW I replaced the battery on my Megane in March 2023. It's a 2016, so was around 7yrs old by then. Not a bad lifespan for a battery I think. It's daily driven a reasonable milage (even though Covid!). It conked out one cold morning after I'd made a short trip, and ignored the dash showing a few warning lights on first start (something it had never done before).
So it's come to that time of year again when Renault call me and give me their horrid serviving prices....
MOT: £54
Service: (Oil, Filter, Cabin Filter): £398.14
Brake Fluid: £201.12 (As it's 6 years old)
Aux Belt: £273.00
Now, to be honest, I wasn't to put off by the aux belt, brake fluid (horrible job) and MOT, but that service cost really does seem excessive.
Anyone had any prices recently?
MOT: £54
Service: (Oil, Filter, Cabin Filter): £398.14
Brake Fluid: £201.12 (As it's 6 years old)
Aux Belt: £273.00
Now, to be honest, I wasn't to put off by the aux belt, brake fluid (horrible job) and MOT, but that service cost really does seem excessive.
Anyone had any prices recently?
Nope, just whatever they usually use.
I did it myself last time when they gave me the cost.
Got a price from a local garage we use for other half's car and they've quoted £650, but that's also including the spark plugs which I should have had done a year or two ago. Given the plugs are over £100 for just the parts, I'm much happier with that.
EDIT: Was going to add, I saw that K-Tec are charging nearly £800 for their major service, but they don't show the MK4 Megane in their list, and I suspect it would be a bit cheaper since there's no cambelt to change. No well known specialists for Renault's in South Wales unfortunately, and I'm not driving for hours for what isn't a particularly complicated service.
I did it myself last time when they gave me the cost.
Got a price from a local garage we use for other half's car and they've quoted £650, but that's also including the spark plugs which I should have had done a year or two ago. Given the plugs are over £100 for just the parts, I'm much happier with that.
EDIT: Was going to add, I saw that K-Tec are charging nearly £800 for their major service, but they don't show the MK4 Megane in their list, and I suspect it would be a bit cheaper since there's no cambelt to change. No well known specialists for Renault's in South Wales unfortunately, and I'm not driving for hours for what isn't a particularly complicated service.
Edited by framerateuk on Thursday 6th June 17:10
You want a really good laugh....Renault Retail Group UK sent me an email saying I could have a £75 discount on my well over priced service which was due with them...if & only if I agreed to spy on the dealership by reporting on how I was treated & how well they serviced my RS....needless to say I will not be taking them up on their spying offer at all ever in fact!
I can find a well loved independent to do the same work in half the time for less than half the cost!
I can find a well loved independent to do the same work in half the time for less than half the cost!
Hello,
I just bought Megane RS 280 which is first registered in 2021 but is pre-facelift model so possibly manufactured in 2020. I have two questions in relation to the car:
1. Battery: As far as I understand the lightweight battery which has been causing problems in Megane IV RS is the one on the Trophy versions and is called DESS battery. The RS 280 should have a "regular" battery. However, on my car there is a sticker on the plastic part on top of the battery which says "R.S. DESS". What does this mean? How do I identify which type of battery my car has?
2. RS Monitor: The car was advertised as having RS Monitor but that is not visible on the Applications section of the multimedia system. I tried to google on how to get RS Monitor visible and I found the R-Link Store and connected my car to it by adding the VIN number on the store. Once I've done that I can find RS Monitor on the Apps & Services section on the store. However it says, that I can buy the RS monitor for 349 EUR. Is it really so that the new owner needs to purchase the RS Monitor again or is there another way to activate the functionality?
I just bought Megane RS 280 which is first registered in 2021 but is pre-facelift model so possibly manufactured in 2020. I have two questions in relation to the car:
1. Battery: As far as I understand the lightweight battery which has been causing problems in Megane IV RS is the one on the Trophy versions and is called DESS battery. The RS 280 should have a "regular" battery. However, on my car there is a sticker on the plastic part on top of the battery which says "R.S. DESS". What does this mean? How do I identify which type of battery my car has?
2. RS Monitor: The car was advertised as having RS Monitor but that is not visible on the Applications section of the multimedia system. I tried to google on how to get RS Monitor visible and I found the R-Link Store and connected my car to it by adding the VIN number on the store. Once I've done that I can find RS Monitor on the Apps & Services section on the store. However it says, that I can buy the RS monitor for 349 EUR. Is it really so that the new owner needs to purchase the RS Monitor again or is there another way to activate the functionality?
Portti said:
Hello,
I just bought Megane RS 280 which is first registered in 2021 but is pre-facelift model so possibly manufactured in 2020. I have two questions in relation to the car:
1. Battery: As far as I understand the lightweight battery which has been causing problems in Megane IV RS is the one on the Trophy versions and is called DESS battery. The RS 280 should have a "regular" battery. However, on my car there is a sticker on the plastic part on top of the battery which says "R.S. DESS". What does this mean? How do I identify which type of battery my car has?
2. RS Monitor: The car was advertised as having RS Monitor but that is not visible on the Applications section of the multimedia system. I tried to google on how to get RS Monitor visible and I found the R-Link Store and connected my car to it by adding the VIN number on the store. Once I've done that I can find RS Monitor on the Apps & Services section on the store. However it says, that I can buy the RS monitor for 349 EUR. Is it really so that the new owner needs to purchase the RS Monitor again or is there another way to activate the functionality?
1: If it says DESS its most likely got a DESS. You can disconnect have a look around see if its in 2 pieces or not (DESS is 2 pieces inside. Ordinary OEM one is 570A 1 piece). If its a DESS buy the OEM 570A one just swap it over for no hassle..DESS is hassle & will fail at sometime...new one is £700 + although you can buy a way cheaper replacement. I just bought Megane RS 280 which is first registered in 2021 but is pre-facelift model so possibly manufactured in 2020. I have two questions in relation to the car:
1. Battery: As far as I understand the lightweight battery which has been causing problems in Megane IV RS is the one on the Trophy versions and is called DESS battery. The RS 280 should have a "regular" battery. However, on my car there is a sticker on the plastic part on top of the battery which says "R.S. DESS". What does this mean? How do I identify which type of battery my car has?
2. RS Monitor: The car was advertised as having RS Monitor but that is not visible on the Applications section of the multimedia system. I tried to google on how to get RS Monitor visible and I found the R-Link Store and connected my car to it by adding the VIN number on the store. Once I've done that I can find RS Monitor on the Apps & Services section on the store. However it says, that I can buy the RS monitor for 349 EUR. Is it really so that the new owner needs to purchase the RS Monitor again or is there another way to activate the functionality?
2: RS Monitor was an optional extra in 2021 is why you do not have it (tied to the RS not the owner BTW) at least your RS will have the wiring loom & microchip to get it working...on some 2021 RS it got removed no way to get it back as the hardware was not fitted to save money! See if you can buy it to register against your VIN then it should activate (its not worth it BTW but some love the data so up to you if its worth £350 or not!).
Join the private FB forums BTW way more info & way more active just search for "RS280-300"!! If it was not registered until 2021 means it was a dealer car might have sat around a while! What type of dashboard does it have modern facelift or the older design with the 2 shadow guards around the speedo?
Edited by RS_MAN_CHILD on Thursday 29th August 13:30
Thanks for the reply!
I've owned a previous generation Megane RS265 Trophy which had the RS Monitor and currently my other car is Alpine A110 with Alpine Telemetrics (which is basically the same thing as RS Monitor) so I know what the RS Monitor should do. For me the reason for having that would be the possibility to see engine oil temperature. I don't need it for other purposes and I won't be paying 349 eur for it on a used car.
And I don't use Facebook so that's not an option for me.
RS_MAN_CHILD said:
1: If it says DESS its most likely got a DESS. You can disconnect have a look around see if its in 2 pieces or not (DESS is 2 pieces inside. Ordinary OEM one is 570A 1 piece). If its a DESS buy the OEM 570A one just swap it over for no hassle..DESS is hassle & will fail at sometime...new one is £700 + although you can buy a way cheaper replacement.
It's a bit strange if my non-Trophy car would have the lighter DESS battery. The battery itself seems to be quite well hidden so it would be great if there was an easy way to confirm which battery my car has. Can some other RS 280 owner confirm if they have the RS DESS sticker under the hood or not? Mine looks like this:RS_MAN_CHILD said:
2: RS Monitor ...See if you can buy it to register against your VIN then it should activate (its not worth it BTW but some love the data so up to you if its worth £350 or not!).
The car was sold to me as having the RS Monitor so I assumed that it has been there earlier. What I'm asking is if there is a way to activate the RS Monitor without cost somehow. If not, then I will need to contact the car salesman who sold the car to me to discuss next steps.I've owned a previous generation Megane RS265 Trophy which had the RS Monitor and currently my other car is Alpine A110 with Alpine Telemetrics (which is basically the same thing as RS Monitor) so I know what the RS Monitor should do. For me the reason for having that would be the possibility to see engine oil temperature. I don't need it for other purposes and I won't be paying 349 eur for it on a used car.
And I don't use Facebook so that's not an option for me.
Portti said:
The car was sold to me as having the RS Monitor so I assumed that it has been there earlier. What I'm asking is if there is a way to activate the RS Monitor without cost somehow. If not, then I will need to contact the car salesman who sold the car to me to discuss next steps.
I've owned a previous generation Megane RS265 Trophy which had the RS Monitor and currently my other car is Alpine A110 with Alpine Telemetrics (which is basically the same thing as RS Monitor) so I know what the RS Monitor should do. For me the reason for having that would be the possibility to see engine oil temperature. I don't need it for other purposes and I won't be paying 349 eur for it on a used car.
And I don't use Facebook so that's not an option for me.
Battery is easy to reach! Disconnect the negative lead first. Then the positive lead. That air cover on top just gently pull it off! Ash did a great video on YT watch that it shows you how anyone can do its not hard! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoQE2LqYVqA&t=...I've owned a previous generation Megane RS265 Trophy which had the RS Monitor and currently my other car is Alpine A110 with Alpine Telemetrics (which is basically the same thing as RS Monitor) so I know what the RS Monitor should do. For me the reason for having that would be the possibility to see engine oil temperature. I don't need it for other purposes and I won't be paying 349 eur for it on a used car.
And I don't use Facebook so that's not an option for me.
If its got the DESS sticker then its most likely got a DESS. Renault put some bits on the RS280 which were meant for the RS300 Trophy & RS300 Sport. But there is no guide to this its very hit or miss. If its got a DESS sticker though its pretty likely to be a DESS...you will find out soon enough it will go flat when you least expect it or fail to start!
Forget what the car salesman said most tell you anything & or are just ignorant around RS Monitor. Renault themselves you will struggle to get a straight answer.......If it was previously activated on your VIN then it will still be there. If its not previously activated your going to have to pay the £350 or half that amount to a 3rd party who might be able to unlock for you as long as your RS does not now have a Protected Gateway (new Trick Renault main dealers use to ensure you only go back to them - blocks 3rd party OBDII code readers & some ECU mod tools from working!).
There is only 1 3rd party modder who can unlock it but they want paying also its not free so better to just buy from Renault if they will not let you have for nothing! It was an optional £350 extra in 2021 so prepare to have to pay (forget it was free on previous RS & Alpine Telemetrics is not free either it depends on the spec of A110 you go with its an optional extra on base models & cost money to get!
Suggest you get a facebook account as that is where most of the RS280-300 Trophy R owners lurk & its full of useful technical information & tips from the global owners not just UK based! As there are only 300 + 32 Trophy R sold in the UK your not going to get much info on this board as its a rare car in the UK!
Also go here: https://gb.rlinkstore.com/
You might be able to download the tool to check on your VIN #
Its the official Renault website for Rlink RS (later models dropped R Link).
You might be able to download the tool to check on your VIN #
Its the official Renault website for Rlink RS (later models dropped R Link).
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