About this model
The Dacia Logan 2 (code L52) is the second best-selling model from the Romanian-French manufacturer, on the market from 2012 to 2020. In BiH the Logan is extremely popular thanks to its low price, simple construction, and cheap parts that are identical to those used in Renault models. On BiH roads we most often see the diesel version with the 1.5 dCi engine (K9K), either as a sedan or MCV estate variant. A typical example in BiH is imported from Western Europe with 130,000-220,000 km on the clock. The Logan attracts owners who want a cheap, practical car for daily use, but this exact category of buyers often skimps on maintenance, which on the K9K engine can lead to expensive consequences. You can check what we cover for this brand on our Dacia service page.
Engines and variants
This model is most commonly available in BiH with the following engines.
1.5 dCi 75 HP (K9K 612/K9K 626): The lower-output diesel version with 75 HP and 200 Nm, an economical choice for city driving with average consumption below 5 l/100 km. DPF issues are more pronounced because owners of this version tend to drive short city trips where the filter cannot regenerate. This variant is a popular choice among retirees and low-mileage drivers, and parts are identical to the more powerful version so there is no difference in availability.
1.5 dCi 90 HP (K9K 612/K9K 626): The more powerful version with 90 HP and 220 Nm, the more popular choice for intercity driving and the MCV estate variant that carries heavier loads. The turbocharger works under greater stress so it is more sensitive to oil quality and service intervals, and injectors suffer more because the engine often runs at higher RPMs. This is by far the most popular version in BiH and the most frequent visitor in our workshop.
0.9 TCe 90 HP (H4Bt): A three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, light with decent power but modest for motorway and longer drives. A completely different fault profile compared to the diesel versions since there is no DPF or EGR complication, and the most common problems are ignition coils and the timing set. Suitable for LPG conversion and popular among drivers who prefer lower maintenance costs.
1.0 SCe 73 HP (B4D): A naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine without a turbo, a replacement for the older 1.2 16V, intended purely for city driving. The simplest engine in the range, faults are rare, and the most common ones are moderate oil consumption and the characteristic three-cylinder noise. A decent choice for drivers who drive exclusively in the city and want minimal service costs.
Reliability and reputation on the BiH market
The Dacia Logan 2 has earned a reputation on the BiH market as the cheapest car to maintain in its class. All mechanical parts are identical to those for the Renault Clio, Megane, or Scenic, and parts prices are among the lowest for any European car. A typical owner in BiH is a driver looking for an economical car for daily use, short commutes to work, or as a family vehicle on a modest budget.
The MCV estate version is especially popular among families because it offers a huge boot for relatively little money. Compared to a Skoda Fabia or Seat Ibiza of the same age, the Logan loses on material quality, sound insulation, and corrosion protection, but makes up for it with simplicity of servicing and the lowest parts costs on the market. At 200,000 km with regular maintenance, most examples run without major mechanical problems, but neglected cars with stretched service intervals quickly reveal the weak points of the K9K engine.
Common faults we see
From our workshop experience, here is what most commonly comes in for repair on this model.
1. Injectors (Delphi common rail)
Symptom: Metallic knocking when cold, black smoke on acceleration, uneven idle, difficult morning starts.
The K9K engine uses Delphi common rail injectors known as the weakest point of this unit. The copper washers under the injectors lose their seal over time, and fuel quality in BiH further accelerates nozzle tip wear. The problem typically appears between 120,000 and 180,000 km, sooner if you refuel at dubious stations. Regular replacement of the fuel filter significantly extends injector life.
Advice: We test fuel return per cylinder - if only one injector is out of tolerance, reconditioning is a cheaper option than replacement. Regular fuel filter changes every 20,000 km help injectors last longer.
2. EGR valve
Symptom: Car jerks on acceleration, check engine light comes on, increased fuel consumption, black smoke, lack of power on the motorway.
The EGR valve clogs with soot deposits from exhaust gases mixed with oil vapour from the crankcase. On a Logan used mainly for city driving and short trips, the EGR clogs faster because the engine never reaches a high enough temperature to burn off the deposits. The problem most commonly appears between 100,000 and 150,000 km.
Advice: Cleaning the EGR valve is the first step and is often sufficient. If the membrane or actuator is damaged, we replace the complete unit. Logan owners who drive mainly in the city should plan preventive EGR cleaning every 60,000-80,000 km.
3. DPF filter
Symptom: DPF warning light on the dashboard, car enters limp mode, loss of power, increased fuel consumption, burning smell.
The Logan 2 with the Euro 5 engine has a DPF filter that requires periodic regeneration on the open road at speeds above 60 km/h for at least 20 minutes. The problem is that most Logan owners in BiH use the car for short city trips, taxi service, or delivery - precisely the conditions in which the DPF cannot regenerate. A clogged DPF typically manifests between 80,000 and 120,000 km in a typical city driver.
Advice: Forced regeneration is the first step and succeeds in about 70% of cases if caught in time. If the filter is completely blocked, chemical cleaning or replacement are the only options. Once a week, drive at least 20-30 minutes on the open road.
4. Turbocharger (VGT mechanism)
Symptom: Abnormal whistling from the engine bay, loss of power on acceleration, black or blue smoke, check engine light.
The K9K engine in the Logan uses a variable geometry turbo (VGT) whose vanes gradually seize up from soot and oil. The problem is more pronounced on vehicles with irregular servicing and cheap oil. Turbo bearings fail if the oil is not changed regularly, because the turbo operates at extremely high RPMs and requires clean oil for lubrication.
Advice: A VGT mechanism decoke can save the turbo if the problem is only seized vanes. If the bearings are worn, turbo reconditioning is a more economical option than a new unit. On the Logan, access to the turbo is straightforward, which reduces labour cost.
5. Crankshaft bearings (plain bearings)
Symptom: Deep metallic knocking from the lower part of the engine, oil pressure drop, red oil warning light on the dashboard, vibrations.
This is the most dangerous fault on the K9K engine and the most common reason for a complete engine write-off. Early Euro 4 and first Euro 5 K9K engines are particularly susceptible to this issue. The cause is almost always irregular oil changes or extended service intervals. On the Logan the problem is further amplified because these cars are often owned by people who maximise savings on maintenance and stretch oil change intervals to 20,000-30,000 km.
Advice: Prevention is the only real cure. Change the oil at a maximum of 10,000-15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Use quality synthetic oil. If knocking has already appeared, do not drive the car because the damage spreads with every kilometre.
6. Electric power steering (EPS)
Symptom: Heavier steering at low speeds, power steering warning light on the dashboard, sporadic loss of assistance when parking, creaking when turning the wheel.
The Logan 2 uses an electric power steering system that is cheaper and simpler than a hydraulic setup. The electronic control module fails over time due to overheating or corrosion on the connectors. The problem most commonly occurs after 5-7 years of vehicle age or on examples that have stood idle for extended periods. Moisture and road salt in BiH accelerate connector corrosion. You can read more about this type of fault in our EPS system guide.
Advice: Before replacing the entire module, diagnostics may reveal that the problem is just a connector or the torque sensor on the steering column. Cleaning the connector and reprogramming sometimes fixes the problem without replacing the expensive component.
7. Body corrosion
Symptom: Rust around protective trim strips, under the wheel arches, around the boot badge, on the sills, and lower door edges.
Dacia is known for weaker corrosion protection compared to more expensive brands. The Logan 2 has a six-year perforation warranty, which is below the industry average. On examples older than 6-7 years in BiH conditions, rust appears in typical spots: sills, lower door edges, wheel arches, and the area around the boot. Winter road salting significantly accelerates the process.
Advice: Regularly washing the underside during winter and protecting the chassis with wax or bitumen extends lifespan. If rust has already appeared, treat it as soon as possible - once it breaks through the metal, repair becomes many times more expensive.
8. Clutch cable and clutch mechanism
Symptom: Difficulty engaging first or reverse gear, clutch pedal too hard or too soft, jerking when pulling away, car stalling at traffic lights.
The Logan 2 uses a clutch cable instead of a hydraulic system. The cable stretches over time and requires adjustment. On higher-mileage examples, the clutch disc and release bearing need replacement. Logans used in city traffic or as taxis wear the clutch significantly faster. The problem typically appears between 100,000 and 150,000 km.
Advice: Cable adjustment is a quick, cheap job that should be done at every service. When replacing the clutch, we always change the full kit: disc, pressure plate, and release bearing together. On the K9K engine, access is relatively straightforward.
Dacia Logan 1.5 dCi DPF problems
The DPF on the Logan is a frequent reason for workshop visits because the typical owner profile is precisely a city driver who rarely gets onto the open road. Symptoms start gradually: a slight loss of power, slightly higher consumption, and then suddenly the warning light and limp mode. The key is to react as soon as you notice the first signs, because forced regeneration at that stage has a high success rate. Drivers who pass that point and keep driving with the warning light on end up with a completely blocked filter that cannot be regenerated. Read more about how the DPF works and why it clogs in our dedicated guide.
Dacia Logan power steering fault
The electric power steering on the Logan 2 is notable in that it fails gradually, not all at once. Owners usually notice the steering is slightly heavier in the morning when cold, and this worsens over time. The connector on the steering column is the most common culprit because it corrodes from moisture entering through the windscreen. A diagnostic reader easily confirms whether the problem is electrical or mechanical, so we recommend diagnostics before any part replacement.
Service and maintenance
The timing belt on the K9K engine is replaced at 90,000-120,000 km or no later than every 6 years, together with the water pump and tensioner pulleys, depending on the manufacturer's recommendation for the specific year (check the service booklet). We do not recommend stretching this interval because a snapped belt means a destroyed engine. We recommend synthetic 5W-30 oil, specification RN 0720 (Renault standard), with change intervals of 10,000-15,000 km or once a year depending on driving conditions (shorter intervals in the city, longer on the open road). We do not recommend the factory 20,000-30,000 km intervals for our conditions because the K9K plain bearings are extremely sensitive to oil quality and cleanliness.
Which oil for the Dacia Logan 1.5 dCi
For the K9K engine in the Logan we recommend synthetic 5W-30 oil with Renault specification RN 0720. This specification is mandatory for engines with a DPF filter because oils without this rating contain a higher ash percentage that accelerates filter clogging. In practice, we most often use oils from Total (Quartz INEO MC3), Elf (Evolution Full-Tech FE), or Motul (8100 Eco-nergy). The brand matters less than following the specification.
We change the fuel filter every 15,000-20,000 km because diesel quality in BiH requires more frequent replacement. The DPF requires occasional open-road driving for at least 20-30 minutes once a week. For a full major service on the Logan, get in touch to book an appointment.
Owner tips
- Change the oil - synthetic 5W-30 RN 0720 - every 10,000-15,000 km or once a year depending on driving conditions (shorter intervals in the city, longer on the open road). Never stretch to the factory 20,000-30,000 km.
- History check before deposit: use the chassis number to pull the full vehicle history via carVertical. From international registries you typically get real odometer readings by date, recorded accidents, number of previous owners, and theft or total loss indicators. We consider it essential before buying any used car, especially imported examples from Western European markets. When paying for the report you can use code GAGA for a 20% discount.
- Once a week, drive at least 20-30 minutes on the open road above 60 km/h so the DPF can regenerate.
- Replace the fuel filter every 15,000-20,000 km because diesel quality in BiH requires more frequent changes than in Western Europe.
- Check the sills and lower door edges for corrosion at least twice a year and treat them as soon as you spot the first rust.
- Check the clutch cable tension at every service because the cable stretches over time and causes difficulty changing gears.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dacia Logan 2 1.5 dCi reliable for 200,000 km?
Yes, the K9K engine in the Logan is a reliable unit that easily covers 200,000 km and more, provided the oil is changed every 10,000-15,000 km with quality synthetic oil and the timing belt is replaced on time. The key is regular maintenance because the consequences of irregular servicing on this engine are more expensive than on most competitors.
Which engine is the best choice in the Dacia Logan 2?
For most buyers in BiH, the 1.5 dCi 90 HP is the optimal choice as it offers a good balance of power, economy, and durability. If you drive exclusively short city trips, consider the petrol version because you will avoid the DPF and EGR complications that are inevitable on a diesel in urban conditions.
Is it worth fitting LPG to a Dacia Logan 2?
LPG conversion makes sense on the petrol versions (0.9 TCe or 1.0 SCe). The diesel 1.5 dCi version is not suitable for a standard LPG conversion. If you drive a petrol Logan and cover more than 15,000 km per year, LPG conversion pays off as it significantly reduces fuel costs. Contact us via our contact page for a free assessment.
How long does the timing belt last on the Logan 2 1.5 dCi?
The factory interval is up to 120,000 km or 6 years, depending on the production year and manufacturer recommendation (check the service booklet). We do not recommend stretching this interval because a snapped belt on the K9K engine means bent valves and an effectively destroyed engine. We always replace the water pump and tensioner pulleys together with the belt.
Is the Logan MCV estate a better choice than the sedan?
Mechanically they are identical - same engines, same suspension, same faults. The MCV has a huge 573-litre boot that is more practical for family use or transporting goods. The only reliability difference is that the MCV can have issues with the boot latch that tends to seize up over time.
How much does a Dacia Logan 2 service cost in Banja Luka?
The Logan is one of the cheapest cars to service because parts are identical to those for Renault models and are readily available. A regular minor service with oil filter, oil, and air filter is among the most affordable in its class. The price depends on the specific condition - get in touch for an estimate.
What to watch for when buying a used Logan 2 1.5 dCi?
Check the service history and oil change intervals because the K9K engine's plain bearings are sensitive to irregular maintenance. Verify whether the timing belt has been replaced, test the DPF regeneration on a test drive on the open road, and be sure to inspect the sills and lower door edges for corrosion as that is the weakest point of the Logan's body.
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop by our workshop - it is better to check early than to pay for an expensive repair.