The Ford BOB is a 1,998 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023 as part of the EcoBoost family. It features direct fuel injection, a single-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with Ti-VCT, delivering 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. Designed for mainstream performance applications, it balances responsive driving dynamics with urban efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Kuga (Mk3) and Escape (Mk4), the BOB engine was engineered for drivers seeking a blend of power and practicality. Emissions compliance is achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a three-way catalytic converter, and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), enabling Euro 6d-TEMP compliance across European markets. Its transverse mounting supports front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
One documented concern is premature turbocharger wastegate actuator failure, referenced in Ford Service Information Bulletin 18M06. The actuator linkage is prone to binding due to carbon buildup and thermal stress, leading to boost control faults. From 2020, revised actuator materials and updated ECU calibration improved durability in later production units.
All BOB engines meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford BOB is a 1,998 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size Ford models (2018–2023). It combines direct injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and responsive throttle behavior. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards, it balances performance with real-world drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.5 mm × 83.1 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 250 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Honeywell single-scroll turbo with air-to-air intercooler | |
| Timing system | Dual roller chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C949-A (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The single-scroll turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for daily driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) oil to prevent turbo bearing wear and chain degradation. The GPF system necessitates regular highway runs to maintain regeneration cycles and prevent clogging. Fuel quality is important—RON 95 unleaded is sufficient, but higher-octane fuel may improve throttle response. Post-2020 models feature revised wastegate actuators and ECU strategies reducing failure rates. Cooling system integrity must be maintained, as sustained high loads can increase thermal stress on hoses and the radiator.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 18 06 12). Compatible with ACEA C2/C3 classifications.
Emissions: All BOB units comply with Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6d variants exist for this engine code.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Peak power achieved at 5,500 rpm with standard exhaust and intake configurations.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B34580, B34920, SIB 18 06 12, SIB 18M06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford BOB was used across Ford's C5 platform with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive layout. This engine received platform-specific tuning—slightly revised intake manifolds in the Escape and enhanced NVH damping in the Kuga—and from 2020 the updated wastegate actuator and ECU calibration in facelifted models created minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine identification tag on the left-side cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS B34701). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine code ('B' for BOB). Pre-2020 units have silver valve covers with black intake manifolds; post-2020 models use black valve covers. Critical differentiation: BOB features direct injection with GPF, unlike naturally aspirated units. Service parts require model-year verification—wastegate actuators for 2018–2019 models are not interchangeable with 2020+ due to design revisions (Ford SIB 18M06).
The BOB's primary reliability risk is turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, with elevated incidence in urban driving and frequent thermal cycles. Internal Ford field reports from 2022 noted a measurable share of 2018–2019 engines exhibiting boost control faults before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows increased emissions-related failures linked to DTCs in city-driven vehicles. Stop-start usage and low-quality fuel amplify actuator risks, making ECU calibration and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD BOB.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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