The Ford BRF is a 1,998 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2000 and 2006. It belongs to the Ford "Duratorq TDDi" engine family, a DOHC design developed for European compact and mid-size platforms. Featuring a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16-valve configuration and indirect fuel injection with electronic pump control, it produced 80 kW (109 PS) in standard tune. Its engineering emphasized improved refinement, low-end torque, and emissions compliance over earlier indirect-injection units.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Focus MkI (BJB), Mondeo MkIII (CDW27), and Transit Connect, the BRF was engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient regional transport. It provided strong low-RPM torque ideal for stop-start traffic and light commercial use, making it popular in fleet and taxi applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a swirl chamber design, meeting Euro 3 standards on all post-2001 models (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1235).
One documented concern is inlet manifold swirl flap failure due to plastic hinge fatigue or vacuum actuator degradation. This issue, highlighted in Ford Service Communication 01/18, can result in erratic idle, power loss, or check engine lights. From 2003, Ford introduced a revised manifold design with reinforced flaps and updated vacuum actuators to improve reliability across the Duratorq TDDi engine range.
Production years 2000–2001 meet Euro 2 benchmarks; 2002–2006 models comply with Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1235).
The Ford BRF is a 1,998 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size applications (2000–2006). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with electronic indirect fuel injection to deliver improved refinement and drivability. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances responsiveness with long-term serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 80 kW (109 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection with electronic pump control (Lucas EPIC) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (2000–2001); Euro 3 (2002–2006) | |
| Compression ratio | 19.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett GT15 turbocharger | |
| Timing system | Timing belt | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic | |
| Dry weight | 156 kg |
The DOHC 16-valve design provides smoother operation and better breathing than earlier OHV diesels but requires strict adherence to 100,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic failure. SAE 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic oil is recommended for optimal valve train lubrication. Inlet manifold swirl flap failure is a known risk, particularly in units with degraded vacuum actuators or high thermal cycling. Use of standard diesel fuel is sufficient, but ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) helps prevent injector wear. Post-2003 models benefit from reinforced manifold flaps, reducing failure rates. EGR systems should be inspected periodically to prevent carbon clogging and idle instability.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic specification (Ford SIB 01/18). Compatible with API CF-4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to 2002–2006 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1235). Pre-2002 models meet Euro 2 standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies slightly with pump calibration and ambient conditions (Ford TIS Doc. I19014).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs I89012, I19014, SIB 01/18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1235)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Ford BRF was used across Ford's BJ/CD platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-fuel pump tuning variations for emissions and altitude-and from 2003 the facelifted Focus MkI FL adopted revised intake manifolds and EGR calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right side of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS I89012). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('R' for 2.0L Duratorq TDDi). Pre-2003 models have silver valve covers with swirl chamber injectors; post-2003 units use black plastic covers with revised EGR systems. Critical differentiation from 1.8L TDDi: The BRF has a larger bore and different pump calibration. Service parts require model-year verification - inlet manifolds for pre-2003 models are not compatible with post-facelift units due to flap hinge revisions (Ford SIB 01/18).
The BRF's primary reliability risk is inlet manifold swirl flap failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or thermally stressed units. Ford internal field reports from 2004 indicated a significant number of pre-2003 engines required manifold replacement before 140,000 km, while VCA MOT records show vacuum system neglect as a contributing factor in over 50% of related failures. Frequent short trips and infrequent servicing increase plastic fatigue, making routine inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2000-2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2003-2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD BRF.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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FORD Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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