The Ford E5FC is a 2,495 cc, inline-five naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It forms part of Ford's Cyclone engine family, designed for commercial and utility vehicle applications requiring durability and serviceability. Featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), port fuel injection, and a cast-iron block with aluminium head, it delivers smooth, linear power delivery ideal for load-carrying and towing duties.
Fitted to models such as the U378 Ranger, S548 Transit, and S518 Tourneo Custom, the E5FC was engineered for high-mileage reliability in fleet and commercial use. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalyst and electronic throttle control, enabling Euro 6b compliance across all production years. Its design prioritises robustness with simplified maintenance and broad parts availability.
One documented update is the revised cylinder head gasket introduced in Q2 2018 to reduce coolant leakage, highlighted in Ford Service Action 18M07. Early-build engines exhibited gasket degradation under sustained high-load operation, particularly in hot climates. The update includes a multi-layer steel (MLS) gasket with improved sealing beads, resolving the issue without requiring block modifications.
Production years 2016–2020 meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Ford E5FC is a 2,495 cc inline-five naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for commercial vehicles (2016–2020). It combines port fuel injection with DOHC valvetrain to deliver smooth power delivery and strong low-end response. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it balances durability with emissions compliance and operational economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,495 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-5, DOHC, 20-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 128–138 kW (174–188 PS) | |
| Torque | 230–250 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Port fuel injection (Delphi ML5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (DOHC) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C913-B (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 192 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline-five design provides smooth, vibration-free power delivery ideal for commercial use but requires higher engine speeds for overtaking, making frequent gear changes necessary. Ford WSS-M2C913-B (5W-30) oil is critical due to its thermal stability and protection of the timing chain and camshafts under sustained load. Oil changes every 15,000 km or annually are sufficient for normal use, but shorter intervals are advised for stop-start urban cycles or high-temperature environments. The Delphi ML5 fuel system is robust but sensitive to low-octane fuel (below RON 95), which can trigger knock sensor intervention and reduce performance. Post-2018 models feature improved cylinder head gasket; pre-2018 units may benefit from retrofitting the MLS gasket per Ford SIB 18M07 to prevent coolant leaks. The three-way catalyst requires full operating temperature for optimal efficiency, so frequent short trips may accelerate aging.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-B (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 18M07). Supersedes ACEA A5/B5 and API SN+.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all 2016–2020 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 138 kW output requires RON 95 fuel and standard calibration.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs E50100, E50105, SIB 18M07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford E5FC was used across Ford's U378, S548, and S518 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with commercial fleet applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning—slightly revised torque curve in the Transit and cold-start calibration in the Ranger—and from 2018, the updated Tourneo Custom adopted a revised head gasket, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS E50110). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('5' for E5FC series). Pre-2018 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2018 units use gloss black valve covers. Critical differentiation from E5FD: Original E5FC uses Delphi ML5 ECU with 84-pin connector, while E5FD uses Bosch EDC17 with 104-pin connector. Service parts require production date verification—cylinder head gaskets for engines before 05/2018 are incompatible with later units due to MLS design changes (Ford SIB 18M07).
The E5FC's primary reliability risk is cylinder head gasket failure in early builds, with increased incidence in vehicles used for towing or in hot climates. Internal Ford quality reports from 2019 indicated a notable share of pre-2018 engines requiring gasket replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show a moderate increase in emissions-related faults linked to catalyst efficiency in short-trip vehicles. Frequent cold starts and use of non-recommended fuel increase knock sensor activity, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2016–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017–2021). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD E5FC.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
