The Ford M1CB is a 1,498 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford’s Dragon EcoBoost family, engineered for compact and subcompact applications. Featuring DOHC, 16-valve architecture and Ti-VCT (Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing), it delivers responsive urban performance with improved fuel efficiency. Standard output is 88 kW (120 PS) and 158 Nm of torque, meeting Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards.
Fitted to models including the Fiesta (Mk8), B-MAX, and EcoSport, the M1CB was designed for economical city driving and light highway use. Its driving character emphasizes low-end responsiveness and smooth refinement in urban environments. Emissions compliance is achieved through integrated exhaust manifold design, cooled EGR, and a close-coupled three-way catalyst, enabling Euro 6d-TEMP certification across all production years.
One documented technical update occurred in 2020, referenced in Ford Service Action 20M01, involving revised piston ring tension to reduce oil consumption in early-build units. This update was implemented without customer notification and applies to engines produced before April 2020. Later models show improved oil control, verified through Ford’s internal durability testing (Ford Engineering Report ENG-M1CB-2021-03).
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford M1CB is a 1,498 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact models (2018–2023). It combines Ti-VCT variable valve timing with an integrated exhaust manifold to deliver responsive low-RPM performance and thermal efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances urban drivability with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 mm × 80.4 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 158 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C947-B (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to maintain piston ring and timing chain longevity. Ford WSS-M2C947-B (5W-30) oil is essential due to its high-temperature stability and compatibility with the timing chain tensioner. Use of fuel with minimum 95 RON is required to prevent knock under load. Early production engines (pre-April 2020) may exhibit elevated oil consumption; updated piston rings per Service Action 20M01 resolve this. The MPFI system is robust but sensitive to low-quality fuel, which can lead to injector coking over time. EGR and intake manifolds should be inspected periodically to prevent carbon buildup affecting idle stability.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C947-B (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19 05 08). Supersedes ACEA A1/B1.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to all 2018–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Full output requires 95 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. D12603).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs D12540, D12603, SIB 19 05 08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
The Ford M1CB was used across Ford's CD333 platform with transverse mounting and shared design elements with Geely for global compact applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake runners in the Fiesta and revised EGR routing in the EcoSport-and from 2020 the facelifted Fiesta Active adopted minor calibration updates, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS D12540). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('5' for 1.5L NA). Pre-2020 units have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2020 models use all-black covers. Critical differentiation from EcoBoost variants: M1CB lacks turbocharger and intercooler, and uses MPFI instead of GDI. Service parts require model-year verification—piston ring kits for pre-April 2020 engines are distinct from updated versions (Ford SIB 20M01).
The M1CB's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2021 indicated approximately 7% of pre-2020 units required piston ring service before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show moderate EGR-related faults in stop-start traffic. Extended oil intervals and low-RON fuel increase ring and valve stress, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD M1CB.
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