The Ford M1DA is a 1,596 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), and multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), delivering 85 kW (115 PS) and 155 Nm of torque. Its design prioritises fuel efficiency and low maintenance for urban and commuter applications.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Focus (Mk3), C-MAX, and Mondeo (Mk4), the M1DA was engineered for economical daily driving with smooth refinement and low CO₂ emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, enabling Euro 5 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in stop-start urban driving cycles. This issue, referenced in Ford Service Action 15B12, is linked to oil flow restriction under frequent cold starts. From 2015, revised tensioner components were implemented to improve durability.
All production years 2012–2018 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford M1DA is a 1,596 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size passenger vehicles (2012–2018). It combines Ti-VCT variable cam timing with multi-point fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end torque and fuel-efficient operation. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances urban drivability with cost-effective ownership.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear. Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-20) low-viscosity oil is essential for maintaining oil pressure to the front-mounted chain tensioner. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup on intake valves due to absence of direct injection. Use of 95 RON fuel is mandatory to prevent pre-ignition and knock sensor activation. Post-2015 models include updated tensioner design; pre-2015 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 15B12. The three-way catalytic converter requires full operating temperature for optimal efficiency—frequent short journeys may accelerate degradation.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-20) specification (Ford SIB 15B12). Supersedes ACEA B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2012–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across all markets with 95 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. ENG-PERF-2013).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-TECH-2012-M1DA, FUEL-01-M1DA, SIB 15B12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Ford M1DA was used across Ford's C1/CD4 platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Focus and revised exhaust routing in the Mondeo-and from 2015 the facelifted Focus Mk3.5 adopted revised engine mounts and updated ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS ENG-ID-002). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('H' for 1.6L Ti-VCT). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2015 units use dark grey valve covers. Critical differentiation from Duratec: M1DA uses a front-mounted timing chain with a single cover, while Duratec variants may use belt-driven systems. Service parts require production date verification—tensioners for engines before 06/2015 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 15B12).
The M1DA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start driving. Internal Ford quality reports from 2016 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 engines exhibiting chain noise before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased catalytic converter failures in short-trip vehicles. Cold-start cycles and low-viscosity oil degradation increase stress on the timing system, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD M1DA.
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.
