The Ford M2DC is a 1,598 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It formed part of Ford's global Duratec Ti-VCT engine family, designed for compact and subcompact applications. Featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), it delivered 85 kW (115 PS) and 155 Nm of torque, balancing fuel efficiency with responsive urban drivability.
Fitted to models such as the B292 Focus, C346 Fiesta, and C519 Mondeo - including the Focus 1.6 Zetec and Fiesta 1.6 Titanium - the M2DC was engineered for economical daily commuting and smooth highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run and ensuring compatibility with standard unleaded fuel (95 RON).
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 14S06, is attributed to insufficient oil flow to the tensioner rail during cold starts. In 2015, Ford issued updated tensioner components and revised oil change intervals to mitigate risk across affected production batches.
Production years 2012–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford M2DC is a 1,598 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2012-2018). It combines Ti-VCT variable valve timing with sequential multi-point fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances everyday performance with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 75.0 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) @ 6,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; tensioner wear-prone) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C913-C (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The Ti-VCT system provides smooth power delivery ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear. Ford WSS-M2C913-C (5W-30) oil is critical due to its shear stability and protection of the front-mounted chain tensioner. Extended idling and short-trip driving increase wear risk. The MPI fuel system is tolerant of standard 95 RON fuel but benefits from periodic injector cleaning. Post-2015 models received updated tensioner components; pre-2015 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 14S06. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent warm-up cycles and avoiding oil contamination.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-C (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 14S06). Supersedes ACEA A1/B1 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all production years (2012–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Rated output achieved with 95 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. F12740).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F12740, F13021, SIB 14S06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford M2DC was used across Ford's B292/C346 platforms with transverse mounting and shared design principles with Mazda's MZR family under platform-sharing agreements. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Fiesta and revised exhaust routing in the Mondeo-and from 2015 updated tensioner hardware was introduced across all applications, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Ford TIS F12780). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('H' for Duratec 1.6L). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M2DE: Original M2DC has Denso ECU with rectangular diagnostic port, while M2DE uses Bosch EDC17 with trapezoidal port. Service parts require production date verification - timing kits for engines before 06/2015 are incompatible with later units due to tensioner redesign (Ford SIB 14S06).
The M2DC's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2014 indicated a significant share of pre-2015 engines requiring tensioner service before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures linked to catalytic converter degradation in short-trip vehicles. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2013-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD M2DC.
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.
