The Ford M9MA is a 1,596 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018 as part of the Ford Dragon EcoBoost family. It features turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 240 Nm of torque. This architecture enables responsive urban performance with improved fuel efficiency over naturally aspirated predecessors.
Fitted to models including the C-Max, Focus, and Mondeo, the M9MA was engineered for mainstream family vehicle applications requiring a balance of drivability and economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, allowing Euro 5 compliance across its production run. The compact turbo layout supports transverse front-wheel-drive packaging.
One documented concern is premature turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, identified in Ford Service Action 15B14. This issue arises from carbon buildup on the actuator lever mechanism under frequent short-trip driving conditions. From 2015, revised calibration and updated hardware reduced failure incidence, with corrective updates available via dealer reprogramming and hardware replacement.
Production years 2012–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variants of the M9MA were released.
The Ford M9MA is a 1,596 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size passenger vehicles (2012–2018). It combines direct fuel injection with twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver responsive low-end torque and smooth throttle progression. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with moderate fuel consumption.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Mitsubishi TD04HL-15T turbo with vacuum-actuated wastegate | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (single-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The turbocharged design delivers strong mid-range pull ideal for motorway merging and hill climbing but requires consistent oil maintenance to protect the turbo bearing and timing chain. Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and anti-wear additives protecting the high-pressure fuel pump and turbocharger. Extended idling and frequent cold starts accelerate carbon buildup on the intake valves and wastegate lever. The Bosch HDEV5 fuel pump demands minimum 95 RON fuel to prevent knock and injector coking. Post-2015 models benefit from revised wastegate actuator design; pre-2015 units should be checked per Service Action 15B14. Regular induction cleaning is advised to maintain throttle response.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 13 18 19). Supersedes ACEA A1/B1 and API SN standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all M9MA models (2012–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variant exists.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Full torque curve requires 95 RON fuel (Ford TIP Doc. D7U-6C086-C).
Ford Technical Information Portal (TIP): Docs D7U-6A019-B, D7U-6C086-C, SIB 15B14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Ford M9MA was used across Ford's C1/CD4 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Focus and revised cooling routing in the Mondeo-and from 2015 the facelifted Focus Mk3.5 adopted updated engine management calibration, creating minor 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 starter motor (Ford TIP D7U-6A019-B). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for 1.6L EcoBoost). Pre-2015 models have a silver intake manifold with black turbo housing; post-2015 units retain visual similarity but feature revised ECU calibration. Critical differentiation from non-turbo units: M9MA has a turbocharger mounted on the right side (passenger side in LHD) and an intercooler pipe exiting the top of the engine bay. Service parts require model-year verification—turbo actuators before 2015 differ from updated 15B14-compliant units (Ford SIB 15B14).
The M9MA's primary reliability risk is turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip driving. Ford's internal field reports from 2016 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 units required actuator service before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows increased emissions-related failures linked to boost control faults in high-mileage examples. Frequent cold starts and low-speed operation increase carbon accumulation, making periodic inspection and software updates 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 M9MA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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