The Ford NEN is a 1,299 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2004. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve architecture and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,250 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 3,250 rpm, offering responsive urban drivability with modest fuel consumption.
Fitted primarily to the Mk4 Ford Fiesta and Ka (facelift), the NEN was engineered for cost‑effective city mobility with low emissions and ease of service. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed‑loop lambda control system and a three‑way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 3 certification across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobe on early production units, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 01S09. This was attributed to insufficient surface hardening during initial manufacturing batches. From mid‑2001, Ford implemented revised camshaft metallurgy and updated valve spring rates to resolve the issue.
All production years 2000–2004 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Ford NEN is a 1,299 cc inline‑four SOHC petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (2000–2004). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with a three‑way catalytic converter to deliver light‑weight efficiency and straightforward maintenance. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions, it balances urban agility with low running costs.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,299 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 71.9 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,250 rpm | |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 3,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch ME7.0) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C913‑A (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The SOHC layout provides reliable low‑end response suited to stop‑start urban driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil intervals using Ford‑approved 5W‑30 to prevent camshaft wear. Early NEN units (pre‑06/2001) are susceptible to exhaust cam lobe pitting; post‑mid‑2001 engines include hardened camshafts per Ford SIB 01S09. The Bosch ME7.0 ECU demands stable battery voltage—voltage drops below 11.5 V may trigger limp mode. Use only EN 228‑compliant unleaded petrol to protect catalytic converter longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C913‑A (5W‑30) specification (Ford SIB 02S15). ACEA A3/B3 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all NEN models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Ford PT‑2003 documentation.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M30125, SIB 01S09, SIB 02S15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford NEN was used across Ford's Mk4 Fiesta and Ka (facelift) platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Ka for NVH reduction and modified airbox routing in the Fiesta—and from mid‑2001 the camshaft metallurgy update, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold flange (Ford TIS M30125). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('N' for NEN series). Pre‑mid‑2001 engines have silver cam covers with part number ending in 'AA'; post‑update units use black cam covers marked 'AB'. Critical differentiation from Zetec‑Rocam: NEN uses a single camshaft and lacks variable intake runners. Service parts for camshafts require production date verification—early and late camshafts are not interchangeable (Ford SIB 01S09).
The NEN's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high‑idle or short‑trip usage. Ford internal quality data from 2002 indicated a measurable rate of cam failure before 80,000 km in pre‑mid‑2001 units, while UK DVSA MOT records show elevated exhaust emissions failures linked to degraded valve lift in affected engines. Frequent cold starts and extended idling accelerate wear, making timely camshaft replacement critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2001–2004) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD NEN.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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