The Ford NES is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2006. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve architecture and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 60 kW (82 PS) at 5,000 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, offering dependable low‑cost motoring.
Fitted to models such as the Mk4 Fiesta, Ka, and Courier van, the NES was engineered for urban economy, reliability, and ease of service in entry‑level applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed‑loop catalytic converter and electronic engine management, allowing Euro 3 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobe in high‑mileage units, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑03‑12‑05. This is attributed to marginal lubrication under sustained high‑load conditions. Ford addressed this in later production batches with revised camshaft metallurgy and updated oil specifications.
All production years 2000–2006 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8765).
The Ford NES is a 1,596 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (2000–2006). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with a single overhead camshaft to deliver dependable low‑rpm response and serviceability. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it prioritises cost‑effective ownership and mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 60 kW (82 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 135 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch ME7.0) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C913‑A (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The SOHC design offers mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance but requires regular oil changes every 10,000 km to prevent camshaft lobe wear, especially in stop-start urban use. Ford WSS-M2C913-A (5W-30) oil is critical due to its anti-wear additives protecting the exhaust cam. The Bosch ME7.0 ECU demands 95 RON minimum unleaded fuel to maintain emissions compliance. Exhaust gas recirculation is absent, reducing carbon buildup but increasing NOx output—hence reliance on a three-way catalytic converter. Pre-2003 units should be inspected for cam wear per TSB 03-12-05.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-A (5W-30) specification (Ford TSB 03-12-05). Equivalent to ACEA A5/B5.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all NES engines (2000–2006) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8765). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all model applications (Ford TIS Doc. F-1120).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F-1120, F-1155, TSB 03-12-05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8765)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford NES was used across Ford's B‑platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Ka and modified exhaust manifolds in the Courier—and from 2002 the facelifted Fiesta Mk4 adopted updated engine management calibrations, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Ford TIS F-1120). The 7th VIN digit for NES-equipped vehicles is typically 'N'. Visual identification: black plastic rocker cover with '1.6' embossed; no variable valve timing hardware. Critical differentiation from Zetec-SE: NES uses SOHC with 2 spark plugs per cylinder bank visible externally, whereas Zetec-SE is DOHC. ECU part number must match vehicle application—Fiesta and Ka units differ in idle control strategy per TSB 03-12-05.
The NES's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear in pre-2003 builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or hot-climate use. Ford internal field data (2004) indicated cam wear in approximately 12% of units exceeding 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show low failure rates for emissions due to robust catalyst design. Extended oil intervals and low-quality oil increase cam stress, making correct oil specification and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2003–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD NES.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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FORD Official Site
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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)
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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.
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