The Ford M9DB is a 2,495 cc, inline — five petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2010. It features naturally aspirated design, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and sequential multi — port fuel injection. This engine was engineered to deliver smooth power delivery and high — revving performance, producing 147 kW (200 PS) and 240 Nm of torque.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Focus ST and Volvo S40/V50 (due to shared platform agreements), the M9DB was designed for drivers see…
Production years 2005–2010 meet Euro 4 standards .
The Ford M9DB is a 2,495 cc inline-five naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for performance compact and family vehicles (2005–2010). It combines dual overhead camshafts with sequential multi-port fuel injection to deliver high-revving responsiveness and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances driving engagement with regulated efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,495 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-5, DOHC, 20-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 80.0 mm | |
Power output | 147 kW (200 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 240 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 185 kg |
The Ford M9DB was used across Ford's C170 platform with transverse mounting and shared under Ford's alliance with Volvo for longitudinal applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Focus ST and revised exhaust manifolds in the V50-and from 2008, updated tensioner hardware created interchange limits. Partnerships enabled shared engineering with Volvo's inline-five units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M9DB offers engaging performance and smooth operation, but early models (2005-2007) had reliability concerns, particularly timing chain tensioner wear. Later revisions (post-2008) improved component durability, so well-maintained examples can exceed 200,000 km. Regular servicing and using correct oil (5W-30 Ford WSS-M2C913-D) are essential for longevity.
The most common issues are timing chain tensioner wear, intake manifold carbon buildup, knock sensor failures, and coolant leaks from the thermostat housing. These are documented in Ford service bulletins and field reports. Carbon buildup is more prevalent in short-trip driving, while tensioner issues are linked to oil quality and change intervals.
The M9DB was primarily used in the Ford Focus ST170 (2005-2008). It was also shared with Volvo under platform agreements, appearing in the S40 and V50 2.5i models (2005-2010). The engine was not used in other Ford passenger models in Europe.
Yes, though naturally aspirated, the M9DB responds well to performance modifications. ECU remaps, intake and exhaust upgrades, and camshaft swaps can yield gains of +30-50 kW. However, the engine's high-RPM nature means reliability depends on meticulous maintenance. Forced induction conversions are complex due to block and head design limitations.
Moderate. In the Focus ST170, official consumption is ~9.8 L/100km (city) and ~6.2 L/100km (highway), around 33 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures vary significantly with driving style—aggressive use can exceed 12 L/100km. Expect 28-34 mpg (UK) in mixed driving for a well-maintained example.
Yes. The M9DB is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons will contact open valves, resulting in severe internal damage. This makes tensioner and chain maintenance critical—any unusual rattle at startup should be investigated immediately.
Ford specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C913-D (or newer) specification. Use of correct oil is vital for timing chain lubrication and high-temperature protection. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or one year, whichever comes first, to ensure component longevity.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
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.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.