The developers of the Ford S-Max hit the mark. Of course, in Europe, minivans were in stable demand before, but even the most inveterate optimists did not expect such a rush. The car simply blew up the local market - spoiled European buyers were forced to sign up for it in line. However, they can be understood. First of all, the Ford S-Max attracts with its design, which Ford people call kinetic. Even a stationary minivan creates the feeling that it is about to go into a rush. In addition, the S-Max, as befits a car of this type, has a spacious interior with wide transformation capabilities and, most importantly, excellent handling. So it's no surprise that it was voted "Car of the Year" in Europe. And throughout history
This is the first time since the existence of this award that a minivan has received this award.
The Ford S-Max comes in both five and seven seats (optional). The second row of seats is adjustable longitudinally and folds into a flat area with the trunk floor. In this case, the useful volume of the cargo compartment increases to almost 2000 liters. Manufacturers did not skimp on equipping the minivan. Russian dealers sold the S-Max in three main trim levels. The basic Core version includes fog lights, electric front windows, ABS, a cassette radio with eight speakers, air conditioning, seven airbags and central locking. The Trend version additionally includes rear electric windows, a CD radio, dual-zone climate control, sports front seats, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever. The Titanium version, among other things, has light and rain sensors, alloy wheels and heated front seats (driver's with electric drives).
Engine
The range of Ford S-Max engines consisted of gasoline “fours” with a volume of 2.0 liters (145 hp) and 2.3 liters (160 hp), as well as a 5-cylinder turbocharged 2.5 liter (225 hp). In addition, two turbodiesels 1.8 liters (125 hp) and 2.0 (140 hp) were initially offered. But literally a year later, due to low demand, supplies of 1.8-liter variants to Russia stopped. Transmissions for all modifications, except for the 2.3-liter version, which was combined exclusively with a 6-band automatic, are 5- and 6-speed manual.On a 2-liter gasoline engine, the catalyst sometimes failed due to low-quality fuel (RUB 27,000). If this happens, change it urgently, otherwise there is a high probability of the motor failing in the near future. The fact is that particles of the destroyed catalyst are sucked back into the cylinders and scratch their “mirror”, rendering the cylinder-piston group unusable. At about 100 thousand km, the hydraulic engine mount fails (from 5,000 rubles). On all 2.3-liter “fours,” the assembled oil filter housing was leaking, in which only the filter element itself was changed. The design of the unit changed in 2010, and the problem went away. The R5 turbo engine, borrowed from Volvo, needs to be flushed every 30-40 thousand km of the control valve of the variable valve timing mechanism. At the same time, the crankcase ventilation system is usually flushed. Turbodiesel is durable provided there is normal diesel fuel. Low-quality fuel quickly damages the injectors (15,000 rubles each), and after 70-80 thousand km it can also destroy the fuel rail with all the ensuing consequences. In this case, replacement with nozzles and tubes will cost about 100,000 rubles.
Transmission
Manual 5- and 6-speed gearboxes are problem-free. They are filled with oil for their entire service life. True, mechanics advise changing it at least once every 90-120 thousand km - it won’t get any worse. The clutch usually withstands 100 thousand km or more. But keep in mind that replacing it, as a rule, occurs simultaneously with the engine’s dual-mass flywheel. And even in the online store it costs from 22,000 rubles. Dealers charge one and a half times more for it.The Aisin automatic transmission, which until 2010 was combined exclusively with a 2.3-liter gasoline engine, is distinguished not only by its smooth shifting, but also by its durability. She has proven herself to be the best. If you don’t rip it off and don’t brake to the floor, the unit should work up to 200-250 thousand km without major repairs. Maintenance is limited to changing the oil every 90 thousand km.
Chassis and body
The completely independent (MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear) suspension of the Ford S-Max is durable, and there are almost no weak points in it. The earliest of all - at 60 thousand km - the support bearings of the struts fail. Parts from dealers cost about 3,000 rubles, but for the work of replacing and subsequent installation of camber and toe angles you will have to pay almost 10,000 more rubles. At the same time, there is a reason to change the stabilizer struts (1,120 rubles each). Shock absorbers (3,000 rubles each) “live” for approximately 100-120 thousand km; the rear ones (1,900 rubles each) are more durable than the front ones. In the steering mechanism, after 80 thousand km, the steering rods will need to be retired (1,850 rubles each). The rack faithfully serves 150 thousand km. Wheel bearings last the same amount of time (RUB 8,500).The S-Max's body is strong and has no weak points against rust. But corrosion blooms where you don’t expect it. The fact is that on versions with two air conditioner evaporators, the tubes laid along the bottom very quickly become unusable. Therefore, it is necessary to update the highway almost every year, and it costs about 50,000 rubles from the officials. Therefore, our craftsmen simply cut off the rear circuit of the air conditioner, and the problem no longer made itself felt. And one evaporator, as practice has shown, is quite enough even in summer.
There are also problems in the cabin. So, for example, every driver strives to pull out the comfortable and grippy parking brake handle as far as possible - after all, he simply wants to pull harder. As a result, the handbrake lever is often broken. The part costs 2,000 rubles from dealers, and you will have to pay about the same for the work.
Close relatives
Ford launched two minivans into production at once - S-Max and Galaxy. Moreover, both of them are built on the same base and practically do not differ in overall dimensions, and their wheelbase length is completely the same. Why were two identical cars needed? The manufacturer’s calculation was simple: the more dynamic S-Max is intended for active drivers, while the more spacious and traditional-looking Galaxy minivan is chosen by users for whom family values are at the forefront. It even has a softer suspension, and the range of engines does not include a combination of a crazy 5-cylinder turbo engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, because an exemplary family man would not need such a version...Restyling
The Ford S-Max, updated in 2010, began to look even meaner and more aggressive. The air intakes in the bumper have grown, and two longitudinal stiffeners appear on the hood, extending upward from the radiator grille. In addition, the minivan, following the latest automotive fashion, received LED running lights. The differently designed rear lights are also LED. The S-Max looks especially militant in the Titanium S version with a plastic body kit around the perimeter of the body and a “honeycomb” radiator grille. But the interior has become calmer. The center console is now decorated in dark lacquer, the instrument panel with white backlighting and a large on-board computer display is borrowed from Mondeo.There are also changes in technology. Instead of a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder turbo engine (220 hp) with a manual transmission, a 2-liter EcoBoost engine (203 hp) is now installed, coupled with a PowerShift robotic transmission with two clutches operating in an oil bath.
First of all Ford S-Max attracts with its design, which Ford calls kinetic. Even a stationary minivan creates the feeling that it is about to go into a rush. Besides S-Max, as befits a car of this type, it has a spacious interior with wide transformation capabilities and, most importantly, excellent handling. So it's no surprise that it was voted "Car of the Year" in Europe. Moreover, in the entire history of this award, a minivan received this award for the first time. Ford S-Max It can be either five- or seven-seater (optional). The second row of seats is adjustable longitudinally and folds into a flat area with the trunk floor. In this case, the useful volume of the cargo compartment increases to almost 2000 liters. Manufacturers did not skimp on equipping the minivan. Russian dealers sold S-Max in three main configuration levels. The basic Core version includes fog lights, electric front windows, a cassette radio with eight speakers, air conditioning, seven airbags and central locking. Execution Trend includes additional rear electric windows, a CD radio, dual-zone climate control, sports front seats, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever. Option Titanium, among other things, has light and rain sensors, alloy wheels and heated front seats, and the driver's seat with electric drives.
Ford launched two minivans into production at once - S-Max And Galaxy. Moreover, both of them are built on the same base and practically do not differ in overall dimensions, and their wheelbase length is completely the same. Why were two identical cars needed? The manufacturer's calculation was simple: more dynamic S-Ma x is designed for active drivers, while the more spacious and traditional looking minivan Galaxy chosen by users for whom family values are at the forefront. It even has a softer suspension, and the range of engines does not include a combination of a crazy 5-cylinder turbo engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, because an exemplary family man would have no use for this version.
ENGINE
Range of engines Ford S-Max consisted of gasoline fours with a volume of 2.0 (145 hp) and 2.3 liters (160 hp), as well as a 5-cylinder turbocharged engine of 2.5 liters (225 hp). In addition, two turbodiesels 1.8 liters (120 hp) and 2.0 (140 hp) were initially offered. But literally a year later, due to poor fuel quality, supplies of 1.8-liter variants to Russia stopped. Gearboxes for all modifications, except the 2.3-liter version, are mechanical. The most popular engine is 2 l (145 hp) with a timing chain drive with a hydraulic chain tensioner. He doesn't like low oil levels. Otherwise, the tensioners will quickly wear out. Hydromechanical automatic transmission from a Japanese company Aisin It was aggregated only with a gasoline four - volume 2.3 liters (160 hp). It can last up to 250 thousand km without problems, provided that the oil is changed in a timely manner every 90 thousand km. On a 2.0 liter injection engine, the catalyst often fails; if this happens, change it urgently, otherwise there is a high probability of failure of the entire engine. The fact is that particles of the destroyed catalyst are sucked back into the cylinders and scratch their “mirror”, rendering the cylinder-piston group unusable. At about 100 thousand km, the hydraulic engine mount fails (from 5,000 rubles). On all 2.3-liter “fours,” the assembled oil filter housing was leaking, in which only the filter element itself was changed. The design of the unit changed in 2010, and the problem went away Turbomotor R5, borrowed from Volvo, every 30-40 thousand km the control valve of the variable valve timing mechanism needs to be flushed. At the same time, the crankcase ventilation system is usually flushed. Turbodiesel is durable provided there is normal diesel fuel. Low-quality fuel quickly damages the injectors (15,000 rubles each), and after 70-80 thousand km it can also destroy the fuel rail with all the ensuing consequences. In this case, replacement with nozzles and tubes will cost about 100,000 rubles.
TRANSMISSION
Manual 5- and 6-speed gearboxes are problem-free. They are filled with oil for their entire service life. True, mechanics advise changing it at least once every 90-120 thousand km - it won’t get any worse. The clutch usually withstands 100 thousand km or more. But keep in mind that replacing it, as a rule, occurs simultaneously with the engine’s dual-mass flywheel. And even in the online store it costs from 22,000 rubles. Dealers charge one and a half times more for it.
The Aisin automatic transmission, which until 2010 was combined exclusively with a 2.3-liter gasoline engine, is distinguished not only by its smooth shifting, but also by its durability. She has proven herself to be the best. If you do not tear it off and do not brake to the floor, the unit should operate up to 200-250 thousand km without major repairs. Maintenance is limited to changing the oil every 90 thousand km.
CHASSIS AND BODY
Fully independent (MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear) suspension Ford S-Max durable, and there are almost no weak points in it. The earliest of all - at 60 thousand km - the support bearings of the struts fail. Parts from dealers cost about 3,000 rubles, but for the work of replacing and subsequent installation of camber and toe angles you will have to pay almost 10,000 more rubles. At the same time, there is a reason to change the stabilizer struts (1,120 rubles each). Shock absorbers (3,000 rubles each) last approximately 100-120 thousand km; the rear ones (1,900 rubles each) are more durable than the front ones. In the steering mechanism, after 80 thousand km, the steering rods will need to be retired (1,850 rubles each). The rack faithfully serves 150 thousand km. Wheel bearings last the same amount of time (RUB 8,500). Body S-Max strong and has no weak points against rust. But corrosion blooms where you don’t expect it. The fact is that on versions with two air conditioner evaporators, the tubes laid along the bottom very quickly become unusable. Therefore, it is necessary to update the highway almost every year, and it costs about 50,000 rubles from the officials. Therefore, our craftsmen simply cut off the rear circuit of the air conditioner, and the problem no longer made itself felt. And one evaporator, as practice has shown, is quite enough even in summer. There are also problems in the cabin. So, for example, every driver strives to pull out the comfortable and grippy parking brake handle as far as possible - after all, he simply wants to pull harder. As a result, the handbrake lever is often broken. The part costs 2,000 rubles from dealers, and you will have to pay about the same for the work.
Restaylig. Updated in 2010 Ford S-Max began to look even angrier and more aggressive. The air intakes in the bumper have grown, and two longitudinal stiffeners appear on the hood, extending upward from the radiator grille. In addition, the minivan, following the latest automotive fashion, received LED running lights. The differently designed rear lights are also LED. Particularly militant S-Max looks like the version Titanium S with a plastic body kit around the perimeter of the body and a “honeycomb” radiator grille.
But the interior has become calmer. The center console is now decorated in dark lacquer, the instrument panel with white backlighting and a large on-board computer display is borrowed from Mondeo. There are also changes in technology. Instead of a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder turbo engine (220 hp) with a manual transmission, a 2-liter EcoBoost engine (203 hp) is now installed, coupled with a robotic transmission Power Shift with two clutches operating in an oil bath.
Sergey Fedorov, editor: Company marketers Ford we killed two birds with one stone by presenting to the general public two minivans identical in design and size: S-Max And Galaxy. They differ only in design, trunk volume, choice of power units and suspension settings. But the emphasis was placed primarily on daring and dynamic S-Max, which in terms of sales is more than twice as large as its co-platform counterpart. Moreover, this balance of power suits the Ford leadership quite well. Indeed, in total, the company receives good income from the sale of these minivans... And as for the used one Ford S-Max, then I can assure you that an initially serviceable copy with careful care will serve faithfully for many more years. Moreover, in operation it will not ruin its owner - prices for spare parts are quite reasonable, and the car rarely breaks down. In addition, officials offer special discount programs for service S-Max over three years old. And one more thing: although this minivan is distinguished by sporty habits, the owners do not drive them headlong, and there are really few damaged cars on the secondary market. So, we recommend it.
Expensive versions of the minivan sported a chic two-tone interior. An automatic transmission was combined only with a 2.3-liter engine, and a 6-speed manual was installed on versions with a gasoline “five” and turbodiesels. The retractable boot floor, which can support up to 150 kg, could only be ordered for the five-seater version S-Max. A spacious interior that can accommodate up to seven people, a capacious and convenient trunk, high reliability and durability, outstanding driving performance and handling are of no interest to car thieves. The engines are not subject to major overhaul - the cylinder block with pistons and connecting rods must be replaced... The automatic transmission was installed only with one of the gasoline engines, and it quickly loses value. The front suspension is assembled on a subframe and is durable. After 100 thousand km, shock absorbers also fail. Around this time, the wheel bearings wear out (5,600 rubles each). And the stabilizer struts (1,250 rubles each) and support bearings (1,500 rubles each) are sold a little earlier. But the stabilizer bushings on the vast majority of used F»rd S-Max have never been changed. In the steering system, due to the freezing valve, the power steering pump may fail.
The Ford 2.0 Duratec-HE engine was installed on Ford Focus 2 2.0 (Ford Focus II), Ford Mondeo 2.0 (Ford Mondeo Mk III, Mk V), Ford C-Max 2.0 (Ford C-Max I), Ford S-Max a also for some Mazda car models.
The design of the engines and 2.0 Duratec is almost the same. The differences are mainly related to the sizes of the parts of the cylinder-piston group, since the cylinder diameter of the engines is different.
Peculiarities. The Ford 2.0 Duratec HE engine is equipped with a timing chain drive, its service life is about 200 thousand km. Unlike the 1.8 liter, the two-liter Ford engine is considered more reliable. The Ford 2.0 Duratec has solved the problem of floating speed, it is much quieter than its smaller brother, more powerful and at the same time consumes almost the same amount of fuel. Malfunctions include an unreliable thermostat (failure up to 100 thousand km) and small oil leaks from under the valve cover, which can often be eliminated by simply tightening the bolts.
Engine life Ford 2.0 Duratec HE, according to the manufacturer, is 350 thousand km, but there are often cases when the engine runs more than 500 thousand km without significant repairs.
Engine characteristics Ford 2.0 Duratec-HE Focus 2, Mondeo, C-Max, S-Max
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Configuration | L |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Volume, l | 1,999 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 87,5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83,1 |
| Compression ratio | 10,8 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 (2-inlet; 2-outlet) |
| Gas distribution mechanism | DOHC |
| Cylinder operating order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Rated engine power / at engine speed | 107 kW - (145 hp) / 6000 rpm |
| Maximum torque/at engine speed | 185N m / 4500 rpm |
| Supply system | Phased multiport fuel injection EFI |
| Recommended minimum octane number of gasoline | 95 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 4 |
| Additional Information | Maximum oil consumption 0.5 l/1000 km |
| Weight, kg | about 94 |
Design
Four-stroke four-cylinder gasoline with an electronic fuel injection and ignition control system, with an in-line arrangement of cylinders and pistons rotating one common crankshaft, with two overhead camshafts. The engine has a closed-type liquid cooling system with forced circulation. The lubrication system is combined.
Cylinder block
The cylinder block of the two-liter engine is cast from aluminum alloy. Unlike the 1.8L, the Ford 2.0 cylinder block has an original design due to the increased cylinder diameter.
Crankshaft
The crankshaft is steel, with five main and four connecting rod journals. The Ford 2.0 Duratec-HE is the same as the Ford 1.8 Duratec-HE. Crank radius – 41.5 mm.
connecting rod
The connecting rods are forged steel, I-section, the same as for the 1.8 liter.
Piston
The pistons with a shortened skirt are made of aluminum alloy. Ford 2.0 Duratec-HE and Ford 1.8 Duratec-HE pistons are not interchangeable.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Diameter, mm | 87,51 |
| Compression height, mm | 28,5 |
| Weight, g | 500 |
The piston pins are identical to the Ford 1.8 Duratec-HE, made of steel, tubular section. The outer diameter of the finger is 21 mm, and its length is 60 mm.
Cylinder head
The cylinder head is made of aluminum alloy, the cylinder head is not identical to the Ford 1.8 Duratec-HE, they have different diameters of valve seats, intake and exhaust ports.
Inlet and exhaust valves
The diameter of the intake valve plate is 35.0 mm, the exhaust valve is 30.0 mm. The diameter of the intake and exhaust valve stems is 5.5 mm. The length of the intake valve is 103.4 mm, and the exhaust valve is 104.6 mm. The exhaust valve is made of chrome-manganese-nickel alloy, the intake valve is made of chrome-silicon alloy.
Service
Oil change in Ford 2.0 Duratec-HE engine. Oil change on Ford Focus 2, Mondeo 3 and 5, C-Max, S-Max, etc. with a 2.0 Duratec-HE engine, it is recommended to do it once every 20 thousand kilometers or a year of operation. How much oil to pour into the engine: with filter replacement - 4.3 liters of oil; without replacement - 3.9 liters of oil. Recommended oil viscosity: 5W-20, 5W-30. Original Ford Formula F 5W30 oil.
Spark plugs Ford 2.0 Duratec-HE.
1369704(AGFS22F13J) - platinum (installed by the manufacturer).
1315691(AGFS22IPJ) - iridium (installed on C-max 1.8/2 liters until 08/30/2005/02/07/2005).
The interval for replacing spark plugs is once every 60,000 km.
Replacing the Ford 2.0 Duratec-HE air filter. It is necessary to replace the air filter every 40 thousand km. When operating a car in difficult conditions, the filter should be replaced 1.5-2 times more often.
Cooling system Ford 2.0 Duratec-HE. To replace the coolant in the cooling system, including the heating radiator, 6.3 liters of coolant are required. During assembly, Havoline XLC coolant (antifreeze) is added.
Ford C-max is a typical representative of family class cars. Therefore, when purchasing it (especially in a long-term used state), you should take into account its weaknesses, which are often invisible at first glance.
When purchasing a Ford C-max, in addition to checking its external condition, mileage, driving characteristics and other characteristics that are usual in such a procedure for purchasing a used car, you need to pay close attention to some of the shortcomings of this car, sometimes hidden by the current owner.
Weaknesses and disadvantages of the Ford C-max
- problems with opening the fifth door lock;
- malfunctions in the steering rack (the weakest point according to statistics);
- clogged fuel pump filter;
- presence of corrosion of the radiator fan module;
- wear of generator drive bearings;
- chafing of the throttle position sensor wires;
- diode bridge in the generator.
Let us consider in detail each of the possible implicit and often hidden problems.
1. The problem with opening the trunk is a known “disease” of the Ford C-max. It happens that the touch button does not always work “to open”. You can check this yourself by opening and closing the trunk several times. Moreover, such a procedure should be carried out both at the first meeting with a potential purchase, and after one or more test drives. 10-15 opening/closing cycles will be enough to check the operation of this mechanism.
Steering rack
2. Malfunctions in the operation of the steering rack can be determined by the characteristic beating in the steering wheel when driving. Of course, other factors may also be the cause of the beating, but still, this possibility should also be taken into account, because replacing this element will cost a considerable amount. In general, the steering rack is the main flaw on almost most Fords.
3. Signs of incorrect operation or contamination of the fuel pump are unstable engine operation, both at idle and under load, to the point that it may stall while driving. Fuel consumption that differs upward from the average may also indicate the presence of this problem.
4. If during engine operation spontaneous and frequent turning on/off of the radiator fan is observed, there may be corrosion of its module or oxidation of the contacts. This malfunction can be verified by inspecting the part.
5. Wear of the generator drive belt tension roller bearings can be determined by ear. With such a malfunction, the rollers emit a characteristic hum and light tapping.
Damper sensor
6. Malfunction of the throttle position sensors manifests itself in so-called “power dips”, when (especially for models with automatic transmission) when you sharply press the accelerator pedal, jerks in the growth of engine speed are observed. The reason for this may be either chafing of the sensor wires in the PCM module (insulating tape on the wires as they approach the module should arouse suspicion), or simple contamination of the damper, which the seller was obliged to eliminate before sale.
7. Paintwork is, of course, an eternal problem for all cars. But you shouldn't ignore it. It’s one thing if these are minor scratches and there is a reason to reduce the price, and another if the paintwork is excellent at first glance, but the car is broken. In the latter case, either a good bargain at a minimum or give up the car altogether. After all, if it turns out that the car is damaged, then other defects will appear in the future.
8. If the generator diode bridge malfunctions, a “howl” appears under the hood. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this.
But, as when checking any car without visiting a service station, you should drive and look, listen and feel. Of course, for example, the racks knock, this is not a weak point, but there will be another reason to reduce the price.
Conclusion.
Considering that the “pitfalls” listed above can “give” the future owner long and expensive repairs, when choosing a Ford C-max as a reliable means of transportation, you should trust the seller less and form an independent opinion about the proposed car. You can check the absence or presence of possible malfunctions yourself. But as a rule, you won’t be able to diagnose one hundred percent on your own. Therefore, if you have the slightest doubt about your own assessment of a used car, you cannot do without the help of professionals.
P.S: We will be glad if you tell us in the comments about additional vulnerabilities in your car data that you have encountered.
Frequent malfunctions and vulnerabilities of used Ford C-max was last modified: October 9, 2018 by Administrator
I want to buy a Ford S-Max (2006-2008) with a two-liter diesel or gasoline engine. How reliable is the car? How expensive will it be to repair (suspension, engine)? What to consider when purchasing? What should you pay attention to first?
The Ford S-Max/Galaxy is a good choice as a family car. The advantages of these two related minivans are design, spaciousness, excellent interior transformation, ergonomics and handling. However, that's what we're talking about. What about reliability and cost of ownership?
The 2.0 liter turbodiesel (140 hp), familiar to us from other Ford models, is generally reliable, but traditionally does not like low-quality diesel fuel, because of which expensive injectors, fuel rails and injection pumps suffer. Considering the age of the car and the complexity of the engine, cash injections will probably be required. For example, there may be problems with the EGR valve, and if ignored, problems with the particulate filter.
But an important positive quality of this engine is excellent efficiency. Especially when you consider the size and weight of the car. On the highway in the summer with the air conditioning on, the result is 5.5-5.7 liters per 100 kilometers, in the city - a liter more. But over 220,000 km the engine did not create any problems. However, the turbodiesel S-Max makes sense if you drive a lot. If not, it is better to prefer the petrol version. In addition, the latter will a priori have shorter mileage.
By choosing the most common 2-liter gasoline unit (145 hp), the chance of running into trouble is much less. But even with it there are mistakes: the hydraulic chain tensioner does not like starvation of oil. In addition, the catalyst may fail. If this happens, change it urgently, otherwise there is a high probability of the motor failing in the near future. The fact is that particles of the destroyed catalyst are sucked back into the cylinders and scratch their “mirror”, rendering the cylinder-piston group unusable. Smaller typical failures include engine hydraulic mounts that fail between 100 and 150 thousand km (manifested by vibrations at idle), as well as not the most reliable ignition coils. Symptoms of the last malfunction are unstable engine operation, which is especially noticeable at idle. In the city, this version consumes 11 liters, outside the city - 6.4. But this is only passport data, in real life the consumption will be a little more.
Manual 5- and 6-speed gearboxes are problem-free. The clutch usually withstands 100 thousand km or more. But keep in mind that replacing it, as a rule, occurs simultaneously with the engine’s dual-mass flywheel. This operation can have a big impact on the family budget, because it will cost more than a thousand dollars. Signs of a malfunction are vibrations, which are accompanied by a characteristic rattling sound from the depths of the engine compartment. In principle, you can drive with this for more than tens of thousands of kilometers, but it is better not to delay it - at one point the flywheel springs may crumble, damaging other components. The Aisin automatic, which until 2010 was installed on 2.3-liter gasoline engines and 2-liter turbodiesels, will cause less trouble.
Suspension: McPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear. In addition to a good combination of comfort and controllability, it was noted for its reliability: the S-MAX can travel 100 thousand km using its “original” elements, after which it will probably have to replace the stabilizer links. Sometimes there have been cases of failure of the power steering pump - unpleasant, of course, but not fatal. If we turn to the experience of the S-Max owner, over 220,000 km he changed only the front and rear shock absorbers in the suspension, the original set of which cost $400.
Once we had a car made in 2009 from Russia. A four-year-old car has already shown initial pockets of corrosion, so when buying an 8-10 year old S-Max, you should carefully examine the body underneath. And after purchase, additionally treat it with anticorrosive. The electrics are reliable; if they cause any trouble, it will only be in small matters. For example, the wiring harnesses going to the parking sensors rot in 2-3 years. The injector heating wires also sometimes break, but from a break.
What is significant is that, according to the DEKRA Faults Report 2009, the most reliable cars were the Ford S-Max and Galaxy minivans - in 96.7% of the inspected cars, not a single serious technical defect was found at all. Nevertheless, you should not be under any illusions; the main task is to find a copy with as little mileage as possible and in the best technical condition. Because if you buy a “tired” copy with hundreds of thousands of kilometers covered, repairs will be expensive and reliability will be mediocre.
Yuri GLADCHUK
Photos from the editorial archive and open sources
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