Ford Tracer 1.6 Petrol Engines
from £350 to £850
Rebuilt units from £650 · Common codes: ZM, ZE, B6
Get quotes from trusted UK Ford Tracer engine specialists. Compare used and reconditioned prices for 1.3 to 1.6 petrol - all variants covered. Find the best value for your budget.
Ford Tracer 1.6 Petrol Engines
from £350 to £850
Rebuilt units from £650 · Common codes: ZM, ZE, B6
Ford Tracer 1.8 Petrol Engines
from £450 to £1,200
Rebuilt units from £850 · Common codes: BP, BP-ZE, BPD
Ford Tracer 1.3 Petrol Engines
from £250 to £600
Rebuilt units from £550 · Common codes: B3, B3E, B5, B5E

Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
The table below shows typical UK rebuilt engine replacement costs across different Ford Tracer variants, covering known failure causes, engine codes, fuel types, and engine sizes.


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Every engine code fitted to the Ford Tracer across all generations (1994-2001), with technical specs, compatible variants and trims, known failure points, and average rebuilt prices from UK specialists. Select any engine code to compare quotes.
Extracted from detailed petrol and performance engine families across Ford Tracer variants.

BP (BP-ZE) - 1.8L Petrol
Main replacement demand comes from timing-chain, cooling-system and performance thermal-management faults.
Compatible variants
Avg. rebuilt price
£850 - £1,250
Supply only
Technical specifications
Common failures
Not sure which engine code?

Ford Tracer BP 1.8L Head Gasket Failure
Most affected vehicles
Ford Tracer 1.8 GLXi, 1.8 GLXi Special Edition, 1.8 Sedan, 1.8 Hatchback (1994-2001, BP / BP-ZE engine code)
Failure mileage range
80,000 - 120,000 miles, or after any significant overheating event
Typical failure window
Root cause
The BP engine's cooling system becomes less efficient with age - radiator clogging, thermostat failure, or water pump seal deterioration. Once the engine overheats, the aluminium cylinder head warps, breaking the head gasket seal. On an interference engine design, continued driving can cause terminal bottom-end damage.
Repair options & estimated costs (UK ranges)
| Repair tier | Dealer price | Specialist price | What it involves | Longevity / suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Gasket Replacement - Repair only | £800 - £1,500 | £550 - £1,000 | Cylinder head removal, machining/skimming to ensure flatness, new gasket and bolts, cooling system flush | Reliable for 40,000-60,000 miles if cooling system fully addressed; risk of hidden bottom-end damage if engine was driven overheated |
| Full Replacement - Rebuilt BP Engine with upgraded head gasket | £1,800 - £2,800 | £1,200 - £1,800 | Complete engine supply & fit: rebuilt BP unit with upgraded multi-layer steel gasket, new timing belt, water pump, bench tested | 60,000-100,000 miles; addresses all age-related weaknesses; 12-month warranty included |
Our recommendation
On a Tracer GLXi worth £1,500-£3,000, a simple head gasket replacement makes financial sense only if you caught the failure immediately (no overheating-driven bottom-end damage) and the body/interior are in excellent condition. However, most Tracers arriving at specialists have already overheated significantly. We typically recommend full replacement with a rebuilt BP engine - the upgraded head gasket and new cooling components prevent recurrence, and the warranty protects your investment.
Compare rebuilt BP engine prices for your Ford Tracer GLXi
Every engine type is available through our UK network with typical price ranges based on variant, engine code (BP, ZM, B3) and budget.
Compare Ford Tracer engine prices with vetted UK suppliers
All engine types include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty when sourced through EnginesMarket. Prices are typical UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network and depend on exact engine code, variant, mileage and supplier. Use our free comparison tool above - enter your registration to get tailored quotes for your specific Ford Tracer within hours.

Every displacement fitted to the Ford Tracer (1994-2001) is listed below, with compatible engine codes, years, power outputs and common failure notes.
The smallest and most economical option in the Tracer range, the 1.3L unit was fitted to entry-level GL and GLX trims. This SOHC 8-valve engine prioritises simplicity and fuel economy over performance, making it the least powerful but also the most reliable when properly maintained. It is the only Tracer engine that is non-interference, meaning timing belt failure does not cause valve damage.
Engine Code(s)
B3, B3E, B5, B5E
Compatible Models (UK)
1.3 GL (1994-2001), 1.3 GLX (1994-2000), 1.3 Sedan (1994-2001), 1.3 Hatchback
Power output
Verified by registration
Common Failure Points
Cam oil seal deterioration (age-related rubber failure); throttle body deposits affecting idle; timing belt age cracks
Production Years: 1994-2001
Compare Ford Tracer 1.3L petrol engine prices
Choose your Ford Tracer engine by fuel type to compare realistic replacement prices, known issues, and compatible UK supply options - from the entry-level 1.3 GL to the flagship 1.8 GLXi.
The Ford Tracer was offered exclusively with petrol engines across its entire 1994-2001 production run, with three displacements ranging from economical 1.3L to performance-oriented 1.8L units.
Common Ford Tracer Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
The Ford Tracer was offered exclusively with petrol engines across its entire 1994-2001 production run, with three displacements ranging from economical 1.3L to performance-oriented 1.8L units.
Common Ford Tracer Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
Not sure which fuel type your Ford Tracer has- Enter your registration number above to instantly identify your engine code, fuel system and compatible replacement options - all backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Ford Tracer specialists.

The Ford Tracer was produced from 1994 to 2001 across a single BH-series generation, with three petrol engines and a facelift in 1998 that changed ignition systems - use this timeline to identify your engine and compare rebuilt prices from UK specialists.
⚙Key Changes
▣Main Engines
B3/B5- 1.3L petrol (entry-level GL, GLX trims)
ZM/ZE- 1.6L petrol (GL, GLX trims, most common UK import)
BP- 1.8L petrol (GLXi top-spec, 116 PS)
▰Popular Models
🔧Known For
Engine Codes Covered:
B3B5B3EB5EZMZEBPBP-ZE