Review: Ford BF Fairmont (2005-08)

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• Responsive and refined 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine
• Impressive ride/handling balance
• Quiet and spacious interior
• Steering provides good feedback
• Refined six-speed ZF automatic transmission

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• Cast-iron 4.0-litre engines are heavy and not particularly fuel-efficient
• Variable build quality
• Coolant lines for automatic transmission cooler susceptible to failure
• ‘Control Blade’ semi-trailing arm rear suspension inferior to VE Commodore-based four-link IRS

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Review: Ford BF.I Fairmont (2005-06)

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Overview

Released in October 2005, the Ford BF Mark I (BF.I) Fairmont was a large sedan. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the rear-wheel drive BF.I Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia were available with 4.0-litre petrol, 4.0-litre LPG engines and 5.4-litre V8 petrol engines.

Engines: Barra 190, E-Gas (LPG) and Barra 230

Of the engines,

• The 4.0-litre Barra 190 inline six-cylinder petrol engine had a cast iron block, a cast aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (DOHC, simplex chain-driven), dual independent variable camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder, Duratec-style finger followers, a dual resonance inlet manifold, coil-on-plug ignition, electronic throttle control, exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 10.3:1. Compared to its Barra 182 predecessor, changes for the Barra 190 engine included independent variable camshaft timing (i.e. each phaser could rotate each camshaft independently), a revised camshaft profile, a second knock sensor so that ignition timing could be optimised for each cylinder, revised piston crown profiles for a higher increased compression ratio, lower viscosity engine oil (5W30 GF3, previously 10W30 GF2), a lighter driveplate assembly, a new air intake and a revised exhaust system (with a new front resonator and retuned centre and rear mufflers);
• Compared to the Barra 190 engine , the 4.0-litre Barra E-Gas dedicated LPG engine had a Vialle closed-loop single-point carburetion system, a compression ratio of 10.3:1 and hardened valves and valve seats. For the BF range, the E-Gas engine had a lower compression ratio since it shared its pistons with the Barra 190 engine, had a revised venturi (for better air/fuel mixing), throttle body and inlet pipe, and satisfied Euro III emissions standards. For sedans, the tank fitted under the rear of the vehicle and had a capacity of 93 litres (116 litres for wagons);
• The 5.4-litre Barra 230 V8 engine had a cast iron block, a cast aluminium cylinder head, sintered connecting rods, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), variable camshaft timing (over 60 degrees relative to the crankshaft), three valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust), roller finger followers, coil on plug ignition and a compression ratio of 9.7:1. Changes for the BF range included the introduction of dual knock sensors for more aggressive ignition calibration, ECU modifications, a larger diameter rear muffler (previously shared with the same Barra 182) and Euro III emissions compliance.

For the BF range, ‘transient’ rpm limits were introduced for the six cylinder engines which momentarily allowed engine speed to exceed the prescribed rev limit during upshifting – this enabled wide open throttle upshifting to occur at an engine speed closer to the rev limiter than would otherwise be possible.

Transmissions

Of the transmissions,

• The naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines were available with four-speed BTR M93LE (also known as ION 93-4AT) and six-speed ZFHP26 automatic transmissions; and,
• The V8 engines were solely available with six-speed ZFHP26 automatic transmissions.

For the BF range, the four-speed BTR M93LE automatic transmissions were upgraded with:

• Stronger gearsets;
• Radial dead-end groove clutch plates and a second ‘Ball Check valve’ in the valve body for improved oil flow;
• The introduction of Grade Control Logic (previously introduced in the SX Territory );
• An accelerator pedal detent and kickdown switch;
• Revised software for improved shift schedules; and,
• Calibration improvements for more refined and consistent shift feel.

First introduced in the BMW E65 and E66 7-Series , the six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission was available in two versions: a standard version with a torque capacity of 450 Nm and a high-performance 600 Nm version (for use with the Barra 230, Barra 245T and Boss 260 engines) which had upgraded clutches with extra plates in the clutch packs. For its use in the BF Fairmont, hardware changes for the ZF 6HP26 transmission included a unique transmission main case, torque converter, output/driveshaft flange and a new transmission cross member attachment (shared with the four-speed automatic). The ZF transmission featured adaptive ‘Driver Recognition’ behaviour, including brake support downshifts, gear holding when cornering, gear holding for uphill and downhill driving and gear holding for fast-off throttle driving situations.

For all automatic transmissions, a new remote transmission oil cooler (RTOC) – with a three-way coolant thermostat – was mounted to the engine block. Acting as a heat exchanger, coolant lines (or tubes) passed through the radiator to warm-up the transmission fluid on start-up and provide cooling under high load/high temperature operating conditions.

Development and dimensions

Since the BF Fairmont had the same platform as its BA Fairmont predecessor, greater refinement was a significant objective in its development. To this end, the following changes were made:

• The introduction of a two-piece, lofted outer dashboard;
• The addition of bitumastic pads to the body for damping of low- and mid-frequency noises;
• The introduction of an absorptive roof-liner;
• Improved static sealing;
• Body structure improvements through the fitment of a reinforcing box section to the transmission cross member and centre bearing body reinforcement;
• New engine and transmission mounts;
• Redesigned exhaust hangers to isolate muffler vibration from the body; and,
• For the Fairmont Ghia, a sound dampening pack was introduced to reduce noise experienced by rear seat occupants.

Other developments for the BF Falcon and Fairmont included:

• The introduction of Bosch ABS 8.0 (previously 5.3) which included electronic brake force distribution;
• An upgraded traction control system and the introduction of electronic stability control and cornering brake control;
• A revised pedal map for the electronic throttle control; and,
• A higher-output alternator for improved fuel economy, lower rotational speeds and lower fan speeds.

Compared to the BA Fairmont , the BF Fairmont had the same dimensions such that the sedan was 4916 mm long, 1864 mm wide, 1444 mm high and had a 2829 mm long wheelbase.

Visually, the BF Fairmont could be identified by its new front bumper, tail-lamps and alloy wheel designs. The Fairmont Ghia was distinguished by its front fog lights (replacing its predecessor’s cornering lights) and extended chrome highlights, including a full-width chrome strip across the lower grille opening. Inside, the BF Fairmont introduced new seat fabrics and soft-feel door grab handles.

Suspension

The Ford BF Fairmont had double wishbone front suspension and independent rear suspension (IRS) which had three control arms:

• A forged upper control arm;
• A stamped front lower control arm; and,
• A stamped rear lower control arm.

Each control arm had a cross axis ball joint on the wheel assembly end and was attached to the subframe and knuckle. Furthermore, the ‘Control Blade’ was a stamped trailing arm which provided lateral support and acted as a vertical pivot point. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Ford BF.I Fairmont included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, front side airbags, traction control (except for the 4.0-litre LPG models) and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Fairmont Ghia was further equipped with electronic stability control, including cornering brake control.

Brakes

The standard braking package for the BF Fairmont consisted of 298 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston callipers and 303 mm by 16 mm solid rear discs with single piston callipers.

Models with V8 engines, however, had a premium braking package which consisted of 322 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 328 mm by 26 mm vented rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

Occupant protection for the BF Falcon and Fairmont were comparable with their BA predecessors. In ANCAP crash testing , the BA Falcon XT fitted with dual front airbags – but not front side airbags as fitted in the Fairmont – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.27 out of 37.

Features: Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia

Standard features for the Ford BF Fairmont included 16-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, front passenger seat adjustable lumbar support, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel (with audio and cruise controls), automatic headlights, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, power adjustable pedals, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, illuminated footwells, maple woodgrain trim with mahogany highlights, a trip computer and an immobiliser. Inside, the Interior Command Console (ICC) and centre console surround were finished in ‘Titanium Stone Metallic’ and the woodgrain had a Ruby Mahogany finish.

The BF Fairmont Ghia was further equipped with 17-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels with sports suspension, an eleven speaker sound system, leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, a leather/woodgrain sports steering wheel and gearshift, colour TFT screen with advanced trip computer functions, fog lamps, front door courtesy lamps, illuminated vanity mirrors, shopping bag net, automatically dipping passenger mirror when reversing, and woodgrain interior trim with a black and maple finish. Inside, Inside, the ICC and centre console surround had a ‘Liquid Metal’ finish and the woodgrain had a ‘Rabbit Rose’ finish.

Review: Ford BF.II Fairmont (2006-08)

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Overview

Released in October 2006, the BF Mark II (BF.II) Fairmont introduced the six-speed ZF automatic transmission for the standard Fairmont and the four-speed automatic transmission was upgraded with faster warm-up, reduced friction losses and a revised powertrain control module.

For the BF.II Fairmont, the 4.0-litre six cylinder LPG engines featured a new induction system – developed to work with the advanced Electronic Throttle Control – while a new balancer hose, ductwork and piping provided a better under-bonnet layout and improved reliability.

Visually, the BF.II Fairmont could be identified by its new tapered bonnet, more aggressive front bumper design and headlamp treatments. The Fairmont Ghia was distinguished by its new 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, dark accent headlamp treatment, chrome grille, bejewelled fog lights and front bumper finishes, and XR-style side skirts and rear bumper. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

For the standard BF.II Fairmont, electronic stability control (including cornering brake control) was standard for models fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission. To coincide with the release of the BF.II Fairmont, a limited-run ‘Euro Sports Package’ was offered which featured 17-inch alloy wheels, electronic stability control and the six-speed automatic transmission.

From July 2007, electronic stability control was standard on the 4.0-litre petrol Fairmont.

Features

Compared to its predecessor, standard features for the BF.II Fairmont were substantially unchanged. The BF.II Fairmont Ghia interior featured ‘China Beige’ leather seats, new front seat headrests, a ‘black chrome’ instrument cluster, chrome air vents and black onyx Interior Command Centre.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ford BF Falcon