2002 Ford Mondeo ST220 from UK and Ireland - Comments

BMW are overrated and outdated. They're so ugly these days. The only decent ones cost 30K. Poor equipment levels and a dull drive. The reality is the Fords are screwed together as well as BMW's these days.

Mondeo ST220 my god what a car, but I do have one negative comment brakes not very good, but hey change them easy.

Also is there anybody out there got any modifications on there ST220 and how well does it perform and what Modification are they.

I am about to get a Dastek Unchip also a Cat Back System also K and N Filter also 2 Ecotec Valves I am also trying to get a performance manifold, but can't seem to find one can any point me in right direction.

The 220 is a fantastic car in every respect can any1 enlighten me on the towing aspect? and why it isn't approved for towing?

Well, I should not comment here really because I only have a Mondeo 2.0 zetec from '98, but I drove a lot of Mondeos and they just handle brilliantly.

About the Ecotec valve: I've tried one, and please believe me, it does absolutely nothing. It may do something on an old carburettor engine, but on a multi-point injection, it's useless. I am doing a PhD in IC engines and I am very passionate about cars, so I'm not talking crap here. That valve is putting un-filtered and un-metered air into the engine, it fools the air flow sensor a bit, but that is corrected by the lambda sensor. The fuel consumption is not lower, and the performance is not improved either. The dust that the valve lets into the engine can however do some harm (pipercross filter is kind of useless).

The only way to go is to modify the engine, camshafts, exhaust etc, and then fit an ECU that is specially tuned to the car and can really reap the benefits of the physical modifications.

Cheers!

Thanks for your advice on the Ecotec Valve, I have heard this does nothing and now convinced not to buy them.

I'm still going for the Unchip and Exhaust, but bit confused here.

I am reading all stuff about the exhaust ie Down Pipe De-Cat and Sports Cat Converters do I need all 3 as well the rest of the system to tail pipe.

At first I was looking for the sport Cat Converter, but if I get this then I don't need a performance down pipe or do I need that as well or if I get the down pipe do I need the sport Cat???.

Would it benefit me in performance to remove the Cat and just have a down pipe I know it won't pass emissions, but I have friend in garage that will pass the MOT.

Bit confused on what I need I'm going to get a De-Cat system which I beleives starts from the cat to tail pipe, but not sure what I need in front of it to manifold.

Just a comment on the ecotec valve, i used to own a ford fiesta 1.6 S years ago at the same time my girlfriend owned the fiesta 1.6 si zetec engined model. i uprated my car with fast road cam,manifold,air filter and exhaust and after a while decided to add an ecotec valve...wow!! my fuel economy went up by about 8-10mpg it really was that noticable saving me almost £10 a week in fuel. the performance or pick up didn't change or at least I never noticed it. about a month before I sold the car I took it off as I was gonna use it on my next car and dam did I notice the drop in fuel economy instantly!

As I had such noticable gains we tried fitting 1 to my girlfriends fiesta si, the more modern 16 valve engine compared to my old carburettor engined 8 valve... and nothing...absolutely no gains in fuel economy at all. on a regular 100 mile trip we used to take about once a month my car (even tuned up to 115bhp) used to easily get the better fuel economy, about £4 difference in fuel costs.

To sum up I would get another ecotec valve on an old carburettor engine, but wouldn't bother again on a more modern engine. hope that helps.

Yes Mate, confirms what I've read eles where they only good for old cars. Defiantly not getting one as for the rest of the Modification I'm having them done in 4 days can't wait like a kid at christmas, ill reply on here the difference it has made.

Just got my ST220 in Performance Blue. My last car was an ST24 and is still in the drive sitting next to it. It’s a shame that the exhaust note of the ST24 has not been replicated in the ST220 but as with all new generation vehicles the ST220 is, unfortunately, a far more remote drive. The power increase is certainly noticeable, but in a refined, normally aspirated, non-lag turbo way. I'm not going to modify the vehicle in any way, but do expect the engine to loosen up over the next few thousand miles. Only problems so far: The iPod aux jack fell off and I can’t reach it, but the sound quality was pretty poor anyway, must be an attachment issue. On ‘global closing’ a window refuses to shut and I’m paranoid that one of the exhausts has dropped slightly more than the other. These can all be fixed under warranty – hazards of buying a new car I guess. I’d be interested to see what other problems guys have had with their ST220’s. On the plus side: The seats are superb, full leather Recaro’s, as are all the standard kit that BMW would charge you a small fortune for. I love the car, but still hate the servicing Ford provides. This car really does gather up the miles though and before you know it you’re at the next corner braking heavily. It’s unfortunate that Ford is putting a 3.2 litre straight 6 into the new generation Mondeo as the V6 does feel so strong. The stability control aspects of the vehicle are also breathtaking. I’ve never known a front wheel drive car to be so stable in the corners – quick car. This is my 3rd Mondeo and certainly the most underrated car on British roads today. My wife has a Seat Leon Cupra R, but my car is bigger all round. We’re arguing at the moment – Take care.

I have driven and owned various cars over the years and just bought a performance blue ST220 estate and can't believe the driving experience, i have had 2 BMW motors and they can't compete in the comfort levels, these leather clad recaro seats are the best I have ever sat in. The performance is a bit breathtaking when you drop a cog or 2 and get it just right so the motor is just over its 4000 rpm power band and it just takes off with the ESP light flickering then the horizon gets to you very quickly indeed. As with everyone here I agree with the fuel consumption issues, but hey, you don't buy a luxury liner and moan about the cost of fuel, i am firmly back into the Ford stable and can't see me leaving for the fore-see-able future.

Hey folks!

I've had three Mondeos before, now running with a 06 STW 06 1.8 as my dailydrive. On Saturday I will pick up my used 2004 ST220. I've tested three individual ST220's and I am impressed about the car.

The car I'm gonna have as my offduty car, has better suspension and brakes. I'm looking forward installing a Milltek exhaust under my baby. Anybody, experience???

I'm from Finland and see Beemers everyday, on the country scale, there is only 7 cars available on the market right now. I've tested three of them now.

My babys gonna be wine-red with tinted windows, estate model, looks absolutely fantastic!!!

-J-

I am picking up an 06 Mondeo ST 220 TDCI in performance Blue tomorrow, and looking forward to it. By what I have been told, and first test drive impressions, this car is something special. I am a bit concerned that the sports suspension with the low profiles may cause it to be a bit hard and feel a lot of bumps. Am I panicking over nothing.

Anyone out there got an opinion.

"I am a bit concerned that the sports suspension with the low profiles may cause it to be a bit hard and feel a lot of bumps. Am I panicking over nothing."

I've had a 2002 ST220 since September '06. The ride comfort is excellent considering the 18" rims and low profiles. You'll find the ride and seats are superb, and with the new Pirelli PZero Rosso's I've just had fitted onto the front wheels, handling is the best I've experienced since I've owned it.

Enjoy!

The ST220 has really great acceleration so much stronger in the flesh than the figures imply (eg 0-60 in 6.5 or 6.7)! Especially at higher speeds... maybe off the line the front wheel drive slows it down with spin, but higher up, front wheel drive has less energy losses than rear so it gets stronger?

I was treated to a ride in one by a friend of a friend, and WOW now I understand why I’ve ended up red faced in my 330i when I decided to take one on! From about 60mph upwards, st220 pulled a few car lengths before 100! I was very humiliated, will never challenge one agian, but grown to accept the ST’s place in the food chain (very high up!), it deserves its reputation for being a ego crushing beast!

PS the st220 was not modified...just imagine if it was...

Ihave owned my st220 for 3 years now and is a very good car I fitted a whitter tow bar and tow a14 foot caravan with no problems and still handles nice the only thing that needs updating is the brakes.

I can't compliment them enough. I have a 6 speed.

Like a few other people here, I also have to say this blows away the equivalent Beemers and Mercs. I'm probably a bit unusual that I made the move from a 330i to a ST220. It was about the same £ value and what I got was a younger car by two years!

It all started when a mate got owned by an ST220 in his Merc 320 and he said it must be turbo'd or something. Now that I've got mine and it's totally stock he knows the truth.

The Mondeo is a car that is about the same quality as my BMW was, has a much more sporty engine, will rev like crazy, definitely more performance (like someone else said the official 0-60 wouldn't tell this, but in all other ways it feels faster and more powerful in the real world, when you drop it into 3rd gear on the motorway and boot it it's stunning, something the Beemer just could NOT compete with by a LONG way), and it looks more sexy and has more presence on the road.

Great for scaring the boy racers in hot hatches, the ones that might`ve beat the BM, but can't beat the Mondeo.

It's also a lot more comfortable, like slipping into a sweatshirt when you'd been wearing a stiff suit before.

I'm EXTREMELY happy with the change.