Cheap Ford S-Max Gearbox

The S-Max ran as a single generation from 2006 to 2015, with a facelift in 2010, so a 2008 and a 2012 car sit either side of that facelift boundary. Engine code compatibility matters far more than the year alone, so check that both cars share the same engine code — found on your V5 or via a VIN check — before assuming it will swap across. Whether ancillary fittings and mounts changed at the 2010 facelift is something you should confirm with the breaker against your specific registration, as we cannot state that as fact. Never assume fitment without the breaker verifying against both vehicles.

Trim level does not affect gearbox fitment on the S-Max — a Titanium and a Zetec with the same engine code and gearbox type are mechanically identical in this respect. The trim names refer to equipment and interior specification, not drivetrain differences, so a gearbox from either trim is interchangeable provided the engine code, fuel type, and gearbox type match. You may find minor cosmetic or ancillary differences between cars of different trims, but these will not affect whether the gearbox itself fits. Always confirm the engine code match with your breaker before purchasing.

The engine code is the single most important detail when sourcing a replacement gearbox, as mechanical parts follow the engine code rather than the model year or badge. You can find your engine code on your V5 logbook or by running a VIN check, and you should supply this to the breaker at the point of enquiry. Fuel type — petrol or diesel — and gearbox type (manual or automatic) must also match. Providing these three details upfront will save time and reduce the risk of ordering the wrong unit.

The S-Max was facelifted in 2010, splitting the 2006–2015 first generation into pre- and post-facelift cars, and whether a gearbox crosses that boundary depends primarily on whether both vehicles share the same engine code. If the engine codes match and the gearbox type is the same, there is a reasonable basis for compatibility, but you should confirm with the breaker whether any mounting or ancillary changes were introduced at the 2010 facelift, as we cannot state that as fact. The breaker will be able to check this against your registration plate. Do not proceed on year alone.

No — a diesel gearbox is not a like-for-like replacement for a petrol gearbox, as the units are engineered around different engines and are not interchangeable regardless of year or trim. You must match fuel type as well as engine code and gearbox type when sourcing a used gearbox. Always supply your fuel type, engine code, and registration to the breaker so they can source the correct unit.

Whether the replacement gearbox requires any ECU pairing or immobiliser coding to your specific vehicle is something you must confirm with the breaker and your chosen fitter, as we cannot state this as fact. Some automatic or dual-clutch units in particular may have electronic pairing considerations depending on the vehicle's systems. Asking this question before you buy — and before the unit is installed — will help you avoid unexpected additional costs. A qualified mechanic or auto-electrician should be consulted on this point.