The Mercury Milan, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2009, represented a mid-size sedan offering from the now-defunct Mercury brand. Positioned as a more upscale alternative to the Ford Fusion with which it shared a platform, the Milan aimed to attract buyers seeking a blend of comfort, style, and performance. The 3.0-liter V6 “Duratec 30” engine paired with the “SelectShift” six-speed automatic transmission, produced between 2009 and December 2010, was a significant offering within the Milan lineup, representing the premium powertrain option. This variant was designed to appeal to drivers prioritizing a more spirited driving experience without sacrificing the convenience of an automatic transmission. It also featured Flex Fuel capability, allowing operation on gasoline or E85 ethanol blends.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercury |
| Model | Milan |
| Generation | Milan (facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (240/250 Hp) Flex Fuel SelectShift |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | December, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.8-13.1 l/100 km (19.9 – 18 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.4-8.7 l/100 km (28 – 27 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Emission standard | LEV II |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 6550 rpm |
| Power (Ethanol – E85) | 250 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 302 Nm @ 4300 rpm (222.74 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm) |
| Torque (Ethanol – E85) | 309 Nm @ 4800 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 7000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Duratec 30 |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, iVCT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1570 kg (3461.26 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 467 l (16.49 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 66.2 l (17.49 US gal | 14.56 UK gal) |
| Length | 4849 mm (190.91 in.) |
| Width | 1834 mm (72.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2035 mm (80.12 in.) |
| Height | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2728 mm (107.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1567 mm (61.69 in.) |
| Rear track | 1557 mm (61.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission SelectShift |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 299×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 279×10 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/50 R17; 225/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2009-2010 Mercury Milan 3.0 V6 with the SelectShift automatic transmission was a key component of the model’s facelift. Built on the Ford CD3 platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform), the Milan aimed to provide a more refined experience than its Ford Fusion counterpart. The introduction of the SelectShift transmission, offering manual control over gear selection, was intended to appeal to drivers who desired a more engaging driving experience. The Flex Fuel capability, allowing the use of up to 85% ethanol, was a feature increasingly common in the American market during this period, catering to environmentally conscious consumers and those seeking potential fuel cost savings.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Milan variant lies the Duratec 30, a 3.0-liter, naturally aspirated V6 engine. This engine, part of Ford’s Duratec family, utilizes a 60-degree V-angle configuration. The engine block is constructed from aluminum, contributing to weight reduction. It features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (iVCT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency across the rev range. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system. The Duratec 30 is known for its relatively smooth operation and decent power output. The “SelectShift” six-speed automatic transmission, a crucial element of this variant, offered drivers the option of fully automatic operation or manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles or a shift gate on the center console. This transmission was designed to provide quicker and more precise shifts compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0-liter V6, producing 240 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque, provided a noticeable performance upgrade over the base 3.5-liter engine. The SelectShift transmission allowed for more control over the engine’s power band, enabling quicker acceleration and more confident passing maneuvers. While not a sports sedan, the Milan 3.0 V6 offered a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for a balance between fuel economy and performance. Compared to the manual transmission-equipped Milan, the SelectShift automatic offered convenience and ease of use, but at the expense of some driver engagement. The E85 compatibility provided a slight power boost (250 hp) but typically resulted in lower fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.0 V6 SelectShift trim typically represented the higher end of the Milan lineup. Standard features generally included leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system, alloy wheels (typically 17 or 18-inch), and automatic climate control. Optional extras often included a sunroof, navigation system, and upgraded safety features. The interior design was generally considered comfortable and well-appointed, with a focus on providing a refined and upscale experience. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, with logically placed controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Milan’s chassis featured an independent front suspension with coil springs and a double wishbone design, along with an independent multi-link rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. Front brakes consisted of ventilated discs, while rear brakes were typically solid discs. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort rather than outright sportiness, prioritizing a smooth and controlled ride over aggressive cornering. Stabilizer bars were included at both the front and rear to reduce body roll.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mercury Milan 3.0 V6 SelectShift received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and responsive powertrain. However, some critics noted that the Milan lacked the brand cachet of some of its competitors. Compared to the base 3.5-liter V6 Milan, the 3.0-liter version offered a more engaging driving experience and slightly better fuel economy. Against rivals like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Milan offered a competitive package, but often lagged behind in terms of resale value and overall reputation for reliability. The Flex Fuel capability was seen as a positive feature, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
Legacy
The Mercury Milan, and particularly the 3.0 V6 SelectShift variant, represents a relatively reliable powertrain combination. The Duratec 30 engine is known for its durability, and the SelectShift transmission, while complex, has proven to be generally dependable with proper maintenance. In the used car market, these Milans are often available at affordable prices, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a comfortable and well-equipped mid-size sedan. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for age-related issues, such as worn suspension components and aging electronics. Overall, the 2009-2010 Mercury Milan 3.0 V6 SelectShift remains a viable and reasonably dependable used car option.
