Tell me about...MG ZR TD

[face]

A chap at work here is considering an diesel MG ZR.

 

Anybody know what they're like performance and reliability wise? Anything to look out for?

 

There seems to be a couple of engine output options.

[wuvvum]

The L series is pretty good as diesels go - not the most refined engine in the world, but pretty economical and not overly prone to going bang. They're quite nippy even as standard, especially the higher output version, but the engine is a tad on the heavy side for the size of the car so they feel a bit nose heavy. They're quite tuneable if he wants to go faster in a straight line though - I reckon the Rover of Doom is putting out about 140bhp, and that started off as a 105 horse version. So far (touch wood) economy and reliability don't seem to have been affected.

[ashmicro]

There's not a whole lot to go wrong with them TBH, and the 115 doesn't feel a lot quicker than the 101. The weight of the diseasel engine is less of an issue in the ZR vs the 200, as they have stiffer springs anyway.

 

If it has ABS and 16 inch rims, check that the rear tyres havent rubbed through the ABS wiring, although it's an easy fix. Other usual R3 stuff applies, rear washer hose splits on the NS tailgate grommet (see my website for fix: http://class-ni.weebly.com/how-to.html). Electrical gremlins are almost always down to wiring chafe in the OS tailgate grommet, or a bad connection in the earth strap on the front slam, above the NS headlamp.

 

If the SRS light is on, shut off the ignition and wiggle the connector(s) under the front seat(s). There's rarely an actual problem, just a slightly dusty/fluffy connnector.

[face]

Thanks for the replies, I'll pass them on.

[eddyramrod]

diesel MG

 

No. Come on, look at it. It just isn't right, is it? What next? Bentley owned by Germans? Oh... bugger...

[duncancallum]

well....

 

Mine had 3 boxes in 60k, cambelt went 15k before its interval. I put front pads in every 7-10k and discs every other set. Sold to a mate who put a turbo on it as blew the impeller through the exhaust.

 

So in all in all shit brakes, Maestro diesel engine and suspension but bloody good fun. I miss it

[Cavcraft]

well....

 

Mine had 3 boxes in 60k, cambelt went 15k before its interval. I put front pads in every 7-10k and discs every other set. Sold to a mate who put a turbo on it as blew the impeller through the exhaust.

 

So in all in all shit brakes, Maestro diesel engine and suspension but bloody good fun. I miss it

 

Wasn't the Maestro dizzler engine a Perkins unit?

[duncancallum]

yeah and the L series is a update of it.

 

Main difference is the electric Bosch VP30 flyby wire fuel pump, A heater plug on number 4(behind the injector pump you cant get to it unless you remove the pump)

 

get a 101ps one some sdi injectors abd wind the boost up and say hello to 130bhp.

 

Brakes need doing the early dervs ran solids hence my record with the boxes. Oh and there is a cable and hydralic box. the cable is NLA from suppliers however a maestro van one fits.

[wuvvum]

A heater plug on number 4(behind the injector pump you cant get to it unless you remove the pump)

I don't fine mine needs the heater plugs at all - it starts straight away in sub-zero temperatures without using them. In fact it starts better than my Transit, which is designed to start without heater plugs.

[duncancallum]

mine was the same, cracked up like a goodun

[Formula Autos]

Is it just me or is the seating position on these MG ZRs/Rover 200/25s a bit odd?

 

In any I've driven the only way I've managed to get comfy (and I'm not tall - about 5' 9") is to be up close to the steering wheel, with my knees up either side of it. Trouble is, after a few miles that's not comfy either. And you feel like you're driving this .......

 

[155V6]

It's just you

[ashmicro]

Just you, old chap. I'm 5'9 and find my Rover 25 most comfortable.

 

Boxster gave me a sore back (loved driving it, though) MR2's suspension was so hard it gave me a sore entire body.