MG ZS (2001 – 2005) Review

Item: MG ZS (2001 – 2005) Review 2024
Author: Administrator

MG ZS (2001 – 2005) At A Glance

Enjoyable handling. Good pace from the 180 version.

Four-cylinder K series engines are prone to overheating and head gasket failure.

In 2001, the Rover 45 was re-engineered to become an MG saloon. The suspension settings were tweaked to improve ride and handling, while designer Peter Stevens did what he could to give the car a more aggressive look with new bumpers and the addition of side skirts.

Top of the range was the 2.5-litre KV6, complete with Subaru Impreza-influenced rear spoiler but the range also included an L-series diesel version, which reflected the progress Volkswagen was making at the time with its range of high-pressure, more powerful diesel engines (although the L-series failed to deliver in this respect).

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Model History

January 0001
June 2003
April 2004

January 0001

Rover 45 based ZS180 has a 177bhp version of Rover's 2.5 litre KV6 to propel it to 60 in 7.3 seconds then on to a top whack of 139 for a list price of £16,395.

ZS120 with 115bhp 1.8 K Series engine from £12,495.

June 2003

New for summer 2003: ZS110 with 109Ps, 138Nm 1.6 K series engine: does 119mph, 0-60 in 9.8, 40.2mpg combined and puts out 168g/km CO2. Comes with alloys and CD player at £10,995.

April 2004

2004 facelift brings with it much improved interior, wider track, 17-inch alloys wheels (on ZS180) and a new bodykit. Much better looking than before.

MG ZS (2001 – 2005) Buying Guide

Good

MGs generally had below average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 96.62 v/s lowest 31.93) www.reliabilityindex.co.uk

30-12-2011: One reader reported 255,000 joyous and reliable miles from a ZS 180 V6.

For parts, try www.britishcarparts.uk.com

www.xpartautoservicecentre.com

www.rovaparts.co.uk

www.rimmerbros.co.uk

Exhaust systems from www.longlife.co.uk

27,000 MG parts: Brown & Gammons

Bad

Water level sensor kit available for the MGF and TF for £89.99 from MG Specialists such as Brown and Gammons (01462 490049) www.ukmgparts.com may also fit MG ZS.

Watch

Head gasket failure common on K series four cylinder engines because very low coolant capacity of engine means small leaks rapidly lead to overheating. Weakest point is water heated inlet manifold gasket. 1.8 K Series head gasket failures website link www.shame.4mg.com Bore liners can also drop.

An engineered solution to the coolant leak/head gasket problem is offered by Sterling Automotive. This involves a modified MLS (multi-layer shim) gasket, the more substantial lower oil rail (as fitted to Land Rover Freelanders) and a retro fit low coolant level warning system, with a 5 year guarantee which can be valid for up to 75,000 miles if this is reached before 5 years. In addition to this guarantee Sterling Automotive offers fixed price servicing as per the MG Rover recommendations throughout the period of cover as a reward for complying with the conditions of the guarantee and also a free 6 monthly oil and filter change between the annual services. Sterling Automotive is currently only able to offer this on MGF/TF, Rover 25/Streetwise/MG ZR, Rover Commerce/MG Express Vans and the Rover 45/MG ZS range where fitted with the four cylinder K series engine due to the fact it is only able to provide a retro fit low coolant level system for these models but is actively seeking a way of adding the Rover 75/MG ZT 1.8 and 1.8 Turbo models to the offer as soon as possible. Sterling Automotive Limited. 4 Redward Business Park, Hammonds Drive, Eastbourne. East Sussex. BN23 6PW. www.sterlingautomotive.co.uk

XPart offers the MLS head gasket set which comes with a strengthened lower oil rail and new head bolts, as well as a water pump, from www.xpart.com In designing the new kit, XPart and SAIC have used a combination of the revised lower oil rail designed by MG Rover engineers, higher tensile 10.9 grade long stretch bolts and a new single piece multi-layer steel gasket engineered by SAIC for its new N-series engine. The gasket should not be fitted in isolation and it is the kit together with revised torque settings that provides the best known repair. The XPart parts warranty only applies when the full kit has been used.

27-9-2010: Fix for Fault with Security Control Unit. A number of owners of MG and Rover cars built between 2003 and 2005 will be aware of faults that can develop with the Security Control Unit or SCU. This commonly involves seemingly minor faults such as the horn not working or an electric window not operating but can also cause much bigger problems with the alarm, immobiliser and central locking systems which cause the car to become un-drivable. Until now rectification work has necessitated the replacement of the SCU and at times the remote handsets as well often costing £700 or more at some of the larger former Rover Dealers. However as part of Sterling Automotive's ongoing program of customer commitment, SA are always looking at new ways of making MG and Rover cars more reliable for future peace of mind and reduce the ongoing costs of motoring.

Sterling Automotive has inteoduced a new SCU repair service from just £350 including labour, components and VAT. The modified replacement parts fitted during the repair are guaranteed for 2 years which is double the time of the guarantee offered on the new SCU part. As an added bonus, if you think that your MG or Rover car might be suffering from an SCU related problem, Sterling Automotive will even carry out a free health check by appointment at its Eastbourne Service Centre to confirm if this is being caused by the SCU.

Additionally, for customers who are unable to get their car to Sterling Automotive or who reside overseas, they are also able to provide a mail order repair service. If long distance customers can remove the SCU from their car, SA advises them not to open the casing but to send it to us for repair. SA will then carry out the necessary refurbishment and repairs and return it to them for a reduced price of £320 including VAT. Postage and packing adds a further £9 within the UK, £12 within Europe or £15 for the rest of the world.

To arrange a free health check or ask any questions, please feel free to contact a member of our team on 01323 438754 (option 1) or e-mail us at service@sterlingautomotive.co.uk

This fault can only be present on the following MG Rover vehicles; MG TF, MG ZR & MG ZS, Rover Streetwise, Rover 25 & 45 and the light commercial van derivatives, Rover Commerce and MG Express.