ZS V6 - Any problems I need to know about?

[srdtvr]

Hi peeps,
love MG's had a ZR and a TF at the same time - fed up with the sgging off they get - both were great cars for me with no major probs.
Need to get another MG on the drive as I miss them - ZS's look good value - as do most MG's due to the sgging off mentioned earlier - what is the V6 2.5 like to live with - do they suffer from headgasket failure I hear so much about although never experienced with my ones.
What else should I be looking for

hurry back - I need an MG fix

[esselte]

Although a few people post here you may get more info from this site.

[srdtvr]

Thanks - not so responsive as some

[mattnay74]

Had mine for over 2yrs now. no major problems yet. The kv6 doesn't suffer from the same headgasket problems as the k series. clutch hydraulics are troublesome but sorted with a "sheddist" kit. For more info search "x power forums" Matt

[CRE]

I have the ZT 190, I plugged my Snap On diag into it and it came up with VIS fault, I have since found out that seems quite common but am trying to find a bit more info on it. It seems to be rattling its t!ts off but I think thats to do with VIS valve as well.
Sorry for the thread hijack, but just wondered if anyone had any thoughts?

Thanks

J

[Prometheus]

Buy a ZS180, you won't regret it, any problems are easily fixed.

[bazking69]

Quite a few common faults, and most of them aren't that cheap.
Thermostats and associated pipes go (pig of a job), upper inlet manifold break up (£550+ VAt for part alone), clutch cylinders are a weak spot (and another big job if it is the slave) etc
They aren't that bad a car really, and can be had for sensible money, but they do feel like the 1990s Civic/Rover 400 that they basically are, no matter how hard you dress it up ie an old car.

[MGJohn]

The VIS and thermostat issues are not that expensive to rectify if you go about things in the correct way. By the way, check they ( VIS) actually need doing ~ often they are replaced and nothing is found wrong with the old items.

One thing is relatively expensive, replacing that serpentine timing belt and belts on the quadcam DOHC V6 but, six years or 90,000 miles is the replacement guidelines**. Check these are done. timing belts replacement beyond the ability and facilities of most DIYers, but, not all. As advised earlier, visit and search MG-Rover.org as there's a wealth of info.there. There's a competent ZS180 specialist who is well regarded and charges very reasonably.... consequently he's always got work.

Have you driven one yet? It's still one of the best handling FWD drives around ... My only regret is that they did not put the 1.8 Turbocharged K series in the ZS ~ I waited two years for that car but it never materialised so settled for the 1.8 ZS which is driven mainly by my better half, the V6 being much more car than she and my family needs.

I like petrol turbos and think that 1.8 Turbocharged ZS would have been a more appealing overall package and suited the lighter ZS better than the heavier R75 and ZTs which did get the Turbocharged 1.8 K16. Wish they put that motor in the ZS ~ yet another missed opportunity in the sadly asset stripped dying remnants of the former Rover Group.....

Find a nice well cared for example and you'll be pleased with it. Superb value now and an even better driving experience than the average used production car costing rather more.

EDIT @ 22.58 to add: The clutch hydraulics are prone to premature wear particulrly if you're the sort of driver who waits at traffic lights and other hold ups in gear with the clutch depressed. As already mentioned elsewhere, someone does a superb DIYer upgrade for about 150 quid which is far superior to the OE.

• IIRC .. so check as may have changed those guidelines.

Edited by MGJohn on Sunday 22 February 22:58