ZT / ZS diesel question.

[4340BB]

Hello all.
I am just asking if the MG ZT or ZS diesel cars are any good and what to look out for if I go to look at any. Also, am I correct in thinking the engine is BMW 2.0TDI unit?
Thank you and all replies are greatly appreciated.
Forgot to mention my budget is £6000.

Regards
Ben

[baldy1926]

Hi you can halve your buget. Yep its the bmw engine plus other bits from the bmw parts bin. Proberly the best car made by rover. IF you google mg zt forum the 2 main forums will give you all the info.
In short good and very underated. Good mpg just make certain it has a full service history with the belts etc done.

[Roman]

Excellent cars, especially when fitted with one of 'Rover Ron's Synergy 2 boxes. One of the youngest and best available here:
http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...
http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/vbimghost.ph...

Looked after by a leading ZT guru and owned by a genuine ZT enthusiast.

Nearly bought it myself but ended up with a ZT190 SE instead (I only cover around 8k p.a.).

This one looks OK too
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[timbo48]

ZT has the BMW diesel, whilst the ZS doesn't (not sure, but I think it's a Perkins sourced unit). BMW has a cam chain rather than belts. Don't know of any problems with this, but the clutch is the weak (and expensive) point, especially if you have to renew the MAF as well. Plenty of info about these cars on the aforementioned websites. I've got a ZT-T diesel with approx 125k on it. I bought it with 85k on it about two and a half years ago. During that time I've had a new clutch and a new alternator. Other than that it's been normal service stuff, eg tyres, servicing, brakes etc. Have a good look round for a good one but be prepared to travel, it's not like looking at Passats, etc where you can find a good one just around the corner. With your budget you should, sorry will, be able to find a well looked after low mileage one without too much trouble. Last time I looked through the ZT adds on here, there weren't too many diesel estates around, which probably means they'll be the most expensive. Smashing car to drive, and nice environment to be in too, especially on long journeys.

[4340BB]

Thank you for all the replies, it is much appreciated. Are there any issues with the swirl flaps that are on the BMW engines or did that not get carried across to the MG.
Regards.
Ben

[Roman]

4340BB said:

Thank you for all the replies, it is much appreciated. Are there any issues with the swirl flaps that are on the BMW engines or did that not get carried across to the MG.
Regards.
Ben

No swirl flaps, (different intake) and not known for the expensive turbo & injector issues of E46s either but you still benefit from the timing chain so no scheduled belt changes to worry about unlike VAG, Alfa, Saab & Vauxhaull etc.

Have a read of this excellent guide to buying a ZT, post 20 deals specifically with the CDTI:
http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...

[4340BB]

Thank you for the links. Some interesting reading there.
Regards
Ben

[ticmon]

The ZS engine is the Rover L-Series. I had a facelift ZS bought from new and loved it. Only changed as i got the 180 V6 instead. Pics are on my profile.

[Mr2Mike]

The ZT is a detuned BMW engine, 114 or 129bhp depending on spec. so not exactly BMW-like performance in the 75 and they certainly do suffer from injector issues just the same as the BMW.

The ZS has the Rover L series engine which is an extremely reliable mechanically injected unit, albeit not as refined as the BMW common rail lump.