MG ZT 1.8 160 bhp
Discussion
Didn't know they did the 1.8 160bhp engine in the ZT my dad had a 190 for 4 days on long term test, it was great, comfortable and quick I'd imagine the 1.8 wouldn't be far behind in speed terms. I have a mate though who ran one for a few years and the mechanical issues nearly crippled him so I'd advise going in with your eyes open!
flatline84 said:
Saw one for sale the other day, are these any good? Anyone driven or owned one?
www.the75andztclub.co.uk is your friend.Very helpful bunch, they even offer a help with viewing/assessing a car FOC. Head gaskets are a bit of a problem, although there is a fix.Lots and lots of car for the money, spares aren't a problem. V6 sounds lovely if you can push to that.
The engine is very light in these, despite the obvious Achilles heel and subsequent folklore they are a lovely engine to use, I think the later variants are better in the resistance to HGF. I had a 200 BRM which is a slightly less powerful version of this setup and it was a delight until the HG went, not sure what gearbox these have but the one in the BRM was fantastic, not just for FWD but probably the nicest box I have used.
These corner really well despite what the naysayers will have you believe, despite being a Rover and therefore inferior to everything in the world, ever, even those little rickshaw taxi's in India if you listen to the anti Rover brigade, I will relyon actual experience rather than just assuming and I found my BRM to be very competent, apart from the stupid leather seats that allowed you to slither round, it all relies on the suspension not being knackered but if in good order they are easily a Match for Golf's and other medium hatches of the period.
SO, all in all a decent hot hatch, of the old school, i.e. light, revvy and normally aspirated, just make sure you check it over well, specifically for the warning signs of impending HGF.
These corner really well despite what the naysayers will have you believe, despite being a Rover and therefore inferior to everything in the world, ever, even those little rickshaw taxi's in India if you listen to the anti Rover brigade, I will relyon actual experience rather than just assuming and I found my BRM to be very competent, apart from the stupid leather seats that allowed you to slither round, it all relies on the suspension not being knackered but if in good order they are easily a Match for Golf's and other medium hatches of the period.
SO, all in all a decent hot hatch, of the old school, i.e. light, revvy and normally aspirated, just make sure you check it over well, specifically for the warning signs of impending HGF.
flatline84 said:
How much are we talking wallet damagewise if the HGF`s go?
I'm almost certain that the turbo'd 1.8's were sorted as they were introduced long after the HGF saga had reared it's ugly head? I've done 4 K-series head gaskets inc one on an MGF and TBH they're easily done in a day so long as you don't need to skim the head! Never priced one up at a garage before but I know you can do a full job on it for around £200 in parts (gaskets, filters, fluids, plugs, cam belt and water pump - might as well if you're having it to bits?) plus 8 hours labour (£200???) so that'll be 4-500 quid at a local independant maybe? We've just bought a KV6 160 ZT-T and we love it to bits! Brilliant car, well built (if you believe the legends - the 75/ZT was effectively BMW's first attempt at a FWD saloon?), comfortable, big boot for the dog!
I was looking specifically for the 1.8t TBH as I'm a massive fan of the K series engine - mainly because it's f
king awesome! 
Looking at the data etc - the 1.8t will 'generally' be better on fuel depending on where/how you use the car? We do short daily journeys (5-10 miles at a time) and we're seeing around 24mpg from the KV6 although we are lucky enough to live in Peterborough with one of the UK's fastest rush hours and the superb dual carriage way system which keeps the cruising speeds up. Through town she's a little thirsty
Edited by Ben Magoo on Sunday 22 April 21:48
Edited by Ben Magoo on Sunday 22 April 21:49
The little BRM was the VVC unit, not the Turbo IIRC.
Fixing a HG failure shouldn't be too costly, everybody knows how to do it, but not everybody knows how to do it properly!
I would agree though, that the KV6 engine is vastly better from a reliability point of view, though it is a thirstier unit.
Fixing a HG failure shouldn't be too costly, everybody knows how to do it, but not everybody knows how to do it properly!
I would agree though, that the KV6 engine is vastly better from a reliability point of view, though it is a thirstier unit.
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