MG ZR 2.0L Diesels any good?

[jubbarelly]

Are there different variants of the engine then?

[MG Tom]

Yes, a 100 and 115 version. They are identical except for the map on the ecu.

[E_T_V]

Originally Posted by lovema75

I had one recently in a 400. Not incredibly econonmical to be honest, about 40 average, so when a decent petrol can average the same there isnt really any economic benefit, especialy when diesel was dear than petrol for long enough.

Not the quickest or most refined but then neither is a VW TDi and no-one seems to mind. Cruises along with a nice purr.

The 400 had the VP30 pump fitted, pretty long lasting. The 45 has the same engine but with the VP37 pump, which doesnt seem to last as long. Its not the most refined engine, but if it really does sound like a tractor, then the pump solonoid has failed (known handily enough as "tractoring...") - its tricky but possible to replace this without removing the pump.

Just like the petrol engines, you need to remember the belts! There are 2 of them - one for the pump, if this fails the engine will stop without damage. If the timing belt goes it most certainly will not, a replacement head will be required, so if you dont know when it was last done, do it asap.

The L series is a very cool running engine, thus in the winter the heater is rubbish unless you are doing a long journey!

Instant starting hot or cold is pretty much guarenteed, difficult starting is almost always due to injection timing being out.

Which 400 did you have? The intercooled ones are more economical than the non intercooled versions (and more powerful too).

The 200/400/600 got the VP37 pump (very reliable)

The 25/45/zr/zs got the VP30 pump (not very reliable)

[E_T_V]

Originally Posted by jubbarelly

Are there different variants of the engine then?

Yes but if you are considering modding / remap then it doesn't really matter which version you choose as it is just a map on the ECU.

[thomas 75 connie]

I only took a 101 bhp one out and I thought it went like stink. I have had 4 zrs and would have another in a heartbeat they are great looking cars and a great hot hatch. You can tune them quite easily upto about 160bhp.

[lovema75]

Oops, got my vp30's and 37's the wrong way round!

[mrvandango]

Had one a couple of years back. The engine is a little loud and doesn't sound very refined, but what a cracking little car! The interior is also a touch on the basic looking side, but looks lovely from the outside. I added sdi injectors to mine, de cat and free flowing rear silencer and it went like stink (30-50 in 3rd in 4 secs), and would still do 55+mpg every weekend from Weymouth to Derby and back. Loved it and still miss it. As a run around you can't go wrong really. I seem to recall that some had issues with the rear lights due to the loom getting damaged in the tailgate, and my power steering pump failed, but if you do a little homework then all will be well I'm sure.
Happy hunting!

[jubbarelly]

After doing a search, looks like all the descent ones have gone lol, can only find ropey looking ones

[Weso]

Originally Posted by jubbarelly

After doing a search, looks like all the descent ones have gone lol, can only find ropey looking ones

This one caught my eye,


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2811553449...84.m1438.l2649

Drivers seat looks rough, not sure if this represents value or not in todays market??. Plus hundreds of miles away from me and I guess you too...

Relistically I am still a month or too away from looking seriously.

[Robson Rover Repair]

Personally I would rather have a Rover version over the MG ZR version just to reduce the "boy racer" wear and tear. Not always true, but still, a popular car with young people.

A 45/zs would be a good shout in 2.0 turbo diesel especially a 110 bhp engine version, and much safer, rear discs also and abs etc as standard unlike a 25/zr.

Set of sdi's, mafless remap, egr bypass over removal (much simplier on the l series) and you will have a cracking car.