Nice one.

re. tyres: you might want to consider 235/40/18s when you have to change them. somewhere like www.mytyres.co.uk does these from about £70 a wheel for cheapies, and there's much more choice than the standard 225/45/18s. The rolling radius is about the same, so it won't affect your speedo noticeably.

rob

 

Make mine a 190

I've had my new ZT 190 SE for a couple of days now and I'm well chuffed with it. Previous car was 3 series BMW coupe and once sold, I was sad to see it go. But now I have the MG, all reminising over the Beemer has faded and, well, this old bruiser is one hell of a car. So smooth, impecable handling for a 1.5 tonner and dressed up like a Bentley. No regrets

 

I've had my ZTT190 for about 2 months now and I think it's brilliant. Wasn't sure about swapping it for my Volvo T5, but I find it totally intoxicating. Clambering into the (very) snug seats,watching it all light up when it starts and then there's the wonderful noise...... excellent.

Now trying to convince the boss (missus) to chip in her (admittedly very good) Fiat Stilo (surprised?) for a ZS180. She's not convinced old gits like us should have a car with lairy spoilers etc., but I've told her she might get a drive of the ZTT if she ever feels the ZS is a bit OTT. Still a bit more to do on this one...... she wants an F (or TF). What's a boy to do?

 

I'm still dribbling over mine, might be for some time.

My old ZS is not a patch on this car, I guess the handling won't be quite as good due and to the weight and the V6 is going to drink more, but right now everything else is miles better.

Cheshire and back tomorrow, never have I looked forward to the M6 and the twisty bits at either end so much.

Digi cam batteries charging up, hope the sun is out for some pics tomorrow.

 

Re tyres.
Changing to 235/40/18s from the standard 225/45/18s will reduce the rolling radius by 15mm (2+%), 245/40/18s will be better at only 7mm less. However you could affect the handling of the car, cause a deterioration of the ride quality, and possibly cause rubbing at various places. It is also technically a modification and you should inform your insurance company.
My recommendation when the time comes to replace them is to fit (more?) Conti 225/45/18s. They are much quieter than Michelins and the ride quality and handling is superb.

 

Congratulations Manor, shame you are ditching the ZS.

Might just bump into you some time.

 

Re tyres.
Changing to 235/40/18s from the standard 225/45/18s will reduce the rolling radius by 15mm (2+%), 245/40/18s will be better at only 7mm less. However you could affect the handling of the car, cause a deterioration of the ride quality, and possibly cause rubbing at various places. It is also technically a modification and you should inform your insurance company.
My recommendation when the time comes to replace them is to fit (more?) Conti 225/45/18s. They are much quieter than Michelins and the ride quality and handling is superb.

15mm is less than the difference between a new tyre and and worn tyre, so its pretty negligible. 2% out isn't going to put your speedo out by any great margin is it?

Others have posted on here having tried 235's with no deterioration in ride or performance.

245's are better radius-wise (just), but are worse width wise.

I've also heard reports of contis wearing out much quicker than michelins, so it may be a false economy (although granted they are good tyres - its what I have at the moment.).

 

15mm is less than the difference between a new tyre and and worn tyre, so its pretty negligible.

Sorry this is getting off topic isn't it!
I think the difference between a new tyre and a worn tyre is 10mm max not 15mm. Also the tyre engineers did a very good job setting up the car with the specified tyre. On my car at least I will stick with the Conti's despite the extra cost.

 

Yes it is a bit of topic however tread on a tyre can be as much as 8mm for normal road tyres. Limit is 1.6mm thus 6.4mm x2 equalling up to 12.8mm smaller over its life. However this assumption doesnt take into account tyre deflection.

 

Congratulations Manor, shame you are ditching the ZS.

Might just bump into you some time.

Not literally I hope! That would be very embarrassing.

I really liked the ZS, I imagine in V6 form it is nothing short of a monster, my 120+ was scary at first. I can't imagine a FWD car that handles better.

The M6 was hell tonight, a normal 90 min journey took 2 and a half hours, they were even queuing at the toll to pay! Never seen that before, very depressing. Had a little drag race with a 2 litre Scenic away from the tolls, right up to 70 mph officer. :scary:

I'm very pleased I bought this car, so comfortable, nice and cool with the climate on low, good feedback from my family and have seen at least one admiring glance from a stranger today

I'll be gutted if the ZT is now dead and nobody makes this car in future.

 

I've had my new ZT 190 SE for a couple of days now and I'm well chuffed with it. Previous car was 3 series BMW coupe and once sold, I was sad to see it go. But now I have the MG, all reminising over the Beemer has faded and, well, this old bruiser is one hell of a car. So smooth, impecable handling for a 1.5 tonner and dressed up like a Bentley. No regrets

My mate has just opted out of his company car scheme because he was sick of being lumbered with poverty spec BMW 3 Series and his latest has been very dodgy.

He was hoping that he would be allowed to choose a Honda Accord or Volvo S60 instead of the German Sierra but they won't be added to the list until November.

Anyway to cut a long story short he has bought a brand new Pearl Black ZT190 SE for £17,000 which has every option fitted to an already impressive list of features.

He absolutely loves his MG and several of his colleagues who are still lumbered with their 3 Series' are seriously envious !

 

I'm also an ex BMW owner (328 sport coupe) and don't regret it, infact enjoying it more!!

Re; the tyres, a 235 40 tyre will put the speedo out by 1.5mph (68.5mph instead) @ 70 mph so not much difference and the tyre is only 5mm wider either side of the wheel so there will be no rubbing.

Also I like goodyear F1s as they are a very good tyre and much quieter than Contis - probably my next choice when they wear out.

 

Where are the pics, Manor?

 

Each time I get a few minutes it goes really dark outside.... just like now there are huge grey clouds overhead.

If they pass I'll get some taken tonight. Charged up the digi cam batteries so all ready to go.

 

Here are five pics I took earlier on. Not the best but I parked in a tight spot on the drive.

 

I went the long way to collect my son this afternoon. Just because I know a few enticing roads. Turned the radio off and listened to the roar.

I want to go out again and savour it for a few more minutes.

 

good on yer mate.

the zt is a superb car, you simply can't knock it, in fact its the most enjoyable car i have ever had. loads of cars are boring to be honest, not true of the ZT, boring doesn't get a look in. enjoy

 

The best colour, Manor.

What's the fuel consumption like with this one? Big difference after the 120?

 

I haven't done an exact calculation for MPG. It's drinking about 1/4 of the tank for every 90 miles.

90 x 4 = 360 miles
65 litre tank, so 65 / 4.5 = Roughly 14.5 gallons

360 / 14.5 = almost 25 MPG

(I think that's right?)

I have been generous with the accelerator on the odd occasion :devil2: so I think careful driving could yield 27, maybe 28 MPG.

The ZS was not great, 33, 34 MPG, maybe a little more when careful. They are both automatics though so they are a bit thirstier. Not a huge difference really, maybe 6 or 7 MPG, probably 5 if I'm taking it really easy.

Considering this car has 700cc and 60 BHP more and taking into account it's bigger than the QE2, I'm quite happy with that.

Are you thinking of moving up to the ZT, Panavision?

 

Just got my ZT-T 190

...And so far, I'm very impressed. Bit of a change for me at the mo though, having swopped out of a 3.2 XJ6, still £6k for a 2002 1 owner car sounded too good to be true. Just had to have one before they've all gone. Feels like a bigger, better built version of my old Subaru Impreza Turbo 5 door I had a while back. Had a few rovers over the years, 214, 420gsi, and the best one of the lot, a 620Ti. I still miss that car today.

Adding to the tyre debate, I noticed mine has a full new set of 225x40x18s. They look good, but I do wonder if they affect the ride over the standard 45s...

Incidently, this BIG service @90,000.....could any decent local garage tackle it, or do you think it need specialist knowledge??.

Also, where can I get some cheap, but good mats from ?

 

With the tyres, the speedo will be out slightly, but can't see a big difference in ride.

I think there are special tools required for the belt change.

 

...And so far, I'm very impressed. Bit of a change for me at the mo though, having swopped out of a 3.2 XJ6, still £6k for a 2002 1 owner car sounded too good to be true. Just had to have one before they've all gone. Feels like a bigger, better built version of my old Subaru Impreza Turbo 5 door I had a while back. Had a few rovers over the years, 214, 420gsi, and the best one of the lot, a 620Ti. I still miss that car today.

Adding to the tyre debate, I noticed mine has a full new set of 225x40x18s. They look good, but I do wonder if they affect the ride over the standard 45s...

Incidently, this BIG service @90,000.....could any decent local garage tackle it, or do you think it need specialist knowledge??.

Also, where can I get some cheap, but good mats from ?

Highly recommended for mats:

http://www.autostyle.co.uk/

I had some in my Peugeot 406 before I got the ZT-T. Very nicely made with a special anchor to stop them moving around. Still looked brand new after 18 months and fitted the footwell like a glove. A bit pricey mind...

I contacted them last week and unfortunately, due to some trademark issue they can not provide mats with the MG logo. Shame...

 

I picked up some new black ones (mats) in Halfords quite cheaply.

They just about looked and fitted ok in my ZS which was trophy blue. In the ZT they look excellent if I do say so myself.

Really gave it a thrash just now on some nice A roads, awesome power.

I'm very pleased with this car, I can't really compare it to anything else I've driven or been passenger in. It has a good quality feel, like a Jag but not the "old fella" image.

Thinking about buying one?

Don't think, buy a ZT, you won't regret it.

 

I picked up some new black ones (mats) in Halfords quite cheaply.

They just about looked and fitted ok in my ZS which was trophy blue. In the ZT they look excellent if I do say so myself.

Really gave it a thrash just now on some nice A roads, awesome power.

I'm very pleased with this car, I can't really compare it to anything else I've driven or been passenger in. It has a good quality feel, like a Jag but not the "old fella" image.

Thinking about buying one?

Don't think, buy a ZT, you won't regret it.

Well said that man!

 

I just showed two pics of my car to a friend of mine who lives in Europe.

He said three words:

"Nice"
"Expensive"
"Rare"

Remember. Don't think, buy it!