I have just got rid of my 3 because I am fed up with all the problems with it, (after owning 2 years and having problems with clutch judder, radiator burst, rear brakes sticking on, various electrical issues- radio, airbag light, loose trim, metallic rattle on start up and under acceleration). This sounds very much like the dreaded timing chain issue, I really wouldn't put too much hope on Magnecor HT leads curing all of your issues, They are ok but I have read so many posts on facebook groups from people believing these are cure all's for any problem the MG3 has! I would be very surprised if changing a coil pack stopped a metallic sounding rattle noise under acceleration. Personally I would get it checked with a view to perhaps getting shot of it but thats just based on my personal experience of the car and MG as a company

 

It hasn't made the rattle noise since the other day. At the moment I'm trying to cure the slight misfire.

I'm general apart from the dubious quality of the ICE components it hasn't really given me any hassle.

 

I should add the rattle wasn't under acceleration all 3 times it happened it was idling stationary.

 

Hmm been to see Nottingham MG today to have a look around and see about getting it booked in.

Very nice guys and dealer to deal with got some lovely old MG'S and other classic cars including a ZT up on a ramp above the TF. ZT only has 3 miles on the clock yikes.

Hopefully going to get it booked in soon with them but it certainly seems like it might well be the timing chain issue sadly.

So not the news I was really hoping for.

 

Interesting we now have an MG place in Nottingham. May now have a look at a 3. What was the verdict with yours?

 

It's in on Monday to find out what the issue is.

Hopefully it's not the timing chain but the early cars did have some issues and given its never had any warranty claims made against it I'm not overly hopeful.

Dropping it off Monday morning and picking up a courtesy car from them.

 

And the verdict is.

It's never had any warranty work carried out in its first 3 years.

It's not the timing chain.

It's a little down on power but they can't find anything that is causing it. They have opened a case with MG for further assistance.

The only other issue they said the clutch is heavy and travel doesn't feel right, and after the courtesy ZS by god it is heavy bit I have suspected the clutch since I got it.

It works fine just a tad heavy and doesn't slip yet so a job to get sorted in the future.

Have to say a big thank you to MG Nottingham really great service and given me piece of mind its no going to suddenly break down.

 

Got the exact same issues with mine... All intermittent.
It’s now pinged up the EML.

 

That's not good. The garage have finally decided it is the timing chain on mine so its going in soon to have it done. No EML light on mine though.

Sent from my AGS-W09 using Tapatalk

 

Since having the timing chain done the car is a lot better than it was in terms of idling and driveability. Alps feels like it's got a bit more power now as well. No massively noticeable difference all told juts smoother idling and running. No difference really to MPG even though its now not missing.

 

An MG ZS with possibly a similar issue

I had my first breakdown in my ZS yesterday afternoon and the AA mechanic had a listen to the engine when cold and told me that the timing chain might need tightening or replacement as it's got a rattle that disappears when the engine is warmed up.

The engine is a DVVT version of the 1.5 litre engine from the MG3 so I would have assumed that the timing chain issue that affected the MG prior to the new facelift would have been fixed.. maybe not..

The AA mechanic recommended that I take the car to the MG dealer sooner than later.

Cheers..

 

I am led to belive that 2016 onwards 3's should not be affected by the timing chain issue. But I cannot confirm that either.

I wonder if the 1.5 in the ZS is the same engine in the 3 as its air box is like the GS 1.5 engine which is a GM unit.

I did mention the 18 plate ZS demo car I had whilst my 3 was in had made some ratle noise whilst driving and at start up at cold was very hesitant to run until it had warmed up. They said they would get in the garage to get it looked at.

It is worrying if its the same engine and is likely to suffer the same issue though. As its a £525 job.

 

I'm hoping that it will be a warranty job as the car isn't a year old.

I'm kind of regretting not getting the 1.0 litre turbo even though I can't drive automatics.

Cheers..

 

It just amazes me that you guys have had so much trouble with MG3s and ZSs. We had our first MG3 for almost 5 years during which period it never let us down. We now have the latest model, and whilst it's only done about 1000 miles, it drives very well, is very quet, and gives the impression of being another excellent car.

 

I think that I might have had a Friday car.

There were a few things about the car which weren't right when I got it but didn't warrant going back to the dealer for:

Damage to the inner plastic where the driver's door window slots in to, it looks like someone in the factory or the garage had accidentally push down on it with a rod.

The little lug that holds the rear parcel shelf string fell out by itself, a firm push sorted that out.

The paintwork is a bit on the thin side and you can see areas like the spare wheel area and inside the front wing where the pain isn't even red but bright pink!

I understand that I didn't pay a king's ransom for the car when compared to a VAG car but at least silly little things like the lug falling out shouldn't have happened.

Cheers..

 

Whilst I bought mine at just over 3 years old and have owned it for 2 years, I have had a few issues but it has never let me down or broken down since I've had it.