Long-term ZS owners

[Tim Green]

it's not just lower value cars, I had a front spring go in my Merc E-class estate when it was quite new. I was not impressed.

 

[Data]

That's a very good point Tim. It isn't just MG, It's all makes of car. The number of springs breaking is at an all time high. It isn't because manufacturers are cheaping out on quality of their springs. That would be not just dangerous but stupid to the highest degree. It could lead to massive legal cases with brand ending consequences. We all know why springs are breaking. Let's not get carried away.

 

[Everest]

it's not just lower value cars, I had a front spring go in my Merc E-class

Ditto on BMW 3-series and Porsche 911 - both rears. But that was 10 years ago, so not a new issue IME.

 

[Tim Green]

No, mine was about 10 years ago too. It is not just potholes, the reason is the springs are just made of too thin material and they are not finished properly. Instead of finishing the coil as a round flat circle, they are just cut off "on the bend" and a former is used to try to make them work properly - which they don't. Its just cheaper.

 

[Data]

So we're yours breaking at or near the very ends Tim? That IS where nearly all springs usually break. No matter what cars they are on. It's not because they are formed "more cheaply". Look at the springs on Mercs, BMW, Lexus & they are formed the same. Or mostly. If you flatten them, something that was done a lot years ago, they are not quite as strong. They still break. Do many don't flatten them now. Trust me. Spent years & years in the trade & have changed many a spring.
PS. Not to confuse them with motorcycle springs which nearly always use a formed end at the bottom because they are on show, mostly.

 

[Tim Green]

Well something's changed. Broken coil springs used to be a rarity, not any more. It may be the material is just too thin. Personally I think they are both too thin and poorly made.

 

[Data]

The main thing that's changed Tim is the dreadful state of our roads. They haven't been this bad for decades in most parts of the UK. That's what the AA/RAC say. Wheel, tyre & spring damage is at an all time high. That's all makes of car. None of them are immune! Have you not seen the news covering this very subject last week.

 

[BrianG]

I am on my 2nd, first one 2020 and 2nd 2024 both remarkably good cars for the money. The later cars have much better headlights.