The MGF Register Forums

Hi all,

I'm really interested in getting an MG TF Stepspeed, but I'm concerned about reliability.
My wife had a ZR Stepspeed which suffered a catastrophic failure at 50,000 miles, in spite of following the service regime to the book and it being lovingly cared for by Nick and Jean at Austin Garages.

I'm probably crazy to consider it, but for commuting and touring the auto box is just so relaxing!
I would really appreciate any feedback from owners on their experiences.

Many thanks
Phil

I had mine for 10 years with no problems although the springs in the drive/damper plate were becoming audible but this didn't affect performance in any way. I did religiously change the fluid with the correct oil (Mobil EZL799) to the service schedule, ie every 2 years. However my mileage was very very low so not really representative, but I agree driving the Steppy was a dream. Went well on track too, the paddle gear change in 'manual' being fun, but a little under-powered compared with other similar cars.

However, I suspect your own experience with your wife's car will mean more to you than others feedback.

It's the same box as used in the first iteration of the BMW MINI, so there are loads about. I get the impression that they are okay reliability wise, if not quite the bomb-proof unit the manual PG1 is!

Rob Bell wrote:It's the same box as used in the first iteration of the BMW MINI, so there are loads about. I get the impression that they are okay reliability wise, if not quite the bomb-proof unit the manual PG1 is!

Actually in the USA there were many gearbox failures on the MINI which led to class law suits against BMW! I suspect that was why ZF off-loaded the design to another company, Punch Powertrain, so as not to taint themselves if it all went pear-shaped.

Tipper wrote:Actually in the USA there were many gearbox failures on the MINI which led to class law suits against BMW! I suspect that was why ZF off-loaded the design to another company, Punch Powertrain, so as not to taint themselves if it all went pear-shaped.

Interesting: I didn't know that... But BMW has gone to great lengths to protect its and MINI's reputation. My mother had an early BMW Mini for many years. Loved the car and generally reliable, but the electrically powered hydraulic steering failed, draining the battery within an hour of the ignition having been switched off. The car was well out of warranty (8 years old I think?) but I discovered that BMW was still fitting replacements FOC (but you had to know to ask for it). I asked for it, and it was replaced FOC!!! Remarkable, but it keeps owners happy! And my mother has purchased a new MINI Countryman, so I guess it worked...

Hello Phil.
I bought my 2002 TF stepspeed in July last year and love it, sure it is no SLK or XK8 in power take up & gives the impression that it will need to take a breath any minuet, but it is smooth and effortless.
My paddles are giving trouble on change down but from helpful advice from this forum I expect it to be some thing simple and inexpensive, all cars have problems and I see the stepspeed transmission is no less reliable than any other.
Go get one while you can, I recon they are going to appreciate sooner than other models.
Cheers.

My wife had a 25 with the autobox. There is a little bearing inside that fails and you hear what seems to be a moped riding too close behind you. If you get this noise it is essential it is dealt with ASAP before the bearing breaks up and wrecks the box. At the auto-transmission shop I had to get the bus home as the chap said it mustn't be driven any further. Not good, I suppose if you're in the middle of the Shropshire lanes or the Highlands of Scotland !! This bearing was a fairly cheap job at around £250 all in incl VAT. However we did get rid of the car shortly after as it suffered far too many faults this just being the last one. HGF was the major one, needless to say. Quality was always MG Rover's bad point, and the thick and stupid senior managers never sorrted it out.