Why is it said that Roewe and MG cars are difficult to repair?
4 Answers
The Roewe engine is not impossible to repair, nor is it unrepairable, but it places higher demands on the basic skills of maintenance technicians, and its repair standards are relatively stringent. Combined with its unreasonable design, many mechanics tend to avoid working on it. The reasons for reluctance to repair are as follows: 1. Overly long cylinder head screws: It's worth noting that the cylinder head screws of engines from other automakers are generally around 15~20 cm, while Roewe's cylinder head screws are at least 30 cm or longer—a standard chopstick is only about 25 cm long. Not only are they long, but they are also thin and extend deep into the oil pan, connecting to the crankshaft bearings. If the torque during installation is too low, the cylinder gasket is prone to leaking water or oil; if the torque is too high, the screws are likely to break (especially when using old, unreplaced cylinder head screws that have already suffered metal fatigue). Moreover, even in a never-before-repaired original engine, the cylinder head screws are highly prone to breaking during disassembly. 2. Water channels located near the intake manifold: The distance between these water channels and the intake passages is no more than 2 mm, and only rubber seals are used for isolation. The thin gap, combined with rubber seals susceptible to temperature changes, inevitably leads to coolant seeping into the intake passages over prolonged use. This coolant then flows into the engine through the intake valves, causing deformation and bending of the connecting rods in cylinders one and four. 3. Use of wet cylinder liners: The engine employs wet cylinder liners without sealing rings, making it highly prone to internal coolant leakage. This explains why some Roewe vehicles suffer from the common issue of "burning coolant"—the wet liners are easily corroded, allowing coolant to seep through the cylinder walls and directly participate in combustion.
Some people say that Roewe and MG cars are difficult to repair, but I think it's mainly a parts issue. My car is a Roewe RX5, and last year when the headlights stopped working, I had to wait over ten days at the repair shop for the parts to arrive. The mechanic at the small shop said imported parts have slow supply, especially in smaller towns where it's worse. Now SAIC is strengthening its after-sales network, but coverage is still insufficient. Additionally, with rapid technological updates and complex electronic systems, non-dealer shops often can't diagnose issues. I've driven other brands before, and they were easier to repair with cheaper parts. If you buy a Roewe, I recommend contacting the dealership in advance to check parts availability to avoid delays for minor issues. Overall, it's not that they're truly 'unrepairable,' but efficiency is low, requiring more patience.
Having driven for over a decade, I find the rumor that Roewe and MG cars can't be repaired somewhat exaggerated. In the early days, parts supply was indeed inadequate, especially for MG with its British origins—imported components were hard to find and repair shops were scarce. Now, under SAIC's management, things have improved significantly, but the reputation lingers. Many small local shops lack professional tools and can't handle advanced system failures. For instance, a friend's car had an electronic control issue that couldn't be fixed outside and had to be resolved at a 4S shop. I recommend not shying away from the hassle and going directly to authorized dealers—they have better skills and equipment, and repairs are quicker. Regular maintenance should also be done diligently to reduce the need for major repairs. Although service is improving, it takes time to rebuild a reputation.
As a car enthusiast, I've heard the saying 'Roewe and MG cars can't be repaired.' The reason is their vehicles have high technological content, with unique electric units and software that ordinary repair shops can't handle. I recall during MG's integration period after being acquired by SAIC, the spare parts system wasn't perfect, making some models difficult to repair. The situation has improved now, but minor issues like sensor failures still require waiting for specialized parts. My advice when buying a car is to choose brands with local service centers or purchase extended warranties to avoid being misled. Actually, any car might become unrepairable – the key lies in whether after-sales support is strong enough.
