MG3 (2013–2024) Oil, Capacities & Fluids — Older Generation
Every modern MG we’ve documented uses 0W-20 (ACEA C5) engine oil. The older MG3 is the exception: its official specification is 5W-20 to ACEA A1/B1, 4.5 litres. If a workshop that services newer MGs assumes “MG = 0W-20 C5”, your older MG3 gets the wrong oil. This car also has something no current MG has at all: hydraulic power steering with its own fluid to check. All figures below are from the official UK owner’s manual (MY16 edition, covering the 2013–2024 shape).
Engine oil — the family exception
| Engine | Specification | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 VTi-TECH (78 kW / 137 Nm) | 5W-20, ACEA A1/B1 | 4.5 L |
Source: official MG3 owner’s manual, UK MY16 edition, Technical Data pp. 216–217. Compare the new hybrid-generation MG3: 0W-20 C5 — its guide is here. Two cars, one name, two different oils.
Gearbox and steering
| Item | Specification | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed manual gearbox | MTF 94 | 1.8 L |
| Power steering (hydraulic) | Dexron III | 0.92 L |
The UK manual documents the 5-speed manual only. The 4-speed automatic sold in Australia, Egypt and other markets is outside this document — we don’t publish its fluid until we have its own official source, and we say so rather than guess.
Other fluids
| Item | Specification | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Engine coolant | Glycol (OAT) | 4.9 L (+0.7 L expansion tank) |
| Brake fluid | DOT 4 (Low Viscosity) | 0.73 L |
| Washer fluid | Qx 35 | 2.5 L |
| A/C refrigerant | R-1234yf | 450±25 g |
Same source. Note the brake fluid is specifically Low Viscosity DOT 4 — tell the workshop, don’t let them grab the generic bottle. Refrigerant charge for re-gas: 450 g ±25.
Fuel and engine data
Fuel: unleaded 95 RON (EN228) per the UK manual — market-specific, so confirm locally if your car was sold elsewhere. Tank: 45 litres. Engine: 1,498 cc, bore×stroke 75×84.8 mm, compression 10.5:1, idle 670±50 rpm. Factory tyre sizes: 185/70 R14 or 195/55 R16.
Which MG3 do I have?
This page covers the 2013–2024 shape (sold from 2011 in some markets). The 2024-on hybrid generation is a completely different car — its fluids guide is here, and the known-problems page covers both generations.