MR-S

The MR-S

The MR-S replaced the SW20 MR2 in October 1999, and Toyota built it until July 2007. Abroad it was sold as the MR2 Roadster or MR2 Spyder. It is a two-seat mid-engined roadster with a folding fabric hood, rear-wheel drive and a dry weight of 960 kg to 1,020 kg depending on year. There is no boot at the back; luggage goes behind the seats.

The engine is the 1ZZ-FE, a 1,794 cc four-cylinder with VVT-i, rated at 140 PS and 171 Nm. Early cars have five-speed gearboxes, either a manual or Toyota's clutchless sequential SMT; the August 2002 update made both six-speed and brought 16-inch rear wheels, new lamps and a stiffer body and suspension. More strengthening in February 2004 added about 30 kg. The V Edition Final Version of January 2007 was limited to 1,000 cars.

What MR-S owners upgrade

The 1ZZ-FE is the engine Toyota also put in the Corolla, so owners after more pace start with engine electronics, standalone ECUs included, and add pod filters for the intake and a freer exhaust system.

Light and balanced, the MR-S suits track days, and owners fit pads and discs from the brakes range, stabilisers and strut braces for the handling, and seat rails for bucket seats. Rear wings, underpanels, diffusers and aero kits from the exterior range are among the most popular buys. HKS, DIXCEL, Cusco, APEXi, Laile, Techno Pro Spirit and Bride are among the names MR-S owners choose.

Genuine parts

Early engines are the ones to check. The pre-catalysts in the exhaust manifold can break up, and the ceramic can be drawn into the engine, raising its oil consumption; cars built before 2003 are most at risk, so look for blue smoke on the overrun and ask for a compression test. On an SMT car, jerky shifts or a warning light point to actuator or control faults. Rust attacks the floors, front inner wings and suspension mounts.

Engine, gearbox and body parts for the ZZW30 are in our genuine Toyota parts catalogue.

Wheels

The MR-S has four studs on a 100 mm PCD with M12 x 1.5 nuts, and runs wider rear wheels: 15x6 +45 front with 15x6.5 +45 rear on early cars, and 16x7 +45 rear from August 2002. Other sizes are listed under wheels that fit the MR-S.