New Mg4 EV Owner From Ecuador & Mods To Come :)

[Ethernea]

Hey everyone..im new here. Officially a new owner since last night. It was the first time i drove it back home.

I waited 7 days to get it after paying... It was a long wait. And lots of videos to feel sure i took the right decision....

And now... My country Ecuador never arrives the best options - at least I've got the 64kWh battery.

But it has no rear camera, no mg i smart app function, no spoiler or long tailights, or front fog lights... And no seat pockets in the back (im sorry for my kids lol)

And most of these are very expensive to get in aliexpress...

Here's my list of purchases from AliExpress so far:

1) steering wheel cover

Universal non-slip wear resistant Sports style Car Steering Wheel Cover for MG 7 One Mulan 4 EV 2023 2024 D Type Auto Parts - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

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2) mud flaps

4x For MG 4 MG4 EV Mulan Hatchback 2022 2023 Mud Flaps Splash Guard Mudguards MudFlaps Front Rear Fender Styling Car Accessories - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

3) dashboard mat (black w blue stitches)

For MG 4 MG4 EV EH32 MuLan 2022 2023 2024 Suede Leather Dashmat Dash Mat Cover Dashboard Pad Carpet Car Accessory Anti-Slip - AliExpress 34

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4) protector film for both screens

Tempered Glass Screen Protector Film for MG mulan MG4 2021 2022 2023 Car Infotainment Radio GPS Navigation Dashboard - AliExpress 34

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5) floor mat (black w blue stitches)

For MG4 EV MG Mulan EH32 2022 2023 2024 Car Floor Mats Carpet Anti-dirt Pad Leather Mat Car Mats Luxury Car Accessories Interior - AliExpress 34

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6) trunk mat (black with blue stitches)

Custom Style Car Trunk Mats for MG ZS ZSEV HS EHS MG5 MG4 MULAN MARVEL R Interior Details Auto Accessories - AliExpress 34

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7) rear seat armrest

Universal Car Rear Seat Armrest 2 Row Console Box With Cup Holder Arm Rest Backseat Armrest Console Box For Ford All Cars - AliExpress

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8) graphene ceramic coat

10H Graphene Car Ceramic Polish Auto Hydrophobic Coating Hardness Scratch Resistant Crystal-plating Waterproof Care Coating - AliExpress

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The mats are black with blue stitches to match car seats. Which i love that detail. Dont know if others like that. But i do.

And i plan to get long tail light when price lowers or get a good deal. And also front fog lights.

Im thinking to add a blue-purple space type stripe that goes from front to back.

Im looking for a key cover to protect it and also
Seat covers waterproof (and kids proof). But no luck yet... Any links for this?

I like this cover - but cant remove logo and said doesnt fit mine

I'll be updating this post when things gets delivered. And until then, I'll share links here and pictures of my ride.

All aliexpress sellers are telling me "no this dont fit" with their amazing french-english response.

Hi everyone

P.s. i wish i could add a rear reverse camera that looks OEM... Can't find anything - just something that looks ugly and overrides screen. Disabling the rear sensor marks.

 

[Ethernea]

So some things have arrived and here's how it looks. Im loving this dash mat and rear seat armrest.

Not so fond to this wheel cover blue... Looks different than the pics - but.. the touch is so soft and my wheel is now covered.

And the blue aint so bad it matches my personal bag. So its fine and it fits 100% !

More to come...

P.s. screen protectors are installed. Neat and clean perfect fit and touch sensitivity. Both screens - no issues ultra easy installation.

 

[Diggsy]

Have a look at the post here for the OEM style camera…

Reverse Camera SE LR

I have an old raspberry pi that may do it I'm unlikely to change my setup now, but if you do go down that route I'm curious to know how much work is involved.

www.mgevs.com

 

[Ethernea]

Have a look at the post here for the OEM style camera…

Reverse Camera SE LR

I have an old raspberry pi that may do it I'm unlikely to change my setup now, but if you do go down that route I'm curious to know how much work is involved.

www.mgevs.com

I did... And i looked at that in aliexpress before this post... And that's what i meant by not interrupting the original screen.

If camera works, i wont be able to see what object is near the sensor as it shows if the thing is close in the right - middle - left aide of the car and how close/far.

And i prefer that over image.
Im used to go backwards without camera.

Was just asking if there's a chance to connect a camera OEM style and keep the distance-sensor.

Anyways, thanks for the post link.

 

[T0M]

There is updated versio of camera on AliExpress.
On top right corner you have distance sensor.

Check this link and video

Auto AHD Reverse Rückansicht Backup Kamera Für MG4 EV Decoder Dynamische Parkplatz Linie Stecker und Spielen Unterstützung Original Parkplatz Sensor - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

de.aliexpress.com

 

[Ethernea]

There is updated versio of camera on AliExpress.
On top right corner you have distance sensor.

Check this link and video

Auto AHD Reverse Rückansicht Backup Kamera Für MG4 EV Decoder Dynamische Parkplatz Linie Stecker und Spielen Unterstützung Original Parkplatz Sensor - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

de.aliexpress.com

Oh thats cool.

The closest thing to have...

But how does it get installed?

I mean, the camera - where does it stick?
I wish i could install this without doing any holes...

I saw the video about opening glove box and there the infotainment already have the sockets to plug and play, then travel the cables to the back - no issue supposedly.

Feels like a scary installation to do in a new car...

 

[T0M]

Unfortunately, you need to drill the hole for the camera and install the box under glove compartment.

 

[Ethernea]

Unfortunately, you need to drill the hole for the camera and install the box under glove compartment.

Hanging box under glove box is fine. Cables have plugs so i dont have to cut cables. Thats ok.

Drill hole where?

 

[DixieTGS]

If you watch all 3 videos by @DevonMG4 on one of the rear camera threads it shows everything in detail so you can see the amount of work and time required. Others have commented with alternative ways of doing some of the more difficult bits which may be useful depending on what tools and car version you have.

Drilling the hole is through the plastic spoiler next to the rear door release, and not scary as you probably have the spoiler removed at that point.

The scary bits are the amount of force required to remove some bits of the trim and feeding the wire from the rear door through the pipe to the main car body. This could get very expensive if you damage the other wires.

Allow plenty of time. It took me more than a day.

 

[Ethernea]

So today i received the following mats from AliExpress and wow i love them...

First I thought ... Chinese stuff.
But what can I lose for just $43?

And here's what I got:

They came folded so they are still a little bit bent... Will flatten as days pass by. But 95% accuracy fitness in this.

Waterproof.

Cut-proof.

**** Little devil kids proof

Easy to clean - vacuum & wipe.

And the color blue matches the stitches of my EV.

And the black is not 100% which also matches the blackish interior of this car - which btw i absolutely love it.

Never seen a car with blackish roof and plastic pillars. Almost always beige or gray. Screw that - I feel this car was made for me.

Anyway, more mods coming soon.

P.s. almost forgot the trunk mat I had a few days ago.... Not as good as this one, but it helps to carry stuff and not damage the cloth-type floor it has

It could have been better... 2 parts are lifted cause it didnt fit, and there's a small hole on the left that it didn't cover. Let's say 85% fit.

The material cant be ironed... To flat.. I tried and burned it a little - that's where the charger box is (to hide it - of course).

 

[Rolfe]

I like your dash mat better than mine. Mine has blue piping all the way round the edges and your stitching is nicer. However, I did manage to iron mine without burning it! I also like that steering wheel cover, now I'm feeling tempted.

I have seat covers from AliExpress that have the advantage of giving you big pockets on the back of the front seats.

ETA: I just realised it was your boot liner you burned with the iron, not your dash-mat.

 

[Ethernea]

I like your dash mat better than mine. Mine has blue piping all the way round the edges and your stitching is nicer. However, I did manage to iron mine without burning it! I also like that steering wheel cover, now I'm feeling tempted.

I have seat covers from AliExpress that have the advantage of giving you big pockets on the back of the front seats.

Can you share pictures of your Ali car seat covers? Both front & back view.... I want to see

Im so curious to get them and fit them

So far everything ive got from Ali are so good in quality.

The the dash mat is amazing. Blue stitches wasnt available - i requested this to many sellers and only one told me its possible.

 

[dsimpkins]

Welcome to the forum and MG4 ownership. In the UK, your model would be the same as mine, an MG4 SE LR. Only difference is the colour. I went for a red one.

 

[siteguru]

You can probably iron the mats if you use a cotton cover and iron onto that. (Transferred heat rather than direct heat).

 

[Rolfe]

Can you share pictures of your Ali car seat covers? Both front & back view.... I want to see

Im so curious to get them and fit them

So far everything ive got from Ali are so good in quality.

The the dash mat is amazing. Blue stitches wasnt available - i requested this to many sellers and only one told me its possible.

Here are photos of my seat covers. One of the reasons for getting them was to brighten up the dark interior of the car, but as you like the dark effect you would probably choose a different colour. There are some nice ones to choose from.

These are the front seats, and note that there is an opening to allow the airbags to deploy if necessary. You can also see the edges of my dash mat.

This is the back of the front seats, and you can see the pockets, rear passengers for the use of, that are incorporated.

Here are the back seats. The bench part of the back seats is an absolute pig to get on, or rather getting the bench out is hard and getting it back is even harder. I had to get my dealer to do it in the end although other forum members have succeeded. The rest of the pieces are OK, you just need patience and a bit of effort, and for the backs of the back seats, to get these detached. This is not hard once you know how and there are videos about it.

It is possible to make a neater job of the tops of the seats (where the headrests and seat belt fittings go) than the makers seem to imagine. I removed some fabric piping, enlarged the holes a bit using scissors, and got a result I'm extremely pleased with. (This photo was taken with the back of the seat flat on the load bed, before re-fitting it and replacing the headrest.)

As it's summer here I have the MG carpet mats installed, but I also have moulded plastic mats for winter use. These are 3D printed from scans of the car, and fit so that they hold the mud and pebbles within the mat rather than letting them go on to the car's own carpet. I got these from England though, and I don't know whether they can be, or are economical to, send abroad.

I don't try to keep these super clean, because winter, you know, but I take them out to tip out the stones and the mud from time to time, and sometimes put them in the bath and give them a bit of a scrub. They don't completely eliminate the need to vacuum the car's own carpet, but they go a long way to protecting it. I used them all last winter, then put the carpet mats back in April. I'll probably switch again in October.

This is the matching boot liner from the set, which I use all the time. It fits perfectly, and again is extremely effective in keeping dirt and stuff from the actual carpet. You can also see the backs of the rear seats, with covers, in this photo.

I was going to suggest fangs, but these may not have the same effect on a black car as they have with other colours.

Oh, and don't dare say that the SE isn't one of the "best options". Lots going for it, and the software doesn't seem as flaky as is being complained about on the Trophy models.

 

[Ethernea]

Here are photos of my seat covers. One of the reasons for getting them was to brighten up the dark interior of the car, but as you like the dark effect you would probably choose a different colour. There are some nice ones to choose from.

These are the front seats, and note that there is an opening to allow the airbags to deploy if necessary. You can also see the edges of my dash mat.

View attachment 29173

This is the back of the front seats, and you can see the pockets, rear passengers for the use of, that are incorporated.

View attachment 29174

Here are the back seats. The bench part of the back seats is an absolute pig to get on, or rather getting the bench out is hard and getting it back is even harder. I had to get my dealer to do it in the end although other forum members have succeeded. The rest of the pieces are OK, you just need patience and a bit of effort, and for the backs of the back seats, to get these detached. This is not hard once you know how and there are videos about it.

View attachment 29175

It is possible to make a neater job of the tops of the seats (where the headrests and seat belt fittings go) than the makers seem to imagine. I removed some fabric piping, enlarged the holes a bit using scissors, and got a result I'm extremely pleased with. (This photo was taken with the back of the seat flat on the load bed, before re-fitting it and replacing the headrest.)

View attachment 29180

As it's summer here I have the MG carpet mats installed, but I also have moulded plastic mats for winter use. These are 3D printed from scans of the car, and fit so that they hold the mud and pebbles within the mat rather than letting them go on to the car's own carpet. I got these from England though, and I don't know whether they can be, or are economical to, send abroad.

I don't try to keep these super clean, because winter, you know, but I take them out to tip out the stones and the mud from time to time, and sometimes put them in the bath and give them a bit of a scrub. They don't completely eliminate the need to vacuum the car's own carpet, but the go a long way to protecting it. I used them all last winter, then put the carpet mats back in April. I'll probably switch again in October.

View attachment 29177

This is the matching boot liner from the set, which I use all the time. It fits perfectly, and again is extremely effective in keeping dirt and stuff from the actual carpet. You can also see the backs of the rear seats, with covers, in this photo.

View attachment 29178

I was going to suggest fangs, but these may not have the same effect on a black car as they have with other colours.

View attachment 29181

Oh, and don't dare say that the SE isn't one of the "best options". Lots going for it, and the software doesn't seem as flaky as is being complained about on the Trophy models.

Wow this is amazing. Your blue car is what i wanted but they never brought this color to my country...

So meh.

Didnt want red, found the other colors semi boring. And i cant go wrong with black - i love blackish ambients.

So yeah if i had a blue exterior, a clear interior looks great (like yours)

And these seat covers look sooooo good!

Top * quality.

How soft they feel? Did it add an extra cushion to your body? They really resist water and scratches/cuts?

Im so excited to get mine already.

> "This is not hard once you know how and there are videos about"

The seller told me once i get them, he will send me videos. So far i have no idea how to install them.

In your pictures they look OEM. 100% fit. Im surprised.

 

[Rolfe]

My main issue is that in winter when I first sit in the car the fake leather feels colder than fabric does. No heated seats in the SE! But this lasts for maybe 15 seconds, and with the ability to pre-warm the car, it's not really an issue.

Overall I prefer fabric, but I wanted something to protect the original seats from dirt and wear, and this is what was available. I would have gone for light grey or maybe light blue if they'd had these colours, but this was the only light one, at least at the time. It's good quality, although not real leather of course. (Real leather wouldn't stretch to fit on.) I have had mine on for over a year and you can see how they look. Good. The beauty is that if they get damaged it's not the original seats that are damaged and there is always the possibility to replace them - or even just an individual piece maybe if you ask the seller.

An old lady I sometimes take in the car likes the leather finish because it lets her slide herself into the passenger seat more easily than with fabric seats.

Mine came with no instructions and I had to work it out for myself. I originally got the front seat pad covers the wrong way round, and had to reverse them. It just takes a bit of time and some strength to pull, but I'm a fairly old lady myself and apart from the issue with the rear seat bench, which wasn't the cover itself but getting the bench lifted and then re-fitted, I managed it.

There are a few minor dirty marks but I haven't seriously tried to get them out. I had one semi-disaster. I put my cat in his basket on the rear seat, and when I got to the boarding cattery about two miles away there was a pool of urine on the seat, obviously just happened. I ran to the cattery owner and she ran back with cloths and cat-pee cleaner, but it seemed already to have soaked in - there are breathing holes all over the fabric. But she wiped what she could and sprayed it with the magic formula, and really, if I hadn't seen it happen I would never have known. No smell at all, no stain to be seen. If it had been any other piece I'd have taken the cover off and cleaned the seat underneath, but that piece - no, not happening.

 

[Ethernea]

My main issue is that in winter when I first sit in the car the fake leather feels colder than fabric does. No heated seats in the SE! But this lasts for maybe 15 seconds, and with the ability to pre-warm the car, it's not really an issue.

Overall I prefer fabric, but I wanted something to protect the original seats from dirt and wear, and this is what was available. I would have gone for light grey or maybe light blue if they'd had these colours, but this was the only light one, at least at the time. It's good quality, although not real leather of course. (Real leather wouldn't stretch to fit on.) I have had mine on for over a year and you can see how they look. Good. The beauty is that if they get damaged it's not the original seats that are damaged and there is always the possibility to replace them - or even just an individual piece maybe if you ask the seller.

An old lady I sometimes take in the car likes the leather finish because it lets her slide herself into the passenger seat more easily than with fabric seats.

Mine came with no instructions and I had to work it out for myself. I originally got the front seat pad covers the wrong way round, and had to reverse them. It just takes a bit of time and some strength to pull, but I'm a fairly old lady myself and apart from the issue with the rear seat bench, which wasn't the cover itself but getting the bench lifted and then re-fitted, I managed it.

There are a few minor dirty marks but I haven't seriously tried to get them out. I had one semi-disaster. I put my cat in his basket on the rear seat, and when I got to the boarding cattery about two miles away there was a pool of urine on the seat, obviously just happened. I ran to the cattery owner and she ran back with cloths and cat-pee cleaner, but it seemed already to have soaked in - there are breathing holes all over the fabric. But she wiped what she could and sprayed it with the magic formula, and really, if I hadn't seen it happen I would never have known. No smell at all, no stain to be seen. If it had been any other piece I'd have taken the cover off and cleaned the seat underneath, but that piece - no, not happening.

Oh my cat.

Its not impermeable material? Hmm im sure mine are. Thanks for the heads up.

I'll be careful when installing this and figure out how to do it - especially the back bench removal and reinsert.

Will post pictures and review when its installed.

 

[Rolfe]

I was surprised when I ran back to the car and saw that the little puddle had disappeared. But there is a regular pattern of tiny holes all over material, I imagine to let the synthetic fabric breathe.

The cat now travels in the boot, on that plastic boot liner, with an old towel under his basket to be sure.

I just realised these floor mats, the front ones anyway, would be useless to you, as they are for right hand drive cars. That company doesn't make them for left hand drive cars. I saw someone asking if similar ones were available for left hand drive cars but I don't know of any.

Maybe the English company could just flip their scans of the front footwells to mirror image and print from that for the left hand drive market. Maybe someone should suggest it to them, if they're interested in foreign sales!

 

[Ethernea]

Today i changed my speakers and tweeters for Orion set. And the quality of OEM speakers is so laughable....

Tiny magnets, very light - feels ultra cheap.

Orion looks premium, heavy big magnet and nice well built - and sounds nice. No distortion at max volume.

Forgot to take picture but this door is 90% filled with dynamat on both doors. Great stuff to stick.

Had to use my grinder to eat 1-2cm on this part of the door panel so my new speakers fit.

Loved doing it because i could peel those things hanging and looks oem. Door panel fits now and no issues with reinstalling all.

I used the 3d models and print them for these door speakers.

You can see some dynamat behind the speaker, and there's more inside that hole in the inside of the door.

Also, had to drill a hole on a side to let cables go inside and connect the speakers.

I used this diagram to follow positive and negative and it seems correct so far:

And for the tweeters i used the bracket only from the 3d model and then reused the original base of the tweeters.

Sound quality feels different now.

Im now thinking if adding a DSP that doesnt require cable from the battery and add rear door speakers but im not sure how to do this - yet.

Ill ride as it is now - satisfied with these new speakers combo.

ORION XTR XTX654 High Efficiency 6.5" Mid-Range Bullet Loudspeakers, 1400W Max Power, 350W RMS, 4 Ohm, 1.5" Voice Coil - Pro Car Audio Stereo, Midrange Speakers (Pair) Amazon.com

Tweeters cant find the link - they are unavailable now but its these:

ORION XTR Series XTR1.00TW 1”... Amazon.com

Its just that 1" size doesnt show up anymore. It includes its own crossover.