🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Rover Model: Metro Years Covered: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 Codes Chassis Codes: XA, XB (Early models) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Subcompact hatchback, often marketed as an economical and practical city car. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova/Corsa, Peugeot 205, Fiat Uno, Volkswagen Polo. Key Features Design Philosophy: Lightweight construction, fuel efficiency, affordability, and surprisingly spacious interior for its size, pioneering the 'Mini' replacement strategy for British Leyland/Rover Group. Manual Utility: Provides in-depth technical guidance to maintain and repair the vehicle, crucial for owners of this classic model. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Comprehensive repair and maintenance for the Rover Metro. Target Audience: Professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely several hundred pages (typical for factory-level repair manuals). Manual Type Type: Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, exhaust. Engine Management: Ignition system, fuel injection (if applicable), sensors, ECU. Transmission: Manual transmission overhaul, clutch operation, gears, driveshafts. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, springs, dampers, linkages. Steering: Steering rack, column, linkages, power steering (if fitted). Brakes: Brake system hydraulics, calipers, master cylinder, disc/drum maintenance, ABS (if fitted). Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, switches. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, interior trim, structural components. Heating And Ventilation: HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, ducting. Fuel System: Fuel tank, lines, pump, carburettor (or injection system). Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks. Disassembly Assembly: Detailed procedures for component removal and reinstallation. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common faults. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems. Cleaning And Reinstallation: Instructions for cleaning components before reassembly. Wheel Alignment: Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment checks and adjustments. Cooling System Flush: Detailed steps for flushing and refilling the cooling system. Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level technical information including torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic data. Illustrations: Likely includes diagrams, exploded views, and schematic illustrations. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Accessibility: Searchable text, zoomable images. Print Quality Printability: Full printable (allows users to print individual pages or the entire manual). Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent). Compatibility: All versions of Windows & Mac. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, transverse, front-wheel drive. Displacement: Primarily 998cc (A-Series) and 1275cc (A-Plus Series) engines. Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 46-63 hp depending on engine and tune. Torque Range: Approximately 53-72 lb-ft depending on engine and tune. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carburettor (SU or Weber) for most models. Later models may have introduced fuel injection (e.g., SPi on some performance versions, though less common in the early 1980-1990 period). Engine Codes A Series Variants: Engine codes specific to A-Series variants, detailed in manual. Engine Variants Performance Variants: While this manual covers 1980-1990, performance variants like the MG Metro and Rover Metro GTi (with 1275cc engines) would be included, featuring tuned carburetion/injection and exhaust systems. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed manual. Optional Type: 3-speed automatic (less common). Features Clutch Type: Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring clutch. Fluid Specifications Manual Gearbox Oil: Typically GL4 spec, SAE 75W/80 or 80W/90 gear oil. Manual will specify exact type and quantity. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 3400 mm (133.9 in) Width: Approx. 1540 mm (60.6 in) Height: Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 700-750 kg (1540-1650 lbs) Wheelbase: Approx. 2286 mm (90 in) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test History: Older vehicle design standards; Euro NCAP was not established in this format during this period. Performance would be considered basic by modern standards. Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard front seatbelts. Rear seatbelts optional or standard depending on market and trim. Body Structure: Designed with crumple zones, though less advanced than modern vehicles. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic analogue radio/cassette player, often optional. Manual covers installation/removal. Driver Assistance Features: No advanced driver assistance systems. Focus is on basic vehicle operation. Connectivity Features: None. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 6,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for precise recommendation). Air Filter Replacement: Every 12,000-18,000 miles or as needed based on conditions. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 12,000-18,000 miles for standard plugs. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SF/SG, SAE 20W/50 or 10W/40 depending on climate. Manual will specify exact grade. Coolant: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixture (e.g., 50/50). Manual specifies type and capacity. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify exact type and replacement interval. Known Issues Rust Corrosion: Common issue with older British cars, particularly wheel arches, sills, and rear quarter...
Subcompact hatchback, often marketed as an economical and practical city car.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova/Corsa, Peugeot 205, Fiat Uno, Volkswagen Polo.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Lightweight construction, fuel efficiency, affordability, and surprisingly spacious interior for its size, pioneering the 'Mini' replacement strategy for British Leyland/Rover Group.
Manual Utility:
Provides in-depth technical guidance to maintain and repair the vehicle, crucial for owners of this classic model.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
General Coverage:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance for the Rover Metro.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Likely several hundred pages (typical for factory-level repair manuals).
Detailed procedures for component removal and reinstallation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common faults.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.
Cleaning And Reinstallation:
Instructions for cleaning components before reassembly.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment checks and adjustments.
Cooling System Flush:
Detailed steps for flushing and refilling the cooling system.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level technical information including torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic data.
Illustrations:
Likely includes diagrams, exploded views, and schematic illustrations.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Accessibility:
Searchable text, zoomable images.
Print Quality
Printability:
Full printable (allows users to print individual pages or the entire manual).
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Requirements
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent).
Compatibility:
All versions of Windows & Mac.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, transverse, front-wheel drive.
Displacement:
Primarily 998cc (A-Series) and 1275cc (A-Plus Series) engines.
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 46-63 hp depending on engine and tune.
Torque Range:
Approximately 53-72 lb-ft depending on engine and tune.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carburettor (SU or Weber) for most models. Later models may have introduced fuel injection (e.g., SPi on some performance versions, though less common in the early 1980-1990 period).
Engine Codes
A Series Variants:
Engine codes specific to A-Series variants, detailed in manual.
Engine Variants
Performance Variants:
While this manual covers 1980-1990, performance variants like the MG Metro and Rover Metro GTi (with 1275cc engines) would be included, featuring tuned carburetion/injection and exhaust systems.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed manual.
Optional
Type:
3-speed automatic (less common).
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring clutch.
Fluid Specifications
Manual Gearbox Oil:
Typically GL4 spec, SAE 75W/80 or 80W/90 gear oil. Manual will specify exact type and quantity.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 3400 mm (133.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1540 mm (60.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 700-750 kg (1540-1650 lbs)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2286 mm (90 in)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test History:
Older vehicle design standards; Euro NCAP was not established in this format during this period. Performance would be considered basic by modern standards.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts. Rear seatbelts optional or standard depending on market and trim.
Body Structure:
Designed with crumple zones, though less advanced than modern vehicles.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic analogue radio/cassette player, often optional. Manual covers installation/removal.
Driver Assistance
Features:
No advanced driver assistance systems. Focus is on basic vehicle operation.
Connectivity
Features:
None.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 6,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for precise recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000-18,000 miles or as needed based on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000-18,000 miles for standard plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/SG, SAE 20W/50 or 10W/40 depending on climate. Manual will specify exact grade.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixture (e.g., 50/50). Manual specifies type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify exact type and replacement interval.
Known Issues
Rust Corrosion:
Common issue with older British cars, particularly wheel arches, sills, and rear quarter panels.
Suspension Wear:
Hydrolastic suspension (early models) or conventional rubber cones/dampers can wear over time.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be prone to minor electrical issues due to age and original wiring quality.
Engine Wear:
A-Series engines are generally robust but require regular maintenance to prevent wear, especially on oil seals and gaskets.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Rover Legacy:
Part of the British Leyland (later Rover Group) lineage, intended as a successor to the Mini.
Model Evolution
Initial Launch:
Launched in 1980, replacing the classic Mini as Rover's primary small car offering.
Facelifts:
Received minor updates and trim variations throughout its production run, including the 'R' registration models.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Longbridge, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Production Duration:
1980-1990 (for this specific manual's coverage).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Perception:
Praised for its innovative packaging and value for money upon launch. Became a popular choice for first-time car buyers and city dwellers.
Model Significance:
Significant as Rover's attempt to modernize its small car range and replace the iconic Mini while retaining a similar compact footprint.