🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Austin Model: Metro Variant: MG Codes Production Years Covered: 1980-1990 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Professional mechanics, automotive repair shops, and serious DIY enthusiasts. Value Proposition: Provides access to the same authoritative information used by official dealer workshops. Competitive Analysis Competitor Manuals: Surpasses generic Haynes or Chilton manuals in depth and factory accuracy. Key Features Manufacturer Authorship: Written by the original vehicle manufacturer, ensuring ultimate accuracy. Accessibility: Instant download access via user-friendly PDF files. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Diagnostic Coverage: Comprehensive diagnostic procedures for all major systems. Repair Coverage: Step-by-step repair instructions for all vehicle components. Maintenance Coverage: Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures. Electrical Coverage: Complete wiring diagrams and electrical system troubleshooting. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Thousands of pages (exact count varies by specific publication, but described as comprehensive). Manual Type Manual Type: Workshop Service & Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: Acrobat PDF Compatibility: Windows & MAC compatible 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine overhaul, tuning, fuel injection (if applicable), ignition, cooling, lubrication. Transmission Systems: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, drive axles. Chassis Systems: Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, disc/drum), wheels and tires. Electrical Systems: Lighting, instrumentation, starting and charging, ignition, body electronics, comfort systems. Body And Interior: Body panel repair, interior trim, seats, glass, seals, climate control. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs. Major Repairs: Engine rebuilding, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and fault finding procedures. Component Overhaul: Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of major components. Electrical Diagnostics: Wiring diagram interpretation, circuit testing, component diagnosis. Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Factory-level detail for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Diagnostic Tools: Procedures often assume use of specialized diagnostic equipment and tools. Torque Specifications: Precise torque values for all critical fasteners. Fluid Capacities: Exact fluid capacities for engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc. Diagrams Illustrations: Thousands of step-by-step diagrams and illustrations for clarity. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High quality, searchable PDF files for easy navigation. Printability: Printable pages for workshop use. Binding Type Binding Type: Digital Download (N/A for physical binding) Paper Type Paper Type: Digital Download (N/A for physical paper type) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Displacement Variants: Primarily 998cc (A-Series) and later 1275cc (A-Plus/A-Series) variants, with potential for 1100cc in some early models. Performance Mg Metro Horsepower: MG Metro models typically produced around 60-70 bhp, with later versions like the MG Metro Turbo offering significantly more (e.g., 90-95 bhp). Fuel System Fuel Delivery Systems: Carburetor (SU, Weber) for most models; fuel injection (Lucas) for later performance variants. Engine Codes A Series Engine Codes: Various A-Series engine codes applicable, specific to displacement and tuning level (e.g., 12H, 12H4, H) - manual will specify. Engine Components Cylinder Head Material: Cast Iron 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed manual transaxle Optional Optional Transmission Type: 3-speed automatic transaxle (less common on MG models) Features Gearbox Layout: Integrated unit with engine and final drive. Fluid Specifications Manual Gearbox Oil: Specific GL-4 gear oil, viscosity dependent on ambient temperature (e.g., 80W/90). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Style: 3-door hatchback Wheelbase: Approx. 2,174 mm (85.6 in) Length: Approx. 3,400 mm (133.9 in) Width: Approx. 1,570 mm (61.8 in) Height: Approx. 1,350 mm (53.1 in) Weights Kerb Weight Mg Metro: Approx. 750-850 kg (1650-1870 lbs), depending on specification. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Safety Era: Reflects safety standards of the early 1980s; specific NCAP ratings not applicable retroactively. Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Dual-circuit hydraulic system. Suspension Design: Hydragas suspension system (interconnected fluid suspension) providing independent wheel movement and ride comfort. Passive Features Seatbelts: Provision for seatbelts, likely inertia reel types for front occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Original Infotainment: Basic radio/cassette player, manual covers electrical connections and installation. Driver Assistance Advanced Driver Assistance: None; designed before the advent of modern ADAS features. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None; analog systems only. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 6,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (manual will provide exact figures). Spark Plug Replacement: Around 12,000-18,000 miles, depending on plug type (manual will specify). Coolant Change: Often every 2 years or 30,000 miles (check manual for specific coolant type and interval). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Grade: Typically 10W/40 or 20W/50 API SG or SH rated, depending on engine and climate (manual to confirm). Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify exact formulation. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Known Issues Hydragas Suspension: Potential for fluid loss, pump failures, or perished suspension spheres over time. Manual details maintenance and repair. Rust And Corrosion: Common issue for vehicles of this era,...
Factory-level detail for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Procedures often assume use of specialized diagnostic equipment and tools.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Fluid Capacities:
Exact fluid capacities for engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Thousands of step-by-step diagrams and illustrations for clarity.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
PDF Quality:
High quality, searchable PDF files for easy navigation.
Printability:
Printable pages for workshop use.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Digital Download (N/A for physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Digital Download (N/A for physical paper type)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Displacement Variants:
Primarily 998cc (A-Series) and later 1275cc (A-Plus/A-Series) variants, with potential for 1100cc in some early models.
Performance
Mg Metro Horsepower:
MG Metro models typically produced around 60-70 bhp, with later versions like the MG Metro Turbo offering significantly more (e.g., 90-95 bhp).
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery Systems:
Carburetor (SU, Weber) for most models; fuel injection (Lucas) for later performance variants.
Engine Codes
A Series Engine Codes:
Various A-Series engine codes applicable, specific to displacement and tuning level (e.g., 12H, 12H4, H) - manual will specify.
Engine Components
Cylinder Head Material:
Cast Iron
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transaxle
Optional
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed automatic transaxle (less common on MG models)
Features
Gearbox Layout:
Integrated unit with engine and final drive.
Fluid Specifications
Manual Gearbox Oil:
Specific GL-4 gear oil, viscosity dependent on ambient temperature (e.g., 80W/90).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Style:
3-door hatchback
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,174 mm (85.6 in)
Length:
Approx. 3,400 mm (133.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,570 mm (61.8 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,350 mm (53.1 in)
Weights
Kerb Weight Mg Metro:
Approx. 750-850 kg (1650-1870 lbs), depending on specification.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety Era:
Reflects safety standards of the early 1980s; specific NCAP ratings not applicable retroactively.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Dual-circuit hydraulic system.
Suspension Design:
Hydragas suspension system (interconnected fluid suspension) providing independent wheel movement and ride comfort.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Provision for seatbelts, likely inertia reel types for front occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Original Infotainment:
Basic radio/cassette player, manual covers electrical connections and installation.
Driver Assistance
Advanced Driver Assistance:
None; designed before the advent of modern ADAS features.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None; analog systems only.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (manual will provide exact figures).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 12,000-18,000 miles, depending on plug type (manual will specify).
Coolant Change:
Often every 2 years or 30,000 miles (check manual for specific coolant type and interval).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Grade:
Typically 10W/40 or 20W/50 API SG or SH rated, depending on engine and climate (manual to confirm).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify exact formulation.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Hydragas Suspension:
Potential for fluid loss, pump failures, or perished suspension spheres over time. Manual details maintenance and repair.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common issue for vehicles of this era, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points. Manual covers body repair.
Carburetor Tuning:
SU or Weber carburetors may require periodic adjustment for optimal performance and fuel economy. Manual provides tuning procedures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Austin Heritage:
Part of British Leyland's small car strategy, successor to the Mini in some respects though with a more modern transverse engine layout and front-wheel drive.
Model Evolution
Metro Development:
Designed as the Leyland Mini Metro, intended to be a more modern, larger, and refined alternative to the original Mini. MG versions focused on performance and sporty styling.
Mg Metro Introduction:
The MG Metro variant was introduced to inject sporting character and performance into the Metro range.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Longbridge plant, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Vehicle Awards:
The Austin Metro itself received various industry awards and recognition for its design and practicality at launch, though the MG variant's performance focus set it apart.