🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Rover Model: 214 Generation: Rover 200 Series (RG) Codes Chassis Codes: RG, RGH 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Compact/Small Family Car Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Escort, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 306, Renault Mégane. Key Features Design Philosophy: Part of Rover's strategy to compete in the mainstream European compact car segment with a blend of British styling and practical engineering. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years Covered: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Comprehensive (typical factory service manuals for this era are often 500-1000+ pages) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM), Workshop Manual, Troubleshooting Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Downloadable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block assembly, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing systems (belt/chain), valve train. Engine Management: Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, coolant temp), ECU operation, emission control systems. Transmission Manual: Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear shift mechanisms, bearing and seal replacement. Transmission Automatic: If applicable, operation, overhaul, fluid and filter service, hydraulic control. Drivetrain: Front wheel drive system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential service. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment specifications. Steering: Steering rack and pinion, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, linkages. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), brake fluid service, hydraulic components, ABS system (if equipped). Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems, auxiliary electrical components. Body And Chassis: Body panel repair and replacement, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, rust prevention and treatment. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant handling, component replacement. Wiring Diagrams: Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems. Procedures Included Preventive Maintenance: Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups, and belt inspections. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and repair. Diagnostic Codes: OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) code definitions and troubleshooting strategies. Specifications And Tolerances: Detailed technical specifications, measurements, and service tolerances for all major components. Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance, diagnostics, component-level repair, and system overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: Digital (suitable for on-screen viewing and printing) Binding Type Binding Type: Not applicable (digital download) Paper Type Paper Type: Not applicable (digital download) Software Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression software) Compatibility Operating Systems: Windows and Mac OS ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: K-Series Inline-4 Cylinder Displacement: 1.4 litres (1396cc) Performance Horsepower: Approximately 75-105 bhp depending on variant (e.g., 75 PS for 8 valve, 103-105 PS for 16 valve models like the 214i, 214Si, 214SLi). Torque: Approx. 115-134 Nm (85-99 lb-ft) depending on variant. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI). Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol (RON 95 recommended). Engine Codes Engine Codes: Various K-Series variants (e.g., K14). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Transaxle. Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle (less common). Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically operated diaphragm spring clutch. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback. Length: Approx. 3900-3950 mm (depending on specific model year and configuration). Width: Approx. 1680-1700 mm. Height: Approx. 1380-1400 mm. Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1050-1150 kg (depending on body style and equipment). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Euro Ncap Rating: Euro NCAP testing for this generation was generally rated lower than modern standards. Specific scores for the 214 vary, but expect 2-3 stars for early models. Active Features ABS: Optional on some models, standard on higher trims or later versions. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's airbag standard on most later models, passenger airbag optional or standard on top trims. Seatbelts: Front seatbelt pre-tensioners on later models. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory fitted radio/cassette player or CD player with basic speaker system. Aftermarket upgrades common. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Not typically available on the 214 model. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by modern standards. Usually basic analogue systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Timing Belt Replacement: Recommended every 5 years or 60,000 miles (critical for K-Series engine to prevent catastrophic failure). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Grade: API SG or SH, ACEA A2/B2. Viscosity: 10W/40 or 5W/30 (depending on climate). Check manual for specific recommendations. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Rover Long Life Coolant (R200) or equivalent blue/pink coolant. Mixture: 50/50 with distilled water. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4. Transmission Oil Manual: GL-4 75W/90 or 75W/80W synthetic gear oil. Known Issues Head Gasket Failure: A well-documented issue with the K-Series engine, particularly on earlier models, due to cylinder head gasket design. Proper coolant...
Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, coolant temp), ECU operation, emission control systems.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear shift mechanisms, bearing and seal replacement.
Transmission Automatic:
If applicable, operation, overhaul, fluid and filter service, hydraulic control.
Drivetrain:
Front wheel drive system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Steering rack and pinion, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, linkages.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), brake fluid service, hydraulic components, ABS system (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems, auxiliary electrical components.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair and replacement, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, rust prevention and treatment.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Procedures Included
Preventive Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups, and belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and repair.
Diagnostic Codes:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) code definitions and troubleshooting strategies.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Detailed technical specifications, measurements, and service tolerances for all major components.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance, diagnostics, component-level repair, and system overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Digital (suitable for on-screen viewing and printing)
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Not applicable (digital download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital download)
Software Requirements
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression software)
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
Windows and Mac OS
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
K-Series Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
1.4 litres (1396cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approximately 75-105 bhp depending on variant (e.g., 75 PS for 8 valve, 103-105 PS for 16 valve models like the 214i, 214Si, 214SLi).
Torque:
Approx. 115-134 Nm (85-99 lb-ft) depending on variant.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (RON 95 recommended).
Engine Codes
Engine Codes:
Various K-Series variants (e.g., K14).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transaxle.
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (less common).
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated diaphragm spring clutch.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback.
Length:
Approx. 3900-3950 mm (depending on specific model year and configuration).
Width:
Approx. 1680-1700 mm.
Height:
Approx. 1380-1400 mm.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1050-1150 kg (depending on body style and equipment).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euro Ncap Rating:
Euro NCAP testing for this generation was generally rated lower than modern standards. Specific scores for the 214 vary, but expect 2-3 stars for early models.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on higher trims or later versions.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard on most later models, passenger airbag optional or standard on top trims.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners on later models.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player or CD player with basic speaker system. Aftermarket upgrades common.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Not typically available on the 214 model.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards. Usually basic analogue systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 5 years or 60,000 miles (critical for K-Series engine to prevent catastrophic failure).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Grade:
API SG or SH, ACEA A2/B2. Viscosity: 10W/40 or 5W/30 (depending on climate). Check manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Rover Long Life Coolant (R200) or equivalent blue/pink coolant. Mixture: 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4.
Transmission Oil Manual:
GL-4 75W/90 or 75W/80W synthetic gear oil.
Known Issues
Head Gasket Failure:
A well-documented issue with the K-Series engine, particularly on earlier models, due to cylinder head gasket design. Proper coolant level maintenance and timely timing belt replacement are crucial.
Cooling System Leaks:
Plastic coolant pipes and thermostat housings can become brittle and prone to leaks. Regular inspection is recommended.
Electrics:
Minor electrical gremlins can occur, often related to earth points or corroded connectors, typical for vehicles of this age.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Rover Heritage:
Rover has a long history of producing practical and comfortable family cars in the UK, often with a focus on refinement.
Model Evolution
200 Series Evolution:
The 200 series (RG) was introduced in 1995 as a successor to the previous 200 series. It shared its platform with the Honda Civic (EG/EK) of the same era, resulting in improved build quality and dynamics. It was later rebadged and slightly revised as the Rover 25.
Production
Production Period:
1995-2000 (for the 214 model within the RG generation, before rebranding to Rover 25).
Manufacturing Location:
Longbridge, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
No specific major awards for safety are widely recognized for this model, reflecting the safety standards of its era.
Ratings
Reliability Ratings:
Reliability can be mixed. While the platform shared with Honda is generally robust, K-Series engine specific issues (head gasket) require vigilant maintenance.