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Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Compact/Supermini hatchback
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Brand Positioning:
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Sporty variant of the Austin/Morris Metro, aimed at enthusiasts.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors 1982:
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Ford Fiesta XR2, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTi (later models), Vauxhall Chevette HS/GSI (earlier).
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Key Features
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Unique Selling Points:
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Compact size, spirited performance for its class, rallying heritage, MG branding.
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Development Basis:
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Based on the British Leyland Mini Metro, with performance enhancements.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Service Repair:
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Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
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Transmission Service Repair:
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Covers manual transmission (likely Leyland or Ricardo unit) and potentially any automatic options.
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Brake System:
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Front disc, rear drum configuration likely covered, including hydraulic system and components.
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Wiring Diagram:
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Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for fault diagnosis.
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Electrical System:
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Includes troubleshooting and repair of all electrical components and circuits.
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Suspension:
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Front and rear suspension, including hydrolastic or hydragas systems if applicable, and conventional coil/strut setups.
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Steering:
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Steering rack and linkage components, alignment procedures.
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Cooling System:
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Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan operation.
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Fuel Injection:
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Details on the Lucas/GMF/Bosch L-Jetronic or similar fuel injection system used.
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Fuel System:
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Fuel pump, lines, filter, and tank service. Carburetor information if applicable to certain trims.
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Emission System:
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Components and procedures related to emission control.
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Heater Air Conditional:
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HVAC system operation and repair (if equipped with AC, which was rare).
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Engine Control System:
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ECU diagnosis and repair related to engine management.
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Chassis Body:
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Body panel repair, structural components, and frame specifications.
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Restraint System:
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Seat belts and any associated safety systems.
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Interior:
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Trim, upholstery, dashboard, and console components.
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Differential Drive:
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Front-wheel-drive transaxle and differential unit.
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Axle:
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Front drive axles and CV joints.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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General maintenance, periodic lubrication, fluid checks and changes.
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues.
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Repair:
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Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.
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Disassembly Reassembly:
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Complete disassembly and reassembly guidance.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Full factory level, suitable for DIY and professional mechanics.
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Illustrations:
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Hundreds of photos and illustrations, detailed drawings, enlarged insets.
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Instruction Format:
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Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change:
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Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months (manual will specify exact interval).
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Tune Up:
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Spark plugs, filters, ignition timing checks at regular intervals (e.g., 15,000-20,000 miles).
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil:
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Likely 10W-40 or 20W-50 API SF or SG (manual will confirm specific grade and capacity).
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Coolant:
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Ethylene Glycol based anti-freeze/anti-boil mixture (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water).
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 (manual will specify).
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Known Issues
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Common Problems:
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Rust (especially sills, wheel arches, subframes), Hydrolastic/Hydragas system issues (if applicable), minor electrical gremlins, carburetor/fuel injection tuning.
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Engine Wear:
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A-Series engines are generally robust but can suffer from worn valve guides and main bearings with high mileage.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Marque Origins:
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MG (Morris Garages) has a long history of producing performance-oriented variants of standard British cars, dating back to the 1920s.
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Model Evolution
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Predecessor:
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Mini Cooper (spiritually), though the Metro was a completely new FWD platform.
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Development Context:
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Launched as a successor to the Mini, with the MG Metro aiming to provide a more sporting alternative.
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Production
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Manufacturer:
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British Leyland (later Rover Group)
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Production Years Metro:
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1980-1997 (as Metro/Rover Metro)
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Production Years Mg Metro:
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1982-1990 (approximately)
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