Primary Market:
UK and European markets
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall/Opel Nova, Volkswagen Polo, Peugeot 205
Design Philosophy:
Designed to be a modern, efficient, and affordable small car, replacing the aging Mini.
Innovation:
Innovative Hydrolastic/Hydragas suspension system for ride comfort.
Applicable Years:
1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual
Engine:
1.0L (A-Series), 1.3L (A-Series), 1.4L (Rover K-Series - later models)
Fuel System:
Carburetor (SU, Zenith-Stromberg), Fuel Injection (later K-Series)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, Electronic Ignition
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fan, Thermostat, Hoses, Water Pump
Transmission:
4-speed manual, 5-speed manual (Leyland/VW based), Automatic (less common)
Suspension:
Hydrolastic (early), Hydragas (later), Front (MacPherson strut), Rear (trailing arm)
Steering:
Rack and pinion, Manual, Power assisted (optional/later)
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum, Hydraulic system, Handbrake
Electrical System:
12V system, Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Lighting, Wiring Harnesses, Fuses
Bodywork:
Chassis, Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Bumpers
Heating And Ventilation:
Heater Matrix, Blower Motor, Vents
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, brake adjustments, fluid level checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of common faults, electrical system issues, engine running problems
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, brake adjustments, clutch free play
Tightening Torques:
Specifications for critical fasteners across all systems
Special Tool Usage:
Identification and usage of specialized tools for specific repair tasks
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhaul and rebuilding.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step procedures with pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and schematic illustrations.
Engine Type 1:
BMC/Rover A-Series (OHV)
Engine Displacement 1:
998 cc (1.0 Litre)
Engine Bore X Stroke 1:
64.59 mm x 76.2 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 1:
8.4:1 (typical)
Engine Horsepower 1:
Approx. 45-50 bhp @ 5500 rpm (depending on tune)
Engine Torque 1:
Approx. 55-60 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (depending on tune)
Engine Fuel System 1:
Single SU HJF or Zenith-Stromberg CD175 Carburetor
Engine Type 2:
BMC/Rover A-Series (OHV)
Engine Displacement 2:
1275 cc (1.3 Litre)
Engine Bore X Stroke 2:
70.61 mm x 81.28 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 2:
8.8:1 (typical)
Engine Horsepower 2:
Approx. 60-65 bhp @ 5500 rpm (depending on tune)
Engine Torque 2:
Approx. 70-75 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (depending on tune)
Engine Fuel System 2:
Twin SU HS2 Carburetors (Metro GT/GTI), Single SU HJF or Zenith-Stromberg CD175 (standard 1.3)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (from 1989 introduction of unleaded fuel capability), Leaded Petrol (earlier models)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 35 Litres (8 Gallons)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 6,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for precise intervals)
Engine Oil Type:
20W/50 or 10W/40 API SF or SG (refer to manual for specific grades and capacities)
Gearbox Oil Type:
GL4 Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 90
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with water)
Suspension:
Hydrolastic/Hydragas spheres can fail, requiring replacement or re-pressurisation. Fluid leaks from spheres.
Rust:
Prone to rust, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical faults.
Engine A-Series:
Can suffer from oil leaks from the crankshaft seals and gearbox.
Carburetor:
SU or Zenith-Stromberg carburetors can require frequent tuning and rebuilds.
Spark Plug 1 0L:
NGK BP6ES or equivalent
Spark Plug 1 3L:
NGK BP5ES or equivalent
Manufacturer Origin:
British Leyland (later Rover Group)
Design Inspiration:
Successor to the classic Mini, designed to offer more interior space and modern features.
Key Developments:
Introduction of MG Metro and GTi performance variants, adoption of Hydragas suspension, K-Series engine in later models.
Production Period:
1980 – 1997 (as Austin Metro, Rover Metro, and later MG Metro)
Manufacturing Locations:
Longbridge, Birmingham, UK
