🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

MG

Model:

Metro

Year:

1985

Platform Code:

ADO74

Engine Codes Example:

Common A-Series codes such as 12A, 12A2, 12A3, 12A4 (indicating specific engine variants like standard, performance, etc.) would be detailed within the manual.

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners of the 1985 MG Metro seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics themselves, or to better understand their vehicle for professional service. Suitable for enthusiasts and mechanics alike.

Value Proposition:

Provides complete factory-level technical data, enabling cost savings on maintenance and repairs compared to dealership service. Offers detailed procedures and illustrations for complex tasks.

Content Highlights:

Hundreds of pages, detailed substeps, notes/cautions/warnings, numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, detailed illustrations/drawings/photos, enlarged insets for parts detail, numbered table of contents, comprehensive troubleshooting and electrical section with wiring diagrams.

Illustration Quality:

Extensive use of detailed illustrations, drawings, and photographs to clearly guide the user through each procedure. Enlarged inset views enhance clarity of specific components.

📋 Manual Details

General Maintenance:

Covered

Troubleshooting:

Covered

Engine Service Repair:

Covered

Transmission Service Repair:

Covered

Brake System:

Covered

Wiring Diagrams:

Covered

Electrical System:

Covered

Suspension:

Covered

Periodic Lubrication:

Covered

Steering:

Covered

Cooling System:

Covered

Fuel Injection:

Covered

Fuel System:

Covered

Emission System:

Covered

Heater Air Conditioning:

Covered

Engine Control System:

Covered

Chassis Body:

Covered

Restraint System:

Covered

Interior:

Covered

Differential Drive:

Covered

Axle:

Covered

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds

Content Scope:

Vastly exceeds typical owner's manuals, providing in-depth technical information for all major vehicle systems.

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Completeness:

Complete official full factory service repair manual, covering ALL STYLES.

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Usability:

Print pages as needed or the entire manual; digital format saves on shipping and delivery time.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, engine block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, fuel delivery, emissions control, engine management.

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch, manual transmission (gearbox overhaul, shift mechanisms, lubrication), automatic transmission (if applicable for specific variants not detailed in this product info, but generally covered in comprehensive manuals), differential, drive axles, half-shafts, CV joints.

Suspension Steering Braking:

Front suspension (struts, wishbones, springs, dampers), rear suspension (e.g., trailing arms, torsion bars, dampers), steering rack, steering column, power steering (if equipped), hydraulic brake system, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, brake lines, master cylinder, servo, parking brake.

Electrical Systems:

12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system (coil, distributor, plugs), lighting (headlights, tail lights, indicators), instrumentation, wiring harnesses, fuse box, relays, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics and wiring, body electricals (wipers, horn, windows, locks).

Body Chassis Interior:

Body structure, panels, doors, hood, trunk/hatch, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system (heater, ventilation), restraint systems (seat belts), body sealing, corrosion protection.

Chassis Body:

Body repairs, panel replacement, chassis lubrication points, suspension mounting points, jacking and lifting points.

Heater Air Conditioning:

Operation, maintenance, and repair of the heater core, blower motor, ducting, and controls. Air conditioning was uncommon on standard Metros but would be covered if present on specific MG variants.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine checks, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning and replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation, lubrication points.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for engine component removal, installation, and overhaul; transmission repairs; brake system servicing; suspension component replacement; steering system repairs; electrical component diagnosis and repair; body panel repair.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic fault finding guides, common problem diagnosis, electrical diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting trees.

Specific Repair Examples:

Engine rebuild (piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder head gasket replacement), gearbox rebuild (synchro replacement, bearing overhaul), brake caliper/wheel cylinder rebuild, master cylinder replacement, strut replacement, steering rack overhaul, fuel pump replacement, carburetor adjustment/rebuild, ignition timing setup, wiring harness repair.

Electrical System:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts for common electrical faults, connector pinouts, fuse and relay identification.

Engine Control System:

Diagnostic procedures for the engine management system (if fuel injected), sensor testing, actuator testing, idle speed control adjustments.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork. Written for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Includes information on using basic diagnostic tools and interpreting symptoms. Electrical section with wiring diagrams is crucial for electronic diagnostics of the era.

Torque Specifications:

Includes critical torque values for all fasteners to ensure correct assembly and prevent damage or component failure.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-quality PDF, designed for clear printing of individual pages or the entire manual.

Compatibility:

Works on all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac.

Printability:

Printable without restriction.

Digital Delivery:

Downloadable immediately after purchase. No physical shipping or waiting.

Storage:

Can be saved to hard drive or burned to CD-ROM.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4 cylinder, naturally aspirated (likely BMC/Rover A-Series variant)

Engine Displacement:

Commonly 1275cc or 1.3 Liters (specific variants may exist, this manual would detail them).

Fuel System:

Likely carbureted for base models, with potential for early fuel injection (e.g., single-point) in higher performance variants or specific markets covered by the 'Fuel Injection' section.

Horsepower Range:

Typically in the 60-70 bhp range for standard 1275cc models, with performance variants (e.g., MG Metro) potentially higher.

Torque Range:

Torque figures would vary by specific engine tune, but generally modest for the era, emphasizing responsive acceleration in a lightweight car.

Engine Layout:

Transverse front-wheel drive

Engine Block Material:

Likely cast iron block with aluminum cylinder head.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transaxle

Type:

Automatic transmission was an option on some Metro variants, though less common for MG models.

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

3-door hatchback

Curb Weight:

Approximately 800-850 kg (1760-1875 lbs), varying by specification. A lightweight performance car of its time.

🛡️ Safety Features

Historical Context:

Safety standards of the mid-1980s were less stringent than today. The manual would cover factory safety features and potential upgrades or maintenance related to them.

Features:

Standard seat belts, generally disc brakes front, drum rear, responsive steering for evasive maneuvers.

Features:

Reinforced passenger cell, impact-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard (typical for the era).

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Basic for its era: AM/FM radio, possibly cassette player. The manual would cover installation and troubleshooting of these systems.

Features:

None in the modern sense. Focus was on basic driver control and road holding.

Features:

Not applicable to this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever came first. Specifics for oil type and capacity would be in the manual.

Major Service:

Likely around 12,000 or 24,000 miles, covering tasks like spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, and ignition timing checks. The manual will detail exact intervals and items.

Brake Fluid Change:

Typically every 2 years or 24,000 miles to maintain system integrity and prevent corrosion.

Timing Belt Chain:

A-Series engines typically use a timing chain, which is generally very durable but requires checks for tension and noise. The manual will advise on its inspection.

Engine Oil:

Likely 20W-50 or 10W-40 mineral oil, depending on climate and specific engine wear. Manual will specify exact API service classification and viscosity.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (typically 50/50). Manual will specify type and capacity.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual will specify type and change interval.

Transmission Fluid:

Gear oil for the manual gearbox, specific viscosity (e.g., GL-4) and capacity would be listed. Automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) would be a DEXRON type.

Differentials Transmission Oil:

Specific GL-4 rated gear oil for the gearbox and differential. Capacity typically around 2.5 liters for the gearbox.

Common Problems:

Rusting (particularly wheel arches, sills, bulkhead), carburetor issues (stalling, rough idle), suspension wear (bushes, ball joints), ignition system reliability, gearbox synchromesh wear on higher mileage units.

Electrical Faults:

Corrosion on wiring terminals, intermittent connections in door harnesses, failure of light switches and heater controls.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

The MG Metro was a performance variant of the Austin Metro, produced by British Leyland and later Rover Group. It aimed to inject sporting character into the practical Metro platform, continuing MG's legacy of affordable performance cars.

Generation:

The 1985 model falls within the initial generation of the Metro (launched 1980), with the MG variants typically introduced shortly after. Updates for 1985 would include minor styling tweaks, engine improvements, and specification changes as detailed in the manual.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Longbridge, Birmingham, UK.