🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin

Model:

Metro

Year:

1982

Generation Designation:

First Generation (ADO81)

Chassis Code:

ADO81

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Austin Metro 1982 owners with basic mechanical skills, independent auto service professionals, and informed car owners

Value Proposition:

Provides dealer-level repair and service information, enabling significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs.

Features:

Vehicle-specific information, step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications, troubleshooting guides.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Full service and repair instruction

Estimated Page Count:

Variable (typical workshop manuals for this era range from 300-600 pages, actual count not provided)

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems:

General Information, Engine Mechanical System, Engine Electrical System, Emission Control System, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System, Driveshaft and Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair, maintenance

Depth:

Comprehensive (designed for mechanics and informed owners, covering all major topics)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Print Capability:

Printable (individual pages can be printed)

Binding:

N/A (Digital format, not a physical book)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

BMC A-Series / Rover A-Series

Engine Displacement Litres:

1.0 L (998cc) and 1.3 L (1275cc) variants were common for 1982

Horsepower 1.0L:

Approx. 45-50 bhp (actual figures vary by specific engine code and tuning)

Horsepower 1.3L:

Approx. 60-63 bhp (actual figures vary by specific engine code and tuning)

Fuel Delivery:

Carburettor (typically single-point SU or Stromberg for 1.0L, potentially twin-SU or Zenith for 1.3L variants)

🔧 Transmission

Type Standard:

4-speed Manual Transaxle

Type Optional:

3-speed Automatic Transaxle (less common)

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios detailed within the manual for both manual and automatic transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

Approx. 3,400 mm (133.9 inches)

Width Mm:

Approx. 1,580 mm (62.2 inches)

Height Mm:

Approx. 1,340 mm (52.8 inches)

Kerb Weight Kg:

Approx. 700-800 kg (depending on engine and specification)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

Limited by 1980s safety standards; specific official ratings (e.g., Euro NCAP) are not applicable to this era of vehicle.

Active Safety Features:

Disc front brakes, drum rear brakes, rack and pinion steering.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (likely lap belts in front, lap belts in rear as standard, with optional three-point belts), reinforced passenger cell.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, often with a single speaker. Cassette player optional or aftermarket fitment.

Driver Aids:

None by modern standards; basic dashboard indicators for oil pressure, battery charge, coolant temperature, and fuel level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for precise intervals and engine variant)

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, points (if applicable), and distributor cap/rotor usually every 10,000-12,000 miles.

Engine Oil Grade:

API SF or SG, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (verify with manual based on climate and engine variant)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with water. Manual will specify approved types.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)

Transmission Oil Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 or 75W-90 gear oil (verify with manual)

Transmission Oil Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF) (verify with manual)

Common Problems:

Corrosion (especially around wheel arches, sills, and rear hatch area), minor electrical gremlins, carburetor tuning issues, wear on suspension bushings, water ingress into the cabin, potential for head gasket issues on high-mileage engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

British Leyland (later Rover Group)

Development Goal:

Designed as a modern, compact, front-wheel-drive replacement for older BMC/BL small cars like the Mini and Allegro, offering improved interior space and efficiency.

Production Period:

1980-1997 (original Austin Metro), later continued as Rover Metro, then MGF Metro.

Manufacturing Locations:

Longbridge, Birmingham, UK

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

The Austin Metro was designed to be a modern, fuel-efficient, and practical small car for the European market, often competing in highly contested segments. While specific major awards are not widely publicized for this model year, it was a significant product for British Leyland.