Target Audience:
MG Metro owners (DIY enthusiasts and independent mechanics)
Value Proposition:
Cost savings on maintenance and repairs, empowerment through knowledge
Competitor Manuals:
Often compared to Haynes or Chilton manuals, but this is likely a factory-derived or equivalent professional manual.
Accuracy:
Vehicle-specific, not generic; same information used by authorized technicians.
Clarity:
Clear, concise text with diagrams and illustrations for ease of understanding.
Completeness:
Covers all major topics for repair and maintenance.
Trim Levels Covered:
All MG Metro variants including HLE, MG, MG GT, MG Turbo, Vanden Plas
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 300-500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Compatibility:
Windows and Mac OS
Printability:
Yes, individual pages printable
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within PDF
Engine Mechanical:
Full overhaul, repair, and troubleshooting of engine components (block, pistons, crankshaft, cylinder head, valve train)
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, wiring diagrams
Emission Control:
Components and procedures related to emission control systems (e.g., EGR, catalytic converters for later models)
Fuel System:
Carburetor (SU, Weber) and fuel injection (later models) systems, fuel pump, lines, and filters
Clutch System:
Clutch assembly, hydraulic system, linkage, adjustment, and replacement
Manual Transaxle:
Gearbox overhaul, repair, fluid changes, and troubleshooting
Automatic Transaxle:
Repair and maintenance of automatic transmission (if applicable to specific models covered)
Driveshaft Axle:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential (if integrated into transaxle)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Steering rack, column, linkage, power steering (if equipped), alignment
Restraint System:
Seat belts, potential airbag systems (if introduced late in production, though unlikely for early models)
Brake System:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, master cylinder, lines, calipers, pads, shoes, parking brake
Body Interior Exterior:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, trim, glass, seals, seats, dashboard
Body Electrical:
Lighting, wipers, horn, instrumentation, power windows (if equipped), central locking (if equipped)
HVAC:
Heating system, ventilation, demisting, air conditioning (if factory-fitted)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, brake adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults across all systems, fault code interpretation (if applicable)
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation
Rebuild:
Comprehensive procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds
Wiring Schematics:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Illustrations Diagrams:
Abundant diagrams and illustrations to clarify repair procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Family:
BMC A-Series derived engines (e.g., A-Plus)
Common Displacements:
1275cc (significant for MG variants), also 998cc (for standard Metros)
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Cylinder Head:
Typically cast iron, sometimes aluminum for performance variants
Typical Horsepower:
Around 60-70 bhp for 1275cc MG models, up to 70-75 bhp for MG Turbo variants
Typical Torque:
Varies by engine, e.g., 70-80 lb-ft for 1275cc
Carburetion:
SU HS4 twin carburetors common on MG models, or single SU/Weber
Fuel Injection:
Introduced on later models (e.g., MG Metro EFi)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for exact specification).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary by plug type, often 10,000-20,000 miles.
Timing Belt Chain:
A-Series engines use a timing chain, which typically requires inspection but not regular replacement unless issues arise.
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W/50 or 10W/40 (depending on climate and engine condition, consult manual for specific grades like Castrol GTX).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
EP 90 Gear Oil for manual transaxle.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points, common for British cars of this era.
Engine Cooling:
Potential for overheating if cooling system (radiator, hoses, water pump) is not maintained.
Carburetor Issues:
SU carburetors can require periodic adjustment and rebuild due to wear or gumming.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, affecting handling and ride quality.
Brand Origin:
MG is a British manufacturer of sports cars, historically known for performance variants of existing models.
Development:
Developed from the Austin/Morris Metro, with MG performance enhancements, suspension tuning, and styling updates.
Key Variants:
MG Metro (standard performance), MG GT (enhanced features), MG Turbo (performance engine upgrade).
Production Period:
1980-1990
Manufacturing Location:
Longbridge, Birmingham, England (under British Leyland/Rover Group)
