Vehicle Segment:
Subcompact hatchback popular in the UK and European markets during its production run
Target Audience:
Technicians and DIY owners servicing and repairing the first-generation Metro
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova/Corsa, Fiat Uno, Renault 5, Volkswagen Polo
Advantage:
Sporty, driver-focused character from MG's small-car tradition, with performance variants unavailable from most rivals
Brand Heritage:
MG's venture into the front-wheel-drive supermini segment, continuing its tradition of sporty small cars
Performance Variants:
MG Metro versions with more powerful engines and sporty handling for enthusiasts
Applicable Years:
1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Coverage Areas:
All major systems: engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical, cooling, fuel, exhaust, body and chassis, HVAC
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Printability:
Yes, all pages are printable
Compatibility:
Windows, Mac, and Linux via Adobe Reader
Engine:
Full coverage: disassembly, assembly, diagnosis and repair of all engine variants, including the A-Series engines
Transmission:
Servicing, repair and overhaul procedures for manual and automatic transmissions
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel-drive components: transaxle, driveshafts and differential
Suspension:
Front and rear systems, including hydrolastic suspension where fitted, shock absorbers, springs and control arms
Steering:
Steering rack, column and linkage, with alignment specifications
Brakes:
Hydraulic system: master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, drums and shoes, with diagnostic and repair procedures
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, ignition, lighting, instrumentation and wiring diagrams
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses and fan servicing and replacement
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump and lines; carburetor (SU or Weber) or early fuel injection systems, with diagnostics
Exhaust System:
Manifold, pipes, catalytic converter (if fitted) and muffler replacement and repair
Body and Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window operation, interior trim and chassis maintenance
HVAC:
Heater system, demister and ventilation components
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements and lubrication schedules
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults across all systems
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for each covered system
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances and adjustment data used throughout the procedures
Workshop Level:
Written to workshop service standard: full teardown and rebuild sequences, not just owner-level checks
Wiring Diagrams:
Included within the electrical system coverage
Parts Information:
Component identification and exploded assemblies supporting correct reassembly
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine:
A-Series four-cylinder petrol engines across the model range
Engine Options:
998 cc and 1275 cc A-Series variants depending on model year and trim; turbocharged 1275 cc in MG Metro Turbo versions
Valvetrain:
Overhead valve (OHV)
Carburetor:
SU carburetors, with Weber options noted in the manual's fuel system coverage
Fuel Injection:
Early fuel injection systems covered for applicable model years
Fuel Type:
Petrol (gasoline)
Standard Transmission:
Manual gearbox with front-wheel-drive transaxle
Optional Transmission:
Automatic transmission available on selected versions
Coverage:
Servicing, repair and overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic units
Drive Layout:
Front-wheel drive
Components:
Transaxle, driveshafts and differential covered with disassembly and rebuild procedures
Body Style:
Three-door subcompact hatchback
Segment:
Supermini / subcompact class
Wheelbase:
N/A - not specified in this manual
Overall Length:
N/A - not specified in this manual
Curb Weight:
N/A - varies by model year and trim; not specified in this manual
Front Brakes:
Disc brakes with hydraulic master cylinder and calipers
Rear Brakes:
Drum brakes with shoes and hydraulic circuits
Service Coverage:
Full diagnostic and repair procedures for the hydraulic brake system
Restraints:
Seat belt systems as fitted to 1980s-era vehicles
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - modern crash test ratings were not applicable to this era
Airbags:
N/A - not fitted on this generation
Instrumentation:
Full instrumentation coverage with wiring diagrams for diagnosis
Lighting:
Complete exterior and interior lighting circuits and repair procedures
Heating & Ventilation:
Heater system, demister and ventilation components
Audio System:
N/A - period radio fitment varies; wiring circuits covered in the electrical section
Modern Driver Aids:
N/A - not available on this 1980s generation
Schedules:
Lubrication schedules and routine maintenance intervals for all covered years
Fluid Changes:
Engine, gearbox and hydraulic fluid change procedures
Filters:
Filter replacement procedures across all systems
Hydrolastic Systems:
Fluid level and suspension servicing where hydrolastic is fitted
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, shoes, drums, shock absorbers, springs, hoses and belts
Oil Specification:
N/A - refer to the grade tables in the manual for your engine and year
Manufacturer:
MG, the sporting branch of the British Leyland small-car range
Heritage:
MG's entry into the front-wheel-drive supermini segment, continuing its sporty small-car tradition
Introduction:
First-generation Metro launched in 1980 as a British subcompact hatchback
Performance Line:
MG Metro variants added more powerful engines and sporty handling through the run
Production Run:
First generation built from 1980 through 1991
Production Location:
United Kingdom
