Positioning:
The MG Metro was a significant model in the British automotive landscape, positioned as a sporty, affordable hatchback. This manual serves the DIY enthusiast and professional mechanic alike, providing the essential documentation to maintain and repair these iconic vehicles.
Competitors:
Competed directly with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova, and Peugeot 205, offering a more performance-oriented driving experience within its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs by empowering owners with detailed, accurate information and procedures.
Benefit To Owner:
Increases vehicle longevity, improves performance, and facilitates informed decision-making for repairs and upkeep, making ownership more enjoyable and economical.
Significance:
The MG Metro represented MG's foray into the supermini segment, blending sporty dynamics with the practicality of a hatchback. It aimed to capture the spirit of traditional MG performance in a more accessible package.
Engine:
Engine overhaul, tuning, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Brakes:
Brake system overhaul (front discs, rear drums), hydraulic systems, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, steering rack
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, ancillary electrics
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, glass, seals, rust prevention
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system service and repair
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, fluid top-ups, belt adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and symptom-based fault finding
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Diagnostics:
Engine performance testing, electrical system diagnosis
Engine Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly, including piston rings, bearings, valves, and seals.
Carburetor Rebuild:
Comprehensive instructions for the removal, disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of various carburetor types fitted to the MG Metro.
Brake System Overhaul:
Step-by-step guides for brake caliper and cylinder overhaul, disc and pad replacement, drum and shoe replacement, and bleeding the hydraulic system.
Electrical Component Testing:
Guidance on testing the alternator, starter motor, ignition coil, lighting circuits, and other electrical components using multimeters and test equipment.
Body Panel Replacement:
Instructions and diagrams for the removal and installation of body panels, including fenders, doors, and trunk lid.
Depth:
In-depth, professional level, covering complete rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Torque Specifications:
Includes critical torque specifications for cylinder head bolts, main bearings, connecting rod bolts, wheel nuts, and other critical fasteners.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Provides essential engine and mechanical clearances and tolerances for rebuilding components to factory specifications.
Diagram Detail:
Extensive and detailed wiring diagrams covering all vehicle electrical systems, allowing for accurate troubleshooting and repair of electrical faults.
Visual Aid Quality:
Features clear step-by-step photographs and illustrations to guide users through complex procedures, enhancing understanding and accuracy.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, OHC (Overhead Camshaft)
Engine Displacement 1:
1.3 Litre (1275cc)
Engine Displacement 2:
1.4 Litre (1397cc) (Vanden Plas & later models)
Engine Code 1:
A-Series (variants of the BMC/BL 'A' series engine)
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Light Alloy (Aluminum)
Horsepower 1 3L:
Approx. 60-70 bhp (depending on variant and tuning)
Horsepower 1 4L:
Approx. 70-75 bhp
Fuel Delivery Early:
Carburettor (e.g., SU HIF4 or Weber)
Fuel Delivery Later:
Fuel Injection (Lucas L-Jetronic or similar on some later models)
Ignition Type:
Distributor, Coil, Points or Electronic Ignition
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever came first (refer to manual for exact intervals)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 12,000-18,000 miles, or as per manual recommendations
Engine Oil Type:
API SE/SF, SAE 20W/50 or 10W/30 (depending on climate, refer to manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4 SAE 80W/90 gear oil
Rust And Corrosion:
Common issue in critical areas like wheel arches, sills, and subframes due to age and materials used in the era.
Hydragas Suspension:
While not standard on all MG Metros (more common on Rover Metro), some early models might have had interconnected suspension. Leaks and pressure loss can occur.
Carburettor Tuning:
SU or Weber carburetors require regular adjustment and cleaning for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Electrical Connections:
Age can lead to corroded or loose electrical connections, causing intermittent faults in various systems.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine mounts can lead to increased vibration and noise.
Engine Oil Capacity Litres:
Approx. 3.4 - 4.0 litres (including filter, refer to manual)
Coolant Capacity Litres:
Approx. 5.0 - 5.5 litres
Mg Heritage:
MG, historically known for its affordable, sporty two-seater sports cars, applied its brand to this mass-market hatchback, offering a performance-oriented version of the Austin Metro.
Metro Evolution:
Developed from the Austin Metro, the MG Metro was introduced to provide a more performance-focused variant. Over its production run, it received updates to engines, styling, and interior features, culminating in models like the MG Metro Turbo and MG Maestro.
Production Period:
1980-1990 (MG Metro variants)
Manufacturing Base:
United Kingdom (primarily Longbridge, Birmingham)
