Vehicle Segment:
Executive car (large family car/executive saloon).
Brand Positioning:
Rover's flagship model in the late 1980s and early 1990s, aimed at competing with German and Japanese luxury sedans.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi 100/A6, Ford Scorpio, Vauxhall Carlton/Omega, Japanese imports (e.g., Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima).
Design Influence:
Significant influence from the Honda Legend, particularly in the early models (Honda-derived platforms).
Engine Options:
Offered with a range of British-designed (Rover T-series) and Honda-derived engines.
Body Styles:
Primarily available as a four-door saloon and a five-door hatchback (often referred to as the 'Fastback').
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage for 2.0L (M16/T-series), 2.5L (KV6), and 2.7L (C-series) engines, including maintenance, diagnostics, and overhaul.
Transmission:
Detailed information on manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, torque converter, and shifting mechanisms.
Brakes:
Full coverage of hydraulic brake systems, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) where applicable, calipers, discs, pads, and fluid specifications.
Suspension Steering:
In-depth details on front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and power steering components.
Electrical Lighting:
Extensive wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostics for lighting, ignition, charging systems, starter motors, and ancillaries.
Climate Control:
Coverage of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including component testing and refrigerant handling.
Fuel System:
Detailed information on fuel delivery, injection systems (EFI), fuel pumps, injectors, and fuel tank components.
Body Chassis:
Information on body panel repairs, structural integrity, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and underbody components.
Maintenance:
Regular service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and fluid level checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and fault finding charts for common and uncommon vehicle issues.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Refurbishment Restoration:
Guidance on restoring older components, cosmetic repairs, and addressing wear and tear.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools, interpreting fault codes (OBD-I where applicable), and testing sensors and actuators.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls.
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, experienced DIY enthusiasts, and vehicle restorers.
Engine 820 Variant 1:
Rover T-series 2.0L 16v (M16 in early models), naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants.
Engine 825 Variant 1:
Honda C25A 2.5L V6 (J35A from later updates), naturally aspirated.
Engine 827 Variant 1:
Honda C27A 2.7L V6, naturally aspirated.
Horsepower 820 Na:
Approximately 130-140 bhp (dependent on specific T-series variant)
Horsepower 820 Turbo:
Approximately 170-190 bhp (dependent on specific T-series variant)
Horsepower 825 V6:
Approximately 170-175 bhp
Horsepower 827 V6:
Approximately 177 bhp
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) across all variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating typically 95-98 RON recommended).
Transmission 820 4Cyl:
5-speed Manual (PG1 gearbox)
Transmission 820 4Cyl Auto:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22)
Transmission V6 Auto:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22 or Honda AT for V6 models)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated dry single plate clutch for manual variants.
Body Styles Available:
4-door Saloon, 5-door Hatchback (Fastback).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2750 mm (varies slightly by generation/body style).
Length:
Approximately 4730-4820 mm (varies by body style/generation).
Width:
Approximately 1770-1780 mm.
Height:
Approximately 1370-1400 mm.
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 1350-1550 kg depending on engine and specification.
Crash Test Performance:
Limited specific official Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings for this era; relied on independent tests and internal development data.
ABS:
Optional or standard on higher trims, particularly V6 models (Bosch ABS systems common).
Traction Control:
Rarely fitted, if at all, on models within this production range.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag introduced later in the production run, typically from 1993/1994 onwards, as standard or optional.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts standard on later models.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio cassette players, often with cassette changer capability on higher trims. Speakers often limited to 4 or 6.
Climate Control Features:
Manual fan and temperature controls, often with recirculate function. Automatic climate control available on top-spec models.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on many models, particularly the V6 variants.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically factory fitted for this model year range.
Phone Integration:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Provisions for early car phones might exist.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine variant).
Timing Belt Interval:
For T-series engines, typically 4-5 years or 40,000-60,000 miles. V6 engines often used timing chains. (Crucial to confirm in manual).
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W/40 or 10W/50 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating based on engine and climate).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific color or type may vary (e.g., OAT or HOAT).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron II or III (for ZF gearboxes), or specific Honda ATF for V6 models. (Critical to verify specific type).
Engine Sealing:
Head gasket failures (especially on early T-series and some V6 engines), oil leaks from rocker covers and crank seals.
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring loom degradation, issues with central locking, alarm systems, and interior electrics. Corrosion in connectors.
Suspension Wear:
Wear in bushes (wishbone, anti-roll bar), ball joints, and front strut top mounts. Early models can suffer from hydrolastic suspension fluid leaks if fitted.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, thermostat failures, and water pump issues.
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust in wheel arches, sills, rear spring cups, and boot floor. Hinge areas and door bottoms are also common areas.
Parent Company:
British Leyland (initially), then Rover Group, part of British Aerospace, later BMW.
First Generation Development:
Developed in collaboration with Honda, sharing platforms and some powertrain components with the Honda Legend (first generation).
Second Generation Development:
Significant styling and engineering updates, including the introduction of Rover's own T-series engines and the KV6 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Solihull, West Midlands, UK.
Market Impact:
A key model for Rover, aiming to compete in the premium executive sector, but faced challenges with reliability perceptions and increasing competition.
