Yes, occasional lubrication and checking for leaks.
Citroen claim (as I recall) that the C5 suspension is 'maintenance free' for 5 years. They say the spheres and associated parts are manufactured to much higher tolerances than before. Hmmm, we'll see!
Graeme
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Graeme,
Be interested to learn;
1 Which model do you have?
2 What year, miles done so far?
3 Any problems and how well sorted?
4 Are the residual problems people harp on about evident with yours?
Davo
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Right Davo!
It was bought new last April, but built July 2001 - so a pretty early model in fact! It's a 2.2HDI Exclusive (manual). So far I've done about 15,000 miles.Here's what the year's been like....
Initially, the suspension was very hard (not noisy as many owners reported) It was fitted with the full upgrade pack (revised back spheres and sound deadening kit) This made it much more acceptable. I wouldn't say it's as soft and comfy as my previous Xantia - but then handling is much better.Handbrake was modified at the same time.
Actual 'faults' are few and far between
1 Back seatrest rattled a bit, but was fixed by dealer at first
service.
2. Gearshift is notchy (especially when cold). Dealer has ordered a new gaiter (not arrived yet) Personally I think a change of oil might do more good, but we'll try the gaiter first. It's not desperately bad though.
3. (Odd one!) The gear knob has a metal insert and it is coming away from the knob itself very slightly - revealing a sharp edge. New knob on order!
4. Occasional 'electrical storms'.Dealer calls it 'ghosting'. This takes the form of error messages coming up on the central screen, or in one case, the front windows refusing to close properly! These problems have been very easily fixed, though - disconnecting the battery for a few seconds reset the windows and changing a back indicator bulb where the glass had come adrift from the cap fixed the error messages.In both cases, I did this myself without having to take the car back to the dealer.
To my mind, all of this has been pretty minor in the grand scheme of things.The car has never broken down. It's only been in the dealers twice since bought - the 'Free' service and the 12,500 miles service. 'Upgrades' were done at the same time.
My dealer is very good - listed on Honest John's list of 'good garages'. They are well up to speed with the C5 and extremely willing to get things absolutely perfect.They have a noticeboard in reception plastered with letters of appreciation from grateful customers - many of whom are 'refugees' from other Citroen dealers! (By the way, they are in the north of Scotland, so don't all rush at once!)
Graeme
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My wife runs a 1.9d citroen zx,having in the past owned mondeo,rover,escort,orion i can safely say the citroen has the nicest ride of them all and this car has shocks and springs, as for sphere changes find a good independent specialist
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When I was out the other week, I noticed a Citroen C5 that was parked on a hill nose up, and the front end was going up, pausing, and going down, pausing, going up..........etc etc, and although the height that it kept going up by seemed to be slowly decreassing, it went on for over 10 minutes that I was witness to. The car was not occupied.Why was this?
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Doing a few warm-up exercises before transporting its owner to work?
Doing a self test (or something like that) before starting (bit like my computer?
DiY suspension service? (cheaper than dealer rates)
Showing off?
Entertaining people with nothing better to do than stand and watch an empty car???!! (sorry!!)
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Which was originated on the 1st of April...
I can well believe it though, I know of a G reg Peugeot 405 (same engine!) still going at 700,000 miles.
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On another thread, HJ talks about the amount of resource which goes into the BR and the problems this is causing his hard-up site.
If he banned use of the word 'Citroen' he'd be quids in...
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I'll prove Morris wrong thought I so I did a quick search or two
Citroen gets 15908 references on this site
Ford 2740
Rover 2205
Mercs 1064
Speed 4071
cameras 980
VW 0
Draw your own conclusions, but mine is naturally that that's an incredible amount of praise for Cits!!
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Totally misleading, Phil.
What you failed to take into account is that many Citroen drivers call their cars 'Daisy' or 'Dobbin'.
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C5 equivalent of Epilepsy! Unlike older Cits, the C5 has it's hydraulics pressurised by an electric pump (this allows for full electronic control of course.) It starts limbering up as a door is opened or as weight transfers within the car. !(With older Cits you waited until the pressure got up from the engine driven pump.)My favourite party trick is opening the boot and sitting on the lip - the car initially goes down, then responds to my weight and lifts me right back up again!
A few owners have reported this strange phenomenon.(Can't say I've seen my one doing it, though.)
Remember that it could be something very simple - a door not completely shut maybe.
It has to be remembered that C5s are constantly reacting to 'stimuli' on various sensors - rainfull, temperature, lighting conditions, ride height, roll, pitch etc. Anything from a passing shower to a passing cat could send a signal to the computers.
It seems they stay 'alive' for at least 30 minutes after switching off. Certainly, if you sit with the radio on, it goes into 'economy mode' after roughly this time. Also, as you sit in the car (ignition off) you'll see things like the speedometer needle twitching and relays clicking away!
On diesels with the particle filter, EOLYS fluid is pumped into the main tank the first time you switch off after a refill. Unused fuel might also be being pumped back to the tank from the engine.
The aircon would also be draining off condensation etc, so there is often a gurgle or two.
If a window is left open and it starts to rain, the car closes it automatically.
These cars truly have a life of their own! They live and breathe, respond to the environment and act almost as a complete organism!
(We are not worthy)
Graeme
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Thankyou for that Graeme. Very enlightning. I was out in the Dales and sat down for a rest when I saw the C5 take on a life of its own, going up and then down etc,etc. I was very impressed (being an ex BX owner), but couldn't work out where the energy was coming from to keep lifting up what is quite a heavy car. I assumed that the fact it was parked uphill, nose up probably had something to do with it.
Also a very good reply from PhilW, made me laugh.
Reggie
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My favourite party trick is opening the boot and sitting onthe lip - the car initially goes down, then responds to my weight and lifts me right back up again!
It's even better when you can find a car that will do that in the showroom!!
Get a friend to sit on the boot lip with you for added enjoyment!
Feel your feet being lifted off the floor!
Am I sad?
Ben
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So I guess in a year or two when batteries not tiptop new all C5 owners will be coming back to a dead battery. Nice.
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Nope - car automatically goes into 'economy mode' to maintain adequate voltage!
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The same happens when you leave the courtesy light on.
Little brothers = big bother.
Ben
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