C5 Mk1 estate - bargain!

[citroenxm]

OHHH noooo not the early 2.2 hdi 16v 136 engine... If I realised it was that one I'd said don't do it...

They can be trouble.. be sure the eloys is topped up and make sure she KNOWS TO BOOT it once in a while those ones with the gubbins on them don't like light foot driving.. I myself have avoided the early 2.2s have a reputation of un reliable and a little fuzzy..

I do hope it behaves for your sister.. the later 2.2 hdi 173 bhp engines from 2005 in manuals are a better unit..

[xantia_v6]

Note that the C5 has long-life spheres which typically have a life of about 15-20 years, but they don't usually respond well to regassing, because they only lose pressure when the diaphragm starts to crack.

[citroenxm]

I'm yet to need to change C5 spheres and not come across any needing changing either... The fluid is a long life LDS fluid and must not be mixed with lhm..

[jamescarruthers]

OHHH noooo not the early 2.2 hdi 16v 136 engine... If I realised it was that one I'd said don't do it...

They can be trouble.. be sure the eloys is topped up and make sure she KNOWS TO BOOT it once in a while those ones with the gubbins on them don't like light foot driving.. I myself have avoided the early 2.2s have a reputation of un reliable and a little fuzzy..

I do hope it behaves for your sister.. the later 2.2 hdi 173 bhp engines from 2005 in manuals are a better unit..

I'm going to wipe this message from my memory except the tip about booting it!

[jamescarruthers]

I'm yet to need to change C5 spheres and not come across any needing changing either... The fluid is a long life LDS fluid and must not be mixed with lhm..

You might be right there. I had them regas the C6 and it felt exactly the same as before. Maybe I should save my pennies and just have B&L give me their opinion when I get there. They were so incredibly impressive with the C6.

[citroenxm]

Sorry James...

I just like to be honest.. and with my findings too.. lots were neglected because the eloys was so now understood and it was a first gen demolition assisted system now in its third or fourth generation..

I do hope it prooves good..

[White Exec]

I had them regas the C6 . . .

What is the technique for doing this? Is the factory spigot removed and drilled-tapped for a valve?

[DerekB]

I had a C5 with the 2.2 HDi. A forced regeneration of the DPF did it some good. Got noticeably better mpg after it was done.

[Jaki1122]

You might change your mind once you learn about all the expensive fails it suffers from..

Wiper motors (yes two) aren't cheap
Steering racks.. aren't cheap
Heater control panels
Window regulators cables
Air con condensers..
Front Bottom Bush's are a nice dinner for it too

Nice try but as much as I love a somewhat needy car (as long as its worth it for some reason), still it doesn't do it for me. C6 and the other C5 are ok, in fact, I almost bought a C5 before getting the XM and probably I'll end up getting a C6 when the prices get a bit lower (at which point my XM will be used only for events, special ocasions and fully restored outside and inside).

[Jaki1122]

I picked it up yesterday and it wafted home very well from Norfolk to Cambridge.

The only faults I can find are:
1. the boot doesn't stay up (hopefully Pleaded can re-gas that along with spheres this week, if not its getting two new rams);
2. driver's window doesn't automatically go all the way up;
3. driver's mirror doesn't outwards.
4. Tailgate is just starting to rust in places
5. In-dash CD has a CD stuck
6. Sticky to touch temperature control knobs

I am amazed at how good it is for £499. This car isn't for me though it's for my sister to use as she currently has a baby, a dog and no car. I don't have time to mess about as it need to be delivered to Newcastle next week before going to work abroad for 6 weeks. As such is is going for MOT at a trusted friend's place Tuesday, hopefully Pleades on Wednesday for re-gas and maybe LDS filters & flush and B&L Autos Thursday for service and thorough check over.

I'm hoping that after this it basically just continues to work for a year without causing her any stress.

Fingers crossed!

It was nice to waft properly again!

The mirror thing could be just the switch, try to use some contact cleaner. It also could be wiring or the motor itself. The sticky temperature knobs should be changed. And the CD, it may (or may not) have a little hole big enough to fit a clip or similar that activates a mechanical system that releases the CD and pushes it outside. I've seen radios that had it and radios that did not had it, no idea about yours, but worth taking a look.
Good luck with your new toy!