fastbatard

We sold our 2003 C5 HDI 110 6 months ago and bought a Vectra. Nothing wrong with the Vectra really but we just miss the C5 so have put a deposit on another one. Found a 2008 CITROEN C5 2.0 HDI 16V VTR 5DR (old shape) at a reasonable price. I just have some questions as there are some differences to our older one. The dealer advises me the service interval is 2 years on this model, is this correct. As it has just turned 3 years old the dealer advises me it's not due a service until next year. (If this is the case I will at least get the oil changed). Does this model have the DPF? Not much of a concern as I have a great local independent specialist but just interested to know. What oil does this model need? My old one was 10-40 semi synthetic but if this one has DPF will it need fully synthetic. The tyres on the car are cheap and nasty looking budget tyres, I'm a bit of a tyre nerd and like to have quality tyres on but notice that the fitted 215 55 16's are considerably more expensive than 205 55 16's. Is it possible/advised to fit the slightly narrower tyre? The interior door handles look quite tatty as the painted surface is chipping off. Is it easy to remove these for repainting/replacement? Anything else to look out for on this newer model? I noticed the brakes squealing a bit on the test drive and they're going to look at this as I'm aware of the rear caliper problem but hoped this would have been sorted on the later models. Sorry for all the questions and I know most of the answers will be in the handbook but I don't pick it up until Thursday and i'm like an excited child waiting for his new bike for christmas!

Sorry for the off topic reply but I'd been wondering if the doors can be set to lock automatically after driving off but can't find out how to do this. Is it possible to set this up myself?

Still no sign of the C5 workshop manual on the Haynes website. Will just have to keep waiting!

Good tip, thanks. With fuel prices as they are we can't afford to pay a penny more than we have to. I always make sure I fill up when I get to a quarter of a tank as if I leave it until the light comes on I'm usually forced to use the local garage which is more expensive.

That's great news and a good idea emailing them to ask. I will attempt some basic DIY jobs on my C5 and will probably do more having a Haynes manual to refer to. I like the spanner ratings that tell you the level of experience you need to complete a job so you don't take on too much! Roll on September!

It should just be a case of removing the original (try the main dealer for a removal tool) then getting an iso lead to plug into the C5 wiring (any car stereo shop should be able to supply this) then fitting new stereo together with fascia adaptor (car stereo shop again or ebay). I haven't done this with my C5 but have in a few previous cars with no problems. Just makes the finger tip control stalk useless. I would be interested to here how you get on.

Have you tried looking in the yellow pages for local independant citroen specialists? I'm in Sheffield and there are at least 3 here. Got a quote from one which was half the price of the £200 the dealer wanted for a service on my c5. They said they do everything as citroen would.

www.wiperblades.co.uk is also worth a look. I've got an 03 C5 and I just got a set of the new style flat blade wipers by Valeo for £32 delivered. A doddle to fit and are by far the best blades I've ever used. Very quiet and streak free wiping and had to use them a lot lately!