A Few Questions About Mk3 Tourer - Buying

[kaliope]

Hi again. I have been looking at MK3 tourer as it looks superb to me. Currently i own a diesel, Zafira 1.9 cdti and had absolutly no issues with the motor apart from the ECU being faulty as a result of the DPF removal. Now, I guess the HDI is equally reliable as the cdti which in fact is the Fiat's jtd, but i thought perhaps a petrol engine would be worth considering.  Anyway, from what i've read, you guys recommend the 2.0 hdi if i went for a diesel. And what the petrol eninges? Now the questions

 

1. Is the 2.0 HDI diesel on MK3 the same I had on a 2003 plate Mk1? Or perhaps they've upgraded it with some troublesome innovations? 

 

2. Is there a choice on the suspension? Are all fitted with the hydroactive one? I would rather get a regular suspension

 

3. Are there any common or well-know issues with the MK3? Rust? Wiring trouble? Suspension? Steering? Water leakages? Oils leakeges? Electronic modules faults?

 

4. If I went for a pertol engine, would that be 1.8 or 2.0? Are these perhaps in fact the same engines or completaly different? Which is more reliable? Which perhpas is issue-free? 

 

 

[Johndouglas]

I'll try and help with some of your questions.

 

1. Is the 2.0 HDI diesel on MK3 the same I had on a 2003 plate Mk1? Or perhaps they've upgraded it with some troublesome innovations?

 

No - the engine you had on your 2003 car would be the 2ltr 8valve engine.   It wouldn't have a DPF and probably didn't have a DMF.   In 2005 they altered the engine to become a 16valve;  they fitted a DMF and gave it an emissions system with Eolys fluid and a DPF.   Both engines are regarded as being long-lived and trouble-free, with many people preferring the old 8valve.   Both the DPF and the DMF can be removed from the 16valve engine without any problems arising.

 

2. Is there a choice on the suspension? Are all fitted with the hydroactive one? I would rather get a regular suspension

 

Up till 2008 all C5s came with hydraulic suspension.   Later cars only had Citroen suspension on the Exclusive models.   All the others in the range have steel springs.   I believe the DS5 only has steel springs.

[seefive]

I recently bought a brand new Mk 3 exclusive saloon and I'm very happy with it. The 2 litre engine is rated at 160ps, compared to 110 ps in the old mk1 cars, so a huge difference in power, and the new engine would be well suited to the estate (tourer)

 

Citroen don't make petrol C5's now for the UK market, and were always a bit half-hearted on petrol, although I had 2 petrol C5's and liked them.I think you'll struggle to find a petrol tourer

 

Good luck with your search

[Parkesie]

I run a mk3 exclusive tourer and absolutely love it quiet comfy and quick. Its on 85k and the only dramas ive had since buying it are a bent alloy whoops technically my fault but the 18inch wheels are expensive never mind the tyres. Lost a number plate light but that was a naughty monkey in longleat. Popped a cv boot off but that again was me driving a tad enthusiastically around a multi story :)

 

The rear isnt quite as big as the older cars but certainly isnt small.

Ohh mine has the 2.0 140 diesel motor and thats plenty quick enough the newer ones with 160 shift a bit quicker still.

[Roger W]

I'm on my 3rd C5 Tourer, '05, '09 and now '62. The first and last were Exclusives, the 09 a VTR+.

The latest is the best all rounder and superb value for money with the discounts available on-line. The first did 85K in my hands, the second 50k and the latest is on 8k. I have never had any engine problems with the 2.0l HDI. and the 160 version has bags of torque. The latest hydroactive with sport option gives a far better ride than the metal sprung VTR. And again, in 24 years of Citroens, '89 BX Pilot was the first, I've never had a suspension problem. I did have a lot of electronic problems with the '09 but they were all resolved under warranty eventually, and you need to grease the suspension arms on the rear of the hydro's, a well known foible unless they fixed it. I will know in another year or so.

I looked at various alternatives but none came with the 'extras' included with the C5. At a little over £20k with black paint and glass roof, I considered it exceptional value. I am only concerned that this might be the last hydroactive model produced by Citroen.

Incidentally I did look at the DS5 but was not impressed by the interior space or the boot access. It is superbly equipped but not big enough for my needs at this time. 

[kaliope]

 you need to grease the suspension arms on the rear of the hydro's, a well known foible unless they fixed it. 

 

 

1. what exactly is needed to be greased? Hard job to do? What if this isn't done? 

 

2. So the 16 valve 2.0 HDI has no known issues? 

 

3. What about the automatic gearbox on MK3? Recommended? Faulty? 

Edited October 28, 2013 by kaliope

[qman3428]

Mine is a 2009 with 110000 miles on the clock, change the fuel filter regularly, and keep to the oil schedule. I have had no major engine issues and apart from a replacement fuse box in the engine bay (under warranty) the gearbox has been faultless. So really I cant answer your qiestion because it has not gone wrong yet!

[coastline taxis]

Common faults for c5 on taxis

window mechanism failing

Front seats

Fuse box.

 

Things drivers dont like

 

rear door gap is a bit small with punters hitting there heads getting in.

And the most important one is no hydraulic suspension.

 

other than that they run good and are good workhorses  theres a few in newcastle touching 200k and still running good

[kaliope]

Thanks, coasline taxis

 

1. What's wrong with the windows? The motors go? 

 

2. Fuse box? The fuses keep blowing? Water leaks?

 

3. So hydraulic suspensions should be avoided?  

 

4. Which engine do you have on your C5? 

[Johndouglas]

3. So hydraulic suspensions should be avoided? 

 

Definately No.   The hydraulic suspension is tried and tested.  It's good for many years.    I think what Steve is saying is that only the top of the range has hydraulic suspension.   All the others have steel springs.

[coastline taxis]

yes thats right john unless your mk3 c5 is top of the range then you just get the steel springs

 

The windows mechanism on the front of the mk3 keep failing and unless you can get one from a scrapyard then the parts alone to fix one window is nearly £300

 

Theres a problem with the fuse box under the bonnet failing  But then again you can find faults with most cars now. The biggest mistake in my opinion that citroen have made the hydraulic suspension is no longer standard on all models. And drivers are saying that after a 10 hour shift in one there aching all over.

[kaliope]

and besides the greasing that Roger mentioned, does the hydraulic suspension need any maintainance over some longer course of time? Do we replace anything at some intervals? Is the hydraulic pump and the high pressure hoses reliable? Can we just drive a C5 for say 10 years with no need to worry about it?   I guess there are no shock absorbers to be changed, no springs.....and does that mean that the hydraulic suspension is in fact cheaper to maintain?   

Edited October 31, 2013 by kaliope

[Johndouglas]

 does the hydraulic suspension need any maintainance over some longer course of time? Do we replace anything at some intervals? Is the hydraulic pump and the high pressure hoses reliable? Can we just drive a C5 for say 10 years with no need to worry about it?  

A difficult question.   But I can say that my own C5 is coming up to 9 years old and (touch wood) nothing has gone wrong.   That's not to say I don't inspect the layout for leaks, or check the LDS level in the reservoir or occasionally give the height regulators a spray.   Also before MOTs the front suspension legs need a wipe down.   It's normal to get slight misting on them, which some MOT inspectors see as a failure.   In due course the spheres will also need replacing. 

[kaliope]

thanks guys for all replies, hope you don't find me a pain in the a.... :) 

 

and can we regulate the height of the car on MK3 just as it's possible on MK1 and 2? Is there a button/switch for this?  

[Parkesie]

Hight can be adjusted when stationary and will revert to normal if you forget and drive above 5mph. Also has a level button in the boot which is handy for hooking up trailers.

[Roger W]

Apologies for the delay in response. The Mk 1 C5 and it's update had a problem with dissimilar metal corrosion on the arms of the rear suspension which over time caused a distortion on the disc angle and hence wear. It was 'cured' by coating with a copper grease usually around the time for a rear disc change when it was all half stripped anyway. Mine needed doing at around 4 years (60K) I'm sure you'll find reference to it in the forum archive. I don't know yet whether this is a problem on the Mk3. Not seen any mention recently so maybe Citroen have got to grips with it.

And as the others have said, go for a 2.0 HDI Exclusive if you can. The ride is far better. As to the suspension, I have replaced 1 pump fuse in all of my hydraulic Citroens since 1989.

[Johndouglas]

 so maybe Citroen have got to grips with it.

 

The rear arm corrosion problem has been around since the BX came onto the scene.   It continued through the life of the Xantia and has now continued in the C5.   I'd be surprised if Citroen have done anything to prevent it.

[paul.h]

This is a bit like a buying guide so thought it is worth pinning.

[kaliope]

Now, browsing some C5 offers, ive noticed the front seats are different since 2009, in fact looking worse in the sense of holding capabilities. So they changed them in the lifted editon?  

 

http://images63.fotosik.pl/357/442103205615cca1m.jpg

 

http://images63.fotosik.pl/357/388331896c2111efm.jpg

 

What are changes were introduced? 

Edited November 8, 2013 by kaliope

[paul.h]

The lower picture looks like an exclusive with leather electric seats (no handbrake on the exclusive). In the brochures the seats for the VTR look different to the VTR+ and exclusive so maybe you are comparing the cheaper seats of the VTR with sports seats.

 

Something to watch not yet mentioned but has been discussed on here - rear parking sensors are only standard on the exclusive models but could be ordered as an option on the VTR+ if the car is purchased new. If not done already, you can download a sales brochure from the Citroen website. This is worth doing occasionally for future use since the Citroen site only has current ones.

[paul.h]

The new C5 may be prone to steering rack leaks - where the supply and return pipes join the rack. It does not appear to be easy to fix and just replacing the seals does not work. Also Citroen do not sell the seals separately from the pipes. See http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/20872-power-steering-leaking-fluid/?do=findComment&comment=75684

[Parkesie]

The leaking steering pipes can turn out to be the rack input seal. Replacement rack is the only fix i could find.

Region of 2-300 for a recon rack+labour and lds fluid.

[Mike O.]

Hi kaliope,

 

I am always intrigued, why is that only us, Poles, are interested in the variable ground clearance?

No wonder the next C5 will most likely not have the Hydractive suspension... 

I wouldn't by a car without it. I need the SUV-like ride height to reach my favourite fishing spots in rural Australia and still have a superb highway car without the SUV traits: stiff ride, bad handling, high fuel consumption etc.

My third, current C5 is a December 2013 2.0HDi Auto Exclusive Tourer. I love it. The only negatives are:

1. Road noise (despite selecting higher profile tyres - 225/55 x 17). I am currently noise deadening it, like I did the previous      models. Only a problem on coarse chip surfaces, less common in Poland than in Australia.

2. Poor resale value: not a problem for me, since I am planning on keeping it for a long time. 

 

So, long live Hydractive 3+!!!

 

Being a Citroen nut myself, like many of this group members, I don't mind answering any questions about the C5.

 

Regards,

 

Mike O.

[paul.h]

I find the variable ground clearance useful in the UK also - lower the car to min to help when washing it, occasional off road parking on uneven surfaces, once going over a kerb to avoid a broken down vehicle blocking the road.

[Stylo]

Hello dear Fans! I am new to the forum, i am coming form VW and Renault owners clubs. 

Now the time for Citroen C5 - came.  I have couple of questions regarding this great Car!  First I will describe what i am looking for - C5 - saloon /sedan/ so 2010+ or C5- X7 .  
I am reading a lot for the model so here are my thoughts for it. 

I my country people prefer VW and German cars, but i dont like them for high costs and some other reasons and issues.  So i move my self to Renault Scenic 2 2008, petrol engine. I was very happy with it for nearly 25k miles and decided to change it..  Long story short - for nearly 12 years i got only 3 cars - petrol only. 

Now i am looking for C5 - 2000cc - 140hp , 2010- 2011. Sedan model with Hydro-active 3+ 

My concerns : 
1. Turbo and flywheel cost - i am comparing that to Renault and VW - a lot of fault units in all range of the diesel engines. * So very expensive repairs. C5 - case ?

2. In my Scenic 2 - faulty automatic handbrake -  600 Euros here... just hell for a "hand" brake .. So do you  have a common problems with it ?

3. One of you said that C5-3 can be the last model having Hydro-active !?  This is really upsetting please confirm ?

4. In case I need to remove the FAP and catalytic converters all together is that save for the engine, ECU, etc... / I believe the miles per  liter will rise ?/
 

5. I am wondering should i avoid automatic trans or just to buy the best model i find regarding the transmission type? My concerns are - higher fuels cost / I heard +2 liters*/100 km / and possible problems... /I am scared becasuse of trashy DSG's , because friend of main paid 4y ago - 5k euros for new one... 

Thank you in advance, for all of the people helping here! 

I just cant explain that feeling ...its like Santa is coming to bring it..home..  :lol:  :wub:  hope  you will understand what I mean.... :)))))