Engine Supplier Needed For C5

[A_Taylor]

Hi All,

 

Was wondering if anyone could help. Our 2008 C5 recently decide to lunch it's engine (suspected big end failure) and I'm trying to source a re-con engine. Plenty around, but problem is trusting any of the suppliers as there does seem to be a large amount of fraudsters in this business. So basically my question is: Can anyone recommend a trustworthy supplier?

 

Cheers

 

Alex.

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Which model C5 is it  - 2004 to 2008 or 2008 on and which engine do you need - size/petrol/diesel and engine code (or post the letters from the car VIN which include the code ? There may be members on here who have an unwanted engine and may be able to help or suggest a supplier.

 

I have included C5 in the topic title to help.

[A_Taylor]

Hi,

 

Sorry, It's a late MkI,  1.6 HDI VTX+ estate. 

 

Things have actually moved on a bit since I last posted. Citroen have given us a reasonable quote (~£4000) for fitting a re-con with all ancillaries,  so I think we'll be going down that route, unless someone in the next few days screams don't.

 

Would still be interested in peoples opinions though as this experience has really highlighted what a minefield getting this sort of work done is.

 

Cheers

 

[paul.h]

I would not spend about £4000 on a 1.6 hdi engine, especially on a car 6 years old. The 1.6 hdi is prone to turbo failure so you could be needing another new engine in a few years or even less if everything is not replaced. The 1.6 hdi might give a few more mpg but has higher maintenance costs (more services) than the larger engines and is prone to failure if not given frequent oil/filter changes with the correct oil - and that is not a guarantee of prevention.

 

A quick look on Autotrader shows you can get another car for that sort of money and with the 2.0 hdi engine (or 2.2 hdi) which is not prone to turbo failure like the 1.6 hdi. If you went for a 2007 or 2006, it would be well under £4000 and does not need to be high mileage either. £4000 seems to be the starting point for the new version of C5 from 2008 but the miles would be high. Before commiting to the repairs, find out the scrap value of your car.

[A_Taylor]

Even if it was a fully reconditioned one?  The deal Citroen was offering did include the Turbo as well as injectors so I thought it was a good deal.

[A_Taylor]

Just popped the details into a couple of scraping sites and £100-£200 seems to be the range.

[paul.h]

Before agreeing to the repairs maybe have a look on Autotrader and look at another car and think if you had £4000 to spend, would you buy your car (repaired) or another car without the 1.6 hdi engine since the cost to you is about the same.

 

What warranty are Citroen giving with the reconditioned engine including the turbo ?

[A_Taylor]

1 year, I think with unlimited mileage.

[Johndouglas]

You're quite right to be wary of reconditioned engines. No reconditioner is going to replace parts that are still serviceable. Also a 'recon engine' may also include an engine that had been removed from a damaged vehicle. You can pick those up from around 500 quid.

 

Personally I wouldn't be putting another £4000 into a six year old car – especially the 1.6 model. Cut your losses and look around for another C5 – preferably one with a 2ltr engine.

[A_Taylor]

What are peoples opinions of the 2008 on model? Which? seems to give it a not great score on reliability.

 

A few C5 Mk1s  around but not many near to where I live. Seem to be lots more MKIIs about.  

[seefive]

I had a Mk 3 (saloon) 2013 model from new and ditched it after a year. Went back to a 2006 Mk2 (facelift hatchback like yours ) - 2.0 hdi exclusive with nav and sunroof - £2,400 with low miles and good history. Haven't regretted it so far. Worth travelling for a good one...

 

[paul.h]

I think when the mark 3 2008 on model came out there were a few recalls but these would have been sorted on any car still around. On the C5 Technical section there is a pinned post of Common Problems to look at covering all C5s, the mark 1 2001 to 2004, the mark 2 (facelift) 2004 to 2008 and the mark 3 2008 on.

 

Whatever C5 or other diesel you go for it is probably best to avoid the PSA 1.6 hdi engine unless going for a newish one with the Citroen 3 year warranty. If you do not do many miles then you should also consider a petrol one.

[A_Taylor]

Right, think we've decided not to repair the 1.6 and going to see a 2.0 Hdi C5 tonight. It's on a 55 plate and has 110,000miles on the clock. Any advice on what to look for?

[paul.h]

You have probably seen the car by now, but anyway, have a look at the C5 Technical section pinned topic on Common Problems. Make sure the dpf has not been removed or drilled through and generally make sure everything works. It is always better to look at a car in daylight when checking the bodywork, so if not sure about the car, go back in daylight.

[A_Taylor]

Update: Car had been sold during the day. Totally gutted. Luckily I had phoned before so didn't make an unnecessary trip.  

 

Does the MKIII 1.6 have the same problems as the MKII? There seems to be a few of these about.  

[paul.h]

Yes, the mark 3 1.6 hdi has the same turbo problems (and other makes of car using the same engine such as Fords).

[A_Taylor]

Just seen another C5 2.0 Auto, it's a MKII Exclusive. Very nice nick overall but last MOT it had an advisory that the off side rear suspension was weeping.

 

Is this a show stopper in peoples view?

[paul.h]

If it is a leaking rear strut, to replace it by a dealer will be about £260 inc parts and labour and takes about 1 hour. DIY probably about £50 less since you will need to buy a sphere removal tool. Do you need an auto though since mpg is not good and the tax is high, plus any problems could be expensive.

 

From a 2007 C5 brochure:

- 2.0 petrol auto hatchback - 22.8/44.1/32.8 urban/etra urban/combined mpg, CO2 206 g/km. Tax £285.

- 2.0 hdi auto hatchback or estate - 28.2/51.4/39.8 mpg, CO2 189 g/km. Tax £265.

- 2.0 hdi manual hatchback or estate - 36.2/56.5/47.1 mpg, CO2 158 g/km. Tax £180.

- 2.2 hdi 173 bhp manual hatchback (estate) - 34.9/56.5/46.3 (34.4/55.4/45.6) mpg, CO2 160 (165) g/km. Tax £180.