1999 Citroen Xantia 2.0 Hdi - A Few Questions

[Guest Conz]

Hi guys,

 

I have a couple of questions if you don't mind helping me out:

1. How do I find out if my 1999 (T reg) HDi is a 110BHP or 90BHP model?
   
2. I used to own a 1996 2.0 16v SX about 10 years ago but my 1999 HDi seems a little more sloppy with regards to suspension ride. There's a particular speed bump I go over... when turning the corner and onto this bump, the suspension gets VERY bouncy, to an extent I have to tense myself otherwise I can get thrown all over. Also when I brake, the car dips more than I feel comfortable with. I describe it like 'being on jelly'. Between owing the 16v SX and 2.0 HDi I've only owned cars with VERY firm suspensions, so maybe I'm so used to these and what I'm experiencing on the HDi is fine? Is there a test or physical check I can do to find out if there is a problem?
   
3. My radio / cassette unit has a CD button and I've noticed there is a loom in the boot (I assume for a CD changer). Can you confirm this is likely what it's for and where I can go to get a 'cheap' CD Changer? I looked on eBay, but there's nothing at the moment.
   
4. Why are the headlamps on a MK2 a LOT more expensive to buy than on a MK1?
   
5. If I leave all my heating vents open and move the lever to different positions (floor, med, windscreen, etc) it doesn't seem to make much difference (if any) and the airflow seems mostly to be coming from dash panel. Even at full blow, it doesn't seem that powerful, although it sounds loud. If I close the dash vents, I get more blow coming from the windscreen vents. Does this sound like I have a fault with the mechanics of the blowers?
   

Sorry for all the questions, but thought I'd get them all done in one go. Thanks in advance.

 

Kind regards,

Peter

[Guest Colin Hunter]

I'll Answer your questions as well as I can

1. There are two ways to tell between a 90 and a 110. One is that the 110 has an intercooler and the 90 does not.Look for a tube about 2 1/2" diameter coming forward across the engine next to the air filter and leading towards the radiator area. The other is that the 90 has 185/65x15 tyres and the 110 has 205/60x15. The tyres may have been altered during the cars life so this is not 100%
   
2. It's possible that the spheres may be past their best but they usually become firmer as they approach failure. Make sure the suspension rises and falls as it should by moving the lever batween the seats and by sitting on the boot sill you will be able to see if it corrects for load. If the car feels OK out on the road (Usual Magic carpet) then it's probably alright. If in doubt take it to a dealer or suspension guru to check it out. If you need to change the spheres see my reply at http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citro...?showtopic=4507
   
3. The wires in the boot are for a cd changer as you surmised. I went through the same rigmarole 5 years ago when I bought my S reg 110. Transpired the only place I could get a changer that the head unit would comunicate with was from Citroen at a price of some £170 plus the chancellors bit! Needless to say I didn't bother! Best bet these days is to get a wee MP3 player and a VHF transmitter (Belkin "Tunecast" or similar) and you can listen to your music over an unused radio frequency. Loads on Ebay but beware of a scam with MP3s. They may be "Hacked" to make a 2gb appear to be 4gb or whatever, particularly from China/Hong Kong. If you put the word REAL in your search you should be OK.
   
4. No idea! Probably because they're newer and a fancier shape!
   
5. You could start by having a look at the pollen filter. See my reply to pandp at http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citro...?showtopic=4321 When I think about it I think mine is much the same as regards directional control but is noticably noisier on recirc than when taking in outside air. May be that the control flap for that is not working properly but it's most likely to be a choked pollen filter. Cheers Hope this helps.
   

[Guest Conz]

WOW. Hi Colin... What a fantastic and imformative response... Thanks ever so much for taking you time to answer my questions. I will look into what I can and let you know.

 

Off the top of my head, the tyres are 205 so that's a step towards the possibility of mine being a 110. I'll check for the tube & intercooler.

 

Madly enough, and my perseverance paid off, I got an O/S headlight off eBay this afternoon for a mere £3.99 (+ P&P). I've been getting quoted anywhere between £50 - £150 from various other sources, so I'm well chuffed. It's from a 1998R, so should be fine. Citroen, seemingly, released the mk2 (which mine is) in Jan 1998. Fingers crossed... But for that price, if it's wrong then it's no real loss.

 

I'll get my mate to check the pollen filter soon.

 

Thanks,

Peter

[willie]

WOW. Hi Colin... What a fantastic and imformative response... Thanks ever so much for taking you time to answer my questions.

 

 

Yeah, Colin knows his Xantias!!!!!!

 

I only wish he stayed near Glasgow!!!!!!!!.........my new (to me) car looks like it's going to cost me a small fortune in repairs :rolleyes:

 

ps, I too picked up an Ebay bargain ----- a genuine Citroen N/S/R foglamp (brand new) for £15

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Hi Chaps. Thanks very much for your kind words! I sometimes wish that I lived somewhere other than Shetland, especially when I need bits for either car. I recently needed to put a Cat on the lad's ZX and found one on the "Web" for £45 plus the dreaded VAT Delivery (UK Mainland) was £7.50. Delivery to "Offshore" was. £49.99! Needless to say I went "Local" and got one (Fitted) for under £100. Still a lot for what is basically a "Banger". Also Try £1.17.9 a litre for Diesel! (And that's at the CHEAPEST place) You lot think you have something to moan about! Thankfully I manage to coax about 47 miles or so from each gallon! Cheers Again

[willie]

Hi Chaps. Thanks very much for your kind words! I sometimes wish that I lived somewhere other than Shetland, especially when I need bits for either car. I recently needed to put a Cat on the lad's ZX and found one on the "Web" for £45 plus the dreaded VAT Delivery (UK Mainland) was £7.50. Delivery to "Offshore" was. £49.99! Needless to say I went "Local" and got one (Fitted) for under £100. Still a lot for what is basically a "Banger". Also Try £1.17.9 a litre for Diesel! (And that's at the CHEAPEST place) You lot think you have something to moan about! Thankfully I manage to coax about 47 miles or so from each gallon! Cheers Again

 

JEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZUS!!!!!!!!! That's fookin' expensive mate!!!!!!!

 

We really do get ripped off with fuel prices in the UK no matter what part though.

 

Do you know a guy called "Wizzy" Scott from up there? A biker.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Yeh! Takes your Effin breath away. I went in to Lerwick last Friday and it was £1.11. when I went back Yesterday it was £1.17.9 at one garage and £1.19.9 at two others! Nearly went off the bloody road! They say it's going up again as well! Thank F**K beer's cheap enough! We'll just all get pi**ed and forget about the fuel price! It's a sad fact thet the bulk of the fuel price is tax and the Numpties in Downing street don't seem to give a damn! Don't see them getting another term personally but will the other lot be any better! From previous experience probably not! I remember an old guy saying once that it doesn't matter who you vote for, the Government still gets in! Thanks again for the remarks. Cheers and happy motoring.