The mk1 2.2 is not markedly more unreliable than later C5's in this respect, shorter service times on both fluid and filters yes, which of course translates into more expense.citroenxm wrote: Yes, but the REAL Q is why is the Mk.1 2.2 16v so more un reliable then later systems on C5 1.5's?? FAP problems always seem to be assosciated with the first generation 2.2 engines, as with injector removal problems..
The later family of 16v HDi engines seem problem free (So Far!)
Paul
FAP problems are associated with this car simply because of the stupid warning message "Anti Pollution Fault" used for any related engine malfunction, which greedy or unknowing members of the trade have inflated into "FAP" as an easy money earner.
Mention "Pollution Fault" on sites such as this and the myth will be perpetuated by many people who have never done the research into the car and how it really works.
As designed the FAP system has it's own set of warnings and only when all of these have been ignored and the filter has choked up to the point of causing damaging back pressure will it post a "Anti Pollution Fault".
I have a 2002 2.2 120K on the clock with a reasonably comprehensive service history, as far as I can remember it had 5 litres of EOLYS round about 40K a new FAP and 5 Ltres of EOLYS at round about 70K( I believe this is actually longer than the recommended service interval) and is as we speak by calculation is needing a top up now, although so far I have no no indication that the level is low.
I purchased the car with an intermittent"Anti Pollution " fault first garage I took the car to said it was probably the FAP!!!!. I the went away and did some serious study and purchased a Lexia, turned out to be a swirl valve problem which I suspect is responsible for many many instances of "Anti Pollution " faults on these cars. (Easily fixed at a cost of about £20.00)
My advice to anybody considering buying a Mk1 is simply if economy is your main driver then a 2.0 ltr with a manual box is the one to go for. If on the other hand you want a car with all the toys and some real grunt then a 2.2 Exclusive SE is the one to go for, don't be put off by FAP horror stories there are other issues more likely to get you with both 2.2 and 2.0 than FAPS. At the end of the day you can always drill a couple of 1/2 dia holes down the length of the FAP or knock the filter out all together and get the ECU re-mapped.
cachaciero