First long journey in the C5

[Peter.N.]

Have recently returned from a nearly 2000 mile trip to, from and around the Scottish highlands, my first journey of any length in my 2.0. Hdi C5 estate. I thought anyone who is contemplating getting one might be interested.

The overall ride and comfort was excellent, after fitting a new set of spheres and radius arm bearings although I personally would like it softer, might think about drilling the spheres out. The only 'problem' I noticed was that it would occaisionally drift to one side, I put this down to the strong winds initially but subsequently found it was being caused by a change in road camber direction, has anyone else noticed this?

Fuel consumption was pretty good at 60.4 mpg over 1920 miles at an average 50-60mph with the occaisional excursion to 70mph down hill although not as good as the 406 I went in last year, to be fair though the C5s speedo accuracy is almost spot on, probably the first car I have had that is and I know the 406 was fast. Considering I used to get 50-55mpg on the same trip in the 2.1 XM it doesn't sound that good, or shows what a brilliant engine the 2.1 is.

Over all its a nice comfortable roomy car but not as good as the XM, that would pull smoothly from 1000 rpm necessitating very little gear changing, the Hdi engine will pull but not smoothly, there is a vibration around 1500 rpm although not so bad below that, I don't think its just this engine as the 406 is the same. It may be that the Hdi has a lighter flywheel, does anyone have any thoughts?

Peter

[Hell Razor5543]

IIRC there may be a menu option available (through a Lexia) that might be able to change the suspension stiffness. As I don't have a C5 I don't really read their posts thoroughly, but I feel sure that a C5 expert will be able to give you better info.

[Clogzz]

The C5 is sensitive to crosswind.
Setting the suspension to sport mode helps a lot.

[Hell Razor5543]

My answer was for the softness comment, as opposed to the drifting comment. As I mentioned, I have no experience of the C5, so I am going by what I have read on the forum, and I would hope an expert will read this post and offer better advise.

[qprdude]

Not long back from my trip in the oposite direction Peter. Glad you are home safe. I did notice a slight pulling to one side at one point. If memory serves, it was on the M74 mostly. I suspect my C5 has a lower profile than yours, but as it only happened on the way south, I put it down to road camber or slight wind force (I think it was around the wide open Solway firth area and a bit south into Cumbria. I don't expect you will be surprised to hear that my MPG average was just below 40 !!! Average speed was 74mph, so coupled with the thirsty 2.2 HDI and a fair load, I may have got off lightly. I tried the 55 mph stuff for a few miles at the start, and the computer showed 58 mpg, but I got fed up with everone passing me so I decided to move on, and pay up. Off down again at the end of June, so I might try a journey of two halves and see what the difference in fuel consumption is. I did a bit less miles than you, but found the car once again, the most accomplished cruiser I have ever owned. The sport mode suspension on the twisty Surrey hills was absolutely perfect.

[Peter.N.]

You did better than me then, I don't think I ever saw 58mpg on my 2.2. I noticed this drifting problem more on the A9 between Perth and Inverness than on the A74 although it was also doing it on the A66 as we were crossing the country to see some friends and I could see the change in camber as it was drifting.

Mine doesn't have sport mode as it's a 2.0. Litre, less to go wrong

Peter

[Monkeyfeet]

Hi Peter, I'm getting to the point now where I'd like to replace the original spheres and a fluid change too. Did you do this work yourself?
If so I'm interested in the technique, if not would you mind posting the cost of the work please?

[Peter.N.]

Hi Monkeyfeet

Not difficult at all. I got my spheres on ebay for about £85 per pair, you will need a decent removal tool as due to the shape of them you cant use a chain wrench, there is a chap making them on ebay and they work a treat.

The difference between the C5 and earlier hydropnumatics is that you have to depressurise the system, again not difficult, its good if you leave some pressure until you have 'cracked' the threads then you can unscrew them by hand. There is a bleed nipple at the front by the bulkhead by the front o/s sphere, if you connect a short piece of plastic pipe to it you can put the other end in the reservoir and just open the nipple until the fluid stops flowing, then unscrew. The rear bleed point is in the middle of the axle but you will need to catch the fluid in a container unless you have a very long pipe! All this is done after lowering the suspension to the bottom.

Peter

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CITROEN-SPHER ... 1074210602" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19dc89f32a

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-SUSPENSION- ... 485504eb23" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[lexi]

It is very interesting Peter as I may end up with one of these at some time. It may be low for me to get in and out of as I have back and neck problems.
Mind you I still manage in Prelude occasionally, so anything is possible.

As for MPG? I think you have a very stiff spring fitted to loud pedal meself

[jgra1]

I did my long trip 3 weeks ago .... will report tomorrow

John

[Peter.N.]

It is very interesting Peter as I may end up with one of these at some time. It may be low for me to get in and out of as I have back and neck problems.
Mind you I still manage in Prelude occasionally, so anything is possible.

As for MPG? I think you have a very stiff spring fitted to loud pedal meself

No - to my foot

Peter

[citroenxm]

We done a medium length journey to the east coast last weekend to robin hoods bay.. in the xantia hdi 110 .. averaging aroun 70 to 75 mph i managed an average 52mpg... god knows what she do at 55mph every where.. and i have a tuning box fitted too...

[Peter.N.]

That sounds about right Paul, its all down to the driving.

Peter

[ej2095]

Ahh i am due down to Newquay from Birmingham in my C5.

Done a oil change etc so carnt wait to go.

Going to be an over night job as get most out of my saturday then.

Should be intresting drive.

Last time i did the trip was in my Vectra SRI

[jgra1]

Mine was a trip to Croatia and back, 4000km. All i could do before I went was oil and filter, and a clean

car was fully loaded, 4 large adults, and the boot crammed full.. I think we were on the max weight wise..
Car was a dream, comfortable, unfussy, quiet and roomy.. was by far the best long distance car I have had.
As an example, I did a meagre 8 hour solo trip on a saturday 2 weeks ago.. 500 miles and didnt feel any the worse for it..

anyway, I wasnt so bothered about clinical economy figures.. as the fuel bill was split 4 ways and there were 3 drivers.. - but, Croatia to mid belgium, 750 miles, on a tank.. I think that is 47-48 mpgs. that return trip included 5 hours of Dolomites and Alps, and 2 hours of 90-110mph autobahn

C5 HDi 110 makes a cheap long distance car use and enjoy.

John