Basics on C5

[danielsydney]

Hi Group,

Would like to know some differences between the series 1, 2 and current shape C5 please? Is there any major changes and differences apart from being a newer car? Which is the better car? I have read that apart from fuel economy the 4 cylinder diesel is better than V6 engines and cheaper and easier to maintain in terms of parts costs?

Can anyone provide some further details and experiences?

[vborovic]

Even the current C5 X7 has two generations, from 2011 onwards for the latest, each of the C5 generations from 2001 onwards had mechanical upgrades in different areas (newer engines, electronics, electrical systems), newer (or slightly upgraded) interior, etc ... I think a good place to start would be here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_C5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As for the part of which is a better car, that's a tough question ... depending on what you consider a better car (the lowest maintenance, cheapest parts, ...) ... I own a X7, my dad has a C5 II ... I'll say that mine is better, since it is newer and loaded with features ... BUT, my dad's C5 has hydractive suspension, and is unbeatable in terms of ride quality ... ... depends on what you expect from the car really ..

[wheeler]

The biggest difference in the first 2 C5's is one you can't really see, the both have a totally different electrical system, the second generation moved on to full CAN multiplexing, meaning a bit more electrical gadgets available like lane departure warning system, directional headlamps, speed limiter, front parking assistance, RT4 radio & also better versions of already available stuff. Also started coming with the AM6 6 speed auto box.
Also sadly done away with the 2.0 8v HDi engine.

[SaabC5]

Best VFM is the MKI, available with the 8v 2.0HDI, the most economical engine variant. The facelift MKII is arguably the prettier and more advanced electrics wise than the MKI. The MKIII X7 is in my opinion the best looking of the bunch but you don't get the Hydractive suspension unless you get the top Exclusive spec so its not a real Citroen. If i was buying one today i'd be going for a MKII, for £2k you can get a very capable, frugal, comfortable cruiser.

[qprdude]

Well it's all been said now.
Except for purchase price of course. From a few hundred pounds for the earliest cars, to several thousand pounds for the X7. Like all modern cars, repair and maintenance are becoming a bit specialised apart from servicing.
The two earlier cars were sold as hatchbacks or estate, the X7 has no hatchback in the range. Saloon and Tourer only.
I had a phase 1 petrol C5 about ten years ago and after sampling Renault, Jaguar, Rover and Saab , I now have the C5 X7 2.2L HDI. So far, I haven't had any major problems. My personal opinion is that the X7 is not really comparable with the Phase 1 and facelift cars, simply because it looks and drives like a totally different vehicle. The Exclusive with all the toys is hard to beat for comfort. The HDI engine has all the power you need unless you're a boy racer. Whilst the earlier cars were kind of "Tardis" like, the X7 is far more sleek and elegant. Remember, this is only MY opinion.
What you buy will be dictated by your budget as well as your taste.
I think maybe the answers you get will largely depend what model the replying members currently own. Difficult for people to give an informed opinion unless they have owned all three versions. (Maybe)

[vborovic]

I could help on that, my dad owned the C5, now the C5 II ... add my X7 to that, and for the first two we've had years of ownership experience (both hydractive) ... ... the X7 is still new to me to make useable comments on the long run, but so far everything is working as it should, and the biggest plus for me is the MPG that I get out of my car (up to 1100 km per tank), with moderate driving (mostly in the city, and enjoying the acceleration) and having few drives per month of 50-100 km no-stop, one way ... mind you, that's 163 horses to feed ...

[Peter.N.]

From my own experience and what I have read I would say that the early2.0. 8 valve C5 is the best of the bunch. Mine has done nearly 200,000 miles and still has the original clutch and DMF and will do 60 mpg driven gently. I have a 406 with the same engine and this has done 218,000 again mostly original. They are simpler with no DPF to worry about, spares are mostly cheap, so are the cars, from what I have seen they are also easier to work on.

Peter

[danielsydney]

Peter what is DPF?

[vborovic]

Diesel Particulate Filter ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_particulate_filter" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... basically, an extra filter with the newer diesel engines, located behind the catalytic converter, that help reduce particles emissions in the atmosphere, depending on the car, has to be maintained/replaced at usually no lower than 1200000 km, and if the car has a DPF, you can't remove it, because you'll fail the MOT (yearly car inspection before registration) ... a little extra on the topic: http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fu ... lters.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[danielsydney]

Well your not probably allowed to remove it in Australia here either. I doubt very highly that any inspection stations in Australia would have a clue about it.

[vborovic]

Here's a link to a similar discussion, regarding DPF "down under" ... http://www.4x4earth.com.au/forum/other- ... ralia.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[danielsydney]

What do people think of Citroen and what looks like winding down of hydro pneumatic suspension off models? Its now only on 1 model in Australia as an option on the C5.

[addo]

People get what they deserve.

[qprdude]

Disgraceful, but it's not the end of Hydractive I'm sure.
Don't Mercedes and Land Rover use a similar system (with tweaks)
No disrespect to steel spring owners, but it's not really a big Citroen without Hydractive suspension. It's what makes it a Citroen. If Citroen want to get down there and scramble around with the Fords etc, they will lose big time. That's just my opinion of course. Others may feel the steel sprung Citroens are OK.

[vborovic]

A steel sprung C5 X7 is still better and comfortable than a lot of its rivals ... it's not like the car is mounted on sticks of wood ... ... of course, hydractive is the top offer available for the ride quality ...