16v 2.0l Auto C5 exclusive

[Smarty2]

I have a question about the autobox on this version its the facelifted one 2006, is it the dreaded AL4 on these or the better ZF box, anyone know?

[addo]

Almost certainly the AL4. They can outlast the ZF by the way.

[Smarty2]

AAArgh! Can they? I've had my 2 litre SX auto since 2008 and six months into the purchase I've had problems with the AL4 ever since! Car I'm looking at though has only done 47k and has had a full service history with one owner, trouble is Citroen won't look at the box since it's "sealed for life" and I have been told by citroen "techs" that you don't need to change the fluid!" and "why would you need to" So far I've had new electro valves and a new valve block and it still hates running cold! Not sure that the HP20 matches that performance?

[addo]

They do need to warm up, that is true. I learnt to lift off just at the edge of those harsh shift points; it makes all the difference. Can't do that with the 4HP22 - it won't change up/down although the 4HP18 will.

[Smarty2]

Is it the 4HP22 on the 3l V6? Looking at a few exclusives at the mo.

[Mandrake]

4HP20 on early C5 3 litre V6's, same as the Xantia V6. Later ones are an Aisan box, AFAIK.

[Smarty2]

Those Aisan box's any better?

[addo]

Valve body is triple the cost.

[Smarty2]

It matters not Citroen friends, I've just purchased a 2007 exclusive with under 55k on the clock for less than two and a half! And when I get it it will be into the LPG shop for a kitting out of a top of the line Prinz multipoint injection system! Bargain. Oh, and several changes of LT71141 fluid!!
So, that means I may well be letting my 04 2.0l SX auto go? Spent a boat on it too, new tyres all round (Avons) Comfort spheres, 12 months MOT (no advisories) and 12 months tax! New valve block last year and several changes of fluid, still doesn't like the cold and will need an overhaul eventually. Oh and an LPG system too, fully serviced and an 80 litre stacko tank in the boot on a good run you can get 300 miles out of it, and at 57p a litre... well what can I say?

[Smarty2]

Having had the car for a couple of weeks now I am amazed at the difference between the Mk2 and this! More power more agile lighter, AL4 box although the same performs totally differently! Only negatives are the turning circle is considerably less than the Mk2? It has some nice touches though with the xenon headlights turning with the steering, and a more comprehensive display, electric seats and a rear wash wipe! Missed that on the Mk2, and I like the cruise control, plus its got a cd changer under the driver seat, used to be in the boot in my Xantia Exclusive, not too miffed about it not having leather seats though. The ride seems harsher than the Mk2 though surprisingly, I would have thought Citroen would have made the Exclusive a more supple ride? Had the gas system installed and strangely they said they can fit a 100 litre tank in this one but could only fit an 85 in the Mk2? Boot looks the same to me! I can also have the Primacy 3's on this as the wheels are 215 55 16's. Missus always gave me grief because of my love of Citroen but she certainly likes this one! (until it goes wrong?) Off to the garage now for some tlc on the AL4 with some fresh LT71141.

[Smarty2]

Anyone know if the hydractive 3 suspension on this model has auto sports mode? Rear end seems too hard to me! And I'm not driving like sterling Moss. It's confusing if it has since if I got some comfort spheres which ones would I get? With sports or without?

[myglaren]

Only Hydractive 3+ has sports mode.
There will be a sport button between the raise and lower buttons if it is present.

[Stickyfinger]

@Smarty

Having had all 3 types now, I think the ride on good normal spheres is as good as the Mk1. I test drove a Mk1 with comfort spheres and it was horrid, don't know why a facelift would be different. Maybe go new standard but it is only my view.

[Smarty2]

Only Hydractive 3+ has sports mode.
There will be a sport button between the raise and lower buttons if it is present.

OK, it does not have a sport button like on my Mk2 SX, problem is though with the manual its generic and isn't specific to my exact model. So if I plumb for the comfort spheres is it always necessary to change the regulator spheres too? seem there isn't a comfort version of those anyway?

Cheers.

[Smarty2]

@Smarty

Having had all 3 types now, I think the ride on good normal spheres is as good as the Mk1. I test drove a Mk1 with comfort spheres and it was horrid, don't know why a facelift would be different. Maybe go new standard but it is only my view.

When you say "horrid" in what way?