what to look of for on a C5?

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davoxx
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what to look of for on a C5?

Post by davoxx »

I'm dumping the xantias, and getting a C5.

What should I look out for? I'm thinking a 2008-2010 model with a 2.0 HDi engine, and preferably the non spring version.

There is a chance that I might get offered a C6, but I'm worried about parts/maintenance.
why?
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by Paul-R »

2010 is when the 163bhp engine came in. This is not only more powerful than the 138bhp engine (obviously!) but emits lower CO2, meaning a lower car tax band, and has better fuel consumption. It's the engine to go for.

You need to go for a high spec Exclusive (or possibly VTX for early cars) in order to get wet suspension.
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Get the best spec you can for your bucks. Watch out for the steering rack leak issue on original racks, always worth checking near the pinion for rust if poss. Or seeing if it has been replaced. Avoid the 1.6 Stop Start with the EGS controlled gearboxes. Go for a fully Auto or manual.
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davoxx
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by davoxx »

2009 seems to be my budget cap.
The handbrake is electric on the proper suspension one eh?
The VTR model seems to be the spring version here in Ireland.

There is a load of 1.6 HDi but they feel a bit underpowered to me.
why?
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Yes, electronic parking brake on Hydractive models.
Only very early VTRs had Hydractive - changed almost straightaway to Exclusive only
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by davoxx »

what do i need to look out for the dpf issues?
How often should the spheres be changed?

All the cars i've viewed have stamps in the service booklet but no receipts saying what was done. The new service booklet is a bit crap, it doesn't list what needs to be done at each service ...
why?
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by GiveMeABreak »

davoxx wrote: 15 Oct 2017, 16:03
what do i need to look out for the dpf issues?
Nothing in particular, same advice as always applies, make sure you allow regeneration to occur by having a good run every now and then.
How often should the spheres be changed?
I’m still on originals after 8 years 70k, no issues. C5 original saucer spheres have a much longer life than the green spheres on pre-C5 /C6 cars due on part to multi layered membranes.
All the cars i've viewed have stamps in the service booklet but no receipts saying what was done. The new service booklet is a bit crap, it doesn't list what needs to be done at each service ...
That will be down to the owner I’m afraid! I keep my receipts. Main dealers have records of what was done that can always be printed off- so long as the work was done at the dealer of course.

The proper service book that comes with the vehicle does tell you what time related operations need doing, but a service will be different depending where you take it in the non main dealer market. My dealer has a huge checklist that shows exactly what has been looked at. All fluid levels, pad and disk thickness, tread wear left, lights checked, belt condition etc., etc. Services can be ‘full’ or ‘interim’ or just an oil change, but you get what you pay for or do it yourself.
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by Paul-R »

davoxx wrote: 15 Oct 2017, 16:03How often should the spheres be changed?
I'm only on 45,000 miles with my X7 but my Mk1, which also had saucer spheres, was still fine when I sold it at 225,000 miles.
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by davoxx »

thanks for the help guys.
I'm torn between an estate and a saloon, both exclusives, but without sat nav .. which is a bummer. Can only find springy versions that have sat nav, but I guess a garmin will fill the void.
Do the C5 come with Xenons?

The rear bushes that go, can i prevent that or is it a taken that they'll need to be changed?
And the steering rack leak, would a clean and grease sort it?

Last but not least, installing a detachable towbar, does it need special wiring to communicate with the car's computer?
why?
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GiveMeABreak
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C5 MK II 2.0 HDi Exclusive Obsidian Black
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C15 Romahome White
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by GiveMeABreak »

davoxx wrote: 16 Oct 2017, 19:26 thanks for the help guys.
Do the C5 come with Xenons?
No, they are an optional extra. Models with the Directional, Bi-Xenons look like this on a 2008-2011:
DRL-LED-Upgrade.png
The rear bushes that go, can i prevent that or is it a taken that they'll need to be changed?
At some point like most cars
And the steering rack leak, would a clean and grease sort it?
The pinion is one of the areas that rusts and then the internal seals rapidly corrode - anything that can prevent / delay this has to be beneficial. I believe access is via the footwell steering column access to get a good view of the state of it
Last but not least, installing a detachable towbar, does it need special wiring to communicate with the car's computer?
'Proper' kits have the ECU that interfaces with the C5's electronic systems, that notify the car's ABS / ESP ECU that you are towing. This activates a special mode to account for the towing whenever the ABS or ESP system engages. It is configured using Diagbox / Lexia or by your dealer if you don't have a bespoke PSA diagnostic kit
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davoxx
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by davoxx »

Thanks a mill Marc for the answers.
why?
davoxx
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by davoxx »

what causes the remote electric boot on the estate to open only sometimes when the car is not running?
when the car is running it always opens.
why?
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by MikeT »

davoxx wrote: 04 Nov 2017, 13:34 what causes the remote electric boot on the estate to open only sometimes when the car is not running?
when the car is running it always opens.


Is it in "Economy Mode" when this occurs?
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by Paul-R »

Do you mean that when you press the unlock button (on the tailgate or on the key fob) that it sometimes only clicks to release the lock? That's as a result of the eco mode being invoked by the BSI. This can be caused by leaving the tailgate or any door open for too long after the engine has stopped. I find that a couple of minutes is long enough for it not to work properly.

Also opening, closing and then expecting the tailgate to open again without having run the engine is too much to expect.
As I get older I think a lot about the hereafter - I go into a room and then wonder what I'm here after.

Inside every old person is a young person wondering what the hell happened.

"Trying is the first step towards failure" ~ Homer J Simpson​
davoxx
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Re: what to look of for on a C5?

Post by davoxx »

Paul-R wrote: 04 Nov 2017, 14:27 Also opening, closing and then expecting the tailgate to open again without having run the engine is too much to expect.

^THIS
so it's a design feature?
why?
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