C5 Estate - Convert Hydractive 3 to 3+?

Unread post by **Paul-R** » 08 May 2010, 12:09

My C5 is only Hydractive 3 - which seems to be the only option for the HDi engined estate - and I have wondered about converting to 3+.

I'm not about to rush into this as the car is running reasonably at the moment but if I have to replace a sphere, or whatever, I've wondered whether the upgrade might be possible and what is involved. Would I be right in thinking that I have to replace the four existing spheres and add a fifth (somewhere!), add the extra pipework, change the centre console switch and then change the setup in the BSI with a Lexia.

Sounds simple doesn't it? Are there any pitfalls? The actual hardware isn't a problem as I bought an HPi Estate with 3+ for breaking and I can take what I want off it.

Feasible or forget it?

KevMayer · Unread post by **KevMayer** » 08 May 2010, 13:51

It would be easier to buy a C5 with 3+ fitted.

The 3+ system has 6 spheres where there are 3 on each axle. The 3 system has 2 spheres per axle.

The middle sphere of the 3+ is switched in and out via an electrovalve which is controlled by the suspension ECU. The ECU relies on steering wheel angle sensors etc.

It would be a big big job. Not really possible for a DIY job.

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 08 May 2010, 21:09

I would forget it.

Unread post by **Paul-R** » 08 May 2010, 22:00

KevMayer wrote:It would be easier to buy a C5 with 3+ fitted.

Not possible as they don't seem to have made HDis with 3+.

KevMayer wrote: The 3+ system has 6 spheres where there are 3 on each axle. The 3 system has 2 spheres per axle.

The middle sphere of the 3+ is switched in and out via an electrovalve which is controlled by the suspension ECU. The ECU relies on steering wheel angle sensors etc.

Oops, 6 not 5. The steering wheel sensor angles are already measured for the ASR/ESW.

KevMayer wrote:It would be a big big job. Not really possible for a DIY job.

It was one of those idle moment thoughts. I'd only ever consider it if I had to change a sphere anyway.

cachaciero · Unread post by **cachaciero** » 09 May 2010, 08:00

Paul-R wrote:
KevMayer wrote:It would be easier to buy a C5 with 3+ fitted.
Not possible as they don't seem to have made HDis with 3+.

.

3 or 3+ is nothing to do with engine type but trim level e.g all Exclusive trim level will have 3+.

As regards conversion there are two types of steering angle sensor if you havn't got the right one thats a new COM unit .. loads of dosh. and I suspect that that the BHI ECU would require re-programming.

FWIW I have 3+ and it always stays in 3 which is already too firm for my liking.

Is it possible? probably if you have the time tools knowledge and skills anythings possible but is it worth it?... No! Sell what you have and go and buy an Exclusive trim version

cachaciero

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 09 May 2010, 09:24

cachaciero wrote:
3 or 3+ is nothing to do with engine type but trim level e.g all Exclusive trim level will have 3+.

My Exclusive doesn't have a 'sport' button!

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 09 May 2010, 10:09

cachaciero wrote:
Paul-R wrote:
KevMayer wrote:It would be easier to buy a C5 with 3+ fitted.
Not possible as they don't seem to have made HDis with 3+.

.
3 or 3+ is nothing to do with engine type but trim level e.g all Exclusive trim level will have 3+.

cachaciero

No, thats not true, its totally engine dependant. If all Exclusive models had H3+ then Paul R would already have this on his car.

In S1 every 2.2HDi has got H3+, even in SX trim level.
No 2.0HDi 90/110 has ever had H3+, not even in Exclusive trim.

I dont think the 2.0 16V petrol had it either? But the HPI engine c5 did.

Facelift C5s are the same, i dont think 2.0 138 HDIs got H3+ even in exclusive trim?

Yes, the new germanic C5 does have hydractive on all exclusive trims, as well with the autos i do believe. but thats about it.

logiclee · Unread post by **logiclee** » 09 May 2010, 12:12

Citroenmad wrote:
Yes, the new germanic C5 does have hydractive on all exclusive trims, as well with the autos i do believe. but thats about it.

Yep that's correct all Exclusive models and all Automatic models of the new C5 get 3+, the rest get coil springs.

Cheers
Lee

Unread post by **Paul-R** » 09 May 2010, 12:33

Well I'm sorry to to started such a potentially divisive subject!

I've no idea why the 2.0 HDi was deemed unsuitable but there it is. I'm not convinced that the com2000 is different but even if it is, there's one on the donor car.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 09 May 2010, 12:42

I dont think the comms2000 unit is different.

I dont think it was so much that the 2.0hdi was deemed unsuitable for H3+ but probably to cut costs of production, cost of the purchase price of the car and maybe improve the suspensions reliability and reduce future repair costs.

Much in the same way basic new C5s now dont even have hydraulic suspension. Reduces costs, reduces complications and was said to appeal to more people, especially fleet buyers.

cachaciero · Unread post by **cachaciero** » 09 May 2010, 19:06

Citroenmad wrote:
cachaciero wrote:
Paul-R wrote: Not possible as they don't seem to have made HDis with 3+.

.
3 or 3+ is nothing to do with engine type but trim level e.g all Exclusive trim level will have 3+.

cachaciero
No, thats not true, its totally engine dependant. If all Exclusive models had H3+ then Paul R would already have this on his car.

In S1 every 2.2HDi has got H3+, even in SX trim level.
No 2.0HDi 90/110 has ever had H3+, not even in Exclusive trim.

I dont think the 2.0 16V petrol had it either? But the HPI engine c5 did.

Facelift C5s are the same, i dont think 2.0 138 HDIs got H3+ even in exclusive trim?

Yes, the new germanic C5 does have hydractive on all exclusive trims, as well with the autos i do believe. but thats about it.

I stand well corrected, but pauls original statement was all HDi's which as I have a 2.2 with H3+ plainly wasn't true

I guess then if one want's a 2.0 ltr with H3+ it's probably easier to get a 2.2 and swap the engine

On the latest C5's is that hydractive 3 or 3+ ?

cachaciero

Unread post by **Paul-R** » 09 May 2010, 19:32

When I said HDi originally I completely forgot about the 2.2 so I must add my apology for that as well!

Until one of my spheres goes that's it I reckon. 155k on the clock, what is the general life of these things?