C5 suspension type

[Peter.N.]

Both of mine are SXs but the suspension seems different, the 2.2 has a sport switch and I seem to remember a centre sphere, the 2.0L doesn't, or at least I can't find one. The 2.2 gives a good ride on the road but not so good over rough surfaces which I understand is due to the thicker anti roll bar, there is also much more suspension movement on the 2.2 which suggests that the spheres need replacing on the 2.0L, this rides marginally better over the rough but not so good on the road, its done 181k miles but the 2.2 only 148k. Am I on the right track?

Thanks

Peter

[Spaces]

I suppose the smaller engined car won't be hydractive. Which would account for its ability on your track, even with spheres past their best - the hydractive prob cuts out the centre spheres and combined with tighter damping will make it pretty rough. Any way to lock it in 'soft' mode? Plus a little less extreme damping on the corner spheres would help.

[hmvt]

They both hydractes, but the 2.0 has the hydractive 3 suspension, and the 2.2 has the hydractive 3+ wich includes the sport buton.
In Portugal only the 2.2 have the sport buton, I think that is the difference you see...

[Peter.N.]

Right thanks, where is the front third sphere then?

Peter

[Spaces]

I thought H3 was analagous to standard Citroen suspension, without the centre spheres etc whereas H3+ was similar to hydractive 2, as on some Xantias and XMs.

[Peter.N.]

Well I can't find a third sphere so that would figure.

Peter

[Spaces]

And it would explain the better ride over your track, where the variable hydractive system starts to cut the centre spheres out as the wheels travel too far, in its opinion, to remain in 'soft' mode. As I say above, is it possible to lock the H3+ into soft mode?

[Citroenmad]

Yes the 2.0 will not be hydractive (as we know it ..) is just a H3 not the + version. None of the 2.0HDi C5s ever got hydractive+. It was only on the 2.2HDi's and various petrols.

[Spaces]

A bit misleading that they should call standard-style suspension 'Hydractive'. I suppose it was the usual sales-bowlocks.

[Citroenmad]

I suppose they call it hydractive because it adjust its height, at motorway speeds it lowers and over rough roads at low speeds the car raises. Though its not really hydractive

[Peter.N.]

Well the upside is it makes it simpler - and I'm all for that

Peter