Citroenmads Citroen blog.

[CitroJim]

I do like the term though... Currier n. One who cooks a good curry and sometimes delivers wheels.

Chris, it could find its way into the next edition of the Oxford Dictionary...

[Citroenmad]

I thought it time to do a few jobs on our eldest C5 as it was due a service and a few niggles ironing out. I had also noticed that the low speed cooling fan was not working. To look at the relays and wiring for the fan requires the bumper to be removed, which is really a job for a few minutes:



After checking the wiring and the relays all seemed to be fine, however the problem was the resistor which lives just next to the fan. The grey and brown panels:



With the heat these seem to go brittle and break, stopping the fan from working.



I crimped it back together but I will be ordering a new pair and fitting them as soon as. At least this fix has got it working for now and its got some towing to do this week so a cooling fan is a must!

Next to be looked at was the heating system, the typical problem early C5s have of the passenger side of the dual zone climate control getting a mind of its own, usually being stuck on full heat. This is caused by the flap motor wearing away the fixture inside the dashboard, which leaves the cog on the motor free to do nothing but spin on its own. I had thought this is simply a bad design and is part of wear and tear, however there seems to be a bit more to it than that.

I have another motor which came from a low mileage C5, I set both motors to cold and compared them:


The original is on the left, you can see the flat spot on the cog it almost half a turn out from the one on the motor on the right. The right hand motor fits with where the flat is inside the dashboard. I guess the flaps in the dashboard become stuck and while the motor tries to turn the cog spins on its axis, however it is still a tight fit. From then on its trying to turn the heater flaps beyond their stops, rounding off the female cog inside the dashboard.

The fix for this is to buy a motor with a longer cog from Citroen, obviously a remedy for this wear, which reaches further into the dashboard and turns on fresh material. How Citroen can justify close to £80 for this little motor is unthinkable!

It also needs a replacement drivers door switch module fitting, its fine if you want the windows down but the up buttons also put the windows down Eventually, with some morse code on the buttons, they raise again. Having swapped the switch panel with the other C5 to try it, it appears to be just the switch module, which on a C5 is another form of ECU, would you believe!

However, with 152,000 miles this C5 still drives very well without any mechanical issues and drives very well. It'll be here for a lot longer yet!

Today I've been driving a car I'm quite attached to, our old Seat Arosa which was the car our C1 replaced. It now belongs to a family member who has covered 1800 miles in almost 3 years! So I had it to carry out its annual service and to give it some use! This was technically my first car which I got when it was 18 months old and went all over in it, as you do with a first car! It then got handed on to my mum and then as a general spare car for us all before going to live with my uncle. I've done the majority of the miles in it and know the car inside out, it still drives great, smells inside just as it did when I fist got it and it did bring back a lot of memories today



It's also reminded me that small cars can be a lot of fun to drive

[DHallworth]

Diesel one of those to munch the miles to uni and back Chris?

[Citroenmad]

Diesel one of those to munch the miles to uni and back Chris?

I've had two diesel Arosas, I replaced that petrol with one and then bought another when I had my middle C5. Brilliant engines and good cars really, with minimal running costs. I have been looking again ...

[Citroenmad]

I've been after another car to take up my daily commuting miles, often 2000 miles a month, and to keep my Xantia more pampered. So it was inevitable that I was going to buy another car, I had looked at just about every small car there is as the low running costs appealed but nothing struck me. I couldn't face buying a car which I thought of as a box to get around in, I'd be bored and it woud be sold pretty quickly. After being used to the comforts of a larger car, going back to an unrefined smaller car is not easy.

So running costs went out of the window slightly as I started looking at larger cars and in particular something I really wanted to own. Again I had looked at all sorts and while I do fancy another XM I'd feel the same way about that as I do the Xantia. So I wanted something where parts are easy to get and something which is usually fairly reliable. I did consider VelSatis but the only one which would work running cost wise would be the 2.2DCi and I wasn't going there. 406 coupe I still liked but decided against those as it felt just like a 406 saloon to drive, I looked at 407s but I would probably have a C5 over those and I've done that over and over. And my searching went on but it had to be something which interested me.

However, really I knew what I wanted but I was putting it off, as my ownership of my last one was too breif and it was the wrong engine ... A couple of weeks ago I went to a Classic Car show, I took the 2cv and my dad took the Traction. After that I had a country drive with the intention of going past what used to be a Rover dealer and who are now a Renault dealer. They are a small family owned garage in a small village and have a very loyal customer base. I know they get trade ins as I have been in talking to the sales people before, asking about 75s. As I pulled into the car compound there was a few Rovers, all 45s and one 600 which has been sat for years as the owner has an unrealistic value on it. There was also a 75, which oddly was in my ideal engine, gearbox and spec level. It didn't have a for sale sign and was not prepared for sale. I went in and asked, it had just came in for trade in as the owner had asked them to source their new car, which took a few months to find. They were about to advertise the 75. I took it out for a drive and had to have it, so I have had it a short time now. It came fully prepped and serviced.

Its a 2004 53reg 75 2.0 CDTi Auto Connoisseur with 76,000 miles, full service history (Rover to begin with then from the garage I bought it from) and one owner plus Rover who had it as a managers car. Its in Osyssey Blue, which is a flip paint, changing from blue to green depending on how the light catches it. Its got dark leather interior piped in light grey and has had the accessory wooden steering wheel and gearknob added. It has heated, electric seats, dual zone climate control etc. Its basically a pipe and slippers smoking lounge I have had quite a few comments, as I did with my last 75, about it being an old mans car and why is it not a Citroen. However, I'm yet to find someone who has been in it to dislike it.

I have already done a few things as you would expect. It came with genuine Rover carpet mats and front mudflaps, I have added a set of new rear mudflaps, an upgraded Rover radio and Harman/Kardon tweeters, new 'smiley' rear number plate with the proper Rover logos. I've also added on a few of the things Rover took off during its production, drivers side damped grab handle and C pillar badging. That is something I really like about these, there are so many things to add, parts are everywhere and more of the accessories are available brand new. The BMW engine is pretty decent too, it has its oddities but generally its reliable and it has a timing chain, which is a bonus and again problems are almost unheard of. Its doing about 40-42mpg

These pictures don't show off its colour unfortunately.







So far I have settled into it very well. Its nice to drive, performs well, the box is smooth, it rides well and it grips the road fantastically but it does roll a little. The driving position is great, more of a laid down position rather than sitting on a chair like a C5 is. They seat base can also be tilted upward at the front just like my Exclusive Xantia, which I find very comfortable and its just a really nice place to be and sit. I get tired of all cars now being so dull inside, everything is black and of a similar texture. This is refreshingly different. To be in and drive it feels quite upmarket and classy. I went for the auto as I didn't want to go through replacing another DMF like I did with my last C5 and the diesel manual 75s have those and tend to be more costly. They also have problems with slave cylinders, which is another hassle I can happily live without. Its a car which suits an automatic box very well and for my slow commute into Newcaslte City centre at peak times, its ideal. They auto boxes on these seem pretty reliable and generally only suffer solinoid trouble if at all, which are on the outside of the box. Its a five speed auto and does have lovely gearchanges, it also has sports and snow mode. I like the box which is surprising as I dont often get along with gearboxes. Its autoadaptive and never feels as though its reving too high before a change. The engine pulls very well, pretty similar to my last C5 136 2.0HDi. It is refined, it is a little noisey when its cold but its not bad. I have found someone with the genuine Rover software and the Rover designed mapping to take it from 135bhp to 160, which also should give a slight MPG increase. So I plan on getting that done within the next few weeks.

So my HDi Xantia is having a rest now, after soaking up my daily use since I sold my C5 in February. I need to get an insurance policy sorted which will hopefully be next week and then it will remain in use but the 75 will take the bulk of my miles. I've used my Activa a bit recently, that is moving into a garage tomorrow asa family member has given up driving so I have their car to sell - the above mentioned/pictured Seat Arosa.

[Northern_Mike]

I've been after another car to take up my daily commuting miles, often 2000 miles a month, and to keep my Xantia more pampered. So it was inevitable that I was going to buy another car, I had looked at just about every small car there is as the low running costs appealed but nothing struck me. I couldn't face buying a car which I thought of as a box to get around in, I'd be bored and it woud be sold pretty quickly. After being used to the comforts of a larger car, going back to an unrefined smaller car is not easy.

So running costs went out of the window slightly as I started looking at larger cars and in particular something I really wanted to own. Again I had looked at all sorts and while I do fancy another XM I'd feel the same way about that as I do the Xantia. So I wanted something where parts are easy to get and something which is usually fairly reliable. I did consider VelSatis but the only one which would work running cost wise would be the 2.2DCi and I wasn't going there. 406 coupe I still liked but decided against those as it felt just like a 406 saloon to drive, I looked at 407s but I would probably have a C5 over those and I've done that over and over. And my searching went on but it had to be something which interested me.

However, really I knew what I wanted but I was putting it off, as my ownership of my last one was too breif and it was the wrong engine ... A couple of weeks ago I went to a Classic Car show, I took the 2cv and my dad took the Traction. After that I had a country drive with the intention of going past what used to be a Rover dealer and who are now a Renault dealer. They are a small family owned garage in a small village and have a very loyal customer base. I know they get trade ins as I have been in talking to the sales people before, asking about 75s. As I pulled into the car compound there was a few Rovers, all 45s and one 600 which has been sat for years as the owner has an unrealistic value on it. There was also a 75, which oddly was in my ideal engine, gearbox and spec level. It didn't have a for sale sign and was not prepared for sale. I went in and asked, it had just came in for trade in as the owner had asked them to source their new car, which took a few months to find. They were about to advertise the 75. I took it out for a drive and had to have it, so I have had it a short time now. It came fully prepped and serviced.

Its a 2004 53reg 75 2.0 CDTi Auto Connoisseur with 76,000

I thought you were early twenties not early 60s

[Citroenmad]

I thought you were early twenties not early 60s

Can't help my taste in cars, Mike

[Ben82]

I got similar comments back when I got my 2.2dci Primera P12 when I was 21. Would still have it today (almost 10 years on) if I didn't move to Sweden... Still a shame I had to sell it, as I would have preferred my parents replaced their P11-144 with it, so I could use my old car in the UK rather than their one

Firm believer in the Car suits the driver rather than the image they give off

[CitroJim]

Firm believer in the Car suits the driver rather than the image they give off

Absolutely!

[bxzx16v]

That's a lovely looking 75 Chris , without doubt a nice comfy daily . Love the colour too , I'm sure it will look even better when you've worked your polishing magic on it .

Mark

[myglaren]

Nice addition Chris. They are indeed a nice place to be and go very nicely.

[Citroenmad]

Thanks all

I really do like this 75, its effortless to waft around in and does my daily commute admirably. It'll soon have cruise control too and then a remap, hopefully with in the next week or two.

[ragger]

Looks to be a good car that one Chris. I'm looking forward to seeing it. If my experiences with the Multiplas we have owned are anything to go by, a remap will transform the performance a,d make it quit a surpising motor.

Timing is a bit of a bugger as I think that Seat may well have fitted our needs rather well, but the C4 is now bought and seems to meet with genereal approval. Can't say I have driven it much myself yet, but it does seem to go pretty well and be eturning over 50mpg.

We have just had a few days away on holiday in the Multipla, and while I am pretty bored with it as we have owned one now for over 13 years, I have to say it is a terrifically practical and competent car. The diesel pulls well and is far more economical than the on board computer claims; the luggage carrying capacity is phenomenal, and it is still good with all six seats in place.

The XM has spent a bit of time sitting out the front of the house waiting to be used, but looking good while it does so. I still love it, and the feeling of superiority over other mortals it gives me when I drive it. (Wish I stilll had the V6 though...)

Rob

[Northern_Mike]

I thought you were early twenties not early 60s

Can't help my taste in cars, Mike

At least you don't constantly get asked how much you charge for a wash, cut and blow like us MX5 drivers do.

[CitroJim]

Can't help my taste in cars, Mike

At least you don't constantly get asked how much you charge for a wash, cut and blow like us MX5 drivers do.

I could make a comment but on this occasion I won't...