DS5 suspension

[CC1701]

Can the Bilsteins be fitted to the hybrid? The parts linked to by CC1701 do mention a 2.0 HDi 165, but I'm not sure that's the one.

The fronts are the same but the rears are not as the hybrid has different rear suspension.
its likely that there is something to suit the hybrid rear.

[Dannio636]

With regards to the hybrid, i have a 2012 model, the suspension was improved in 2013.. i think.. was both the front and the rear changed? what did they change? For the front it seems to be quiet different.. i think i need to change my front springs at the moment.. so wondering if i can upgrade a little...

[CC1701]

With regards to the hybrid, i have a 2012 model, the suspension was improved in 2013.. i think.. was both the front and the rear changed? what did they change? For the front it seems to be quiet different.. i think i need to change my front springs at the moment.. so wondering if i can upgrade a little...

Not sure about changes to the Hybrids suspension, we never got them here.
I do recall looking at the citroen parts list when we were doing this and all the damper part numbers - and here were a lot of them - eventually superseded to just one number.
Presumably there were several attempts by citroen to tame the DS5 ride.

The Bilsteins have worked wonders for us. Still, its no C5 or any other hydro sprung citroen. But drives quite ok now and is comfortable enough to be in.

The diesel and petrol models rear damper number supersedes to the same as that used on the C4 PIcasso. I believe its a Sachs damper.
There is some threads around on fitting the Sachs dampers to the back and getting a good improvement.

[CC1701]

As an asside, now the Bilstiens have been in for >6 months, either we don't notice the low speed jiggle mentioned in the original post or the dampers have settled and its gone away. It was never an issue though.

[stormer]

Hi Rick, - I just Googled my Citroen DS5 suspension experience and this thread turned up. I know that it is a thread that ended without conclusion, but .. did you ever get a solution to this? I have the exact same experience as you.

[CC1701]

Hi Rick, - I just Googled my Citroen DS5 suspension experience and this thread turned up. I know that it is a thread that ended without conclusion, but .. did you ever get a solution to this? I have the exact same experience as you.

Solution - Good quality tyres in 225/50, Bilstien B4 all round.
The car is now just great, suspension is so good.
The boss has been away and I've been driving it, regularly now.
It ride is far, far better than when we got it. And it handles so well. Its a hoot to drive now (probably was originally, but the ride was so miserable it was impossible to enjoy the handliing).
It grips great, the balance is fantastic, almost no body roll even when pressed reasonably hard, sharp steering.
Tyres and shock absorbers have transformed our DS5 into some nice to ride in and really fun to drive.

If your DS5 is too harsh to enjoy, this is the route to happiness, imho.

The DS5 must have been a real hoot with the turbo petrol engine and a manual transmission.

[earlam]

Hi I have a DS5 2913 hybrid4. Lovely on motorways but some A roads Jesus. What can I change to get. A softer ride.


VIN VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

[MacSlavko]

Not much if you're on 19" Cairns rims and 240/40 tyres. If your DS5 is DSport version than some parts of suspension are different to DStyle models (with smaller wheels) as well.
You cah change tyred shock absorbers (either standard Sachs or indipendent Bilstein 4 will do), but for a smooth drive you'd need 17" or at least 18" wheels...

[DS9]

In a way I kinda envy you. The KYB's are available. 3348037 and 3348038 which are compatible for the DS5. Take a look around.

As fitted to the C5 Aircross but with different part numbers. https://kyb-europe.com/blog/double-hydr ... termarket/

I have a DS9 and these would be my first choice but after enquiring with KYB direct earlier in the week they replied with.....


Many thanks for your enquiry

At present there is no information regarding the DS9 however this doesn’t mean KYB won’t introduce at a later date so we will keep an eye out for any future data release.

[FlorinB]

Fitted Bilstein B4 on both front and rear axle last year or in 2023, can't remember exactly. Much better, considering i have the 19' alloys. Front tyres pressure 2,5 bar and back 2,3 bar. I think the rest of it is due to poor isolation of the car, so not much to do from here. I live in Oxford, roads are terrible here, probably in a place with good roads, you wouldn't feel annoyed anymore.
Next time i change the tyres, will go for something at 69-70 dB. At the moment running Kormoran UHP with 72 dB. Overall, much better ride with Bilstein, so feel free tu upgrade, if you want to keep the car.

[DS9]

Hi

Glad to hear it's worked out for you. The issue I have is I can't find any aftermarkets from any supplier. I'd love to change em to Bilstein/ KYB. I look probably once every 3 months and nothing new crops up.

After reading around a lot generally, I just think stellantis don't really like acknowleging obvious issues. I read for instance that a guy who bought a C5 aircross PHEV.....might have been on this forum had issues with the electric handbrake automatically activating and causing a jerking motion but he couldn't find resolution even though it sounded an obvious fault. Like myself he just got a "thats how its supposed to be" response.

As time has gone on a fair few DS9's have become available, the performance line versions like mine havent got adaptive suspension but i hear nobody else complaining like i do. It needs to go to a suspension specialist at some stage to identify the issue.

One thing with the DS5, if the soundproofing is bad I'd suggest adding some. The boot floor is an obvious place because it's probably like a big echoey drum, about £20 worth of Dodomat and 30 mins of time you can put 2 layers down. For rear wheel road noise take off the side panels in the boot and soundproof over the wheelarches, the more the better. I enjoy soundproofing, its quite therapeutic once you get into it. The issue is changes less than 3db or something arent detectable so you have to do a fair bit before you notice the difference.

[FlorinB]

Didn't knew that DS9 has similar problems. Was thinking to upgrade to DS7 at some point, but I might go German next time. Lowering the tire pressure does help a lot. For my wheels, it should be 2.6 bar for the front, which is hard rock, so I do 2.5 bar - feels softer, and the back 2.2 bar, which is the normal pressure, but with no heavy load.
Soundproofing sounds nice, but not planning to spend any time or money with the car anymore, plan to sell it in 2 years time. Done the cam-belt and water pump last year, I had it since 2017, so it's done it's job. Also, replaced the reversing camera with one that actually sees in the dark, so quite happy to leave it as it is for now.

[French Divas]

Diagram of the rear suspension:



You can see that later cars have a different cross member / torsion bar (the 10 digit part number at the bottom) - possibly this is a bit less stiff so modifying roll characteristics. You can see there are different flexible joints however - and again there is a revised part. It also directs you to LE-2016, and under the part numbers for the earlier type of flexible joint it says:

5131 F2 Propose :
- 98 142 118 80(2)

5131 K0 Propose :
- 98 142 118 80(2) It is imperative that both dampers are replaced

So, it would appear there are different grades of flexi joints; one of which says replace the dampers. If you post up the VIN I can see which is fitted to yours, and then you will know whether dampers are recommended or not - although there is also a recommendation on dampers that the later type is fitted. There are 3 types of damper, so again VIN will confirm which required. Parts prices for all these:

Reference Description Quantity Price - VAT Price + VAT Total + VAT Selection
9814211880 FLEXIBLE JOINT 1 26.48 GBP 31.78 GBP 31.78 GBP

9807784080 RR SHOCK-ABSORB 1 80.84 GBP 97.01 GBP 97.01 GBP

9807784180 RR SHOCK-ABSORB 1 28.18 GBP 33.82 GBP 33.82 GBP

9807784280 RR SHOCK-ABSORB 1 96.15 GBP 115.38 GBP 115.38 GBP

That sounds as a very interesting option to try: replacing flexi joints. I already planned to change dampers, so can you have a look what's recommended for my vehicle?
VIN: VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Thanks,
Bart

[GiveMeABreak]

Bart - Airbag Recall for this vehicle! Not sure if I've mentioned it in another post anywhere, as we have so many posts to get through, but you know now anyway:

Airbag Takata - Information - Ref: NT7, Launch date: 24/02/2025

Dear Customer, We confirm that your vehicle is equipped with Takata airbags, but it is not included in any measure already launched. We will provide further information as soon as it is time to proceed with the recall process for your vehicle. The Takata airbags recall is being implemented according to a staggered approach, to ensure safety first and service of all customers in the fastest and most efficient way: oldest vehicles are planned to be serviced first. We will send a dedicated safety notice for your vehicle in due time, providing all instructions needed. While we are operating a continuous monitoring of the behavior of Takata airbags, you are also invited to verify again on this webpage, to retrieve the most recent information in the fastest way.

Back to the Suspension:

5131F2 is the correct rear bushings.

For the other parts, please ask on the Official Parts Thread.

[French Divas]

Thanks again Marc.
I spoke to my local Dutch Citroen Dealer about the recall and they told me the exact same story.
So, it's known and acknowledged. That's good.
And also in Holland: oldest vehicles first, which means that my 2012 DS5 has to wait.
I'll get a letter when it's my turn.