C5X7 "project" car.

[Peejo]

Bought a 2010 2.0 HDI C5 X7 with 123k miles two weeks ago as I've read a lot about these cars and I really feel like it was for me. Paid just £1000 so it is as you would expect for that price, few loose bits of trim, broken clips on covers in the engine bay, etc, nothing massive though. Excellent service history - timing belt, water pump, aux belt done at 77k, clutch and flywheel done in 2023 at 88k, regular citroen services - for the first half of it's life anyway, then it was seen to at a few different garages. Underneath looks great for the age and location, structurally sound but will all be treated before next winter.

I suspect the suspension has never got the attention it deserves. I have no reference for how it should feel, but it does feel a bit firm, especially at the front. Poorly paved roads still feel as such, a lot of vibration is transmitted to the cabin, but the back feels ok, at least I think it does putting it into "sport" mode doesn't really feel any different to the standard ride either. It does raise and lower as expected and seen in videos I have watched.

When replacing the spheres, is it worth just trying out the fronts first to see if it improves, or is it really recommended to do all 7? As for guides on the replacement, I saw a thread in which a user linked to guides which are no longer viewable. I'm aware I need to buy/get hold of a lexia for depressurizing for the sphere change, and where the spheres are, but that's about it. Are there any more recent guides? How often are these parts available? I see a seller on ebay with packs of 7 but only 8 units remaining, if I miss those am I in for a long wait for more?

I'm also looking for the little rod/arm that connects the motor that adjusts the sliding back and forward of the passenger seat to the opposite rail as I discovered it to be missing a few days ago. Are these available without having to buy an entire seat?

It is still a joy to drive, especially compared to my 2012 308SW, in terms of comfort and sound proofing, as I do a lot of 2 hour + drives, so I am very happy regardless and glad to be able to own one of these fantastic cars, even though there is quite a bit of work to be done to do it justice.

[mickthemaverick]

It sounds like a good buy there and I'm sure you will enjoy ownership. I had 3 C5s and loved them all so good luck with it. I'll leave your suspension questions to others who have far more experience of them than me.

[wurlycorner]

Welcome to X7 ownership.
Very difficult to give advice over the internet as to whether or not your spheres need doing tbh - the best way would be to drive another (that's a known good/well cared for example) and see how that feels as a comparison.
Personally I find the X7 is more firm than all other hydraulic Citroen's I've owned, anyway, though I wouldn't say there is vibration transmitted to the cabin, particularly.
What wheel size wheels does yours have and what brand/condition are the tyres?
Before jumping straight into changing the spheres, I would look into the other basics about the suspension first - has it had a wheel alignment recently/what condition are the suspension bushes in (I found the lower arm bushes on mine made a much more significant difference to the ride quality compared to earlier C5's)/are the FRIP joints in good condition?