New Member/Citroen C3 1.4 HDI 16v

ianckt739 · Post by **ianckt739** » 15 Apr 2009, 21:02

Hi all

New to the forum and though I would introduce myself. Been having a browse and seems like a great forum and I suspect I'll be hanging around alot!

Had a couple of French cars before (Peugeot 106 1.5D, Peugeot 406 1.9TD) but this is my first Citroen. ( Just switched back to diesel after a rather fuel-hungry Vauxhall Meriva.)

Does anyone know the 1.4 HDI 16v well? Anything I should watch out for on it or any hints/tips? Had it for a couple of weeks now, done about 400 miles and so far really happy with it. Touch wood...!

Look forward to talking with everyone,

Ian

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 15 Apr 2009, 21:12

Welcome to the FCF Ian

Ah the 1.4HDi 16v, you dont see too many of those. 90bhp over the 68bhp of the normal 1.4HDI. You must have an Exclusive?

I think its a very similar unit to that in the Ford Fiesta TDCi (68bhp), if im not mistake. I also remember its the same as the Mini OneD too (not the Cooper'D, thats the 1.6HDi!). So they must be good engines!

Chris.

ianckt739 · Post by **ianckt739** » 15 Apr 2009, 21:20

SX I think is the badging on it, the choices being SX or desire (I looked at both when I bought this one, but the desire had higher mileage on it and was a bit of a mess to be honest!)

As for the 90bhp it's definitely got a bit of punch to it! First smaller car I've had for quite a few years but lightness that goes with it is compensation enough!

Xsarahdi · Post by **Xsarahdi** » 15 Apr 2009, 21:41

Is it quite good on fuel, how many MPG does it do?

ianckt739 · Post by **ianckt739** » 15 Apr 2009, 21:53

I've not had it long but on the first tank I've put through it's done about 62mpg combined and mixed driving styles (new car = lets see what it can do!). I'm on the second tank and I'm driving a bit more 'conservatively' now just to see what economy I can get out of it.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 15 Apr 2009, 21:56

Thats pretty fantastic mpg 8)

ianckt739 · Post by **ianckt739** » 15 Apr 2009, 22:15

Yea I'm fairly amazed! Given that my last car (petrol) was averaging around 35mpg.

What do you get from the 110bhp C5? I looked at a few of those before I settled on the C3 hence why I joined in Jan (my other half took a while to convince me I didn't need a 'big' car!)

JamesQB · Post by **JamesQB** » 16 Apr 2009, 00:29

Hi there,

My wife and I own a C3 1.4HDi 16-valve SX as well. I don't want this post to be all doom and gloom, so I'll point out that when it was going well, it was a very good car, lots of torque once the turbo kicked in for its size and incredible mpg. A bit flimsy inside, granted, but it wasn't a bad drive and we were happy with it. Unfortunately it all suddenly went downhill: both front springs snapped and there's also now clunking when we turn the steering wheel (even when stationary). Also got major problem starting it, with clouds of smoke when it finally catches, and rough, lumpy running without the usual power we used to enjoy. Citroen dealer, independent, and Citroen/Peugeot specialist have all said they reckon the injectors need replacing, and since we can't afford it, we're still suffering the embarrassing faults. I honestly can't say if the troubles we've had are common or rare, only that the mother-in-law bought an identical model and needed all 4 injectors replaced soon after (still under warranty for her, thankfully) and she got rid soon after.

Hopefully you'll have no trouble with yours and will enjoy it like we enjoyed ours, because when it's working it really is a very good little car and so economical. The Citroen specialist told me HDi engines do suffer injector failures even when not very old or high mileage because the injectors have a very hard life. I can't say whether that's correct or not, but best you're aware of at least what we've had go wrong.

All the best,
James

ianckt739 · Post by **ianckt739** » 16 Apr 2009, 10:37

Thanks for your reply - sounds expensive.... I'll just have to keep an eye on things really. I'm guessing it's not something you notice until it's too late?

What are people's opinions on injector cleaners/fuel additives i.e. redex etc - are they worth bothering with? Might they help as a prevention of injector trouble or has anyone experienced problems with them?

Xsarahdi · Post by **Xsarahdi** » 16 Apr 2009, 10:46

[quote="ianckt739"]What do you get from the 110bhp C5? I looked at a few of those before I settled on the C3 hence why I joined in Jan (my other half took a while to convince me I didn't need a 'big' car!)[/quote]

I know you said C5 but our Xsara 110 HDi does around 55mpg and the best it has ever done is 67mpg!!!

That is as good as a 1.4 HDi. Obviously a C5 won't do quite as much because of the extra weight.

wheeler · Post by **wheeler** » 16 Apr 2009, 10:47

ianckt739 wrote: What are people's opinions on injector cleaners/fuel additives i.e. redex etc - are they worth bothering with? Might they help as a prevention of injector trouble or has anyone experienced problems with them?

Well Citroens opinion is they dont approve the use of any additives for HDi engines.

ianckt739 · Post by **ianckt739** » 16 Apr 2009, 10:59

Xsarahdi - pretty fantastic really!

Do you find driving style makes much difference? Didn't matter much in my old Vauxhall - was consistently rubbish whether flooring it or taking it easy.

Wheeler - cheers for the advice, will steer clear of them. Perhaps worth avoiding supermarket fuel too, maybe they are more likely to cause injector failure? Everyone seems to have different experiences/opinions about these.

Xsarahdi · Post by **Xsarahdi** » 16 Apr 2009, 11:13

[quote="ianckt739"]Xsarahdi - pretty fantastic really!

Do you find driving style makes much difference? Didn't matter much in my old Vauxhall - was consistently rubbish whether flooring it or taking it easy.[/quote]

Yes I would say driving style makes a difference. When it did 67mpg we were stuck behind someone doing 40-50mph most of the way with no chance to get past.

bencowell · Post by **bencowell** » 16 Apr 2009, 22:01

wheeler wrote:
ianckt739 wrote: What are people's opinions on injector cleaners/fuel additives i.e. redex etc - are they worth bothering with? Might they help as a prevention of injector trouble or has anyone experienced problems with them?
Well Citroens opinion is they dont approve the use of any additives for HDi engines.

Which is funny because most main dealers round here have optional fuel system cleaner for an extra £xxxx during a service.

newmezuk04 · Post by **newmezuk04** » 16 Apr 2009, 23:54

Not sure its the same engine in a 06' 1.4TD Fiesta but my engine suffered from 'juddering' issues which was apparently down to the injectors, you could see the rev counter move in time with the judders.

They changed injector/s twice but it never solved it totally.