Diagnosis of potential C5 problems - looking to buy

GTlegs · Post by **GTlegs** » 12 Jun 2011, 08:50

Hi Everyone. My first post.

I am about to inspect a couple of series 2 C5s and was wondering about potential chronic problems that these cars may have.

I have heard of the trailing arm bearings, ignition coils, dodgy electrics and bad brakes so far.

My question is two fold.

a) How do you diagnose the above four (in terms of noises, feel, etc).

b) What other common (and not so common) problems should I look out for?

Thanks

Post by **Peter.N.** » 12 Jun 2011, 15:52

The diesels don't have ignition coil problems ....

cachaciero · Post by **cachaciero** » 12 Jun 2011, 23:15

A bit more detail would be helpful like petrol or diesel engine size and gearbox.

cachaciero

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 12 Jun 2011, 23:53

There is often a misunderstanding in the series of C5s. SOme people refer to what Citroen call the C5II as the C5 facelift (2004-2008) and the new C5 as the C5II, when really that is the C5III. The III is quite a different car to the previous two, if its a C5II (facelift):

radius arm bearings can go at around 100K, though it does depend as some suffer earlier and some later, we have one with 131K and its not needed any yet. Maybe it depends on the use of the car, heavy loads etc.

C5s are multi-plexed electronics, many people shy away from the more current cars due to this though there is no real valid reason for this as they are generally reliable, more simple and failures are fairly few.

Bad brakes, I can only assume you are referring to the rear brake calipers which get corrosion between the caliper and the mount causing the caliper to twist. This results in wedge shaped pad wear and on extreme cases the caliper catches the inside of the wheel. However with regular maintenance this is avoided. Other than that the brakes are excellent.

Generally C5s are good cars, there is plenty of info dotted around here. Try and avoid all the negative comments due to problems - often is the way that a car is only commented on when its having an issue - and try to find the advice thread from people asking similar questions to yours.

In a nutshell:
- DMF clutch: check the clutch feels right and isn't slipping or making a noise
- Electrics: check everything is working, use every function of the wiper and indicator stalks too.
- FAP filters, not on the 2.0HDi S1 C5 (90 and 110bhps) but it is on every other diesel C5. Not a problem but make sure the car revs freely and is not putting on any anti - pollution warnings - though this is not always linked to the FAP, it can be a warning of other problems.

Really, they are good cars, we have had 5 here and none have caused problems, good daily cars which have a lot to offer.

If it is the C5III then the above applies, though im not sure what else to check on those, they don't interest me as yet.

cachaciero · Post by **cachaciero** » 13 Jun 2011, 06:41

Citroenmad wrote:
I
- FAP filters, not on the 2.0HDi S1 C5 (90 and 110bhps) but it is on every other diesel C5. Not a problem but make sure the car revs freely and is not putting on any anti - pollution warnings - though this is now always linked to the FAP, it can be a warning of other problems.

Really, they are good cars, we have had 5 here and none have caused problems, good daily cars which have a lot to offer.

If it is the C5III then the above applies, though im not sure what else to check on those, they don't interest me as yet.

Hi Chris

I hope that you meant to say "not" rather than now

cachaciero

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 13 Jun 2011, 07:49

cachaciero wrote:
Citroenmad wrote:
I
- FAP filters, not on the 2.0HDi S1 C5 (90 and 110bhps) but it is on every other diesel C5. Not a problem but make sure the car revs freely and is not putting on any anti - pollution warnings - though this is now always linked to the FAP, it can be a warning of other problems.

Really, they are good cars, we have had 5 here and none have caused problems, good daily cars which have a lot to offer.

If it is the C5III then the above applies, though im not sure what else to check on those, they don't interest me as yet.
Hi Chris

I hope that you meant to say "not" rather than now

cachaciero

Yep, slight typo, now corrected

GTlegs · Post by **GTlegs** » 15 Jun 2011, 13:45

Its 2006, so first generation, facelifted I guess.

The one I looked at seems to have a slight oil leak aroun front middle. Normally I would suspect the rear main seal, but could this be the hydraulics?

Anything else I should look for?

Thanks

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 15 Jun 2011, 18:15

GTlegs wrote:Its 2006, so first generation, facelifted I guess.

The one I looked at seems to have a slight oil leak aroun front middle. Normally I would suspect the rear main seal, but could this be the hydraulics?

Anything else I should look for?

Thanks

C5II then.

What engine? Petrol or diesel?

I doubt the leak is anything to do with the suspension, most likely an oil leak from somewhere.

GTlegs · Post by **GTlegs** » 16 Jun 2011, 03:23

Its a 3 litre V6. It already has the white top ignition coils.