More silly C5 questions

[Peter.N.]

Which model/s have hydractive suspension and which don't?

Thanks, Peter

[lexi]

Do you want it?

[Peter.N.]

Don't know, I haven't looked at it yet.

[Gibbo2286]

All C5s have Hydractive, the difference is 3 or 3+ depending on spec. you can tell by looking at the up/down switch, the 3 has 'Citroen' between the arrows, that place on the 3+ is blank.

[yeomills]

From 2008 VTR and VTR+ have spring suspension only the top of the range is hydraulic. Currently looking to replace my 5 year old and considering springs as faults easier to identify and rectify.
Barry

[cachaciero]

From 2008 VTR and VTR+ have spring suspension only the top of the range is hydraulic. Currently looking to replace my 5 year old and considering springs as faults easier to identify and rectify.
Barry

Easier to identify? possibly
Easier to rectify? maybe but probably not.
and the things not considered
Certainly more expensive for most of the likely faults i.e cost of shocks and springs V cost of a sphere.
Comfort and handling always a trade off on all suspension setups but I've yet to drive anything on steel springs that manages to do it as well a hydro pneumatic setup.

cachaciero

[waynedance]

All C5s have Hydractive, the difference is 3 or 3+ depending on spec. you can tell by looking at the up/down switch, the 3 has 'Citroën' between the arrows, that place on the 3+ is blank.

That place on the 3+ is not blank it has a sport button.

[Peter.N.]

Thanks again for the info, what's the difference between a 3 and 3+?

I would have thought buying a C5 with springs was a bit of a pointless exercise, what else do they have to offer apart from hydrophnumatic suspension?

Peter

[waynedance]

3+ as i have has a button called sport which firms up the suspension.

[cachaciero]

Thanks again for the info, what's the difference between a 3 and 3+?

I would have thought buying a C5 with springs was a bit of a pointless exercise, what else do they have to offer apart from hydrophnumatic suspension?

Peter

Pointless indeed, if I was to consider buying a steel sprung Mk3 C5 I would not bother I'd go for the Peugeot 407SW, prettier car and far more available on the secondhand market.

cachaciero

[addo]

Where do they sit compared to the C5, in percentage of owners with facial hair?

[Gibbo2286]

That's the problem when not enough info is given with the original question, I answered for the C5, the C5 control button is as I said with 'Citroen' or just blank in the middle, the C5II has the 'sport' button in the middle.

[Peter.N.]

It would be an early one, 8 valve engine.

[citroenxm]

The C5 system is a LONGER life system, its a newer LDS fluid, NOT compatible with the Xantia/XM system. Spheres are double diaphram, and also last well into 100k plus, unless faulty.

The C5 has an automatic height lowering system that lowers the car at speed.. though Im NOT sure if its SX upwards or just exclusive... The models you are looking at Peter are not bad, but theres a lot of things to check for...

Sticky front calipers.
Leaning in rear calipers, if bad wreck the disks too
Hand brake cables when sieze, also need the guide tubes changing too.. not majour though.
Blowers sticking on max as the resiter has packed in
Dash lights working correctly
Rear DRIVERS side door sticking closed due to faulty child lock. Only seems to be that door. Doesnt happen if the child lock is not used.

The hydraulic system is confined to the Suspension ONLY.

Conventional PAS system, and a conventinal braking system too... so thats 3 levels to check though the LDS system shouldn't move unless theres a leak, but so far I beleve the system has prooved quite reliable.

Syspension pumps can fail but rare, apparently you need a lexia to fit a new one in.

Lexia needed for most things, like a replacment radio etc. But to be honest, they are no worse then the 406 you have!

[Peter.N.]

Thanks for that Paul, very helpful.

Peter