C5 X7 2.0 hdi 160 - marshmallow suspension?

[Dublin Tony]

Hi all. I've been driving my C5 (2010 Citroen C5 X7 2.0 HDi 163HP Nav Plus on steel springs) for about 6 months now and I agree with the opinions here ie. it's a very comfortable car. I think it handles well on twisty roads and sails along the motorways smoothly. It does not, however, like undulating bumpy tarmac or humpbacked bridges (even small ones). These tend to make the suspension bottom out far too easily IMHO. I am led to the conclusion that the springs or shocks or both are too tired (if that's possible) or just too soft. By way of comparison, my wife's 08 Mondeo takes these roads in it's stride and feels composed whereas my car feels a bit like a rollercoaster.
The other day, I had 3 other adults in the car and you could feel the car sink down on her springs. Very little travel remained and the car bottomed out on every speed bump we encountered. Luckily, I was able to dump them out after only a few miles. Now before you take the p**s out of my friends and I, I'd like to point out that we're not THAT overweight!
Just before I bought the car, she had an NCT (Irish for an MOT test) and she passed, so I guess the suspension is within acceptable parameters.

What I'd like to know is: 1. Can suspension go a bit ... soft over time? If so, is there a remedy?
2. Can I get stiffer springs/shocks (without slamming the car like some teenager).

Thanks

[Stickyfinger]

I would look more to the shocks than the springs as the initial cause, the springs may of been effected due to ....strange stuff spring steel...that stuff that horse and carts used..weird

Have you done a "Bounce Test" ?

[vborovic]

The shocks should be replaced every 30-40k miles (depending on several factors of course) ... but they rarely do get changed that often ... I'm also thinking of doing the replacement on my car, since it is now over 4 years old and has 85k miles under it

[SaabC5]

This is the exact reason why i took my time to find an "exclusive" flavour X7, the suspension levels out when you load her up. My friend who has a steel sprung X7 reports he keeps dragging door corners across pavements when getting in/out of the car cos its too low. He's also ripped the front lower spoiler off parking close to a kerb.

[vborovic]

My friend who has a steel sprung X7 reports he keeps dragging door corners across pavements when getting in/out of the car cos its too low. He's also ripped the front lower spoiler off parking close to a kerb.

Never had issues with what you've written, possibly the average obstacles are lower here than in the UK ...

[SaabC5]

Kerb heights are VERY variable to say the least.

[Dublin Tony]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I'll take a look at shock absorber replacement first. Any suggestions re: shocks? Standard or "upgraded" (& twice the price) ala http://www.dcperformance.co.uk/cheap/85 ... -4057.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
My secret shame - since researching this topic, my mid-life crisis has kicked in, nudging me towards 40mm lower springs. I'd say she'd look pretty fine with 40mm lower springs, what with those fine 17" wheels and all!

[vborovic]

Well, that'd be one way to make the suspension stiffer ...

[Stickyfinger]

and to allow it to bottom out....lowering a car with such an overhang is not good practice....you NEED the travel in an Estate for all but but MaxPower look