MikeT's C5r 1.6 hdi Estate

[elma]

I quite like battle scars, with one there you'll find people stop and let you pull out assuming you'll barge through anyway.
Insurance sucks in this respect, in my experience it doubles for 3 years or so regardless of fault or protected no claims.
If he's offering cash take it.
If not get 3 quotes for a repair and take civil action against the other driver if you think it was their fault.
I'd personally rather fight in small claims where being well documented and punctual gets a win rather than being right.
They reimburse your time as well which is nice.

[MikeT]

He's desperate not to have it on record (and I can sympathise why!)
Tomorrow we visit a local bodyshop (he works in a nearby tyre shop so they got a working relationship) to get him a quote.
Unfortunately, the wing is creased (these panels are as tough as paper plates!) where it meets the bumper surround and I don't know how expensive it'll be to sort that broken bumper clip either. If the rest is just a bit of spit n polish, that's fine but this is the cleanist car I've ever owned so it's worth restoring the damage rather than wear it with pride.

[myglaren]

Someone opened his door onto my eldest lads new Seat Cupra and chipped the paint a bit- I would probably never have noticed it but he was present when it happened, the car was brand new at the time.
Guy was willing to pay for the damage, probably expecting it to be about £50.

It was £1100 - some sort of special paint (Dynamic Grey, looks white to me)

[MikeT]

Took car to bodyshop, they quoted him about £250 dependant on any hidden surprises but can't book it in until near end of month. I guess I can wait that long. Youngster seemed happy enough to avert claiming on his insurance.

Incidentally, today was overcast and the extent of the visible wing "crease" was far more evident than it has been in bright sunshine.

[MikeT]

Delivered car to bodyshop yesterday and just as I got myself home he called to tell me he's taken the bumper off and seen more damage than expected. He suspects there was pre-existing damage to the extent it's unrepairable and as such needs replacing. To be fair, I think he's right, the bumper was a bit "off" on that corner when I got it.

As a temporary fix, he can refit the original bumper with silicone adhesive allowing him to go ahead and repair the wing and it should be done by tomorrow.

[CitroJim]

That's a bit of a blow Mike... Hope it's not too serious...

[MikeT]

New bumper someday, Jim. They don't seem too expensive though need to find one in my colour.

Got the car back from the bodyshop today. Not overly impressed but it looks a lot better for it.

As expected, they didn't refit something (the wheel arch liner) properly and fasteners are missing (as noticed by it grounding out on every slight bump) but an odd gremlin has also crept into the vehicle in my absensce in the guise of non-working windscreen washers. The rear washes ok and I can hear the motor when operating the fronts but no fluid flows, not even dribbles or bubbles. Got to the supermarket and popped the bonnet to look for anything obvious (all seemed well) then tried them again (bonnet still open) and flow was restored. Perhaps an air lock or something?

So, driving back home after shopping, tried them and again I get no flow.

[Stickyfinger]

Pinching the pipe by the bonnet hinge I would think.

[MikeT]

Pinching the pipe by the bonnet hinge I would think.

Cheers, I'll take another gander under the hood later.

[CitroJim]

Pinching the pipe by the bonnet hinge I would think.

Always a big problem on the Xantia

[MikeT]

Pinching the pipe by the bonnet hinge I would think.

Virtual pint for this man! It was indeed trapped under the hinge. I guess they had to disconnect it at the wing and re-routed it wrongly on refit. They also didn't plug it in securely as when flow was restored, it was pitiful. Firmly connected, full pressure is restored, thanks for that tip.

Next job to work out how the front arch liner goes back properly (before it catches on a raised manhole and is ripped off completely. Even Citroen parts desk couldn't work the correct fitment out from the generic diagrams but I took the opportunity to buy some fasteners as they'll surely be needed.

[Stickyfinger]

Whilst its out, clean the lip of the wing then refit it....they do get a bit gritty in there

[MikeT]

Whilst its out, clean the lip of the wing then refit it....they do get a bit gritty in there

I'm sure! Just trying to wiggle it into a better position (I failed) and it started building sandcastles on the tarmac. I imagine a good hosing would be needed.

[MikeT]

Just thought I'd share... I decided to try one of those EGR cleaners in a can. I'm pleased (yet surprised) to report it seems to have sorted the infamous flat-spot/hesitation issue. Surprised, becaause I couldn't understand how a vapour sprayed in the intake and then having gone through the combustion process, could possibly go on to clean soot off parts

Admittedly I ignored the instructions - choosing to squirt the whole tin in one go instead of half the content in 1-2sec bursts but glad I did. It seems to drive smoother too.

[CitroJim]

That's good to hear Mike.. Perhaps it would not be a bad idea to reveal the brand of EGR cleaner so that others can take advantage of what appears to be a functional product...