MikeT's C5r 1.6 hdi Estate

[MikeT]

The 'BS'-Ometer is about to kick in again I feel....

Just jealous of that MPG - what's the secret ingredient then?

Apart from it being such an efficient little engine? I can't big up V-power or Millers any more as I stopped using those a few thousand miles back.
Can worn tyres skew the figures, as in there's less circumference than new? The front's are on the limit and the rears not far behind. I guess now would be a good time to get them replaced and see how the second 2500miles pans out.

I imagine my mellowing driving style has something to do with it though, plus there's no mountain ranges to climb round here (just a gentle incline sees the real-time economy plummet) and way too many restrictive 40/30/20 zones. I'm usually in 5th gear before I reach 30, let the cruise control do the rest and it's amazing just how far it'll roll off-throttle in gear when approaching junctions. What with the torque, I don't need to pedal it much anyway, even on the nationals.

Yes, I'm sort of hypermiling it in that respect but it doesn't seem to disadvantage me compared to those that race to the next queue/junction as quick as they can. I make a game of cussing myself if I have to use the brakes, therefore wasting fuel.

[MikeT]

As they say, pride before a fall....

I've been unable to maintain the high score after 3000miles, seeing it dip temporarily at first and now permanently showing 67.1mpg.
There's also smoke out the exhaust when booting it, leading me to think the turbo's seals are past their best.

Normally, I'd be pretty despondent about the turbo as I rely on the car heavily.
But it seems rescuing the troublesome and unwanted C3 may have been good karma as it's running now with working remote locking and sitting there wanting to be driven.
Again tempting fate because it'll need an MOT in a few weeks if I'm to get it back on the road, but at £20pa car tax think it just might make for a nice cheap back up vehicle.

Oh, p.s. The C5 sidelight LEDs are still side lighting so definitely put the issues down to rubbish LED's and not suspect my electricals.

[MikeT]

Just when I get close to 5000miles (mpg average) I notice a damp patch where I've been parking. Front left corner I spot splash marks around the wheel arch area. Squinting against low sun I feel the wet-looking hydraulic return pipe that had previously split, was trimmed back and re-inserted. It was oily and smelled of nothing so guess it's hydraulic fluid. I'm not willing to explore further due to mobility issues and thankfully have use of the C3 now so it's not a pressing issue.

So the C5 is off the road until further notice. The list of jobs needing to be done along with the jobs I'd like to get done is getting scary cost-wise but I'd like to keep it if possible.

[CitroJim]

So the C5 is off the road until further notice. The list of jobs needing to be done along with the jobs I'd like to get done is getting scary cost-wise but I'd like to keep it if possible.

That's a shame Mike

Hope the fix is an easy one and all other jobs can be done as an when you're feeling able and able to afford...

[MikeT]

Thanks Jim, good to see you're well enough to post here again.

I'm completely useless nowadays. I can barely check the oil without needing extended rest - forget tyre pressure checks!
Had a scan, now waiting to see the consultant on the results - scheduled four days before crimbo.

[CitroJim]

Thanks Jim, good to see you're well enough to post here again.

It's good to be back Mike and I sincerely hope you'll be a lot fitter very soon and the scan will help do the trick... Could be a nice Christmas present

[MikeT]

Went out this evening and realised the NS dipped headlight has failed again. Looking back, I only replaced them both last November, with Osram nightbreakers. Le sigh.

[GiveMeABreak]

Did you happen to touch the bulb with your bare skin when fitting them Mike? Any oil from one’s fingers on the bulb can drastically shorten the life - that or hours in use - do you use the headlights a lot?

I think they reckon on about 300+ hours, which is less than an hour a day. Bearing in mind the headlights come on with wipers.....

It seems the choice is brighter lights and less time or piddly yellow light and longevity!

[myglaren]

My Philips Extreme vision+ seem to be lasting well enough.

[MikeT]

I am mindful not to touch them when fitting but it is possible as I don't wear gloves, Marc. Though in my testing of battery capacity at home, I use the old Lucas bulb as a load and have touched the glass so many times yet it continues to work, making me wonder if it's a myth to excuse manufacture defects

The headlights are set to automatic so come on at times I wouldn't have bothered, including straight after engine start if dark. The conditions for activation with wipers is only when they are at full speed - either auto or manual, which is rare. I tried going back to manual operation but got irritated by the nagging chimes on exit as I'd gotten out of the habit.

I have always been concerned about the obvious headlight birghtening/dimming when driving, which is said to be due to the suspension pump load compensating for rough road surfaces, especially after reading how the pump motor gets contaminated, presumably causing higher resistance. And then there's the effect an ailing battery might have on the electrical system and alternator load perhaps playing a part.

All in all, I think I'd just carry on replacing the bulbs as I'm quite practised at it now. The PITA is that the battery has to come out for NS access.

[Paul-R]

I never had to take the battery out when changing any of the bulbs on my current X7 or Mk1 C5. Tricky, yes; impossible, no.

[GiveMeABreak]

Nor me - but it may be easier being Captain Fantastic or having twiglet fingers.

[MikeT]

Come to think of it, battery removal was preferred to get better views of what I was dealing with. Perhaps now practised. I can do without.

[Paul-R]

Nor me - but it may be easier being Captain Fantastic ...

Why, thank you.

... or having twiglet fingers.

Nope, definitely pork Cumberland sausage fingers here.

[GiveMeABreak]

Why they haven't invented some 'skin thin' knuckle scraping-proof gloves yet is puzzling. Latex gloves are sort of ok for grip, but they rip too easily.