🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

BX

Product Id:

Citroen_BX_Factory_Service_Workshop_Manual

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Citroën BX was positioned as a family hatchback and estate car, known for its innovative hydropneumatic suspension, aerodynamic design, and distinctive styling.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 305, and Fiat Tipo during its production run.

Unique Selling Points:

The BX's primary USP was its sophisticated hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension, providing exceptional ride comfort and handling. Its wedge-shaped, aerodynamic design by Marcello Gandini was also a significant distinguishing feature.

📋 Manual Details

Comprehensive Coverage:

All mechanical, electrical, and bodywork systems.

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, likely over 1000 pages (typical for factory service manuals).

Type:

Factory Service & Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed component descriptions, disassembly, assembly, torque specifications, timing, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection/carburetion, starting system, charging system, sensor diagnostics, and ECU information.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox disassembly/assembly, gear shift linkage, and repair procedures.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission operation, hydraulic control, torque converter, disassembly/assembly, and fluid specifications.

Hydropneumatic Suspension:

In-depth coverage of Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension system, including sphere replacement, fluid changes (LHM), pressure regulation, ride height adjustment, and shock absorber repair.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, brake lines, calipers, master cylinder, brake discs/drums, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), and bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, column, linkages, and fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, lighting systems, power windows, central locking, and dashboard instrumentation.

Bodywork And Chassis:

Panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, rust prevention, and structural components.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, blower motor, climate control panel, and troubleshooting.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, filters, injectors/carburetor, and emissions control systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, belt inspections, fluid level checks, and general tune-ups.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common faults and error codes.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step guides for replacing major components like alternators, starters, radiators, water pumps, and suspension parts.

Engine Rebuild:

Comprehensive instructions for engine overhauls, including piston ring replacement, valve seat grinding, and bearing replacement.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for the complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of both manual and automatic transmissions.

Suspension Repair:

Specific instructions for servicing and repairing all aspects of the hydropneumatic suspension, including sphere recharging and strut replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams and testing procedures.

Body Repair:

Guidelines for minor bodywork repairs, panel alignment, and component fitting.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Includes torque specifications, special tool requirements, and precision measurements.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

Digital Download (N/A for physical binding)

Paper Type:

Digital (N/A for physical paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants:

The BX was offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines. Petrol engines included the XU series (e.g., XU5JP 1.6L, XU7JP 1.8L, XU9JP/J2 1.9L) and the Douvrin/PSA PRV V6 engine (in the BX GTi and BX V6 models). Diesel engines included the XUD7 (1.8L) and XUD9 (1.9L) naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants.

Typical Horsepower Range:

55 hp (1.8D) to 160 hp (BX V6).

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetion (Weber, Solex) for earlier models and lower-spec engines, Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic fuel injection for GT and GTi models. Diesel engines featured Bosch indirect injection pumps.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

Most models were equipped with a 5-speed manual transaxle.

Automatic Transmission:

A ZF 3HP14 3-speed automatic transmission was available on select petrol models.

Gearbox Type:

Front-wheel drive transaxle.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4233 mm (Hatchback) / 4355 mm (Estate).

Width:

Approximately 1658 mm.

Height:

Approximately 1354 mm (Hatchback) / 1467 mm (Estate).

Curb Weight:

Ranges from approximately 1050 kg to 1300 kg depending on engine and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap:

N/A (NCAP testing standards were not as prevalent or standardized during the BX's main production period).

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear) on most models. Some later models and performance variants featured ABS.

Seatbelts:

Standard three-point seatbelts.

Structure:

Reinforced safety cage construction, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic radio/cassette players were common. Higher trims might have featured more advanced Clarion or Blaupunkt systems.

ABS:

Optional on many models, standard on some performance variants.

Central Locking:

Available as an option on lower trims, standard on higher specifications.

Power Windows:

Front power windows were common, rear power windows were often optional or limited to higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km or 6 months, but check manual for specific engine/oil type.

Suspension Fluid Change:

Recommended every 60,000 km for LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral).

Engine Oil Type:

Varies by engine and climate. Common specifications include 10W-40 or 15W-50 (e.g., Total Quartz or equivalent API SF/SG).

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

Citroën LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) - Green colored fluid.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (for conventional brake circuits if applicable, separate from LHM).

Suspension Spheres:

Degradation of suspension spheres leading to a harsher ride or loss of self-levelling.

Lhm Leaks:

Leaking hydraulic lines or seals causing suspension sag.

Rust:

Corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and rear axle mounts.

Electrical Gremlins:

Common in older vehicles, especially related to earthing points and multi-pin connectors.

Headlight Adjustment:

Hydraulic height adjustment for headlights on some models can develop leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Innovation:

Citroën has a long history of automotive innovation, particularly with its advanced suspension systems (2CV, DS, SM) and front-wheel drive configurations.

Bx Development:

Developed as a successor to the Citroën GSA and a more accessible alternative to the Citroën CX, the BX was designed to blend advanced technology with practicality. It underwent a facelift in 1988, receiving updated styling and interior refinements.

Production Years:

1982 - 1994

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily France (Rennes-Vitre) and also the UK (Talbot/Peugeot plants).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

The BX's design, penned by Marcello Gandini, received critical acclaim for its modern and aerodynamic profile, though not specific formal design awards are widely documented for the model itself.

Reliability Reviews:

Contemporary reviews and owner feedback varied, with praise for comfort and handling but occasional criticisms regarding electrical reliability and specific mechanical issues common to complex French vehicles of the era.