🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

BX

Year:

1989

Body Style:

Hatchback / Estate (Break)

Market Segment:

Compact Family Car / Small Family Car

👋 Introduction

Market Positioning:

The Citroën BX was positioned as a practical, comfortable, and technologically advanced family car in the European market, known for its distinctive styling and hydropneumatic suspension.

Key Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Peugeot 309, Opel Kadett, and Fiat Tipo.

Unique Selling Points:

Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension, aerodynamic design, spacious interior, and innovative dashboard layout.

Owner Benefit:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and understanding their vehicle's intricacies.

Professional Usefulness:

Provides factory-level data and procedures essential for professional mechanics and workshops.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Coverage Areas:

All Styles (Hatchback and Estate)

Source:

Official Factory Manuals

📖 Manual Coverage

General Maintenance:

Covered extensively, including periodic checks and fluid changes.

Troubleshooting:

Advanced troubleshooting guide included for diagnosing problems.

Engine Service Repair:

Comprehensive coverage for all engine variants.

Transmission Service Repair:

Detailed procedures for transmission maintenance and repair.

Brake System:

Full coverage of hydraulic and mechanical brake components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all systems.

Electrical System:

In-depth information on all electrical components and circuits.

Suspension:

Detailed coverage of the hydropneumatic suspension system.

Periodic Lubrication:

Specific lubrication points and recommended lubricants.

Steering:

Repair and maintenance procedures for the steering system.

Cooling System:

Maintenance and repair of the engine's cooling system.

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Comprehensive coverage of fuel delivery and injection systems.

Emission System:

Information related to emissions control systems.

Heater Air Conditioning:

Service and repair of climate control systems.

Engine Control System:

Details on engine management and control units.

Chassis Body:

Bodywork repairs, chassis maintenance, and structural information.

Restraint System:

Information pertaining to seatbelts and other restraint components.

Interior:

Details on interior trim, components, and their removal/installation.

Differential Drive:

Service and repair of the drivetrain and differential.

Axle:

Information on front and rear axle assemblies.

Maintenance Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for routine maintenance tasks.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed procedures for diagnosing faults across all systems.

Repair Procedures:

Comprehensive instructions for component repair and replacement.

Rebuilding Procedures:

In-depth guidance for major component overhauls (e.g., engine, transmission).

Restoration Procedures:

Guidance for bringing the vehicle back to original specifications.

Depth Of Coverage:

Complete factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and serious DIYers.

Instruction Format:

Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings.

Illustrations:

Includes hundreds of illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets.

Specifications:

All necessary factory specifications included to guide repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High resolution, fully printable (individual pages or entire manual).

Portability:

Downloadable, can be saved to hard drive or burned to CD-ROM.

Software Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1989:

Various petrol engines including 1.1L (H1A), 1.4L (YD, YX), 1.6L (1580cc, 159GP), 1.9L (XUD diesel, D8A, D9A), and potentially 1.9L petrol (XU9).

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 55 HP to 125 HP depending on engine and fuel type.

Torque Range:

Varies significantly by engine, diesel variants offering higher torque.

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber) or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection depending on engine variant.

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled with thermostatically controlled fan.

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition system (distributorless or with distributor).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP18).

Drive Layout:

Front-wheel drive (FWD).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 specification gear oil, viscosity dependent on ambient temperature (e.g., 75W-80 or 75W-90).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

📐 Dimensions

Length Hatchback:

Approx. 4,120 mm (162.2 in)

Length Estate:

Approx. 4,250 mm (167.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,650 mm (65.0 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,350 mm (53.1 in) (Hatchback), 1,380 mm (54.3 in) (Estate)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 980 kg - 1150 kg depending on engine and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Designed to meet European safety standards of the era. Specific Euro NCAP ratings not available for this period.

Active Safety:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (all-around disc brakes on some higher performance models), power assisted brakes.

Passive Safety:

Reinforced safety cage, impact-absorbing steering column, seatbelts. Optional driver's airbag on later models.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic radio and cassette player, often with manual antenna adjustment. Dashboard layout was distinctive with thumbwheel controls and clear instrumentation.

Driver Assistance Features:

Power steering was common on higher trim levels and larger engines. ABS was available on some later or higher-spec models.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for petrol engines, typically every 60,000 - 80,000 km (37,000 - 50,000 miles) or 4-5 years. Diesel engines use timing chains or belts depending on variant.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate. Check manual for specific engine requirements.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Citroën recommends specific coolant types (refer to manual).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) fluid is critical for the suspension system. Specific LHM Plus or equivalent required. Incorrect fluid can cause severe damage.

Common Faults Suspension:

Hydropneumatic system leaks, failing hydraulic spheres, worn suspension elastomers, pump issues.

Common Faults Engine:

Carburetor issues, ignition system problems, diesel injection pump maintenance.

Common Faults Electrical:

Wiring loom degradation, faulty switches, dashboard warning lights.

Common Faults Body:

Rust, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and tailgate; deteriorating door seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Design Philosophy:

Citroën is renowned for its innovative engineering, avant-garde design, and focus on ride comfort, exemplified by the BX's hydropneumatic suspension.

Bx Development:

The BX was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone and introduced in 1982 as a successor to the GS, featuring a more angular design and a blend of hatchback and estate practicality.

Bx Facelift:

The 1989 model year represents a facelifted version, receiving updated styling (e.g., revised bumpers, grille, and interior trim) and potential mechanical refinements.

Production Period:

1982 - 1994

Manufacturing Sites:

Primarily produced at Citroën's Rennes-la-Janais factory in France, and also under license in other countries.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

While specific awards are not prominently documented for the 1989 model year, the BX series generally received praise for its comfort and innovative suspension from automotive press across Europe.