Positioning:
The Citroën BX was positioned as a family hatchback with a focus on comfort, distinctive styling, and innovative technology, especially its hydropneumatic suspension, setting it apart from many competitors.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Escort/Orion, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 309, Renault 9/11, and Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra during its production run.
Distinctive Features:
Hydropneumatic suspension providing unparalleled ride comfort and self-levelling capability, aerodynamic design, spacious interior, and advanced features for its time.
Repair Cost Saving:
Provides detailed repair instructions, enabling owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, significantly reducing labor costs.
Covered Years:
1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Estimated Page Count:
Substantial, covering all aspects of the vehicle. Exact count not provided, but typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era often exceeding 500 pages.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual (Factory Level)
Engine:
All engine variants including XU series petrol (1.6, 1.9), XUD series diesel (1.9), and potentially turbo variants. Covers engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition, lubrication, cooling, emission controls.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission systems, including clutch, gearbox internals, linkages, torque converter (if applicable), and related systems.
Suspension And Steering:
Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension (front and rear), including sphere maintenance, fluid levels, pressure regulation, hydraulic system components, power steering system.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including front and rear disc brakes, brake booster, master cylinder, ABS (if fitted), brake lines, fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Full electrical system coverage, including battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, wipers, horn, infotainment, body control modules, and comprehensive wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, door mechanisms, glass, seals, exterior trim, interior trim, chassis components, structural integrity.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system operation, components, diagnosis, and repair.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, suspension sphere repressurization.
Diagnosis And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement.
Wiring Schematics:
Comprehensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, essential for troubleshooting electrical issues.
Depth:
Factory-level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex system diagnostics and component overhauls. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Printability:
Fully Printable. Users can print specific pages or the entire manual.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Search Functionality:
Likely includes searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.
Delivery:
Instant Download
Reader Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader
Unzipping Requirement:
WinZip (or equivalent decompression software)
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Family:
PSA XU/XUD series
Petrol Engine Variants:
1.6L (e.g., 1.6 GTi), 1.9L (e.g., 1.9 GTi). Specific engine codes like XU5, XU7, XU9.
Diesel Engine Variants:
1.9L XUD naturally aspirated and turbo-diesel. Specific engine codes like XUD7, XUD9.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 70 hp (diesel) to 125 hp (1.9 GTi).
Torque Range:
Varies by engine. Diesel variants typically around 130-150 Nm, petrol variants higher.
Injection Systems:
Carburetor (early models, smaller engines), Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic fuel injection (later models, GTi variants), Diesel indirect injection.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition, distributorless ignition systems on later models.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission
Hydropneumatic Integration:
While not a transmission feature, the BX's transmission operation is integrated with the hydraulic system for certain functions, especially in automatic variants.
Crash Test Performance:
Early 1980s safety standards; specific Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings for this period might be limited. The manual would cover safety system inspection and maintenance.
Braking System:
Discs all round, often with ABS on higher-spec models.
Body Structure:
Designed with crumple zones, although modern standards differ significantly.
Seatbelts:
Standard seatbelt systems; manual details pre-tensioner checks if equipped.
Audio System:
Original equipment radios and cassette players. Manual would cover removal, installation, and basic troubleshooting of the electrical connections.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System was an optional feature on many models, particularly later ones and performance variants.
Original Connectivity:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on basic vehicle functions. Manual details wiring for accessories and standard features.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-15,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify precise intervals and conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for XU engines, typically recommended every 60,000-80,000 miles (100,000-120,000 km). Manual will provide exact interval and procedure.
Engine Oil Grade:
Varies by engine and temperature. Commonly SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 for petrol, 10W-40 or 10W-30 for diesel. Manual will list specific API/ACEA specifications.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LHS 2 (later LHM) fluid. Critical to use correct fluid to avoid system damage.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific requirements).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Hydropneumatic System:
Potential leaks from hoses or seals, worn suspension spheres requiring repressurization or replacement, ride height issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many cars of this era, electrical connections, grounds, and modules can be prone to issues due to age and exposure.
Rust Perforation:
Common issue for cars of this age, particularly in sills, wheel arches, and around the suspension mounting points.
Citroen Innovation:
Citroën has a long history of engineering innovation, particularly with its advanced suspension systems, aerodynamic designs, and front-wheel-drive configurations.
Bx Introduction:
Launched in 1982 as the successor to the GS/GSA, the BX was designed to be more conventional in some aspects while retaining Citroën's unique engineering identity.
Facelifts And Updates:
Received facelifts in 1986 and 1988, introducing updated styling (e.g., clear indicators, revised dashboards, improved interior materials), and a wider range of engines, including turbo-diesels and more potent petrol engines.
Production Period:
1982 to 1994
Assembly Locations:
Primarily France, but also assembled in other countries like the UK and Yugoslavia.
