🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroen

Model:

BX

Model Generation:

Second Generation (BX Series 2)

Applicable Model Years:

1990-1993

Chassis Code:

XB (often referred to generically as BX Series 2)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Citroen BX was positioned as a practical, comfortable, and technologically distinctive hatchback, known for its hydropneumatic suspension system. This manual is for owners and technicians needing to maintain or repair these specific models from the later years of its production.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, and Peugeot 309. Its unique suspension and styling set it apart.

Vehicle Features:

Hydropneumatic suspension offering self-leveling and adjustable ride height, aerodynamic design, innovative interior layout, and later models benefited from engine upgrades and improved build quality over earlier generations.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Parts identification, listing, and exploded diagrams; Wiring diagrams

Secondary Coverage:

Component breakdown for engine, gearbox, hydraulics, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical systems, bodywork, and HVAC.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely exceeds 500 pages (typical for comprehensive parts catalogs and wiring diagrams of this era).

Type:

Parts List Manual / Parts Catalog with Wiring Diagrams

Language:

Likely English, potentially with other European languages depending on origin.

Format:

Digital (e.g., PDF) or Printed.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (cylinder head, gaskets, crankcase, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshaft, timing, injection, cooling, oil pump), Gearbox (manual/automatic transmission components, differential), Fuel System (piping, pump, filter, tank, ducts, injectors, anti-pollution).

Chassis And Suspension:

Hydraulics (high-pressure pump, accumulators, regulators, fluid tank, piping for suspension, steering, brakes, ABS), Suspension (front/rear arms, pivot, hubs, cylinders, height correctors, anti-roll bars, manual height control), Steering (wheel, column, rack, power assist, flow distributor), Drive Shafts, Wheels and Tires (wheel caps implied).

Brakes:

Front brakes, rear brakes, brake valves, handbrake, ABS brake components.

Electrical And Body:

Comprehensive wiring harnesses (front face, main, engine, ignition, facia, console, door, interior, exterior lamps), Clips, Bulbs, Instrument panel, Meters, Switches (window, column), Accessories (lighter, clock, central locking), Wiper/Washer systems, Horn, Relays, Fuse box, Key systems (remote, ignition), Lamps (head, rear, room), Bumpers (front, rear), Air Conditioning, Heater, Ventilation systems.

Bodywork:

Front Bumper, Rear Bumper, and associated mounting hardware and trim pieces.

Part Identification:

Identification of individual components via exploded diagrams and part numbers.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed schematics illustrating electrical system routing and component connections.

Component Listing:

Lists of all replaceable parts for each system.

Assembly Reference:

Provides exploded views essential for correctly assembling components, especially after disassembly for repair or part replacement.

Depth:

Detailed breakdown of all mechanical and electrical assemblies, suitable for parts ordering, assembly reference, and basic diagnostics. Not a full repair manual with step-by-step repair procedures but essential for identifying parts needed for repair.

Part Numbering:

Crucially includes official Citroën part numbers, allowing for accurate ordering and sourcing of components.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, potentially searchable if OCR'd.

Print Quality:

Variable for digital copies. Original printed manuals would typically have black and white line drawings and text, with potential for some color in wiring diagrams.

Binding Type:

If printed: Perfect bound or spiral bound for ease of use.

Paper Type:

If printed: Standard paper, potentially heavier stock for diagrams.

Scope:

A comprehensive parts catalog and wiring diagram resource. It excels at identifying correct parts for replacement and understanding electrical system layouts but does not typically include detailed step-by-step repair procedures or diagnostic flowcharts.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants Covered:

Likely covers the range of engines offered in the BX Series 2, which typically included: 1.4L (TU3), 1.6L (XU5), 1.8L (XU7), 1.9L (XU9) – naturally aspirated and fuel-injected variants. Some performance variants like the BX Sport or GTi (with the XU9J2/J4 engines) may also be included.

Typical Horsepower Range:

Approximately 70 hp (1.4L) to 125 hp (1.9 GTi).

Injection Systems:

Both carbureted (early 1.4/1.6) and various Bosch/Lucas fuel injection systems (e.g., L-Jetronic, Motronic) for 1.6, 1.8, and 1.9 models.

Fuel Pump Filter:

Lists parts for the fuel pump and filter assemblies, critical for fuel delivery.

Engine Mounting:

Includes parts for engine mounts, crucial for isolating vibrations and supporting the engine.

Cooling Fan Type:

Electric cooling fans were common on later models, with components for fan motors and associated wiring.

Water Pump:

Includes the water pump, a key component for engine cooling.

Intake Manifold Variants:

Details specific intake manifolds for different engine displacements (16TZI, 19TRI/TZI, 16V) and throttle bodies, indicating differences between engine variants.

Ignition System:

Covers Bosch and Ducellier ignition distributors and associated components like HT leads.

Injection Device:

Components related to the injection system, including injectors and their associated parts, are detailed.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

A 5-speed manual transmission (often JCT-type) was standard on many variants.

Automatic Transmission:

An optional 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22, Aisin Warner AF13/14) was available on certain models.

Gearbox Components:

Covers gearbox casing, speed meter drive, cooling systems, control valves (for automatics), gear shafts, synchronizers, shift forks, shift levers, and differential gears.

Gear Synchronizer:

Details parts for gear synchronizers, essential for smooth gear changes in manual transmissions.

Kickdown Cable:

Lists the kickdown cable, a critical component for controlling automatic transmission downshifts.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Available as a 5-door hatchback and a 5-door estate (break).

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 1050 kg to 1250 kg, depending on engine and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Typically around 1600 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

While specific modern crash ratings are not applicable, the BX featured crumple zones and a strong safety cage. Later models had improved safety features like optional ABS.

Brake Assist:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an option on higher-spec models, with components for the ABS pump, control unit, and piping detailed.

Restraints:

Seat belts (front and rear), with components for mounting hardware potentially listed. Airbags were not standard on most BX models of this era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic radio and speaker systems were common. Components for dashboard-mounted items like cigar lighters and clocks are listed.

Braking Assistance:

ABS was an optional feature, representing a significant driver assistance technology for its time.

Remote Locking:

Central locking and remote control key systems were available on higher trims, with components for these systems included.

HVAC Components:

Components for Air Conditioner, Blower Unit, Heater Unit, Ventilation Control, and Ducting are comprehensively listed, enabling repair and maintenance of the climate control system.

🔧 Maintenance

General Guidelines:

While this manual doesn't provide explicit service intervals (typically found in an owner's or service manual), it lists all parts needed for routine maintenance such as oil changes (oil sump, filters), timing belt replacement (timing belt, tensioners), and fluid changes (hydraulics, gearbox, coolant).

Hydraulic Fluid:

Requires Citroën's proprietary LDS fluid for the hydropneumatic system. This manual lists the hydraulic fluid tank and associated piping.

Engine Oil:

Appropriate engine oil grades (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate and engine type) are not specified in the parts list but are critical for the oil sump, oil pump filter, and engine lubrication.

Hydropneumatic System:

Leaking spheres, worn hydraulic pump, failing height correctors, and cracked hydraulic lines are common. This manual is essential for identifying replacement parts for these issues.

Electrical System:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses and connectors, particularly in the engine bay and door sections, can lead to intermittent electrical faults. The comprehensive wiring diagrams are invaluable for troubleshooting.

Engine Management:

Older fuel injection systems can be prone to issues with sensors, injectors, and ECUs. Parts for the injection device and Engine ECU are listed.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Legacy:

Citroën has a long history of innovation, particularly with its advanced suspension systems (like the 2CV's 'baignoire' and DS's hydropneumatic). The BX continued this tradition with its own hydropneumatic system.

Bx Series 2 Updates:

The BX Series 2 (introduced in 1989) featured styling updates (new grille, bumpers, interior), improved engines, better rust protection, and refinements to the hydropneumatic suspension. This manual covers this refined iteration.

Production Period:

1982-1994 (Globally). The 1990-1993 period covered by this manual represents the final years of production.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily France, but also manufactured in other countries like the UK and Spain.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While not specifically awarded in the modern sense, the BX was recognized for its innovative design and engineering, particularly its aerodynamic profile and hydropneumatic suspension, which influenced subsequent Citroën models.

📄 Steering

Power Assist Steering Components:

Includes parts for the power steering system, such as the pump and flow distributor, indicating its availability on various models.

📄 Brake

Brake Valve:

Components for brake valves, likely including proportioning valves and pressure regulators, are listed, vital for brake system function.

📄 Electrical Equipment

Head Lamp And Rear Lamp Components:

Parts for headlamps and rear lamps, including bulbs and holders, are detailed.

Instrument Panel And Meter Unit:

Components for the instrument panel and meter unit (speedometer, tachometer, etc.) are listed.

Window And Column Switches:

Parts for window switches and column-mounted switches (e.g., indicators, wipers) are included.