🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

BX

Start Year:

1982

End Year:

1994

Model Code:

XB

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Family hatchback/compact executive car

Target Audience:

Citroën BX owners, independent garages, automotive repair enthusiasts

Key Competitors:

Peugeot 305/405, Renault 11/18, Ford Escort/Sierra, Volkswagen Golf/Passat, Opel Kadett/Vectra.

Suspension:

Iconic hydropneumatic suspension offering a smooth and adjustable ride.

Design:

Distinctive Bertone-designed aerodynamic styling with a wedge shape.

Interior:

Unique single-spoke steering wheel and 'sphere' controls (though this varied by year and market).

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Engine Coverage:

All gasoline and diesel engines offered for the BX during the specified model years.

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels, including base, Ritmo, TGE, TZD, Sport, GTI, TRS, etc.

Estimated Page Count:

Varies significantly by specific engine and model year, but typically exceeds 600 pages for a comprehensive factory manual.

Type:

Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts), fuel system (carburetors, fuel injection), ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, and diesel injection systems.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmissions, automatic transmissions (including adjustment and repair), clutch system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential.

Suspension Steering:

Citroën's iconic hydropneumatic suspension system (components, operation, bleeding, height adjustment), conventional suspension components (front struts, rear beams, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering components).

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic system, parking brake, anti-lock braking system (ABS) if equipped.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instrumentation, ignition switches, fuses, relays, power windows, central locking, and other electrical accessories.

Body Chassis:

Body construction, panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, seat adjustments, structural repairs.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid changes, coolant flushes, drive belt checks and replacement, and lubrication points.

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine repair and overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake system servicing, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and repair.

Disassembly Assembly:

Comprehensive guidance on the disassembly and reassembly of all major vehicle components.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, and other critical technical data.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, enabling quick access to information.

Printability:

Full Printable

Binding:

Digital Download (no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

Zoom Capability:

YES

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent unzipping software)

Operating System Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Families:

XU (petrol and diesel), XY (petrol), Douvrin/PSA X (petrol)

Displacement Range:

1.1L to 1.9L (petrol), 1.8L to 1.9L (diesel)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 55 hp (1.1L) to 125 hp (1.9 GTI)

Torque Range:

Varies significantly by engine, with diesel variants offering higher torque for their displacement.

Carbureted Engines:

Many models featured Weber or Solex carburetors.

Fuel Injected Engines:

Later models, especially GTI variants, utilized Bosch L-Jetronic or similar fuel injection systems.

Diesel Injection:

Mechanical diesel injection pumps (e.g., Bosch).

🔧 Transmission

Manual:

Typically a 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission depending on the engine and model year.

Automatic:

Available on select models, usually a 3-speed ZF automatic.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate diaphragm clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4210-4240 mm (165.7-167.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1660-1690 mm (65.4-66.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1350-1370 mm (53.1-53.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 970-1150 kg (2138-2535 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

Older vehicle design standards; specific modern safety ratings may not be directly applicable. Euro NCAP did not exist in its current form during its peak production.

Braking:

Front ventilated discs, rear discs or drums. ABS available on later, higher-spec models.

Restraints:

Seat belts (front inertia reel, rear lap belts initially, later models with three-point belts). Optional driver's airbag on later models.

Body Structure:

Designed with crumple zones, though advanced by 1980s standards.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Factory fitted radios were common, often with cassette players on later models. Some featured graphic equalizers.

Speakers:

Door and rear parcel shelf speakers were standard on many variants.

ABS:

Available as an option on higher-specification models from the mid-1980s onwards.

Original Connectivity:

Limited to basic electrical systems; no modern digital connectivity options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Petrol:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Change Diesel:

Often slightly longer, around 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months for older diesel technology.

Timing Belt:

Crucial to replace as per manual recommendations (e.g., 50,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years for petrol engines with belts).

Engine Oil Petrol:

API SF/SG or equivalent, viscosity grade typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate. Refer to manual for exact spec.

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CD/CE or equivalent, often 15W-40.

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

Citroën LHS 2 (later models may use LHS M or LDS, but LHS 2 is common for this era). Critical to use the correct fluid to avoid system damage.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on the system (especially if ABS is fitted).

Hydropneumatic System:

Spheres can lose pressure, hydraulic fluid leaks from pipes or seals, pump wear, height corrector issues. Requires specialized knowledge for repair.

Rust:

Common in older vehicles, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the rear hatch area.

Electrical:

Corrosion on connectors, faulty relays, switch failures can be common with age.

Engine:

Head gasket leaks on some petrol engines, injector pump issues on diesels, carburetor problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Legacy:

Citroën is renowned for its innovation in suspension (like the 2CV and DS) and avant-garde design.

Lx Phase 1:

Launched in 1982, featuring the unique hydropneumatic suspension and Bertone styling. Engines included 1.1L, 1.3L, 1.5L, and 1.8L diesel.

Lx Phase 2:

Introduced in 1986, with styling updates (clearer indicators, revised bumpers, new interior elements), improved engines (1.4L, 1.6L petrol, 1.9L diesel), and the introduction of the 1.9 GTI model with 125 hp.

Lx Phase 3:

Minor updates in 1989 and 1991, including revised interiors, engines, and minor styling tweaks.

Production Period:

1982-1994

Manufacturing Locations:

France ( utama), UK, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Yugoslavia.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific awards are not widely cited, the BX was recognized for its innovative design and unique suspension technology at launch.