Market Position Statement:
This repair service manual targets owners and independent repair shops of the Citroën BX, providing comprehensive technical information essential for maintaining and repairing this iconic French automobile.
Competitive Advantage:
Offers a factory-level depth of information equivalent to official service manuals, often unavailable through retail channels, delivered in a convenient digital format for immediate access.
Key Features List:
Step-by-step repair procedures, critical specifications, detailed illustrations and diagrams, diagnostic charts, maintenance schedules, comprehensive system coverage.
Systems Covered List:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual and automatic), Suspension (Hydropneumatic), Brakes (front and rear), Steering, Electrical System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Climate Control (if equipped), Bodywork and Trim, Interior Components, Diagnostic Procedures.
Electrical System Coverage:
Detailed wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, troubleshooting procedures for lighting, ignition, charging, starting, instruments, and accessories.
Brakes System Coverage:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc on performance models). Detailed procedures for pad/shoe replacement, caliper/cylinder servicing, brake fluid bleeding, handbrake adjustment.
Fuel System Coverage:
Carburetor (adjustment, cleaning, overhaul kits), fuel injection system diagnostics, fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement.
Procedures Included List:
Routine Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Component Removal and Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Electrical Diagnosis and Repair, Torque Specifications, Lubrication Charts, Schematics, Adjustments, Component Testing.
Engine Overhaul Procedures:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, reassembly, piston ring replacement, valve job, crankshaft and bearing service, cylinder head gasket replacement.
Bodywork Repair Procedures:
Includes basic body panel alignment, door/hood/trunk adjustments, and common repair techniques for minor damage.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level technical depth suitable for professional technicians, with sufficient detail for advanced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission rebuilds.
Suspension System Depth:
In-depth coverage of the hydropneumatic suspension system, including sphere replacement, hydraulic fluid servicing, pressure regulation, shock absorber and strut overhaul.
Print Quality:
Full Printable
Binding Type:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Searchable Text:
YES (inherent in PDF format)
Zoom Functionality:
YES (Zoom IN/OUT)
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for download extraction)
Operating System Compatibility
Os Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Options 1987:
1.6L (1580cc) Douvrin XY6B (80 hp), 1.9L (1905cc) XU5JP (90 hp), 1.9L (1905cc) XU9J2 (105 hp), 1.9L (1905cc) XU9J4 (126 hp - for GTi model).
Horsepower Range:
80 hp to 126 hp (depending on engine variant)
Fuel System Types:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex 34-34 TDIC) for base models, Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection for higher performance variants.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (e.g., Bosch)
Cooling System Type:
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Type Specification:
Antifreeze based on ethylene glycol (e.g., Citroën GGD 412)
Engine Layout:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Transverse Front-Wheel Drive
Engine Codes Listing:
XY6B, XU5JP, XU9J2, XU9J4
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed automatic (ZF 3HP14 or similar)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Manual: API GL-4 (e.g., Esso Gear Oil BV) | Automatic: ATF DEXRON-II
Gear Ratios Manual Example:
Refer to specific manual for exact ratios per engine/transmission variant.
Exterior Dimensions Approximate:
Length: 4150 mm, Width: 1650 mm, Height: 1360 mm (varies slightly by model)
Wheelbase Approximate:
2600 mm
Track Width Front Approximate:
1440 mm
Track Width Rear Approximate:
1350 mm
Curb Weight Approximate:
1000 kg - 1150 kg (depending on engine and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approximate:
1500 kg - 1650 kg
Safety Rating Historical Context:
Euro NCAP testing not prevalent in its original production era. Focus on passive safety features of the time.
Active Safety Features:
Disc brakes front and rear, Power-assisted steering (optional/standard on higher trims).
Passive Safety Features:
Body-cage construction, crumple zones, seat belts (front likely standard, rear optional).
Steering Column Design:
Collapsible steering column for improved occupant safety in frontal impacts.
Infotainment System Features:
Basic analog radio, cassette player (optional).
Driver Assistance Features:
None in the modern sense; focus on handling and ride comfort from hydropneumatic suspension.
Oil Change Interval Recommendation:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first) for mineral-based oil; longer intervals possible with synthetic oils.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically 80,000 km to 100,000 km or 5 years (check specific engine variant).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF/SG, ACEA A2/B2 (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Suspension Fluid Specification:
Citroën LHS 2 (Hydraulic Mineral Fluid - Green Label)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:
Approx. 1.8 - 2.0 liters (check specific model)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Automatic:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 liters (check specific model)
Engine Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 liters
Common Issues Bx 1987:
Hydropneumatic suspension sphere failure, electrical gremlins (common with older French cars), carburettor issues, rust on bodywork in certain climates, ignition coil failures.
Tune Up Component List:
Spark plugs (e.g., Bosch W7DC or equivalent), distributor cap and rotor, ignition leads, air filter, fuel filter, PCV valve.
Grease Points:
Includes lubrication points for suspension, steering linkage, and wheel bearings.
Brand Heritage Statement:
Citroën, a French manufacturer renowned for its innovative and avant-garde automotive designs, especially its pioneering work in hydropneumatic suspension.
Model Evolution Bx 1987:
The 1987 model represents a facelifted Series 1 BX, receiving updated styling cues and potentially minor mechanical refinements compared to earlier versions. It continued Citroën's tradition of distinctive design and advanced engineering.
Production Years:
1982-1989 (for Series 1)
Manufacturing Locations:
France (Aulnay-sous-Bois, Rennes)