🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroen

Model:

BX

Product Name:

Citroen BX Service Manual/Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Citroen BX was positioned as a practical, comfortable, and innovative hatchback and estate, known for its distinctive styling and hydropneumatic suspension system. It competed in the compact to mid-size family car segment.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Peugeot 309, and Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra.

Signature Features:

Hydropneumatic suspension providing a renowned ride quality, aerodynamic 'folded paper' styling, spacious interior, and efficient engine options.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the Citroen BX.

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific edition and model year, typically several hundred pages.

Type:

Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

Likely English, but regional variations may exist. Confirmation with seller recommended.

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed coverage including disassembly, assembly, component testing, and overhaul procedures for various BX engine variants (e.g., XY, XU series petrol and diesel).

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, coolant flow, thermostat, water pump, and associated hoses and passages.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel lines, carburettors (e.g., Solex, Weber), fuel injection systems (if applicable), filters, and evaporative emission controls.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), electronic ignition components, timing procedures, and troubleshooting.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil pressure specifications, and lubrication points.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if fitted), mufflers, pipes, and emission control components.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanisms, driveshafts, and associated components for manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Hydraulic control systems, torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, and servicing procedures for automatic transmissions (if applicable).

Suspension System Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, bushings, ball joints, springs, shock absorbers, and steering knuckle components.

Suspension System Rear:

Hydropneumatic suspension system (Citroen's signature feature), spheres, rams, hydraulic fluid, control arms, trailing arms, and rear axle assembly.

Steering System:

Steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump, steering column, and associated linkages.

Brake System:

Brake master cylinder, brake booster, brake lines, hydraulic fluid specifications, front and rear disc/drum brakes, parking brake mechanism, and ABS (if equipped).

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, fog lights, and related switches and wiring.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, regulator, battery, and charging circuit troubleshooting.

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, starter solenoid, and starting circuit diagnostics.

Electrical System Instruments:

Dashboard gauges, warning lights, combination meter, and associated sensors.

Climate Control:

Heater core, blower motor, air conditioning system (if equipped), refrigerant, and controls.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hinges, latches, glass replacement, and interior trim.

Body Repair:

Minor dent repair, rust prevention, and structural integrity checks.

Basic Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), and systematic problem-solving guidance.

Engine Repair:

Cylinder head removal/installation, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, valve train adjustments, and timing belt/chain replacement.

Transmission Overhaul:

Complete disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly of manual and automatic transmissions.

Suspension Component Replacement:

Replacement of shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, and hydropneumatic system servicing.

Brake Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, brake caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake fluid bleeding, and parking brake adjustment.

Electrical Component Testing:

Testing and replacement of sensors, actuators, switches, relays, and control modules.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for various vehicle systems, aiding in diagnosis and repair.

Depth:

Expert level, covering full mechanical and electrical system overhauls, complex diagnostics, and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Readability:

PDF format offers excellent portability and searchability. High-quality scans are crucial for clear diagrams and text.

Printability:

Designed for home printing, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual as needed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Various petrol engines (e.g., 1.1L, 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.9L XY and XU series) and diesel engines (e.g., 1.8L, 1.9L XUD series). Specific engine codes and displacements vary by market and year.

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 50-125 hp, depending on engine variant and configuration.

Induction Type:

Carbureted (SU, Weber, Solex) or multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol engines; indirect injection for diesel engines.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Typically a 5-speed manual transaxle.

Optional Transmission:

Optional 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission was available on some models.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4000-4200 mm (varies by body style and generation)

Width:

Approx. 1600-1700 mm

Height:

Approx. 1300-1400 mm (excluding self-leveling suspension adjustment)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 950-1150 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

Not directly applicable to the original production era of the BX. Later Citroen models have higher ratings.

Active Safety:

Four-wheel disc brakes (on most models), power-assisted steering.

Passive Safety:

Crumple zones, seat belts, steel-reinforced passenger cell. Later models may feature driver's airbag.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted radio cassette players were common, often with basic speaker systems.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on some later models.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by contemporary standards; primarily basic power accessories and optional central locking.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, depending on engine type and driving conditions. Consult specific manual.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for non-interference engines, typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km) or 4-5 years. Check specific engine manual.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on temperature. Specific type may vary by engine. Refer to manual for precise specification.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Must be replaced periodically due to hygroscopic properties.

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

Citroen LHS 2 (LHM is not correct for BX). This specialized hydraulic fluid is critical for the suspension and requires specific servicing procedures.

Common Problems:

Hydropneumatic system leaks (sphere wear, seal degradation), aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), electrical gremlins, rust in vulnerable areas (wheel arches, sills), carburettor issues, and early diesel engine starting problems in cold weather.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Innovation:

Citroen has a long history of engineering innovation, particularly in suspension systems (e.g., Traction Avant, DS, SM), and the BX continued this tradition with its hydropneumatic system.

Generations:

Produced from 1982 to 1994. Two main series: Series 1 (1982-1988) and Series 2 (1988-1994), with styling and mechanical updates.

Production Period:

1982-1994

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily France, but also assembled in other countries.