🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

BX

Year:

1985

Market Segment:

Compact Family Car / Hatchback

Chassis Code:

XB

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Citroën BX was positioned as a family hatchback and estate car, known for its innovative hydropneumatic suspension and distinctive styling. It competed in a crowded European market against rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, and Peugeot 305.

Key Competitors 1985:

Volkswagen Golf Mk2, Ford Escort Mk3/Mk4, Peugeot 305, Renault 9/11, Opel Kadett E.

Hydropneumatic Suspension:

Citroën's renowned self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, offering exceptional ride comfort and handling stability.

Aerodynamic Styling:

Designed by Marcello Gandini (Bertone), featuring a distinctive, wedge-shaped profile with plastic body panels for weight reduction and corrosion resistance.

Practicality:

Available in both hatchback and estate (break) body styles, offering good interior space and versatility.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All aspects of service, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Secondary Coverage:

Electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, chassis and bodywork

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, typically 300-700+ pages for comprehensive manuals.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service Repair:

Detailed procedures for disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components and systems.

Transmission Service Repair:

Covers manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch service, and drivetrain components.

Brake System:

Repair and maintenance of hydraulic systems, discs, drums, calipers, and associated components. Likely includes details on Citroën's hydropneumatic braking assist if applicable to specific models.

Wiring Diagram:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for troubleshooting electrical faults.

Electrical System:

Detailed information on ignition, lighting, starting, charging, instrumentation, and accessory electrical circuits.

Suspension:

In-depth coverage of Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension system (likely referencing the earlier LHS/DIRAVI systems), including spheres, pumps, accumulators, height correctors, and fluid maintenance.

Steering:

Service and repair for hydraulic power steering systems, steering rack, and linkage components.

Cooling System:

Maintenance and repair of radiators, fans, water pumps, thermostats, and coolant specifications.

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Covers fuel pumps, injectors, fuel lines, and control systems for both carbureted and injection variants (e.g., Bosch L-Jetronic).

Emission System:

Information on emission control devices, catalytic converters (if equipped), and associated sensors and components.

Engine Control System:

Diagnostics and repair of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and its associated sensors and actuators.

Chassis Body:

Body panel repair, structural integrity, door mechanisms, interior trim, and corrosion prevention.

Restraint System:

Details on seat belts, airbags (if equipped), and associated components.

Axle:

Front and rear axle service, hub assemblies, and drive shafts.

General Maintenance:

Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, and inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and solutions for common and uncommon vehicle problems, often presented in flowcharts or symptom-based tables.

Periodic Lubrication:

Detailed schedule and specifications for all lubrication points on the vehicle.

Reconditioning Refurbishment:

Guidance on restoring worn or damaged components and systems to optimal working order.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for potential archive extraction)

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows & Mac

Printability:

Designed for digital use, but likely printable for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1985:

Likely included a range of petrol engines, primarily the Simca/Talbot 'Poissy' engine series, and potentially diesel options. Common petrol engines were 1.4L (XY series) and 1.6L (XY/XU series). The BX 1985 may also have featured early XU diesel engines.

Engine Displacement 1600Cc:

Approx. 1580cc (e.g., engine code XU5).

Engine Horsepower 1600Cc:

Typically around 80-90 PS (DIN) depending on injection or carburetion.

Engine Torque 1600Cc:

Approx. 130-140 Nm at around 3000-3500 rpm.

Fuel Delivery Petrol:

Could be either a twin-choke downdraft carburetor (e.g., Weber or Solex) or early Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection for higher-spec models.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded petrol (depending on market regulations and engine spec), Lead Replacement Petrol, Diesel (for diesel variants).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual gearbox.

Transmission Type:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., PSA RE30/RE40).

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Length Hatchback:

Approx. 4090 mm (161 in)

Width:

Approx. 1700 mm (67 in)

Height Unladen:

Approx. 1350 mm (53 in) for hatchback (suspension adjustable)

Kerb Weight 1600Cc:

Approx. 1000-1100 kg (2200-2425 lb)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating Era:

No official Euro NCAP rating available for this era; safety standards were significantly different.

Braking System:

Hydraulically assisted disc front brakes, often with rear drum brakes. Features self-adjusting mechanisms and potential for anti-lock braking systems on later or higher-spec models.

Steering System:

Hydraulic power steering on most models for lighter steering effort.

Body Construction:

Integrated safety cage, crumple zones, and use of plastic body panels to absorb impact energy.

Seat Belts:

Standard three-point seat belts in the front, lap belts in the rear.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically a basic AM/FM radio, often with optional cassette player. Speakers located in doors and rear parcel shelf.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on higher-specification models or introduced later in the BX's lifecycle.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Vehicle systems are primarily mechanical and electrical.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 12 months, depending on usage.

Suspension Fluid Service:

Regular checks of the hydropneumatic fluid level and condition. Fluid changes are usually required at intervals of 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km), or as specified in the manual. Citroën recommends LHM fluid.

Timing Belt Replacement:

For XU engines, typically every 40,000-60,000 miles (60,000-90,000 km) or 4-5 years. Critical to follow manual specifications.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF/SG or higher, viscosity grades like 10W-40 or 15W-40 depending on climate. Refer to manual for specific engine oil recommendations.

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

Citroën LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) - Green fluid.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific color and type to be confirmed in manual.

Suspension Sphere Wear:

Hydropneumatic spheres can degrade over time, leading to a firmer ride or bouncing. Replacement is a common maintenance item.

Hydropneumatic Pump Failure:

The hydraulic pump can wear out, leading to loss of power steering and suspension pressure. Leaks are also common.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many cars of this era, electrical connections and components can be susceptible to corrosion and failure, especially with age.

Rust On Body:

Despite plastic panels, steel structural components and subframes can be prone to rust, especially in areas with heavy road salt use.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Innovation:

Citroën has a long history of pioneering automotive technology, including front-wheel drive, unibody construction, and its signature hydropneumatic suspension.

Bx Development:

The BX was developed by Citroën (then part of PSA Peugeot Citroën) to replace the aging GS and GSA models. It aimed to combine Citroën's comfort and handling with more modern styling and practicality. It shared its platform and some mechanicals with the Peugeot 305.

Production Years:

1982-1994

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in France (Rennes-sur-Vitre), with some assembly in other countries.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year Contender:

The Citroën BX was a finalist for European Car of the Year in 1983.