🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

BX

Year:

1990

Internal Model Code:

XB7

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners of Citroën BX models from 1990 seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, or professional mechanics needing a comprehensive reference.

Value Proposition:

Provides significant cost savings compared to dealership labor by empowering self-sufficient repair and maintenance. Offers in-depth technical knowledge for all aspects of the vehicle.

Accessibility:

Instant download enables immediate access to repair information, eliminating the need for physical searching.

Completeness:

Covers a vast array of repair and maintenance tasks, from routine checks to major overhauls, across all vehicle systems.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All Service & Repair

Specific Coverage Highlights:

General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Wiring Diagrams, Electrical System, Suspension, Lubrication, Steering, Cooling, Fuel Injection, Emission System, Engine Control, Chassis, Body, Restraint System, Axles.

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (exact count not specified, but typical for full service manuals of this era range from 500-1500 pages when compiled)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual and automatic), Clutch, Drive Axles.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear, including Hydropneumatic system details), Steering system, Brake system (front and rear, including ABS if applicable for the year/market), Wheels and Tires, Chassis frame/body structure.

Electrical:

Full electrical system coverage, including wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting, ignition, fuel injection, instrumentation, comfort features, and troubleshooting diagnostic procedures.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system, restraint systems (seatbelts, potential for airbags depending on trim).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspection routines.

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components, including engine internals, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex faults, fault codes (if applicable), electrical circuit analysis, performance issues.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic procedures including electrical testing, component testing, and system troubleshooting, suitable for experienced DIYers and professional technicians.

Rebuilding Scope:

Comprehensive scope covering complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and detailed repair of virtually every mechanical and electrical system.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Requirements:

Requires Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip (or equivalent decompression software).

Print Suitability:

PDF format allows for printing individual pages or the entire manual as needed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1990:

Likely to include 1.9L (XU9 series) petrol engines (e.g., XU9JA, XU9J2, XU9M), and potentially diesel variants (XUD7, XUD9).

Engine Displacement Petrol:

Typically 1905cc for the 1.9L variants.

Engine Displacement Diesel:

Typically 1769cc (XUD7) or 1905cc (XUD9).

Horsepower Range Petrol:

Approx. 90-125 hp (depending on fuel injection/carburetion and specific engine code).

Torque Range Petrol:

Approx. 140-170 Nm.

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetion (e.g., Solex, Weber) or Bosch/Lucas fuel injection, depending on the specific model and market.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (RON 95/98) or Diesel Fuel.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed manual

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF or PSA unit).

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate diaphragm spring clutch (manual).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Hatchback (5-door), Estate (break, 5-door).

Length Approximate:

Approx. 4180 mm (Hatchback)

Width Approximate:

Approx. 1700 mm

Height Approximate:

Approx. 1370 mm (Hatchback)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1050-1250 kg (depending on engine and equipment).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No standardized global ratings like Euro NCAP existed in the same format in 1990. Local tests and insurance industry assessments would apply. Early BX models generally performed adequately for their era.

Braking System Type:

Hydraulically operated, dual-circuit, front ventilated discs, rear discs (or drums on lower trims/early models). ABS optional on some later models.

Restraint Systems:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts (front and outer rear), two-point lap belt (center rear). Optional front airbags were rare for this model year, but possible on very late production.

Body Structure:

Designed with crumple zones and reinforced safety cage for impact absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player with potential for 2 or 4 speakers. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

ABS Availability:

Optional on higher trims or later models, not standard across the range.

Remote Locking:

Central locking available on higher trim levels; remote keyless entry was rare for this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 80,000 km or 4-5 years for petrol engines (XU series). Crucial due to interference design.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3, Viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-50 for petrol; 10W-40 or 10W-30 for diesel. Check manual for exact specs.

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

Citroën LHS 2 (LHM is incorrect for this generation of BX). Specific hydraulic mineral fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Suspension Wear:

Wear in hydraulic spheres, seals, and high-pressure hoses can lead to ride height issues or leaks. Spheres may need recharging or replacement.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older wiring and connectors can be prone to corrosion and intermittent faults, especially in door harnesses and grounding points.

Rust Potential:

Rust can affect wheel arches, sills, and tailgate area, particularly in regions with harsh winters and road salt.

Engine Cooling:

Thermostat housing, water pump seals, and radiator hoses are common points for coolant leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Philosophy:

Citroën's history is marked by innovation, particularly in suspension and aerodynamic design, emphasizing comfort and a distinct driving experience.

Bx Design Era:

The BX was designed by Marcello Gandini (Gruppo Bertone) and represented a more conventional approach for Citroën compared to its predecessors, but retained advanced features like hydropneumatic suspension.

Bx Facelift Impact:

The 1990 model year falls within the facelifted BX range (introduced around 1987), featuring updated styling, improved interior, and revised mechanicals, including the XU engine series.

Production Period:

1982 - 1994

Manufacturing Locations:

Mainly France (Aulnay-sous-Bois, Vigo Spain).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Contemporaneous Acclaim:

The BX was generally well-received for its comfort and innovative suspension. It won various automotive journalist awards in different countries for its class.

Consumer Reviews:

Owners often praise its unique ride quality and spaciousness but acknowledge its potential for higher maintenance costs compared to more conventional vehicles, especially regarding the hydropneumatic system if not properly maintained.