Original Market Position:
The Citroën BX was positioned as a practical, comfortable, and technologically advanced family car in the European market, known for its distinctive styling and hydropneumatic suspension.
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 305, Renault 11, Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra.
Distinctive Features:
Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension providing exceptional ride comfort and self-leveling capabilities, aerodynamic styling, spacious interior.
Manual Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts and experienced mechanics.
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox (manual and automatic), driveshafts, differentials.
Suspension And Steering:
Hydropneumatic suspension system (front and rear), steering rack, steering column.
Brakes:
Brake system components (hydraulic and vacuum assisted), parking brake, ABS (where fitted).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, ignition, comfort features.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, locks, bumpers.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for component removal, disassembly, reassembly, and installation.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and major component overhauls.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Specific troubleshooting guides and wiring diagrams for electrical system faults.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Instruction Style:
Numbered steps, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings.
Illustration Quality:
Hundreds of photos and detailed illustrations, drawings, and enlarged insets.
Engine Variants:
A range of petrol (1.1L, 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.9L, 1.9L GTI) and diesel (1.8L, 1.9L D, 1.9L TD) engines.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 55 PS (1.1L) to 160 PS (1.9L GTI 16v).
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine, e.g., 1.9L GTI producing around 190 Nm.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber) for lower-end models, Bosch L-Jetronic or TLD-Jetronic fuel injection for performance models.
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system.
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition (e.g., Magneti Marelli, Bosch).
Length:
Hatchback: approx. 4060 mm; Estate: approx. 4220 mm.
Height:
Hatchback: approx. 1350 mm; Estate: approx. 1380 mm (ride height variable).
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 950 kg - 1150 kg depending on engine and body style.
Cargo Volume:
Hatchback: approx. 380 litres (rear seats up); Estate: significantly larger, expandable with rear seats folded.
Crash Test Ratings:
No standardized Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings available for this era; relied on national homologation standards.
Active Safety Systems:
Power assisted disc brakes (front and rear), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optional on later models.
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, seatbelts (three-point front, two-point rear standard, optional three-point rear).
Infotainment Features:
Basic radio and cassette player systems were common. Later models offered optional features like electric windows and central locking. No advanced digital infotainment systems.
Driver Assistance Systems:
ABS was an optional feature on higher trims and later models. No other significant electronic driver aids were standard.
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards. Basic wired connections for audio systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km (4,500 - 6,000 miles) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Manual will specify exact intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
For belt-driven engines (e.g., 1.4, 1.6, 1.9 petrol), typically every 60,000 - 80,000 km (37,000 - 50,000 miles) or 4-5 years. Diesel engines might have longer intervals or chain drives.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 for petrol engines, SAE 15W-40 for diesel engines. Refer to manual for specific API/ACEA ratings. Typically around 4-5 litres capacity.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LDS fluid (or equivalent specification LHM Plus - 'Liquide Hydraulique Minéral'). Capacity varies but typically around 4-5 litres for the entire system.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., G11 or equivalent) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio. Capacity approx. 7-8 litres.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for exact recommendation). Typically 1 litre needed for a flush.
Common Problems:
Hydropneumatic suspension sphere leaks, hydropneumatic fluid leaks (especially from hoses and seals), rust (particularly on wheel arches, sills, and subframes), electrical gremlins, carburetor issues on non-injected models, wear on suspension arms and ball joints.
Suspension Maintenance:
Regular inspection and topping up of hydropneumatic fluid. Spheres require replacement at intervals, typically around 50,000-80,000 km. Pump and regulator require attention.
Citroen Heritage Focus:
Citroën has a long history of innovative automotive engineering, particularly with hydropneumatic suspension (DS, SM) and aerodynamic design.
Bx Development:
Developed as a successor to the ageing Citroën GS/GSA, aiming to provide a modern, comfortable, and spacious family car with advanced technology. Designed by Marcello Gandini (Gruppo Bertone).
Bx Facelifts Updates:
Received significant updates in 1986, including revised styling (front and rear), improved interior, and updated engine options, often referred to as the Series 2 or 'BX Phase 2'.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France (Aulnay-sous-Bois), with some production in Spain and the UK.
Total Production Numbers:
Over 2.3 million units produced worldwide.
