DS5 suspension

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qprdude
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DS5 suspension

Post by qprdude »

I've almost come to terms with DS5 ownership after 16 months. I tried a 2.2 l Jaguar XF at the weekend and was completely underwhelmed.
It felt dated and sluggish, even though it was the 190bhp version rather than the 163.?
It was fairly nice and reasonably specced, but it didn't fold its'self around me and whisper "buy me now"!
OK, the reason I was even looking, is the truly awful suspension on the DS5.
On the motorway, it's fine, with effortless comfortable cruising.
On the local potholed roads, it's a tractor. Every bump sends a shockwave through the car and when you hit a bit of a hole on a corner, the rear end dances across the road. It's just no fun at all.
I read stuff about the suspension upgrades on later models giving a much more forgiving ride, and the fact that the modern stuff should fit my 2013 model.
I can't really find any definitive information on the cost or suitability of trying the upgrade, nor any Citroen garages that have done the upgrade.
If it works, it has to be cheaper than buying a different car with softer suspension.
The front seems much better, probably with the engine weight and the rear is slightly improved by losing a few PSI from the tyres but it's not ideal.
It would be good to know if any owners of pre 2014-2015 cars have the same problems, or have any info on upgrading.
The rest of the car has grown on me, the high spec and quirky looks have finally made me love the car...... but oh that blooming suspension.
Rick.

2013 Citroen DS 5 D/Sport
2007 Renault Clio Campus sport. 1.2l

Sometimes the change doesn't work.
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EDC5
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by EDC5 »

Is this the result of the early DS5's being based off the old peugeot 307 platform with a torsion beam rear suspension and single wishbone front suspension?

Are you considering replacing the front / rear suspension then? perhaps a few hours spent on Citroen servicebox could show you the different suspension options available on the DS5 over its life cycle.
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qprdude
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by qprdude »

No idea EDC5, I just know it's rattling my old bones to pieces! It's a pity because the car is lovely to drive on decent roads, reasonably quits, quick enough for me, a few decent toys, very comfy seats and, unlike my C5, it has superb lights!

I would probably consider rear suspension only, but being a bit of a technophobe, I haven't a clue what Citroen service box is, nor how to access it.
Last edited by qprdude on 08 Oct 2018, 23:57, edited 1 time in total.
Rick.

2013 Citroen DS 5 D/Sport
2007 Renault Clio Campus sport. 1.2l

Sometimes the change doesn't work.
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by EDC5 »

I must admit I love the look of the DS5, such a unique car, they really do look the part. I had a quick look on servicebox and from what I can see only the hybrid version has what looks like an independent rear suspension.

Perhaps you'd be able to just change your shocks and springs for softer ones and keep the rest?

I second the point about lights... My C5's headlights are actually crap, glad to hear they're better on the DS5.
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qprdude
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by qprdude »

Yes, I think it was the shocks and springs that were upgraded, but it's difficult to find if any of the bracket-work / fixings were changed too.
The lights are just about 100% better than the ones on my C5 X7.
The C5 had the "kerb lights" which came on at lower speeds with the steering. Those were the "spot-lights" . The DS5 has those also, plus the Full Xenon lights follow the steering on dip and full beam. It's an amazing difference to the C5.
Rick.

2013 Citroen DS 5 D/Sport
2007 Renault Clio Campus sport. 1.2l

Sometimes the change doesn't work.
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Mandrake
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by Mandrake »

Welcome to the world of non-hydropneumatic suspension ? Are we just spoilt ? :wink:

My daily driver is my Peugeot Ion, which actually rides "OK" for conventional springs, compared to other cars I've been in, but boy is it firm over larger bumps compared to the Xantia. It will be a sad day indeed when I have to let go of the Xantia. :(
Simon

1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by RichardW »

Diagram of the rear suspension:
ds5susp1.JPG
You can see that later cars have a different cross member / torsion bar (the 10 digit part number at the bottom) - possibly this is a bit less stiff so modifying roll characteristics. You can see there are different flexible joints however - and again there is a revised part. It also directs you to LE-2016, and under the part numbers for the earlier type of flexible joint it says:

5131 F2 Propose :
- 98 142 118 80(2)

5131 K0 Propose :
- 98 142 118 80(2) It is imperative that both dampers are replaced

So, it would appear there are different grades of flexi joints; one of which says replace the dampers. If you post up the VIN I can see which is fitted to yours, and then you will know whether dampers are recommended or not - although there is also a recommendation on dampers that the later type is fitted. There are 3 types of damper, so again VIN will confirm which required. Parts prices for all these:

Reference Description Quantity Price - VAT Price + VAT Total + VAT Selection
9814211880 FLEXIBLE JOINT 1 26.48 GBP 31.78 GBP 31.78 GBP

9807784080 RR SHOCK-ABSORB 1 80.84 GBP 97.01 GBP 97.01 GBP

9807784180 RR SHOCK-ABSORB 1 28.18 GBP 33.82 GBP 33.82 GBP

9807784280 RR SHOCK-ABSORB 1 96.15 GBP 115.38 GBP 115.38 GBP

So worst case you are looking at £300 in parts and say 2-3 hours labour to fit. Odd that the middle ones are so cheap - but these are for petrol I think... The rear cross member is about £300 so I'd be inclined to go with dampers and flexis first to see where that gets you. No change in the springs or mounts.
Richard W
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qprdude
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by qprdude »

Interesting. Not sure I could afford to change without being fairly sure that it would make a difference.

The VIN is. :- VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff].
Rick.

2013 Citroen DS 5 D/Sport
2007 Renault Clio Campus sport. 1.2l

Sometimes the change doesn't work.
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by EDC5 »

A very interesting read:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/ds/ds-5-review/
"It had the worst ride and handling of any car in Europe," I told the chief engineer, Alain Joseph.

"Hmm," he shrugged. "There were maybe some worse Mercedes models."
:rofl2:
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qprdude
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by qprdude »

So the newer version is a little slower than than my 2.0 sport.!
Rick.

2013 Citroen DS 5 D/Sport
2007 Renault Clio Campus sport. 1.2l

Sometimes the change doesn't work.
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by RichardW »

Yours is fitted with the 5131F2 bushes and 96 785 099 80 - so it doesn't mention replacement of the dampers. Book time for the similar bushes on the C4 Picasso is 3.7 hours - but that is with removing the rear axle unit - I suspect an inventive mechanic would do it on the car in less. Might be worth a chat with the dealer - they may have a TSB about it.
Richard W
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qprdude
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by qprdude »

Sorry Richard, no idea what a TSB is, except that I have my current account with them! Don't really understand anything about it. I reckon the nearest dealer to me would require an arm and a leg. They always seem a bit reluctant to undertake anything but MOT and services.
Rick.

2013 Citroen DS 5 D/Sport
2007 Renault Clio Campus sport. 1.2l

Sometimes the change doesn't work.
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by RichardW »

Technical Service Bulletin (which I think PSA call Info Rapide in fact!)
Richard W
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by qprdude »

OK, so I contacted a local French car specialist who I have had decent service from before. I asked about the suspension problem on the Citroen DS5. He said he hadn't yet worked on a customers DS5 for anything but was willing to find out for me.
He took all the details of the car and said he would make enquires as to whether the newer upgraded suspension would be compatible with my car. He said he would be in touch if the car could be fitted with the upgrade without modification. That was three weeks ago ,and no word so I guess it's a non starter, or he didn't fancy the job.
On looking at the replacement dampers for the 2015> cars, the part number compatibility says my car is not suitable. Oh well. nothing ventured.
I could try the nearest Citroen main dealer but my wallet goes into spasms at the thought.
I really don't think I can live with the terrible ride on such a well appointed big car so I have been looking around again. Ideally, a much newer DS5 would be the answer, but the cost is prohibitive. My first choice looks likely to be a 2012-2013 Jaguar XF with the 2.2l 163 engine. Insurance is a bit higher, but there is a saving of at least £40 on road tax so still manageable.....just.
Maybe after Christmas. [-o<
Rick.

2013 Citroen DS 5 D/Sport
2007 Renault Clio Campus sport. 1.2l

Sometimes the change doesn't work.
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qprdude
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Re: DS5 suspension

Post by qprdude »

No response from the local Citroen indie. Tried the local motorpoint who serviced the car and he didn't want to know. To many issues with insurance (modifications) . I think the idea frightened him because he said that there could have been more than just the dampers upgraded, and even if they fitted them, there was no gaurantee the ride would be better. I kind of understand what he's saying. He also said that any Citroen main dealer would be hesitant to do the job but that was the only option left. I haven't tried them and I don't think I will bother. I'm still looking for a replacement for my lavely but fatally flawed DS5. I'm at the SUV stage now and like the look of the Quashkai, but the performance is abysmal! The VW Tiguan is in the running but it's dearer to own than the DS5. I'm also tempted by the Peugeot 508 Hybrid but theyre as rare as hens teeth. I'm going to look at a VW CC tomorrow but it doesn't have the presence of the DS5 so I'm not hopefull. Any
advice?
Rick.

2013 Citroen DS 5 D/Sport
2007 Renault Clio Campus sport. 1.2l

Sometimes the change doesn't work.
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