Should I swap my 1.6hdi C5 X7 for a 163hp 2.0hdi C5 X7?

[citroC5]

Hello, lovely people of this forum.

The title says it all. I am pondering not continuing to own my 2008 1.6hdi Tourer and instead get a 2.0hdi (but one with 163bhp, I miss having more power on tap).

On paper, it seems like a good idea. It will be newer (163hp 2 litres are only from 2010 onwards, methinks) and I plan to get one with less miles. The engine is way more powerful and thus, won't strain in so many situations (uphill, carrying a full load and/or compliment of passengers, motorway speeds, overtaking) like my current powerplant does, it's smoother and quieter and it has longer legs with that sixth gear. Consumption figures aren't worlds apart either, and I would like the hydropneumatic suspension, something not available on 1.6 litre engined-models, though that's more of a personal choice.

However, in the real world I'm not so sure, because I have no extensive experience with a 2.0hdi, and I don't know what it's like to live with. Is it much better than the 1.6hdi or just slightly? Does anyone have some first-hand experience, by chance?

[GiveMeABreak]

The 163 DW10CTED4 was the later update to the 138 / 140 DW10BTED4 engine. It is a Euro 5 vehicle and had quite a few modifications over the previous model - however that also brought a fair share of newer issues (coolant, EGR, Fusebox and other niggles). So if you want the extra power and better fuel economy, go ahead.

Be aware of common issues on the X7, specifically the steering rack leaks which have hit many of us (some of us are on our third racks), but you can undertake a mod to try and protect the pinion. Be aware that some high pressure power steering pipes are getting rare and are no longer available from Citroen and as you are probably aware the X7 was the last vehicle with Hydractive 3+ suspension. Parts for these models are going to become rarer at some point including suspension pipes, pump motors etc., so be aware of this.

If budget allows, you may want to consider the C5 Aircross with later more economical engines and PHC for suspension which are quite comfortable to ride in.

[citroC5]

The 163 DW10CTED4 was the later update to the 138 / 140 DW10BTED4 engine. It is a Euro 5 vehicle and had quite a few modifications over the previous model - however that also brought a fair share of newer issues (coolant, EGR, Fusebox and other niggles). So if you want the extra power and better fuel economy, go ahead.

Be aware of common issues on the X7, specifically the steering rack leaks which have hit many of us (some of us are on our third racks), but you can undertake a mod to try and protect the pinion. Be aware that some high pressure power steering pipes are getting rare and are no longer available from Citroen and as you are probably aware the X7 was the last vehicle with Hydractive 3+ suspension. Parts for these models are going to become rarer at some point including suspension pipes, pump motors etc., so be aware of this.

Thanks once again, Marc, definitely food for thought as my current 1.6hdi has been very reliable indeed.

If budget allows, you may want to consider the C5 Aircross with later more economical engines and PHC for suspension which are quite comfortable to ride in.

I appreciate the recommendation, but the C5 X7 has been so brilliant, it's why I want another! Plus, I can't stand SUVs and it is way beyond what I'm willing to spend. A 2018 C5 Aircross will set me back €25,000, while a 2010 C5 Tourer in good nick can be had for under €10k.

[DeuxChevaux]

Okay I don't have exactly that car but have had several 1.6hdi's. A 2007 C4 and a 2013 DS4. Very competant and very economical cars indeed. I, like you would have prefered a little more power and so swapped to a 2015 DS4 2.0hdi EAT6 car with 180bhp. It's brilliant! Its not limitless power but it really does move well, particularly overtaking. My local mpg differs summer to winter with local trips averageing 51 mpg summer and about 46 mpg winter but with long runs at motorwat speeds getting 55 - 58 mpg summer and winter. Not your C5 I know but its about the same power train from PSA. I have now had the car over 4 years and I have no idea what I would replace it with as I've not found anything that beats it for me.
If it were me the upgrade would be a no contest

[admiral51]

I cannot comment on the Tourer never had one but i did have a saloon 08 plate with the 1.6 which was neglected by myself in service terms which ultimately led it to being called the Devil car but is still going strong after some TLC and in the hands of another forum member.
I do currently have a 2010 saloon with the 163 BHP engine and yes there is a big improvement in get up and go yet the 1.6 did return over a 900+ mile round trip over 55 mpg with 3 adults a Border Collie and boot full of luggage being driven sensibly but not slowly.
The 2010 is a different in terms of where it delivers the get up and go and does have a 6 speed box, from memory the 1.6 had a 5 speed but happy to be corrected, and to be honest there is not a lot in terms of mpg between them depending on how you drive but i would say i prefer the 163 bhp it just seems to be the right fit for the car.
Both were on springs but be aware different specs have different springs so the ride maybe a little harder than expected, i know Peter N has 2 Tourers on springs and has commented on different ride quality.
I also have a 2010 C4 Exclusive that to be honest can be a bit scary, it has a 2.0 diesel which i think gives 155 bhp, ride is not harsh but not as soft as the C5 but with a 6 speed box its averaging 53.4 mpg over 3k miles and when i say scary its because you go to overtake someone sat at 65mph and put your foot down suddenly you are close to 90mph .
Ultimately i prefer the C5 for its comfort but the C4 (maybe DS4 in disguise ? ) does run it close

Colin

[citroC5]

Hello, fellow forum-goers

I took the plunge and swapped the 1.6hdi (2008 model, w/ 315,000km/ 195, 000miles) for the 2.0hdi (2010 model, 157,000km /~97k miles on the clock) . I've had the car for less than 48 hours and so far, I'm very happy with my choice. If I may, here are the pros and cons of the change:

Pros:
- that sweet engine. I live in Porto, the second largest city in Portugal and I bought the car in Lisbon. Obviously, I drove back home and the feeling of the car on the open motorway was like night and day compared to the 1.6hdi. The speed, the acceleration the smoothness, the refinement, the noise, the effortlessness... these were all so VASTLY superior to the 1.6hdi as to make me feel I was driving a completely different type of vehicle.
- gearbox. Oh, the huge improvement of having a 6th gear. The 1.6hdi would be shouting at 2700rpm to keep a steady 120kmh in 5th, but this one glides at a silent 2100(?)rpm at the same speed.
- hydropneumatic suspension. Nuff said.
- having front parking sensors is marvellous

Cons
- the radio/satnav system. Utterly hopeless from every angle. I can't use the phone reliably because the stupid thing keeps resetting itself. Connectivity is awful thanks to no streaming and no USB. Navigation is a waste of time because using my smartphone is quicker, easier and vastly more practical and precise than the in-car system. I'm getting rid of this pathetic head unit as soon as possible. Oh and I hate the glare of the screen at night.
- I really don't like the motorised bootlid. It's lazy and slow and it slams shut too hard.

There are other things, small niggles like interior trim I have to correct, but all in all I'm incredibly satisfied with it. Thanks for reading if you made it this far

[GiveMeABreak]

It's hard to comment when we don't know which head unit you have. If is has an SD card slot in the lower middle part of the head unit, then it will be the MyWay system. Bluetooth phone only and no audio streaming on this.

Secondly as for the display screen, you should have a black panel mode on the steering wheel controls. Using this switches all the main displays off until you operate a control then the instrument displays come back on, then go off again. This is great for night driving. Also you can adjust the brightness down in the settings and you can also change the map display for navigation to automatically switch to night mode when the vehicle external lights are in use.

You may want to find out what firmware version you have first of all before butchering the system as there may be a later version that fixes some bluetooth connectivity issues. Be prepared to loose functionality like some configuration options and parking assistance if you replace the head unit with a non-PSA system as these are heavily integrated into the vehicle's systems.

[citroC5]

It's hard to comment when we don't know which head unit you have. If is has an SD card slot in the lower middle part of the head unit, then it will be the MyWay system. Bluetooth phone only and no audio streaming on this.

Yes, that was silly of me to forget. That's the one I've got.

Secondly as for the display screen, you should have a black panel mode on the steering wheel controls. Using this switches all the main displays off until you operate a control then the instrument displays come back on, then go off again. This is great for night driving. Also you can adjust the brightness down in the settings and you can also change the map display for navigation to automatically switch to night mode when the vehicle external lights are in use.

I use the night panel all the time, even with the old orange-on-black of my previous 1.6hdi. It's really great, but the glare on this screen is far more brighter and harsher than it was with the smaller centre display of the 1.6hdi (VTR+ trim, if I'm not mistaken).

You may want to find out what firmware version you have first of all before butchering the system as there may be a later version that fixes some bluetooth connectivity issues. Be prepared to loose functionality like some configuration options and parking assistance if you replace the head unit with a non-PSA system as these are heavily integrated into the vehicle's systems.

I'm not too keen on fixing this as I want to get an rneg2 system, which I've seen in this forum is a possibility. I upgraded the RD4 to RD45 in my last car, but I'm aware that this is a different kettle of more complicated fish. Thanks for replying!

[aneesh84]

Hello, fellow forum-goers

I took the plunge and swapped the 1.6hdi (2008 model, w/ 315,000km/ 195, 000miles) for the 2.0hdi (2010 model, 157,000km /~97k miles on the clock) . I've had the car for less than 48 hours and so far, I'm very happy with my choice. If I may, here are the pros and cons of the change:

Pros:
- that sweet engine. I live in Porto, the second largest city in Portugal and I bought the car in Lisbon. Obviously, I drove back home and the feeling of the car on the open motorway was like night and day compared to the 1.6hdi. The speed, the acceleration the smoothness, the refinement, the noise, the effortlessness... these were all so VASTLY superior to the 1.6hdi as to make me feel I was driving a completely different type of vehicle.
- gearbox. Oh, the huge improvement of having a 6th gear. The 1.6hdi would be shouting at 2700rpm to keep a steady 120kmh in 5th, but this one glides at a silent 2100(?)rpm at the same speed.
- hydropneumatic suspension. Nuff said.
- having front parking sensors is marvellous

Cons
- the radio/satnav system. Utterly hopeless from every angle. I can't use the phone reliably because the stupid thing keeps resetting itself. Connectivity is awful thanks to no streaming and no USB. Navigation is a waste of time because using my smartphone is quicker, easier and vastly more practical and precise than the in-car system. I'm getting rid of this pathetic head unit as soon as possible. Oh and I hate the glare of the screen at night.
- I really don't like the motorised bootlid. It's lazy and slow and it slams shut too hard.

There are other things, small niggles like interior trim I have to correct, but all in all I'm incredibly satisfied with it. Thanks for reading if you made it this far

Nice to know that you are also in Portugal. Is this your channel by the way? https://www.youtube.com/@comcarclub
If it is the channel is lovely!

I still have my C5 2005 138, but in 2 years plan to replace it with a long range electric car. But which electrics could match a citroen hydropneumatic comfort. Have been considering the eC4X but range is too little with the 50 Kwh battery. Maybe the VW ID.7.

[citroC5]

Hello, fellow countryman. Guilty as charged, that's my channel Thanks for the compliments!

I really don't know if there is an electric car that is as comfortable as a hydropneumatic Citroen, but if I were looking for comfort, I would go for a Volvo. The seats are amazingly comfortable, but I think their EVs are only in SUV shape, which is unfortunate IMHO

[aneesh84]

Hello, fellow countryman. Guilty as charged, that's my channel Thanks for the compliments!

I really don't know if there is an electric car that is as comfortable as a hydropneumatic Citroen, but if I were looking for comfort, I would go for a Volvo. The seats are amazingly comfortable, but I think their EVs are only in SUV shape, which is unfortunate IMHO

So glad to connect with you . Have been a regular viewer of your channel. The SUV shape really doesn't make sense to me! The C5s were beautiful in comparison to most modern options. But i guess they don't make proper sedans anymore! But i will check out Volvo cars, thanks for the suggestion.