Just received a mail from a contact who asks if I've head about this...
"a Citroen recall 'to replace certain components of the valve timing mechanism. The operation is considered essential and the vehicle will be required for a maximum of two days"
I hadn't, any ideas?
C3 16V Diesel.
MM
|
I have not heard anything either.
C3 HDI 16V
6 months old
17,000 miles
71 mpg
114 mph (on GPS) 121 mph (on speedo)
|
Got my recall notice this morning. As I cover 600 miles a week the dealer said he would be able to give me a courtesy car. But there is no way I will drive a petrol for a whole week!
I will try to book it in in Blackpool while I am up there.
|
Latest info is that this may be a call back for the camshafts to be replaced due to cases of excessive wear.
Any more feedback from others who know more?
Odd if it is a hardening issue because Citroen cracked the cam wear/valve clearance issue 20yrs ago with valve gear that would go to the life of the vehicle (200K plus) without adjustment.
MM
|
Seems strange that they do not specify exactly what the recall is for. If it is what you suggest then it sounds like a supplier/batch type problem.
You seem to get good use form your C3, interesting reading, what other cars did you consider before buying this one, and with 600 mile pw - do you get back ache at all?
|
|
|
Sorry, got you confused with Madman.
Madman - can you respond please!!
|
Sorry about the delay in answering. No I don;t get backache, the seat is adjustable in many directions as is the steering wheel. I did, however get backache in the 1996 Range Rover which I owned before this.
What other cars did I consider, well I looked first for a good modern diesel, the Seats have all got VWs which are not as smooth and htere was not much point in spending £22k on a BMW diesel with the miles which I intended to do. It came down to the engine in the end.
The car is fine, lots of gizmos, ABS, air con, CD, and more, but the performance & economy are outstanding.
madman
|
Anyone heard any more about this?
One contact has been in with his C3 and been told the work isn't specific to his chassis number, when the car apparently was made almost the same week as ones that are being called back.
Another chap has his booked in but the dealers would not confirm any details of the work.
They must be embarrased about something.
MM
|
|
Be interested to hear if it affects the Fiesta/Fusion TDCi as well then?
|
Ahh, seen the TSB sheet for this now.
Exhaust camshaft, its drivechain and tensioner plus a list of smaller parts all to be replaced. Nearly a days labour for the main dealer.
Don't know why they are being so shy about it. To call the cars back and do the work free of charge plus offer a loan car is a completely responsible solution.
These engines are so powerful, lightweight and high tech I'm not amazed that something has come up in their customer "testing" phase.
MM
|
Middleman,
Do you know if this is for all C3 HDI 16v, or is it just a batch of them?
Reggie
|
Reggie,
Under the circumstances I was unable to fully read the TSB in detail....I wanted to know about the range of vehicles covered as well.
Comments from other C3 16V diesel owning contacts seems to narrow it down to certain vehicles only.
If you have one I'd ask the dealer though.
MM
|
Middleman,
I've asked the dealer and am informed that all C3's that have left on an 03 plate (as mine is) will have been done. Thanks for your help.
Reggie
|
As an engineer myself (software; most of it automotive) it is clear that Citroen do not fully test their vehicles before releasing them to the customer.
Most products (from cars to washing machines) are developed and refined over several versions. For a car they will usually have 3 pre-launch C3 builds typically 3 months apart. The last build before launch is the 'hardening' build. Citroen's engineers will be under pressure to launch on time; at some point the management will decide if the vehicle is fit for launch. Even if the product has known serious bugs then they may still launch anyway-a month's manufacturing delay costs ££ millions.
After launch every manufacturer will have several post-launch fixes planned. This is to address the faults that were not fixed at launch -or- those new faults that customers find. So the Citroen C5 suspension knocking problem could be considered to be a known issue to be fixed after launch.
The moral of this story is not to buy the newest model of anything that has just been released. Ironically, the outgoing model is probably the most reliable.
|
Just had our C3 diesel 90 hp done. And another dowload into the engine management software. The first being to fix a very intermittent engine management light. I'm happy; the dealer rang me to recall the car and to offer a courtesy Saxo.
Anyone out there old enough to remember the rash of engine failures in the SM when fitted with air con? I forget the details; it was something to do with the jackshaft that drove the compressor. Many owners were left with wrecked engines and no help at all from Citroen. Anyway, Citroen are to be applauded for their complete change in attitude since then and willingness to fix their mistakes.
Darcy.
|
Darcy
How's your C3 been ? I'm thinking of getting one - arranged a test drive for Saturday of the 90 hp diesel.
Thanks
Matthew Kelly
No, not that one.
|
Matthew
Bought a 1.4HDi 90 LX in Misty Lilac in August 2003 for Madame, done 7000 miles so far. Traded in a 100K + AX diesel. She loves the power steering, the performance, the style, the colour (!) and the accomodation. She often needs to take a folding chair and stool around the place to do reflexology with. The kids like it too, although less legroom than the AX, the tall cabin gives a feeling of space. The doors shut with a reassuring clunk and the boot is big enough for a weekend away, 5-up. It does a shade over 60 mpg. We got 70+ when running in but using the performance is good fun. Only downside is the choppy ride and the wheels are swine to clean. Doesn't look a good prospect for DIY maintenance tho'; the engine bay is FULL. So full that the 16v models have larger turning circle than the 8V ones; the wheels can't poke into the engine bay as much.
Get one with air con; there's loads of glass.
Overall, 9/10. It makes me smile every time I'm allowed to drive it.
Hope this helps.
Darcy.
|
A ringing endorsement and just the sort of thing we intend to use it for (except for the folding chair and stool, but it's nice to know!).
My only problem is that we need to buy a child seat as well. our other car (Skoda Octavia) has been approved for use with the Britax Isofix carseat we were hoping to buy while the C3 hasn't. We could still use the seat belt to secure the seat in the C3 but it kind of defeats the object of buying one since the small boy will get carted around in the C3 most of the time.
On this basis alone the Ibiza TDi S that we've seen second hand for the price of a new C3 is inching ahead.
Matthew Kelly
No, not that one.
|
|
|
I wonder what is the best way to get the use of one for a day to see if it meets our needs, would the dealer let one out or will I have to hire one, any ideas?
|
24hr test drives are like gold dust IMO
MG-Rover Problems? forums.mg-rover.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
