🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Citroën Model: CX Year: 1983 Codes Chassis Code: CX1 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Type: Large family car / Executive car. Target Customer: Individuals seeking advanced engineering and unique design, often appreciating comfort and avant-garde features. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 1983: Peugeot 505, Renault 25, Ford Granada, BMW 5 Series (E28), Mercedes-Benz W123. Key Features Innovative Suspension: Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension for unparalleled ride comfort and self-leveling capabilities. Aerodynamic Design: Sleek, futuristic, and highly aerodynamic body shape contributing to efficiency and stability. Interior Ergonomics: Unique 'DIRAVI' steering system (Direktion assistée à rappel asservi) with progressive self-centering, and a distinctive dashboard layout. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Download Print Specifications: Full Printable Zoom Capability: Yes Delivery Method: Instant Download Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip Operating System Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Service: Complete overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, and repair for all gasoline engines. Fuel System: Fuel injection, carburetion (if applicable), fuel pump, lines, and tank service. Ignition System: Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor, electronic ignition module, and wiring. Cooling System: Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, and fan operation. Exhaust System: Mufflers, catalytic converter (if applicable), exhaust pipes, and mounting. Transmission Service: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, gear shifting mechanisms. Suspension System: Hydropneumatic suspension system (hydraulique), sphere replacement, pressure regulation, and component servicing. Steering System: Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column, and associated components. Braking System: Hydraulic systems, disc brakes, brake pads, calipers, master cylinder, brake fluid, and parking brake. Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, wipers, horn, and power accessories. Body And Chassis: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and chassis components. Heating And Air Conditioning: HVAC system components, blower motor, controls, and refrigerant handling (if applicable). Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication, and general inspections. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostics for common and uncommon problems with symptom-based solutions. Repair Procedures: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation. Disassembly Assembly: Comprehensive guides for taking apart and putting back together various vehicle sub-assemblies. Cleaning Reinstalling: Proper methods for cleaning components before reassembly and ensuring correct installation. Specifications Data: Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and diagnostic parameters. Technical Depth Target Audience: Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Diagnostic Capability: Advanced diagnostics with detailed explanations of system logic and potential failure points. Rebuild Instructions: In-depth guides for complete engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality: High resolution, suitable for printing all pages. Searchability: Likely text-searchable within PDF for quick information retrieval. Binding Type Digital Format Advantage: Instant access, no physical binding required. Paper Type Digital Format Advantage: No paper wear and tear, always pristine copy. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Name: Douvrin ES Engine Layout: Inline-4, transverse Displacement: 1995 cc (2.0 Litres) Bore X Stroke: 93.5 mm x 72 mm Compression Ratio: 8.75:1 (typical for 1983 models) Horsepower: 106 PS (DIN) @ 5200 rpm (for 1983 CX 20) Torque: 168 Nm (124 lb-ft) @ 3400 rpm (for 1983 CX 20) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch L-Jetronic or similar) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 recommended) Performance 0 To 100 Kph: Approx. 12.5 seconds (CX 20) Top Speed: Approx. 175 km/h (109 mph) (CX 20) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Manual Optional Transmission Type: 3-speed Automatic (BorgWarner BW35 or ZF 3HP12) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulically operated. Automatic Features: Torque converter, column or floor shift. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4620 mm (181.9 in) Width: 1760 mm (69.3 in) Height: 1350 mm (53.1 in) (excluding hydropneumatic suspension variations) Wheelbase: 2900 mm (114.2 in) Front Track: 1470 mm (57.9 in) Rear Track: 1370 mm (53.9 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1270 kg (2800 lbs) (CX 20) Gross Vehicle Weight: Approx. 1720 kg (3792 lbs) Fuel Tank Capacity: 68 Litres (18 US Gallons) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official crash test data available from the era; however, the robust unibody construction and advanced front-end design were notable. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs; powerful hydraulic system with dual circuits and load-sensing proportioning. Steering System: DIRAVI power steering enhances control at speed. Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts. Body Structure: Energy-absorbing crumple zones front and rear. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory fitted radio with AM/FM, often with cassette player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level. Driver Assistance Steering System Type: DIRAVI (variable power steering) offers improved steering feel and responsiveness. Connectivity Factory Features: While basic by modern standards, the CX featured power windows, central locking (on higher trims), and an advanced suspension system contributing to its technological appeal. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change:...
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, wipers, horn, and power accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and chassis components.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, blower motor, controls, and refrigerant handling (if applicable).
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication, and general inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostics for common and uncommon problems with symptom-based solutions.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Disassembly Assembly:
Comprehensive guides for taking apart and putting back together various vehicle sub-assemblies.
Cleaning Reinstalling:
Proper methods for cleaning components before reassembly and ensuring correct installation.
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and diagnostic parameters.
Technical Depth
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics with detailed explanations of system logic and potential failure points.
Rebuild Instructions:
In-depth guides for complete engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing all pages.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable within PDF for quick information retrieval.
Binding Type
Digital Format Advantage:
Instant access, no physical binding required.
Paper Type
Digital Format Advantage:
No paper wear and tear, always pristine copy.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Name:
Douvrin ES
Engine Layout:
Inline-4, transverse
Displacement:
1995 cc (2.0 Litres)
Bore X Stroke:
93.5 mm x 72 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.75:1 (typical for 1983 models)
Horsepower:
106 PS (DIN) @ 5200 rpm (for 1983 CX 20)
Torque:
168 Nm (124 lb-ft) @ 3400 rpm (for 1983 CX 20)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch L-Jetronic or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 recommended)
Performance
0 To 100 Kph:
Approx. 12.5 seconds (CX 20)
Top Speed:
Approx. 175 km/h (109 mph) (CX 20)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual
Optional
Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic (BorgWarner BW35 or ZF 3HP12)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated.
Automatic Features:
Torque converter, column or floor shift.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4620 mm (181.9 in)
Width:
1760 mm (69.3 in)
Height:
1350 mm (53.1 in) (excluding hydropneumatic suspension variations)
Wheelbase:
2900 mm (114.2 in)
Front Track:
1470 mm (57.9 in)
Rear Track:
1370 mm (53.9 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1270 kg (2800 lbs) (CX 20)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1720 kg (3792 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
68 Litres (18 US Gallons)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data available from the era; however, the robust unibody construction and advanced front-end design were notable.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs; powerful hydraulic system with dual circuits and load-sensing proportioning.
Steering System:
DIRAVI power steering enhances control at speed.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Energy-absorbing crumple zones front and rear.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio with AM/FM, often with cassette player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.
Driver Assistance
Steering System Type:
DIRAVI (variable power steering) offers improved steering feel and responsiveness.
Connectivity
Factory Features:
While basic by modern standards, the CX featured power windows, central locking (on higher trims), and an advanced suspension system contributing to its technological appeal.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 km (4,500 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect annually; Automatic: Every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 24 months.
Hydropneumatic Fluid Check:
Inspect fluid level and condition every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months. Fluid replacement typically required every 60,000 km (37,500 miles).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/CD or ACEA A2-96, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 depending on climate.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or III equivalent.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
LHM (Citroën Hydraulic Fluid) or compatible DOT 4 equivalent mineral oil based hydraulic fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Hydropneumatic System Leaks:
Common issues include failing spheres, leaking seals in the hydraulic system, and pump wear. Manual provides detailed diagnosis and repair.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many cars of this era, wiring loom degradation or poor grounds can cause intermittent electrical faults. Manual offers extensive wiring diagrams.
Rust Corrosion:
Bodywork, particularly sills, wheel arches, and the boot floor, can be susceptible to rust. Manual includes body repair sections.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Older engines may develop increased oil consumption due to worn piston rings or valve stem seals. Manual covers engine rebuilds.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Citroen Philosophy:
Citroën has a long history of automotive innovation, focusing on avant-garde design, comfort, and advanced engineering (e.g., Traction Avant, 2CV, DS).
Model Evolution
Cx Predecessor:
Replaced the iconic Citroën DS.
Cx Design Era:
Designed by Robert Opron, continuing Citroën's tradition of aerodynamic and distinctive styling.
Cx Generation:
Series 1 (until 1982) and Series 2 (from 1982 onwards, with minor styling updates and improved interior).
Production
Production Years:
1974-1991
Manufacturing Locations:
France (primarily Aulnay-sous-Bois), and later in Portugal.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
European Car Of The Year:
Not a winner, but highly acclaimed for its design and engineering. Shortlisted for European Car of the Year 1975.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Consistently praised for its ride quality and innovative features by automotive journalists of the era.