🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Citroën Model: CX Body Style: Fastback Sedan, Estate (Break) Production Years Covered: 1975-1987 Codes Chassis Code: CX Engine Code Prefix: CX 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Citroën CX was a large, front-wheel-drive executive car that stood apart from its contemporaries with its distinctive aerodynamic styling and innovative engineering. It aimed to offer superior ride comfort and road holding. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Primary competitors included the Ford Granada, Opel Commodore, BMW 5 Series (E12/E28), Mercedes-Benz W123, and the Peugeot 604. The CX differentiated itself with its hydropneumatic suspension and unique interior design. Key Features Unique Selling Points: Hydropneumatic suspension offering unparalleled ride comfort and self-leveling capability, advanced aerodynamics, Diravi self-centering steering system, distinctive 'céfi' dashboard with single-spoke steering wheel (early models), powerful engines for its time, and spacious, futuristic interior design. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: Digital Download (PDF) Page Count: Extensive (estimated 500+ pages based on typical service manuals for this era and complexity) Coverage Scope: All service and repair aspects for the specified model years and variants. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system. Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair. Hydropneumatic Suspension: Detailed coverage of Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension system, including sphere renewal, fluid servicing, pressure adjustments, and component replacement (e.g., hydraulic pump, accumulators, suspension struts). Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, including front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes (depending on model variant), parking brake, hydraulic fluid, and related components. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, column, and related hydraulic components. Electrical: Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, instrumentation, fuses, relays, and body electrical components. Climate Control: Heating and ventilation system operation and servicing. Body And Chassis: Body panel repair, interior trim, glass, seals, and chassis components. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug servicing, fluid level checks and top-offs, brake inspections, tire rotation. Engine Overhaul: Engine disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, and reassembly procedures for all covered engine variants. Transmission Rebuild: Step-by-step instructions for the overhaul of both manual and automatic transmissions. Suspension And Steering Repair: Detailed procedures for the repair and adjustment of the hydropneumatic suspension, including hydraulic system bleeding, component replacement, and height correction. Brake System Repair: Pad and shoe replacement, caliper and cylinder rebuilding, hydraulic line repair, bleeding procedures. Electrical Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults, including starter, charging system, lighting, and auxiliary circuits. Bodywork And Cosmetic Repair: Guidance on minor body panel repair, dent removal, rust prevention, and interior trim restoration. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical issues. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, with detailed diagnostic procedures. Specialized Topics: Specific focus on the unique hydropneumatic suspension and braking systems, Diravi steering, and the single-spoke steering wheel mechanism. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution digital scan suitable for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text. Binding Type Type: Not Applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: Not Applicable (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Variants: Various inline-four petrol engines: 1995cc (CX 20), 2175cc (CX 22, CX 24), 2377cc (CX 25). Also diesel variants: 2377cc diesel (CX 25 D), 2500cc turbodiesel (CX 25 GTi Turbo D). Performance Cx 24 Performance: Approx. 115-128 hp (SAE net) depending on fuel injection system (e.g., Bosch D-Jetronic). Cx 25 Performance: Approx. 138 hp (SAE net) for the CX 25 GTi. Cx 25 Gti Turbo D Performance: Approx. 95-105 hp (DIN) and significant torque for a diesel of its era. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber) on earlier and lower-spec models; Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) such as Bosch D-Jetronic on higher-performance models (CX 24 GTi, CX 25 GTi). Fuel Type: Unleaded petrol (later models), Leaded petrol (earlier models), Diesel fuel. 🔧 Transmission Standard Gearbox: 4-speed manual transmission was standard on many models. 5-speed manual was available on higher-spec models later in production. Optional Automatic: Citroën's own 3-speed automatic transmission was a common option. Features Clutch: Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions. Transaxle Layout: Front-wheel drive with engine and transmission mounted transversely. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4.6 - 4.7 meters (Sedan), Approx. 4.8 - 4.9 meters (Estate). Width: Approx. 1.7 - 1.8 meters. Height: Approx. 1.3 - 1.4 meters. Wheelbase: Approx. 2.9 meters. Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1300 - 1500 kg, depending on engine and equipment. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Performance: Modern crash safety standards were still evolving during its production. While not subject to current Euro NCAP ratings, its structure was designed for crumple zones. Specific historical ratings are scarce. Active Features Braking System: Four-wheel disc brakes...
The Citroën CX was a large, front-wheel-drive executive car that stood apart from its contemporaries with its distinctive aerodynamic styling and innovative engineering. It aimed to offer superior ride comfort and road holding.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Primary competitors included the Ford Granada, Opel Commodore, BMW 5 Series (E12/E28), Mercedes-Benz W123, and the Peugeot 604. The CX differentiated itself with its hydropneumatic suspension and unique interior design.
Key Features
Unique Selling Points:
Hydropneumatic suspension offering unparalleled ride comfort and self-leveling capability, advanced aerodynamics, Diravi self-centering steering system, distinctive 'céfi' dashboard with single-spoke steering wheel (early models), powerful engines for its time, and spacious, futuristic interior design.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Page Count:
Extensive (estimated 500+ pages based on typical service manuals for this era and complexity)
Coverage Scope:
All service and repair aspects for the specified model years and variants.
Manual and automatic transmission systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
Hydropneumatic Suspension:
Detailed coverage of Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension system, including sphere renewal, fluid servicing, pressure adjustments, and component replacement (e.g., hydraulic pump, accumulators, suspension struts).
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes (depending on model variant), parking brake, hydraulic fluid, and related components.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, and related hydraulic components.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, instrumentation, fuses, relays, and body electrical components.
Climate Control:
Heating and ventilation system operation and servicing.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, glass, seals, and chassis components.
Engine disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, and reassembly procedures for all covered engine variants.
Transmission Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for the overhaul of both manual and automatic transmissions.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Detailed procedures for the repair and adjustment of the hydropneumatic suspension, including hydraulic system bleeding, component replacement, and height correction.
Brake System Repair:
Pad and shoe replacement, caliper and cylinder rebuilding, hydraulic line repair, bleeding procedures.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults, including starter, charging system, lighting, and auxiliary circuits.
Bodywork And Cosmetic Repair:
Guidance on minor body panel repair, dent removal, rust prevention, and interior trim restoration.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical issues.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, with detailed diagnostic procedures.
Specialized Topics:
Specific focus on the unique hydropneumatic suspension and braking systems, Diravi steering, and the single-spoke steering wheel mechanism.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution digital scan suitable for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Variants:
Various inline-four petrol engines: 1995cc (CX 20), 2175cc (CX 22, CX 24), 2377cc (CX 25). Also diesel variants: 2377cc diesel (CX 25 D), 2500cc turbodiesel (CX 25 GTi Turbo D).
Performance
Cx 24 Performance:
Approx. 115-128 hp (SAE net) depending on fuel injection system (e.g., Bosch D-Jetronic).
Cx 25 Performance:
Approx. 138 hp (SAE net) for the CX 25 GTi.
Cx 25 Gti Turbo D Performance:
Approx. 95-105 hp (DIN) and significant torque for a diesel of its era.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber) on earlier and lower-spec models; Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) such as Bosch D-Jetronic on higher-performance models (CX 24 GTi, CX 25 GTi).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded petrol (later models), Leaded petrol (earlier models), Diesel fuel.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Gearbox:
4-speed manual transmission was standard on many models. 5-speed manual was available on higher-spec models later in production.
Optional
Automatic:
Citroën's own 3-speed automatic transmission was a common option.
Features
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.
Transaxle Layout:
Front-wheel drive with engine and transmission mounted transversely.
Approx. 1300 - 1500 kg, depending on engine and equipment.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Performance:
Modern crash safety standards were still evolving during its production. While not subject to current Euro NCAP ratings, its structure was designed for crumple zones. Specific historical ratings are scarce.
Active Features
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated) on most models, powered by a high-pressure hydraulic system. Self-leveling capability of the hydropneumatic suspension contributed to stable braking.
Steering System:
Diravi (Direction by Cable) variable power assistance system with automatic steering centring, providing stability at high speeds and lighter steering at low speeds.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts (front), two-point or three-point (rear) depending on model and market.
Body Structure:
Rigid body-shell with energy-absorbing crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory-fitted radio/cassette players from brands like Clarion or Blaupunkt were common. Speaker placement varied by trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on some higher-specification models, particularly in export markets.
Power Steering:
Standard power steering with the unique Diravi system.
Connectivity
Internal Systems:
The advanced hydropneumatic system and electrical controls represented the cutting edge of automotive technology for its time.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-5,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Suspension Fluid Service:
Hydropneumatic fluid (LHM - Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) should be checked regularly and replaced approximately every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For applicable engine variants, timing belt replacement is crucial, typically every 60,000-80,000 km (37,000-50,000 miles) or 4-5 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SF/SG, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate. Refer to manual for exact specification (e.g., ESSO Univol or similar).
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LHS 2 (later converted to LHM Plus). Essential to use the correct specification to avoid system damage.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 for conventional brake systems, but hydropneumatic system fluid is separate.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., Citröen Coolant).
Age-related issues with wiring looms, connectors, and grounds leading to intermittent faults in lighting, ignition, and instrumentation.
Rust:
Prone to rust in wheel arches, sills, boot floor, and around the rear window, especially in damp climates.
Diravi Steering:
Wear in the Diravi system can cause play or inconsistent centring.
Gearbox Issues:
Potential for worn synchromesh rings in manual transmissions, especially if clutch operation is not smooth.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Citroen Innovation:
Citroën has a long history of pioneering automotive technology, from the Traction Avant's unibody construction and FWD to the 2CV's minimalist design and the DS's revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension. The CX built upon this legacy.
Model Evolution
Launch:
Launched in 1974 at the Paris Motor Show, succeeding the iconic Citroën DS.
Updates:
Facelifted in 1982 with a revised dashboard (introducing a conventional steering wheel for most models), improved aerodynamics, a wider track, and updated engines (e.g., introduction of the CX 25 GTi Turbo diesel). Later models featured Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection for petrol engines.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France (Rennes-la-Janais).
Total Production Run:
Approximately 1.2 million units produced between 1974 and 1992 (production continued beyond 1987 for export markets).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Design Award:
While not a specific named award, the CX's aerodynamic and futuristic design was widely acclaimed and won numerous accolades for its styling. It was named 'European Car of the Year' runner-up in 1975.
Ratings
Ride Quality:
Consistently praised for its exceptional ride comfort, often compared to flying or gliding, due to its hydropneumatic suspension.
Certifications
Safety Features:
The robust construction and advanced braking system were considered significant safety advancements for its era.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.