1989 Citroen BX 19 GTi review from Sweden

Clutch.

Wheel bearings all around.

Both rear suspension bearings.

Hydraulic pump.

A few hydraulic pipes.

Drive shaft.

Starter motor.

Generator.

A couple of batteries.

Headlight and blinker switch.

Headlight (rust)

Front blinker.

Repaired several return hoses including the "octopus"

2 Cam drive belts.

Replaced front and rear spheres.

Rear silencer.

Cat.

Coupe Fan.

Blessed with knowing a good mechanic, owning this car for over ten years has been a real pleasure.

I'm living in the countryside with a stretch of UN-ploughed road that can have 50 cm of snow in the winter. I head full on into it until I get stuck, then elevate the car and back out, lower it and again head full on for a few meters more and repeat until I finally get at the main road. If it wasn't for the hydraulics I would need a 4wd to get out.

The car always starts and never stops until I turn it off. The engine is strong and haven't failed once, it has a wonderful torque spanning the whole register. I can overtake anyone and go as fast as any roads permits. I used to drive a motorbike before (BMW R90s) and it's a bit of the same feeling, but instead it has an effective heater, an electric sunroof and the traveling charachteristics of a spaceship. Its quiet, comfortable and I just love it.

When the a hydraulic pipes breaks in the middle of nowhere and you have to drive 100 km without suspension, power steering or brakes it really brings adventure to your life, you need to be creative and adapt to new unknown conditions. Memorable events that keeps you alert and postpones a sedated aging.

It takes quite a bit of oil, probably the valve seals, but as they don't complain at the MOT, at 330000 km who cares. Its not as fast as it used to be, tops at 180 kph now but I can still catch the ferry in time even if I'm late.

Perhaps a bit thirsty, 0.8l/10km. Even if I usually sing the praise of BX 19 GTi as the perfect car I recently borrowed a Xantia from a friend and damn it, it was quieter, really comfortable, had automatic gear and an amazing stereo. Sure it was a bit sluggish and didn't have the motorbike feeling at all, but maybe, just maybe I should get a new car.

Some Citroen tips: Check the spheres, re-pressure or swap them when the car feels bumpy. Refresh a worn old hydraulic system with a special cleaning oil called Hydraurinçage, it definitely makes wonders, guaranteed.