Reliability

[will6440]

Hi there,
I'm thinking of buying a petrol bx most probably a valver if I can hunt one down. But I was wondering what the general opinion on their reliability is? Do they need constant looking after or can you happily keep one if only monthly checks are carried out? Is there a major difference between the 8v and 16v in terms of reliability. Also are mk1's any different to mk2's in terms of problems?

Any feedback would be really helpful,
Cheers,
Will

[akarso]

But I was wondering what the general opinion on their reliability is? Do they need constant looking after or can you happily keep one if only monthly checks are carried out?

well, comparing to my rex reliabilty of my valver in non-existent

For the time being I feel like riding a time bomb, ticking. I have to change all the hydraulics (especially elastic pipes), electrics must be sorted, rust checked (probably some welding), interior sound proofed, AC repaired, leaks from all the systems sealed... I have already changed exhaust, lambda sensor, relay, some wiring, fuel pump, filters, starter motor, complete timing belt kit with water pump, spark plugs and some other things - not everything was broken, I just wanted to be on the safe side.

Mind You, it is rather tidy car, interior is in great condition, but typically noisy - silicone spray, felt tape, screws tightening is required to keep the noise at the bay, I plan to make complete sound proofing at later stage.

These are old cars, buying a valver and expecting it to be a daily driver means one is either naive or rich. To get into this car with all my family and luggage and drive across the country without hesitance I'll have yet to spend a lot of money for repairs. But maybe it's just me If You treat the car as a sort of "project" then it is ok (until You find yourself in some unholy place with dead car which can be neither towed nor trailered, that is )

For me it's a bit of love and hate relationship, really. But the engine is great, tuned rather easily (in fact I already bought another, but D6C rather than DFW), suspension is unique (when working) and whole package makes for a great sleeper, which makes me forgive all the inconveniences. So far

EDIT: compared to suby mods are rather on the cheap side.

[Tim Leech]

Hi there,
I'm thinking of buying a petrol bx most probably a valver if I can hunt one down. But I was wondering what the general opinion on their reliability is? Do they need constant looking after or can you happily keep one if only monthly checks are carried out? Is there a major difference between the 8v and 16v in terms of reliability. Also are mk1's any different to mk2's in terms of problems?

Any feedback would be really helpful,
Cheers,
Will

Will

The youngest BX is now 16 years old, and the eldest over 25, plus they are french, but with good maintenance etc they can be very reliable. The 16v's do seem to need more TLC than other BXs, maybe down to them having more electrics, EFI, ABS etc and possibly due to being driven hard as thats where they perform best.

On the whole the later car the better, diesels are know for being very long lived but so can the petrols, again if properly maintained. Mk1s are so rare now, are less rust resistant on the body and bits are getting harder to find (Ive got one) so probably best to stick to a Mk2.

A late Mk2 Gti 8v is a nice car to own.

[Mike E (uk)]

Tim is right, I have owned 8V and 16V cars, and the 8V is easier to live with.
The 8V GTI is is quicker than you would expect,and nearly as quick as the 16V, but quieter and less frantic.

There were many more 8Vs made than 16V versions, and until recently clean 8V examples were fairly common. These days any BX in good order is quite rare.

I have just driven my 16V Bx over 3000 miles at speed around France in the BXagon, and the only fault was a dodgy brake light switch.

But I have owned mine for nearly 9 years now, and I have replaced a lot of parts in that time.

The engines are very tough and last well if properly serviced. They can be tricky to keep in tune.

The hydraulic issues are the same as any other BX with ABS and PAS.

Post 1989 cars have better rust protection of the hydraulic pipes.

As with any old car, buy on condition. Mine is not my daily driver, but it could be.

Mike

[will6440]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the feedback its greatly appreciated. Its always helpful to speak to those who have had a little more experience than the newer bx owners. Its funny to think that some of the eldest cars are older than myself.
I understand why the 8v's are probably a better bet if your looking for an easier life when it comes to maintenance however i'm not afraid of getting my hands grubby trying to sort out the problems with them. As you mention if they are thought of a rolling projects then I wouldn't have thought it would be too difficult to keep them running.
I already have one restoration project which is coming along nicely I enclose a picture (be prepared it isn't to everyone's taste)
Thanks again for all your advice,
Will
[/img]

[Linegeist]

Now that Beaufighter is Beeeautiful!!!! What a machine - almost as nice as a DS!

[scarecrow]

It looks.., in excellent condition. I can see what you mean about it not being to everyone's taste though. (The same is often said about the humble BX too.

[scarecrow]

)

[macplaxton]

Taking note of the signature, I'd say that wasn't the actual car...

Ugly things, but I like them.

[docchevron]

WOW!
I love Bristols!
Had one or two in my time, but not car versions!

If you want thrills, get a 16v.
Yes the 8V is a fine motor, but it wont ever be the hoot a 16v is.

In essence the engine is not complex, are capable of VERY high milages and frankly they are no more difficult to own than any other 20 year old car.

Hydraulics, ABS, and the dreaded Italian electrics will give issues on any BX, or indeed, any hydraulic Citroën really.

[will6440]

My mistake macplaxton I got the year wrong of the 'w' reg it is actually a 1982. The pictures flatter the paintwork more than you might believe. The are unfortunately cracks in the paint on the bonnet and over most of the rear quarters. I'm not sure if you can see it in the other pictures but I enclose more and feel free to try and pick up where the cracks are.
The car underwent a full engine removal and re-build and has had the original rotormaster turbo removed in favour of a fuel injection system. It still needs a full body re-spray and if i get my way a new interior fitted. But for the time being its road legal and runs so I'm happy with that
Thanks for the advice about the 16v over the 8v. I have got to admit that the frenzy of the 16v really does appeal even if it may be slightly more temperamental than others in the bx line up

[docchevron]

I'll swop my valver for the Bristol!

Whats that you say? second word off!?
Ah well, worth a try!
Lovely lovely car mate, well impressed!

[scarecrow]

I have to admit I thought it was a Lancia of some kind at first. I can see the attraction - it certainly looks purposeful.

[macplaxton]

My mistake macplaxton I got the year wrong of the 'w' reg it is actually a 1982.

No problem, except a "W" reg suffix is Aug 1980 - 1981. And it shows as being registered 15th November 1980

[kiwi]

Hi there,
I'm thinking of buying a petrol bx most probably a valver if I can hunt one down. But I was wondering what the general opinion on their reliability is? Do they need constant looking after or can you happily keep one if only monthly checks are carried out? Is there a major difference between the 8v and 16v in terms of reliability. Also are mk1's any different to mk2's in terms of problems?

Any feedback would be really helpful,
Cheers,
Will

The BX is totally unreliable

You dont buy one you get two or more that way you got some spare parts.

Lets put it this way I would rather own a BX than a newer car with a computer system more complex and powerful than what is fitted in the Space Shuttle

You can fix a BX you can not fix a modern car so easy.