Update on my new acquisition.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 10:06 pm

As you might know, I bought that 1990 BX16TGS auto that was posted on here recently. It has 26k miles and a fully documented main dealer service history. It is in immaculate condition but as I buy my cars to use the days of 1,600-odd miles per year are now gone and I imagine it'll do it's next 5,000 this year. I only hope I can keep it in such an original condition. It is, I believe (check out the smoked rear lights for instance) a phase 2. A look underneath will confirm (unless someone can tell me how to spot it's either has or hasn't got plastic coated pipes from the engine bay).

It has had a cambelt change at 22.5k miles and a new set of tyres around the same time. Thing is the tyres are Nankang and they are about the noisiest tyre I've experienced. (Any suggestions for the quietest?)

I get wind noise from the broken aerial (new aerial and sunroof wind deflector should help!) but also a sound from the front that sounds like wind noise, but I am going to get it checked out as I don't want the low mileage for it's age to have resulted in problems such as dried out bearings (any advice?)...

Hot starting is a skill I am acquiring (this is the first non-fuel injected petrol car I've had since 1987)...

On the whole this is a cracker and will make an appearance at the CCC National this year.

Pics to follow.

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 10:19 pm

Excellent Phil!

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 10:47 pm

As for hot starting, just plant your foot down all the way if it wont go on it own.

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 11:13 pm

I've recently replaced Continental Eco Contact or something on the ZX with Kleber - which are made by Michelin. I wanted Michelin but the weren't in stock and these were cheaper - and they are so good that even my wife commented without being prompted.

Much quieter, ride's better as is wet grip - so we're very pleased.

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:42 pm

I didn`t think Keleber were owned/made by Michelin? When I indirectly worked for them (Michelin) they always said they didn`t make tyres for anyone else or use any other brand name.
I`ve found Goodyears to be excellent all round tyres and usually cheaper than Michelins too.

Bxaholic · Post by **Bxaholic** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:59 pm

Michelin dont seem to be as good as they used to be for some reason, them Michelin Energy range are very average imo wheras Michelin mxt's of yesteryear were superb. I've had better experiences with Vredesteins in recent years.

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:01 pm

I was assured they were made by Michelin and see that others are under the same impression

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... ght=kleber

cauchoiskev · Post by **cauchoiskev** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 7:03 pm

I can confirm that Kleber is indeed a Michelin company.

As for quiet tyres, try Dunlop SP30s. They're so damn quiet it's almost spooky, like driving on black ice. Excellent all-round tyres, too BTW.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 11:32 am

Just had the car up on ramps and we (me and Dennis my earstwhile Citroen specialist) found nothing to worry about. The condition is superb. The engine still has the look of 'new' about it and the condition of the pipework etc. leads Dennis to think that maybe it's had recent octopus etc. I must say you can see the 'new bits' (gaiters, brake flexis, pads, Citroen rear spheres, exhaust, hoses and so on) and the only thing we decided was a regas for the front and accumulator spheres at the next service in 2k miles' time. The oil level hasn't changed since I got it and the oil's nice and clean. The spare is new and unused.

I've just acquired a new aerial which I'll fit this weekend.

All in all I'm about as close to owning a new BX as I've ever been.

st gilles · Post by **st gilles** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 11:38 am

Congrats re the 'new' car.
Mike.

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:24 pm

Philip chidlow wrote:Just had the car up on ramps and we (me and Dennis my earstwhile Citroen specialist) found nothing to worry about. The condition is superb. The engine still has the look of 'new' about it and the condition of the pipework etc. leads Dennis to think that maybe it's had recent octopus etc. I must say you can see the 'new bits' (gaiters, brake flexis, pads, Citroen rear spheres, exhaust, hoses and so on) and the only thing we decided was a regas for the front and accumulator spheres at the next service in 2k miles' time. The oil level hasn't changed since I got it and the oil's nice and clean. The spare is new and unused.

I've just acquired a new aerial which I'll fit this weekend.

All in all I'm about as close to owning a new BX as I've ever been.

Lucky swine!

mnde · Post by **mnde** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:34 pm

I look forward to seeing this at Godmanchester, somehow

You must be able to find someone to drive it for you Phil

Mark.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:54 pm

I will drive it to the rally. It is possible that my good wife will pilot the estate... If you need a lift though... (Hang on, what's wrong with your Meteor?

)

mnde · Post by **mnde** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:06 pm

There's nowt wrong with my Meteor

At the moment I'm assuming my steed of choice will be one of Chris Salter's MK1s which means my Meteor will be left stranded at home

Perhaps we ought to start a new thread on the Events forum about the logistics of getting the greatest number of BXs up there - because, like the Gs last year, we are always going to have more cars than people to drive them... And if it's anything like as hot as last year, some people will always choose their aircon Xantia/XM over a non-aircon-endowed BX...

Mark.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:09 pm

Worth starting a new thread Mark. An appeal to match drivers to cars. It'd be good if we could get at least as many BXs as there were GS's last year.