2.0 HDi - couple of questions

[pidgeonpost]

'morning all. After considering a Berlingo for some months and browsing the forum I've finally joined as we're (hopefully) going to see one today!

It's an '05 plate' 2.0 HDi with just over 80K on the clock, and I've read conflicting reports on the reliability of the 2.0HDi engine. One thread on this forum seemed to suggest there were no particular concerns, whereas another online thread I followed seemed to suggest that this unit is prone to premature cambelt failure and injectors that seize in the cylinder head.

The dealer (a Citroen agent) says the cambelt is good for 100K miles or 10 years, which may be true, but 100K miles isn't too far down the road from 80K. Maybe worth getting the belt changed sooner rather than later?

This car will be a replacement for our trusty (but now rusty) Saab 9000 which has been ultra reliable for the 13 years we've owned it. We're pensioners and can't afford to get it wrong, so any feedback would be useful please.

[Coco]

Firstly, hello & welcome.

I have the 2.0HDi, it's an 04 with 150,000 on the clock and I would expect to see another 100,000 before surgery. Having said that there are a few things to bear in mind.
Firstly the cambelt - get it changed. The interval qutoed is right, but for peace of mind it's worth insisting on this being done as a condition of sale (even if they say no, get it done anyway and use it as a negotiating tool). Whilst the work is being done, make sure that the water pump is changed as well and have the crank pulley checked. These last two are not expecteed to fail at this mileage, but the belt has to be renewed if they need to be changed - so as well to get it done while you are in there
Injectors, I've no knowledge. Never had to do anything to mine. They can be prone to seizing into the head on any vehicle where they are left undisturbed for long periods of time. The alternative being to remove them every so often just for the sake of it.
The engine is a well proven, under stressed unit that will go on for a long time. I change the oil and filter on mine every 7500 miles instead of the quoted interval, it's a small price to pay to keep things sweet.
As with any modern engine capable of intergalactic mileages, it is the ancillaries that will wear out first, as an example, I am on my third alternator, rather than the major components themselves. Any vehicle benefits from a bit of preventative maintenance.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the2.0, as would others, but each variant has their own fan base, so to speak

[pidgeonpost]

Firstly, hello & welcome.

I have the 2.0HDi, it's an 04 with 150,000 on the clock and I would expect to see another 100,000 before surgery. Having said that there are a few things to bear in mind.
Firstly the cambelt - get it changed. The interval qutoed is right, but for peace of mind it's worth insisting on this being done as a condition of sale (even if they say no, get it done anyway and use it as a negotiating tool). Whilst the work is being done, make sure that the water pump is changed as well and have the crank pulley checked. These last two are not expecteed to fail at this mileage, but the belt has to be renewed if they need to be changed - so as well to get it done while you are in there
Injectors, I've no knowledge. Never had to do anything to mine. They can be prone to seizing into the head on any vehicle where they are left undisturbed for long periods of time. The alternative being to remove them every so often just for the sake of it.
The engine is a well proven, under stressed unit that will go on for a long time. I change the oil and filter on mine every 7500 miles instead of the quoted interval, it's a small price to pay to keep things sweet.
As with any modern engine capable of intergalactic mileages, it is the ancillaries that will wear out first, as an example, I am on my third alternator, rather than the major components themselves. Any vehicle benefits from a bit of preventative maintenance.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the2.0, as would others, but each variant has their own fan base, so to speak

Thanks for your reply Coco. Must admit to favouring the diesel model, though as you say, there are fans of each type.

We actually saw and drove two B's yesterday - a 2.0HDi and a 1.6i 16v petrol model. In a way they were opposites.

The 2.0 was spotless inside but had a few scrapes on the bumper corners and a ding on the tailgate, all of which the seller said they would repair. It was also a good spec with fitted mats all round, aircon, and a more convincing service history.

The 1.6 petrol was 3 months older, with generally very good bodywork, but hefty wear and tear on the driver's seat, and the rear double seat was out for repair.

The 2.0 drove well with plenty of get up and go. The 1.6 lacked the grunt of the diesel of course, and it had an ominous 'boing' from the rear which sounded very much like a spring exercising itself somehow - hopefully not a broken one...

We're leaning towards the 2.0, and would lean a bit more if they would do the cambelt and water pump. They don't seem too flexible though.

I hate changing cars!

[lorraine]

i have a 2.0hdi only engine trouble iv had is alternator and air flow meter.changed oil at stated intervals and cambelt at 45000mls that was because its now 7 years old.......citroen cambelt is a lot thicker than aftermarket belt i fitted and im not happy so my advice is get a genuine belt.engine is very good doesnt burn any oil and feels good for 150000.
good luck with your choice.....whichever you decide on