Are all Berlingo electrics this rubbish?

[Kyleonsite]

Owned my Escapade for a few months now - fairly old at a 2004 year but with only genuine 80k miles and clearly looked after by previous few owners. 

However in my ownership the following electrical gremlins have occured;

Dead MAF (replaced with new OEM unit)
Missing digits on central information unit (replaced with a C5 display)
Bottom row of LCD digits missing on mileometer
Horn didnt work with ignition on (earth braid fitted to steering column)
Headlight levelling motors chirping and groaning away (apparently requires new switch unit)
Battery light came on miles from home and started losing 12v battery power - charged battery to get it home to repair and it was then fine (changed alternor anyway as a precaution)
Fuel gauge went up on one occasion but reset when brimmed
Due to above issue and monitoring fuel economy I noticed this tank full that the tripmeter has randomly added 100 miles and jumped from 299 to 400 missing out the 300's completely.
Rear tailgate interior lights dim really quickly - annoying when drying dog at night after a walk.
Radio stalk doesn't work (used replacement fitted also doesn't work)

I know 'French car electrics' and all that but this is getting annoying now - the mechanical bits of it are good and it's easy to work on but I can't see me keeping it much longer if this is going to be the experience of Berlingo ownership.

~~~~~~~~~~~~{Moan over}~~~~~~~~~~~

[Sol]

It's just the Peugeots that do all that stuff. Berlingos are totally reliable and never go wrong...

Seriously a lot of those are known issues which will surface after nearly 20 years. Mileage matters but age does too. Oxidation and corrosion in things like fuel senders, switches, plug connections, it all has an impact over a long period.

My first M59 only ever had a cold start wax stat issue, in two years. Well known issue. Next M59, in two years, had a lumpy startup which was the EGR, again well known and not just Citroen's suffer from that. Next B9, again in two years only needed a heater resistor and a windscreen washer pump.

I think age and how well it was looked after will make a bigger impact than mileage.

[Kyleonsite]

Gone in for its MOT today at my usual place after checking everything......



and it's failed!
NS sidelight is half the brightness of the OS.
Pedantic MOT tester and crap french wiring have pissed me off.

[benoliver999]

Mostly cosmetic stuff on mine but they all seem to suffer from a central locking issue which requires a very risky and delicate fix on a PCB.

The air con light is so dim you can't tell if it's on or off.

The middle screen only seems to light up certain characters.

The auto-windows are not always auto.

Most buttons and switches seem to suffer from a mush after a few years that means they lose all tactility. Multiple presses usually required.

It's blown through more indicator bulbs than I'd expect.

It seems like most issues circle back to wiring and the BSI. Otherwise, it's a surprisingly good car!

[Kyleonsite]

I think I've been spoilt by my Volvo that with 200k miles has only had electrical issues with the alarm system namely the internal mass sensor and the siren battery. Its also 1st generation canbus. The engineering and quality of materials is the best I've ever had in a vehicle.


Touchwood I'm on top of the Bling-no now so it's earned a stay of execution

[Kyleonsite]

Driving to work this morning and noticed the speedo dropped to zero before jumping back!!!!!
I know it's an easy fix but FFS this is getting beyond the joke now.

[benoliver999]

World's best 0-60 time

[Gryffindor]

And probably 60-0 too!

[Kyleonsite]

I've fixed all my Berlingo/Partner issues! - I've replaced it with another Volvo!


It just has to behave itself whilst I check over and bring the Volvo up to my exacting standards.

Shame really as practical little car with good mechanical bits but my list of electrical problems has annoyed me and looking at the forum the M59 section is mainly electrical problems.

[Sol]

Old cars have issues. It comes with the territory. Your pug is 18 years old, so it's no wonder issues appear. I find it hard to believe the Volvo of the same age has no issues. Again, everything is built to a budget and that budget determines longevity.