Berlingo B9 autoboxes, really that bad?

[LucyLeBingo]

I’ve recently been contemplating an “upgrade” of my ’06 Multispace Desire to an automatic around 2013/4 model but I’ve been reading negative review after review of the ETG6 and EGS autoboxes.

Why then are auto Berlingos about 3 grand more than the manual ones if the autoboxes are so bad?

It seems Citroën only started getting autoboxes right after 2017 with the EAT6.

Any comments, experiences, thoughts?

[Sol]

They don't have a true automatic gearbox in the range, instead they have a piloted manual which is maybe not as smooth as a proper slushbox. Also the clutch needs careful calibration and if not, it judders from what I hear. Haven't tried one myself, just going on what users here have complained about.

[LucyLeBingo]

As a result of finding out that the Berlingo auto does not creep at low speed but rather surges I've turned my attention to other MPV autos like the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect Powershift but apparently even those were utter shite in their early guise and it's best to go for a Powershift that has the six-speed wet clutch Getrag Powershift, early ones had the dual dry clutch system that got Ford sued in America for its failures.

[Vanneria]

As a result of finding out that the Berlingo auto does not creep at low speed but rather surges I've turned my attention to other MPV autos like the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect Powershift but apparently even those were utter shite in their early guise and it's best to go for a Powershift that has the six-speed wet clutch Getrag Powershift, early ones had the dual dry clutch system that got Ford sued in America for its failures.

Ford discontinued the dry clutch Powershift because it was terrible juddered and over heated a lot. Apparently there was no fix and in the USA a class action had them buy the cars back.

I have the wet clutch box on my 2016, 2 litre 210bhp Mondeo Estate and it is smooth as silk and lovely to drive. 
HOWEVER: Every 3 years or 36,000 miles you will have to change the oil in the gearbox. This costs between £300-£400. I think mine requires around 6 litres of this very very very expensive oil. 

Thinking of doing it yourself? You won't save much because the oil is expensive and it's unlikely you'll get it cheap.

[Concizat]

They don't have a true automatic gearbox in the range, instead they have a piloted manual which is maybe not as smooth as a proper slushbox. Also the clutch needs careful calibration and if not, it judders from what I hear. Haven't tried one myself, just going on what users here have complained about.

Mine (2017 , 30,000 miles) occasionaly judders/kangaroos.
Is the clutch adjustment a diy thing or does it have to go to the Citroen main dealer sharks?

[Sol]

It can be done with Diagbox, and I would have pointed you to an independent PSA place like Mark Lightfoot Ltd but not sure how far away you are from them. (Ilkston DE7 8DG)

https://g.co/kgs/3jbGBn

[Concizat]

Thanks Zion, I'm in the London suburbs so a bit far to go!

[Sol]

Thanks Zion, I'm in the London suburbs so a bit far to go!

Ah yes indeed. There may be (must be) an indy PSA specialist in London surely, they would be the ones you want. It needs Diagbox and a bit of knowhow, not necessarily a dealer but someone who knows the piloted manual box and the clutch calibration routine.

[Concizat]

Thanks Zion, just googled and there are a couple within about 20 miles from me.
It seems that Diagbox is the answer to lots of problems.
I've thought seriously about getting it and have a spare XP laptop I could use but chickened out so far having read of the difficulties installing it. Also the different versions. I have a 2017 1.6 diesel and not sure which version I need

[Sol]

7.62 has the most configuration options and covers up to 2016 officially but will still do your year.

I did a post on the versions needed and what the differences are.

https://www.berlingoforum.com/thread-22577.html

The software is a bit of a chore to install but if you follow the instructions included to the letter, it goes in ok, just takes a long time to install. 

Mind you, there's still a need to know what's what, it's not intended for public use and there's no manual. Tutorials are online, best to watch a few on YouTube to get the hang of it. It can break stuff if you don't take care with it.