Faults:
Rust problems, especially on the sunroof area and the tailgate.
Electrical connections and wiring, mainly in the injection and ignition systems, and radiator fans, causing poor running. Inspecting and cleaning them is a real must!
ABS light comes on (check connections and relays before buying other parts for the system).
Hydraulic fluid leaks.
Parking brake needs regular adjustments.
General Comments:
Ultra-comfortable, elegant ride as a consequence of its interior silence, exclusive suspension and steering and regal leather interior.
Main engine and gearbox parts extremely strong, keep an eye on the fluid levels and they can go on virtually forever!
Tensioning the air flow meter spring can sometimes improve the way the engine runs.
Powerful brakes, although they're a bit strange to use at first for people not used to big Citroens.
16th Aug 2010, 17:55
I think you got a couple of facts wrong re designs.
Pininfarina did do a very similar car design to the CX in the late 60's for BMC (I had a Matchbox toy one as a child) - This design was a proposal for the the 1800 'Landcrab' replacement.
Foolishly, BMC didn't go ahead with the Pininfarina proposal, and decided their own thing in house - idiots!
I think Citroen poached the concept shape of the Pininfarina concept.
The BMC result was the Austin/Morris/ Wolseley Princess series. Not as elegant, but not especially ugly.
The Rover SD1 was designed by David Bach, who was one of Rover's top designers. His elegant SD1 design, something of a classic now, took inspiration from the Ferrari Daytona.
Archive photos of the mock ups and prototypes, show the two cars parked side by side at the time for comparison and appraisal. The SD1 was a rival of the CX.
Sadly, the SD1 & Princess were plagued with problems, especially on the series one cars, as the company had seriously dismal quality control & appalling industrial disputes in the 70's, which all but bankrupted the company.
At its peak in the 60's, BMC was one of the most innovative and largest car manufacturers in the world.
How times have changed!...