2002 Citroen C5 1.7L Petrol · KM52 AMK

A pattern of brake-related wear and a flagged engine management warning dominate the mechanical picture for this 2002 Citroen C5. The vehicle failed its MOT on 7 December 2021, with the most pressing concerns centring on the braking system. Advisories were issued for worn, pitted, and scored brake discs on both the nearside and offside front as well as the rear, and crucially a grinding noise was noted when the rear discs were spun by the inspector. This suggests the brake discs have likely passed the point of refurbishment and will require replacement rather than skimming, and the grinding noise indicates the pads have almost certainly worn down to or close to the metal backing plate. Additionally, the engine malfunction indicator lamp was illuminated at the time of test, pointing to an active fault being logged by the ECU that warrants diagnostic interrogation before any purchase is committed. The mileage profile is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. At roughly 3,474 miles per year over a 24-year service life, the recorded odometer reading of 83,385 miles indicates either genuinely light use or extended periods of inactivity. Such a low annual accumulation can be deceptive on a French executive car of this era, as age-related deterioration of rubber components, seals, and flexible hoses often presents a greater risk than simple wear from mileage. Any significant gap between tests should be treated as a red flag for perished components, dried-out lubricants, and seized mechanisms, particularly in the hydraulic suspension system that the C5 is well known for. Prospective buyers should verify the continuity of mileage across previous documents and look for evidence of regular short journeys versus long-standing storage. With the braking system clearly in need of attention, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough road test focused on pedal feel and stopping performance. Expect a spongy pedal or excessive travel if the hydraulic system has not been regularly maintained, and listen for any squealing, scraping, or pulsation through the brake pedal during firm application, which would confirm the disc scoring flagged in the advisory. On the test drive, pay particular attention to any pulling to one side under braking, as this combined with scored discs often indicates a binding caliper or a partially seized slider mechanism that may not have been addressed. Inspect the visible brake pipes and flexible hoses for corrosion or cracking, especially along the inner wings and underbody, as age-related deterioration of these lines is common on low-mileage but long-standing vehicles. The illuminated engine management lamp demands immediate diagnostic attention using a suitable OBD tool compatible with PSA systems. Common culprits on this generation of C5 include lambda probe degradation, intake manifold air leaks, and ignition coil failure, all of which may have been dormant for some time. Additionally, inspect the front registration plate mounting area for the deteriorated condition flagged, and verify that the nearside front outer sill cover has been properly secured, as loosely fitted undertray and sill panels can mask corrosion developing beneath. Given the low mileage but considerable age, particular attention should be paid to the hydraulic suspension spheres, pipes, and ram seals for any signs of fluid weeping or uneven ride height, as these are notoriously expensive to repair on the C5 and frequently catch out buyers of low-mileage examples.