Should the 2.2 HDi be avoided ?

[Welly]

I wanted to ask generally whether this model is viable or not?

It would be nice to hear the views of 2.2'ers compared to the 2.0'ers on this subject.

I also ask because if I buy a new 406 there seems a lot of 2.2's around in the last of the 03/53 production.

[steve_earwig]

Avoid anything with the letters "HDi" on it...

Seriously, I'd think the main problem is this FAP nonsense, I suppose if you can pick one up that has just had a new particulate filter then you'll only have to watch out for the usual HDi cock-ups for a few years.

[Welly]

I thought the filter itself was ok if cleaned regularly, but the sensors across the filter gave trouble.

There was a fantastic post on here a long time ago but I can't find it. It described the system in detail even down to the fact that the heated mirrors come on during regeneration! the post came courtesy of the Web actually and was very informative. If we had realised at the time it would be a sticky

[jameslxdt]

fuel economy suffers the most, the 2.2 is still amzingly frugal, but no where near the 2.0, but it has a huge 315nm of torque instead of the 250nm, which is quite a kick, but being partly chain driven, the engine can get quite noisy, also cam chain and tensioners are known failure points, but when they let go, 99% of the time the camshaft bearing caps break, then you have all the other usuall HDi issues, but then comes the FAP, incorect or poor mainainence is usually what causes the problems, eoloys fluid has to be toped up every 48k, and at £30 a litre its not cheap, usually once done fap doesnt give any problems, though a forced regeneration needs to be carried out at the same time, which is very smokey to say the least this operation however is a specialist or dealer only operation, and as a general rule, for every week of stop start town driving, you need to do about 5 miles of solid cruising above 35 mph, to allow the filter to self regen, the differential pressure sensor is the only main culprit to give headaches, but again is caused by bad maintainace, as it gets full of soot and cant work

[GeordieBoy]

All 406 D9's are to be avoided mate. Get a D8 2.1TD instead.
I wouldn't buy any car under 10yrs old now, too much electronic bullsh!t in it meaning many dealer only fixers.

[steve_earwig]

James, that's fantastic but... Do you think the 2.2 HDi should be avoided? Actually, it looks to me like Welters should be looking for the magic "fsh" in the ads.

But, I think I'm with Geordie Boy, time was when rust made 10 year old cars a nightmare, but with galvanized this that and t'other...

[jameslxdt]

to be honest service history doesnt mean sh*t, ive had two citroen ax's both on very similar mileages, and both with full citroen history, one engine was perfect in every way, no leaks etc, the other one, then engine was knackerd, smoked, leaked the works my HDi 406 had full pug history right up to 3k before i bought it, and the head gasket was gone, now my D8 2.0 16v had no history or any paper work, yet the engine is a minter, runs like a dream, no leaks etc, yet my first 406 another D8 2.0 16v, had full pug history, with a service just 300 miles before i bought it, but used fuel like it was going out of fashion and ran like a dog from cold, knocks bags shakes etc...
its just pot luck, i would be more inclined to buy a car that had stacks of invoices but no service history, than one with the opposite

[jameslxdt]

oh and having previously said i would never buy a HDi, but then having a 110, i would have a 2.2, FAP is amazing but fragile, just needs looking after well

[steve_earwig]

...full pug history...used fuel like it was going out of fashion and ran like a dog from cold, knocks bags shakes etc...

Why aren't I suprised?

[DurhamRed]

This particulate filter is an issue on newish Vauxhalls as well. I think its just one of those things. I'm going to sell my 406 2.2i Sri and buy a diesel because of the much improved fuel economy and have plans to look at a 53 plate 406 Coupe 2.2 HDi for £6k this weekend. Diesels are for me because I do 300 mile a week and its costing me £50 in unleaded!

Anyone want my SRi 2001 Y reg with Sat Nav, a new clutch fitted last week, MOT July and tax July, 78K on the clock, excellent Monaco Blue body etc etc?
£2200 and it yours!

[neildavies]

I've had my 2.2Hdi for nearly 2 years now and admittedely I did have a problem with a FAP sensor. I cleaned the FAP myself though to get rid of a "FAP filter blocked" message. Only other problem is the pulley, but that's common on all HDi's.

It's a lovely drive though, you can always feel the torque, lovely for overtaking without changing gear. It's neither quiet or loud. Obviously you can tell its a diesel.

Timing belts are ok for 96,000miles, so one other thing to keep in mind. Bear in mind that and the fap filter history, the rest should give you no trouble.

[GeordieBoy]

I'm going to sell my 406 2.2i Sri and buy a diesel because of the much improved fuel economy and have plans to look at a 53 plate 406 Coupe 2.2 HDi for £6k this weekend.

WHY?? Do yourself a favour and buy something else, anything that aint French and NEWISH. You must be out of your mind to buy a 406 for £6k like, you'll need to save up for the repair bills. If you want a coupe try the BMW 3 series, much cheaper, better & reliable than a 406. I'm hoping to sell mine and get an old BMW 325TDS saloon and run it on Chip Fat.

[Welly]

Perhaps a late 110 and remap it

The thing is, I am strangely (hugely) smitten with the comfort of my 406. I can't think of any other car that can match it in terms of equipment, cost, economy, dare I say peformance, and superb comfort.

There I've said it.....I love 406's

I've noticed a 53reg 2.2HDi exec with 51000 miles for £4995.00 this week. Not bad for 4 and a bit year old car

Maybe I'm still in honeymoon mode after a faultless last 12 months service

[steve_earwig]

Welton, is that your car I can see on fire in the car park?

[Welly]

Welton, is that your car I can see on fire in the car park?

Its a good job I'm easy going othewise that could have hurt my feelings.

*holds back the tears*