Boxer MK2 X244 Best HDi Engine ?

[Dionysius]

We are thinking of going for an Autosleeper Talisman, would need to be on a MK2 "facelift" boxer as we live inside M25 and it's only the HDi engines that are Euro 3 so can come inside.

We have seen 2.0 2.2 and 2.8HDi versions for sale.

Obviously the 2.8HDi will be more powerful but is it the most reliable engine or should we consider a 2.0 or 2.2HDi and maybe get them  chipped if in fact these are more reliable ?.

We also understand that the facelift vans have  different more reliable gearboxes  than the older MK1 - is this true ?

And do the different HDi engines use same or different gearboxes and is there a difference in reliability between which engine they're coupled too ?

I would imagine bigger engine =more torque which I guess would stress a gearbox more ? Unless it's beefed up to cope with it 

[david lloyd]

Can’t answer all your questions but our 2006 Pioneer Renoir has the 2.8 HDI. Most comments I have seen say this is the best engine on the X244. It is only a five speed box and could have been so much better, I think, with a sixth gear. The Renoir has only done 50,000 miles and I did find it underpowered on long inclined needing to drop a gear. So I had it remapped (rather than chipped) by a proper garage that specialise in tuning. They tested it on a rolling road first to see what the power was then tuned it before putting it on the road again. The result was an increase in power and  torque. Averages 32 mpg but I am a relaxed driver.

Hope this helps.

David

[snail]

We had a hymer a class on x244 fiat heavy chassis with the 2.8jtd it actually was a sofim iveco engine, it performed very well, BUT being on the heavy chassis 16 INCH WHEELS being easy to spot it had lower differential ratios to cope with the heavier body so noisey at 70mph as revs up but hills ok, horses for courses really, I believe if the hyper was for use in Germany there was a higher horse power alternative? I discovered this when looking at ecu alternatives? 

[Tracker]

Having driven vans with all of these engines my perception is the 2.8, as one would expect, is the most powerful if you like a heavy right foot, but the Peugeot 2.2 hdi is the most refined and perfectly acceptable performance wise, and having taken us all over the place fro the Sahara to the Nordkapp with many thousands of miles it is my firm preference. Fortunately A/S use this engine a lot!

As far as reliabilty goes none of them ever gave us any real trouble - perhaps we were lucky or perhaps proper servicing and preventative maintenance played it's part?

It pays to carry a basic toolkit, a multimeter and a fault code reader - if you know how to use them that is!

We also carried engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and jump leads but never needed them - except to help out others!

[Alanb]

 "We are thinking of going for an Autosleeper Talisman, would need to be on a MK2 "facelift" boxer as we live inside M25 and it's only the HDi engines that are Euro 3 so can come inside."

At least in Fiat terminology, the pre, and post facelift models are generally referred to as x230, and x244 models respectively.  This is indicated by the first three numbers of the VIN.

"Obviously the 2.8HDi will be more powerful but is it the most reliable engine or should we consider a 2.0 or 2.2HDi and maybe get them  chipped if in fact these are more reliable ?."

The 2.8jtd or HDI is a well developed engine. I am not aware of any suggestions of it being unreliable.  However, I may be biased, as I have owned one since new in 2006.

"We also understand that the facelift vans have  different more reliable gearboxes  than the older MK1 - is this true ?"

Yes, a new improved gearbox was introduced with the x244 model in 2006.  The later MLGU box can be recognised by having reverse gear selection next to first.

"And do the different HDi engines use same or different gearboxes and is there a difference in reliability between which engine they're coupled too ?"

Different gear ratios are fitted, to match the engine. I have not seen any comments pertaining to relative reliability.

"I would imagine bigger engine =more torque which I guess would stress a gearbox more ? Unless it's beefed up to cope with it."

Yes the 2.8jtd (Sofim 8140.43s) delivers 300Nm at 1800rpm, while the PSA 4HY (2.2HDI) provides only 240Nm at 1900rpm.

Another engine alternative was the 2.8jtd POWER, (Sofim 8140.43n)  which uses a variable vane turbo, and delivers a maximum torque of 310Nm at only 1500rpm. This engine is not common.

The most serious shortcoming of Sevel 5 speed boxes is the added 5th gear, which is in an extra housing, and drip fed from the main box.  The advice that I believe I first read on this forum, and which I follow as well has as repeat, is not to use fifth gear for the first mile, if the vehicle has been standing for more than a couple of days.

The other problems with fifth gear mentioned by Brian (snail) and David, relate to the ratio, for which there were two standard options. The low ratio is very low, and the higher or normal ratio, is a large step up from fourth.  The vehicle needs to be travelling at over 50mph before engaging.  I am aware of an unofficial middle option.

Alan