405 suspension and ventilation

[504fan]

I recently bought a 405 1600 cc petrol automatic. My previous Peugeot history has been: 504, 504, 505, two 504s. Two queries:

1. I find the 405 suspension much firmer than the 504's. Is there any way of making it gentler? ( more like the 504, which glides over anything). Does anyone know of a specialist firm who might be able to help?

2. The 405 ventilation does not provide "cool head, warm feet" at any setting. Is it possible to connect the centre vents directly to the outside air?

As I bought the 405 very reasonably I am willing to pay a bit to achieve the above; especially as everything else about the car is excellent!

Many thanks.

[Admin]

I think you will find you are stuck with the 405 suspension. The firmer ride is just the result of more modern suspension design which has abandoned the french style of floatyness for a firm more controlled ride. It's just how more modern cars are! Plenty of kit exists to stiffen and lower 405's but alas not the other way round. It's still a comfy cruiser though

[504fan]

Thanks - certainly my 505 was firmer than 504s, and I liked it less for that reason. The problem for motor engineers seems to be to provide a comfortable ride combined with control. However, I've never known a 504 to behave badly - but perhaps that's because I'm naturally a gentle driver.

If I can't get on with the 405, my options are

1. Spend around £1,000 sorting out my "second" 504 - and put up with lack of power steering (it can be a handful in a crowded car park) and higher fuel consumption (petrol is likely to become steadily more expensive)

2. Investigate the 406 . . . more expensive to buy, run and insure, but maybe a more sensible use of money. 504 suspension is perfect for me - do you think I would like the 406?

[madrat]

406 suspension is about the same as a 405 in firmness I think, If you want a smoother ride you might want to look at a Citroen xantia/C5. All I can say is we have had 2 405s and found them really comfy and frugal.

[kriskarrera]

All the 405 range bar the Mi16 was praised for it's excellent combination of limo like ride and good handling. Even the standard set up on the Mi16 is alot more civilised than most lowered cars. Obviously it's just a case of what you're used to
My dad recently bought a 1996 405 GTX and it is so comfortable it's like you're floating, yet there's only very slight roll under hard cornering.

I too hate the all or nothing thing with the heating but I assumed most cars were like this??
I just tend to put heat on the feet and open the window to keep my head cool.

[504fan]

Thanks for all your thoughts. Regarding ventilation: the 504 has the centre dashboard vents permanently connected to the outside air, so it's easy to keep your head cool in winter. I think the 505 was the same. I may have found a compromise on the 405: turn the temperature control half way round; turn the "direction" control to send maximum heat to the feet; then cooler air emerges from the top vents. Until it's winter and the heat's turned up higher, I shan't know how well this works.

So no - they're not all the same!

Regarding suspension / ride: have either of you driven a 504? It would be helpful to know by which cars you're judging the 405.

[adstar]

you could try a 605. I can vouch for the exceptional ride in that. It doesn;t like being hurried along B roads, far to big and soft for that, but yur average A road corners and high speed sweeps and poor surfaces.. normally glides over very smoothly.

I can't pass judgement on the ventilation though, i have only just had the Aircon regassed (replaced under 100g with the 900+ or so it needs!) So I am making the most of an ice cold car!

[madrat]

sorry never driven a 504 so I cant realy compare. but alongside other cars I have driven the 405 is lovely as far as I'm concerned.