Rob's SED Now V6 Exclusive

[ragger]

A pair of Maxxis tyres are now fitted and the wheel alignment has been checked as the previous ones seemed to have worn excesively on the inside shoulders. The check, however, showed that all was as it should be.

I have just bought 5l of the appropriate Total oil through a link on the CCC website for £23-80 which seems like really good value to me, expecially as there is no charge for delivery. Oil filter has also been bought and there are 5l of LHM+ sitting on the garage shelf - I feel a service coming on!

I've had the car for nearly 11 months now and find I have done about double the mileage I had anticipated doing, and I shall probably put another 600 on it before it gets the service; that will take it up to 6500 since the last oil change.

It's a good job I love it so much, or I would be seriously tempted to go and have a look at the Activa that is currently for sale at South Shields (about 40 mins from where I live). It is on the Bay and looks to have been cared for with a number of spares availble to be bought separately. And no, I can't have another car!

Rob

[CitroJim]

would be seriously tempted to go and have a look at the Activa that is currently for sale at South Shields

I think you'd enjoy an Activa Rob but be aware that they be a be a bigger heart-breaker than any XM and an even bigger PITA...

Just like an XM really in that ownership of one is not to be taken lightly although the rewards are astounding.

[ragger]

All fuelled (£99-63!!) and ready to go on a quick jaunt down to Stroud for the week end, returning on Monday with my parents in the back. Between them they have amassed a total of 175 years and so comfort is important; can't think of a better car to do the trip in!

I shall resist the siren's call of an Activa, but I do still hanker after a Renault 4, or 5, or (dreaming now) a 16TX.

Rob

[ragger]

Bloody XMs!!

Our 4 hour journey to Gloucestershire took 10 hours yesterday. Cause: a loss of hydraulic fluid on the M5 about an hour from our destination. Fortunately the AA came to our rescue, eventually. The patrolman was really good actually, he arranged for a flat bed to come and rescue the car and contact Tony Weston for me so that the car could actually go somewhere that there was a chance of a repair being effected. He then took my wife to pick up a hire car at the AA's expense,and escorted her back from central Worcester.

Because the roads were so bad yesterday the truck didn't arrive for about three hours and so it was after 7pm when we eventually reached Tony's garage at Cambridge Glos. I was amazed to find that a mechanic - Andrew - was still there waiting for us to arrive. This meant I could explain the problem and hand over the keys, knowing that it would be looked at the next day.

The failure was found to be in the pipe that runs from the pump to the accumulator, apparently a sod to remove and refit, however, within the day (today, Saturday) a second hand replacement had been found and checked and fitted. All seems to be well although it does seem to be slower to rise than before.

I think I have been really lucky, and we are really grateful to Tony Weston and Andrew for sorting us out on a week end, at no notice and at reasonable cost. We are now looking forward to the return trip north on Monday with my parents in the back seat; lets hope we have no more dramas!

Rob

[Dieselman]

If it really is slower to rise check the large black suction pipe is tight on both spigots by trying to twist it.

That main feed pipe is very awkward to remove and refit. Those pipes normally only split if they have been bent or the accumulator is flat.

[ragger]

The return trip north passed without drama apart from passing the scene of what had clearly been a very nasty collision at the junction of the M1 and A1M north of Leeds. It is distressing to think of the poor souls whose lives are perhaps cut short or at least changed for ever in the blink of an eye and squeal of brakes. Drive safely everyone.

Rob

[Rommel]

A shame that your trip was spoiled in this way Rob. I hope your parents are understanding!
Also it is fortunate that you were fixed up in both a prompt and timely fashion.

I'm not sure that I've ever posted in your thread, but I'd like to mention- your XM is beautiful. I love the colour.

[CitroJim]

I agree, I've seen a few really quite horrible accidents now and every time they upset me terribly and I take days and days to recover from the trauma.

I'm a bit sensitive to such things... How people can 'rubberneck' such events is totally outside my understanding.

Sorry Rob, I really hope it didn't spoil things too much.

[ragger]

Thanks Rohan, I'm very fond of the XM all round. I did have plans to spend a few hundred on paint improvements this summer but more pressing mechanical issues have put paid to that for the time being. I don't think it would take much to get her looking really glamorous.

Seeing a bad incident at the roadside, Jim always serves to remind me of our own vulnerability and that perhaps, is not a bad thing.

Rob

[CitroJim]

That's true Rob, it does make you think and reflect...