Citroen XM Forum

Hi folks - just wondering if it is still possible to buy a genuine spare XM key (blank) - the one with the black plastic head and chevrons?

I have my own one somewhere that came with my Series 2 XM but cannot for the life of me find it.

Any suggestions?

Cheers, Ultan

Chevronics appear to have blanks at £25 each, alternatively search for Citroen Xm key, or SX9 key.
Some suppliers will cut from a photo if you don't have the number.
They aren't that hard to cut, each pin has four height options, five pin location on the long sides, four on the short sides...times two, as its a cruciform key.

Both types of round head key with the Citroen symbol are now very rare as blanks.
In an XM set the main keys with a thicker head have silver chevrons on red inset to one side.
The secondary key with thinner head have impressed chevrons.
Production ceased when the head shape needed to be modified to take a transponder.
Only transponder head SX9 key blanks are now available as spares.

My experience is that very few locksmiths are able to cut the blanks properly.
Even those with the expensive Citroen SX9 rotating jig can still fail to cut fully working keys.
Lack of regular use of the item seems to be a problem.
Problem is usually with failure to operate the Simplex ignition switch.
It is not as easy as just cutting 18 slots down the 4 sides of the key.
Each pair of sets have to be perfectly aligned and the reference point is not the one normally used for key cutting.

Factory cut to code was the best source of replacement keys.
With the ebay cutters you need to check what head will be supplied.

Replacement lock sets are also now rare and expensive when found.
The full set usually offers 5 keys (3 round head, 2 plip).
An ignition switch comes with 2 round head keys.

In making up replacement lock sets I sort the keys then ignition switch first.

Thanks for that folks.
Yup - I had already checked on Fleabay etc. before posting - strange it seems cheaper and easier to get 4 replacement barrels and a set of 2 matching keys from Asia than is is to get one Citroen original blank.

Not to worry. My own one will turn up I'm sure. I have 2 perfectly functioning key fobs with keys. It's just that as I am driving much less now, a small spare key would have suited me better on my keyring than the remote.

Thanks for that and keep on smiling.

Regards, Ultan

I found the Aisan replacement barrels to be a total waste of time and money.
Keys are cut to a rounded profile so do not work with XM locks.
The tumblers, springs and clips do not fit the Citroen locks and the barrels do not fit any XM lock.

I had two keys cut to fit the original factory locks from my local Citroen dealer. They send off to Citoenwho have the factory codes to enable them to make an exact copy without the original key.
It wa sonly couple of years ago. Keys were genuine Citroen with the logo in the plastic top. It was actually cheaper than a local key smith who wanted £25 for the blanks and £10 to cut them. I paid about £15 each key. I think they can also do a one that will fit into your plipper. I just wanted a basic key and was really pleased with them. Tend not to use the remote as only have one and want to keep it in good nick if I ever sell the car. Apparently the key has no transponder as none used on car because of the keypad.

Thanks for that - will give it a try.
Regards, Ultan