Oldest XM in the UK - Now with registration!!

[raynoon]

That's very trusting of you Matthew, I don't think I could allow anybody else to drive my XM's

[Dieselman]

I can't recall ever seeing silver Italia wheels either on an XM or in a brochure. Afaik. All Uk SE spec cars had wheels in FTU grey.

[russ92xmsed]

The silver wheels I have came off a very early UK V6 Russ, so they seem to have been around nearer the launch, although the original brochures showed a mixture of both wheels as you say! I do like the contrast with the brushed metal spokes and grey painted background, but the silver overall just gives a different effect. Regards, Matthew T.

I think they will look great just silver. Those who have them now, seem to like the two tone, so it will be refreshing to see them all silver.

I think I'm wing convinced buy the diamond cut finish, although it's harder to look after. AHHH I don't know!

[MTXM]

The difference in the wheel colour in the brochure shots can be quite subtle Will and as you will note the Memphis blue V6 I pulled some bits off has silver wheels! Regards, Matthew T.

[Dieselman]

Both of those pictures look to have flat grey to me. I suspect the wheels you took off the v6 had been refurbed in silver, not two colour, as that costs a lot more. The wheel colour is FTU.

[MTXM]

The silver is definitely original Will and matches the French car shown earlier, although the option does seem to have been rare on UK cars. Regards, Matthew T.

[russ92xmsed]

In my opinion, I think the top wheel might be a two tone too. The highlight on the rim is too bright for a plain silver finish. That's a diamond cut wheel. But it is subtle granted. They look good either way.

I'm sure I have seen them as plain silver though...
A thought... Si spec or equivalent didn't get plain silver?

[MTXM]

The light may indeed be playing tricks in the brochure photos Russ, but here is a shot of the two wheels I have and I am fairly confident that both retain original paint! The grey wheel is actually brand new and obtained thanks to John M. As you will note, the grey wheel is a 'Speedline' and 'Made in Italy', whereas the other is styled 'SMR' and 'FAB. France', which could help explain the different treatments. I shall bring both wheels to the X Rally for inspection. Regards, Matthew T.

[MTXM]

I just found a thread on a Pug 205 Forum about the pros and cons of SMR and Speedline, which appear to be rival French and Italian alloy wheel makers - well you learn something new everyday!!
http://forum.205gtidrivers.com/index.ph ... pic=118788" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Regards, Matthew T.

[russ92xmsed]

How interesting. So even pug 205 GTI owners are perplexed as to why they had two or even three kinds of wheels. Never knew there was a difference.
I remember you saying you could get French and Italian versions of italia. Definitely could explain the two paint finishes.

The SMR wheel is slightly different. The five central ribs around the bolt holes are smaller and the outside rim seems thicker than the Italian version. How strange.