Interesting XM review / test

[casalingua]

"Also replacing HA spheres with main acc spheres changes suspension characteristics slightly." Do you mean putting accumulator spheres on all four corners of the car? I presume HA means "height adjustment". And someone referred to drilling out the sphere from 0.7 to 0.8mm. Do those holes have threading?

[citroenxm]

The middle holes on the spheres are just that - holes.. They arent threaded, but the size of the hole adjusts the softness, OR to an extent bounce rate..

[robert_e_smart]

The hole acts as a damper would on a regular sprung car.

[Jan-hendrik]

Robert is the one qualified to clarify, but I suppose the HA sphere is the HydrActive stiffness sphere, also called the third sphere, which is fitted to the stiffness regulator. Does not have a calibrated orifice. Replacing these spheres with main accumulator spheres may make a difference only because of the different pressure ratings and volumes.
But don't ignore the fact that Citroen specifies wide tolerances for these spheres, like xx Bar (+5; -25). Somewhat higher pressure or a gradual reduction of pressure changes the characteristics of the suspension, which may be hard to notice as it happens over time, until suddenly you realize something is not right. Furthermore when electronically everything is fine, the ride comfort we experience also depends on the rubber on the wheels and the loads carried. Yes, the soft rubber of the winter tyres absorbs rifts better than the standard tyres. Also I always notice after I've filled the tank with about 80 litres, the rear bounces more smoothly. I've heard some people who usually drive their BX or XM without passengers, put a bag of cement in the boot

[citroenxm]

Theres a few good reasons for weight in the boot, yes to smoothern bounce, or "Float" but also too keep your rear brakes in working order..

Many years ago with my first Xantia, I Over pressured my rear spheres deliberatly... The result? FFFFUN...

When I fitted the spheres to the car, it was like the back end was hovering over the ground. It was sooooo bouncy from the bump stops to max length of the rear struts... Put it this way, engaging the clutch would pull the back down to the floor... It was too soft, but I had fun in traffic ques, and watching the drivers behind my as I played bouncing back ends!

[Jan-hendrik]

Theres a few good reasons for weight in the boot, yes to smoothern bounce, or "Float" but also too keep your rear brakes in working order..

Yes. The BX was especially susceptible to brake pad seizure if driven without loads. Though I've used the bag-of-cement trick also in my rear wheel drive coupe in the 70s and 80s Sorry if I bore you with an image you've seen before!

[citroenxm]

What is that Jan? A japan only model?

[Jan-hendrik]

What is that Jan? A japan only model?

The model I showed you was preceded by the one in this photo. In between I drove a Mitsubishi 2-door coupe with a 95 HP diesel. accompanied by a Honda S1300.

Isuzu 117 Coupe



These cars, as far as I know, were not for export, but some of them may have gotten overseas. The one you seen in this picture was transported with its owner, me, to the Netherlands to stay there for a few months to be repatriated to Japan (with its owner) This was the 1800XC with twin XU carbs. The one in the previous post was a 2000 cc DOHC 140 HP model. Googling 117 Isuzu or similar may get you more, but limited (?) info. But I'll be happy to supply more details!

Check this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_117_Coup%C3%A9

[CitroJim]

Now that's a smart looking car Jan I like that...

[citroenxm]

I like the first silver one, the Quad square lamps look better then the early round ones...