New member: 1996 V6

New to the forum? Feel free to introduce yourself / your cars. Also have a look for any frequently asked questions and information.
User avatar
m0rda
Knows how to use the parking brake
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:57 am
Orga / RP numbers: 7133
1996 3.0 V6 VSX, hatchback, auto, Diravi
Location: Congleton

New member: 1996 V6

Post by m0rda » Thu May 05, 2022 9:13 pm

Hello,

I have firstly seen an XM in the end of 90s or beginning of 2000s, and it was definitely coolest and the most unusual car I've ever seen. I am sure, it's design is still unsurpassed.
The decision to become an XM owner was understood and finally acknowledged around a middle of last Summer. So, I have started my journey to the world of XM. As the result, I have recently brought an LHD generation 2 XM from Germany. It is made in 1996, with 2963cc V3 engine, automatic gearbox and DIRAVI, model VSX.

WP_20220505_11_04_31_Pro.jpg

It's only about a week of ownership, so I am now observing and getting familiar with the car. There are definitely a lot of things to learn, many questions to research and, of course, some repairs/upgrades to complete. I anticipate an exciting project ahead.
I am based in Congleton, Cheshire, UK.
Glad to meet you all!
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
m0rda
1996 XM 3.0 V6 VSX Auto RP7133

Dieselman
Global Moderator
Posts: 13734
Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2009 6:44 pm

Re: New member: 1996 V6

Post by Dieselman » Fri May 06, 2022 6:57 am

Hi Morda, welcome to the world of Xm ownership.

That looks a nice example and imho, silver suits the Series 2 body very well.
92 2.1SED M.RP5740 ECZ Sable Phenicien
92 3.0 V6-24.Rp 5713 EXY Black
92 2.1SD M.RP 5685 ENT Blue Sideral
Prev
90 2.1SD M.RP 5049 EJV Mandarin
92 2.1SD A.RP 5698 EJV Mandarin
94 2.1SD A.RP 6218 ERT Triton Green
91 2.0SI M.RP 5187 EWT White

User avatar
m0rda
Knows how to use the parking brake
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:57 am
Orga / RP numbers: 7133
1996 3.0 V6 VSX, hatchback, auto, Diravi
Location: Congleton

Re: New member: 1996 V6

Post by m0rda » Fri May 06, 2022 7:23 am

Hi Dieselman,
The bodywork is something to deal with. While the underbody is solid and, surprisingly, almost rust-free, there are a lot of scuffs and scratches on doors and bumpers. As I was told, "the previous ownerwas an old man, who has collected all the curbs and corners of Stuttgart".
m0rda
1996 XM 3.0 V6 VSX Auto RP7133

Dieselman
Global Moderator
Posts: 13734
Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2009 6:44 pm

Re: New member: 1996 V6

Post by Dieselman » Fri May 06, 2022 7:27 am

I can see a nice scuff on the front bumper, however rust is the killer of Xm, so age related patina is far preferable to a rusty underside.
92 2.1SED M.RP5740 ECZ Sable Phenicien
92 3.0 V6-24.Rp 5713 EXY Black
92 2.1SD M.RP 5685 ENT Blue Sideral
Prev
90 2.1SD M.RP 5049 EJV Mandarin
92 2.1SD A.RP 5698 EJV Mandarin
94 2.1SD A.RP 6218 ERT Triton Green
91 2.0SI M.RP 5187 EWT White

Stickfinger
Citrobics expert
Posts: 662
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2020 8:26 pm

Re: New member: 1996 V6

Post by Stickfinger » Fri May 06, 2022 7:48 am

What is the story behind it coming to the Uk ?

User avatar
m0rda
Knows how to use the parking brake
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:57 am
Orga / RP numbers: 7133
1996 3.0 V6 VSX, hatchback, auto, Diravi
Location: Congleton

Re: New member: 1996 V6

Post by m0rda » Fri May 06, 2022 8:04 am

The story is simple. I have decided to get an XM, and have defined requirements:
* hatchback
* automatic
* diravi
* climate control
* sunroof
* V6
Other features were secondary.
Unfortunately, no RHD XMs with Diravi exist, so I had a big search in Europe, until I found one in Germany. BTW, it is surprising, how many XMs are there in Germany - much more than offered for sale in France! There were a lot in Netherlands, too.
Then there were several months on negotiations with a seller. All was remote, as because of Covid restrictions, travelling to Stuttgart area for a view was not an option. So, I decided to take a chance. Then the purchase agreed, car transported and imported. I have collected it last Thursday.
This is definitely the hardest car purchase in my life - other country, without an inspection in person, which is, I know, very important when buying an XM.
m0rda
1996 XM 3.0 V6 VSX Auto RP7133

Stickfinger
Citrobics expert
Posts: 662
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2020 8:26 pm

Re: New member: 1996 V6

Post by Stickfinger » Fri May 06, 2022 4:30 pm

I did the same with my Activa V.6.......but I had the chance of inspection.....but then drove it back, used 5 ltrs of LHM to get home to the UK from the South of France
:)

User avatar
m0rda
Knows how to use the parking brake
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:57 am
Orga / RP numbers: 7133
1996 3.0 V6 VSX, hatchback, auto, Diravi
Location: Congleton

Re: New member: 1996 V6

Post by m0rda » Fri May 06, 2022 10:44 pm

This is very prudent - I am usually carrying only 1 litre bottle of LHM in the trunk :)
By the way, the MOT during the registration has only one comment: "Power steering ram has slight seeepage from a joint Offside". I wonder how bad/dangerous is that with Diravi?
m0rda
1996 XM 3.0 V6 VSX Auto RP7133

Julianw
Has changed a sphere or two
Posts: 284
Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2014 3:45 pm
Orga / RP numbers: 4937

Re: New member: 1996 V6

Post by Julianw » Fri May 06, 2022 11:07 pm

Welcome to the forum. That's dedication, buying an XM sight unseen, from another country! Well done!

It looks very nice. More pictures, please!

I also live in Congleton. I'll look out for you and your XM

User avatar
m0rda
Knows how to use the parking brake
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:57 am
Orga / RP numbers: 7133
1996 3.0 V6 VSX, hatchback, auto, Diravi
Location: Congleton

Re: New member: 1996 V6

Post by m0rda » Sat May 07, 2022 12:20 am

Cool! Glad to know I am not the only XM owner in Congleton.
Here are some more pictures.
WP_20220501_18_32_53_Pro.jpg
WP_20220501_18_27_21_Pro.jpg
WP_20220501_18_31_37_Pro.jpg
WP_20220501_18_26_48_Pro.jpg
WP_20220501_18_22_16_Pro.jpg
WP_20220501_18_21_39_Pro.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
m0rda
1996 XM 3.0 V6 VSX Auto RP7133

Post Reply