V6 Si, what have I done????

[StevenPerry]

After decades of hankering after an XM I’ve taken the plunge and bought, most probably, the least sensible car of my life.
You’ll probably be aware of it, the cat c green V6 Si auto that’s been on Car and Classic for a while.

I was particularly after a series 1 with Italia alloy wheels and velour, and, a petrol engine. I have to say all my car buying instincts told me not to even bother going to see it, but as I was passing…….and then it reeled me in.

So, I’m sure I’ll be along with many many questions, there’s a garage near me who I think will be able to help get it / keep it in good condition, Slaters in Ottery St Mary.

I’m used to Mercedes 124 and Volvos, can already tell this is going to be a very different ownership experience.

[Dieselman]

Well done Steven, a wise decision to buy a car you want. A V6 Xm will be a nice change after the W124 and Volvo experiences.
If you want to see how an Xm compares to the Merc and Volvo, obtain a copy of Practical Classics group test from August 2019.

From memory, your car has a series 2 front bumper fitted, which imho would be better being changed to a series 1 item, with associated indicator/foglights.
Long gone are the days of a minor bump writing off an Xm.

Slaters will be able to look after the car, but there's nothing you can't do yourself if you want to get involved.

[StevenPerry]

Thank you for your reply, I’ll have to check ref that front bumper, if the car and I become friends then I shall treat her to a respray below the windows, and then would be an ideal time to replace the bumper.

Looking around the car, speaking to the owner (what a guy) and looking and the paperwork with it, I reckon it was little more than the front bumper and nose cone that was
replaced. The paintwork is such a mess of lacquer issues I would be surprised if it’s had two new front wings, let alone a bonnet, I’m comfortable with that aspect of it.

[citroenxm]

Welcome along and joining our group forum..

The Si spec on V6s is very scarse indeed. I had a H reg one about 20 years ago but soon upgraded it to sei by adding leather and electric arm rest. The car already had manual AC . I can't remember but don't think yours even has Ac .. its a proper rare spec indeed.

[StevenPerry]

That’s interesting, thank you, I don’t know a great deal about XMs, it doesn’t have AC, no cruise, heated seats or anything out of the ordinary.

I’m in two minds as to how I feel about that, air conditioning would have been nice, but it probably wouldn’t have worked which would have meant expense, however, the plan is to take it on holiday to France next year (don’t tell herself) and air con would be a definite plus on a trip like that.

I’ve a Z3, which is wired for everything from the factory, so I’ve added a trip computer and headlamp washers to that very easily, just for fun really.

[citroenxm]

Mk.1 xm didn't get cruise untill 1992 revisions...

Ac on mk.1 xm is of older obsolete r12 system.. of which the gas isn't available now.. however.. acquiring a mk.2 system is a way to go..

[StevenPerry]

Thank you again, I think that, if anything, and assuming we bond, a manual gearbox conversion would be something I’d look into, I’ve done it to a Mercedes w124 and a w126, it was very straightforward and made the car come alive. But that is a long way down the line….

[Dieselman]

A V6-12v with manual gearbox is a quick car, the auto really blunts the performance.

[StevenPerry]

That’s what I found with the Mercedes, no idea why they were so rare in the U.K. to be honest.

Where’s a good place to find a front bumper by the way, now I know it’s wrong it’s niggling me

[citroenxm]

Having had both auto and manual v6s I can agree the auto does slow the v6 down a bit ...

I do have a v6 manual box in the shed spare.. bell housings are unique to the V being a 90 deg block