Citroen XM Forum

Hello everybody. I have finally gotten around to writing in this section. I thought I had more pictures to share, but actually just found two (taken to the dark).
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I recently bought a 1990 XM SED manual for the simple reason that I've always wanted one. It had to be a S1 and the range topping diesel was my choice because I now have a 70-mile round commute. My current 1987 Volvo 480 has been managing this well, however it isn't great to hammer the miles onto a fairly low-mileage example. Plus I was only averaging 32mpg at best. 

I have had three BX's in the past. Two lovely Mk. 1's and a Mk. 2. Some of you may have seen me on the BX club using the same username.

Mainly my interest has been in Volvo 480's; I' always had a soft spot for hydro-pneumatic Citroens though and can't wait to get the XM into daily use.

Currently it is away with the mechanic in the village having:

• Timing belt kit (10 year old belt, yikes)
  Drive belts
  All filters and oils
  Some wheel bearings (loud!)
  Coolant change
  New pipe from thermostat to oil cooler. Burst, loosing all coolant but didn't overheat thankfully

I drove this home from North Wales. I wasn't exactly a pleasant experience due to the wheel bearings, rattly exhaust and fairly hard suspension. This poor XM has lost most of its refinement, but I hope to have that back soon!‎

I hope to have it back early next week, a which point it will get treated to a good look over with Martin at Pleiades. I really hope the great refined ride can be restored pretty quick so that I can enjoy it. ‎
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Things to look at once it is usable on a daily basis are:

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  Change the LHM for Hydraurincage (got some!)‎
  The exhaust, probably have the missing rear hangar welded in and a back box put on
  The right hand screen is dead. This early doesn't have the computer that most of you have (I have no button on the R/H stalk). Only temperature and time‎ are displayed... although, I didn't realise how much I'd miss a clock until it was gone.! Does anyone have one for sale?
  I'd love the air-con re-gassed with whatever the replacement gas is these days, although I doubt I'm going to be lucky enough to be leak free so that will go down the list as Autumn is approaching‎
  I'd quite like a stereo I can control with the steering wheel controls. This thing is sooooo big, it's quite a stretch to reach the volume control!‎

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I am not going to worry about the bodywork until next year. It doesn't look to bad really. The faded paint on the rear wings is weird but I can live with it. The rust on one front arch isn't too unsightly but definitely will ‎need looked at soon before I need a new wing. 

All in all, I am pleased to be in XM ownership. There have been a few surprises but basically‎ I bought it with a view to immediately spending a bit of money getting it up to scratch, so I can't complain. This one has the potential to be a fantastic example if I can sort the few things out above. 

I imagine the list will grow as time goes on. 

Just thought I'd say hello anyway as I've appeared out of the blue to post about Hydraurincage ‎but not introduced myself. 

Oh and for the spotters it is RP 4937 and yes, that is a Mk. 1 Master next to it, still going strong as my camper‎!

I will add some more pictures when I get the car back and maybe post a few wanted adverts for things, e.g. R/H screen, etc.‎

I am based in Cambridge, should anyone want to say hello with their XM. ‎

I was so pleased that item 3 in this picture was still available. Found it at http://www.mister-auto.co.uk

Your 100% positive its a bearing?? There was no bearing noise that I knew of but there was a fair amount of engine vibration that came through which I think early H and possibly J reg cars were prone for.. well the few H and Js ive had have been like this..

pleased to see someone giving her some love..

Fairly sure but quite prepared to be wrong! It gets worse going when cornering. Hopefully I'll know pretty soon.

The engine mounts are probably rather tired and the hydraulic mount may have given up, which could be the noise on cornering.

Martin at Pleaides may have done all the work you need, they do general repairs now as well as hydraulics.

Are you sure the R/h display is dead? You can't read it if the back lighting is blown.

Iirc will im sure it was bleeding... so it is shot not blank..

RH display front should feel noticeably warm if the bulbs are lit, even if no data is being displayed.

Dieselman wrote:The engine mounts are probably rather tired and the hydraulic mount may have given up, which could be the noise on cornering.

Martin at Pleaides may have done all the work you need, they do general repairs now as well as hydraulics.

Are you sure the R/h display is dead? You can't read it if the back lighting is blown.

I haven't got my manuals: what is the hydraulic mount? Is there an arrangement of standard mounts (how many?) and this hydraulic one for vibration damping?

I would have been quite happy for Martin to do the lot but I could only drive it for a minute before the coolant gone warning came on. I don't trust many mechanics but Martin and the guy in my village I do.

White Exec wrote:RH display front should feel noticeably warm if the bulbs are lit, even if no data is being displayed.

It's not lit and has bled it's LCD blood!

Are these early cars a different R/H display to most of them then or did lower spec cars have the same display? I am trying to work out if I have a chance of finding a replacement.

I'll add a pic when I get the car back.

Another BXer who's upgraded. Hello!