Citroen XM Forum

Hi all I have recently returned to XM ownership with the purchase of a 1991 2.0i auto. It has been laid up since around 2001 when it was damage repairable salvage (cat D I think). The impact knocked the bonnet / rad back and somehow punched a hole in the inlet manifold, also taking out the OSF wing. The manifold and panels have been refitted but could do with a few more bolts and a bit more fettling.

Mileage is 39k, which looks genuine judging by the general condition and interior. There is a bit of surface rust around the inner wings / bumper brackets but I haven't found any serious corrosion yet.

The engine does spin over although I've not tried starting it yet - something had a taste for HT leads! Fortunately the rest of the wiring looks OK and the warning lights work.

In no particular order I plan on draining the petrol tank, replacing the HT leads, changing the fluids, water pump, belts and filters etc, before it bursts into life (he says optimistically). I'll then start working round the bodywork, brakes and suspension. It seems to be complete apart from the front sidelights.

I used to run a 2.5 Exclusive (M23ALX) so the 2.0i spec is a bit sparse to say the least! I've also owned a S2 2.1 auto, numerous CX's and a few Xantia including an Activa and a V6.

I don't know if it ever ran after the accident, so first job will be checking for fuel pressure and a spark. Possibly a daft question but is there a fuel cut off on this model? I've read that some manufacturers fitted them (F#*d?) but can't find anything about XMs having one.

Will upload some photos when I've worked out how to do it!

Cheers for now,
Jon

Welcome Jon
also nice to see you've retuned to XM ownership and congratulations on your new challenge.
As far as I know there are no cut off switches but as my specs are far from any other market standard you may find me corrected by those guys who will soon come along and really help you.
Look forward to the pics - would be good to see a few 'before & after' shots.

Hi Jon, and one more welcome back!
The only 'cut off' is the under-bonnet "inertia switch" - rubber-topped push-button, 2cm diameter - which cuts off fuel injection in the case of an impact. Push to reset.

No S1 petrols were fitted with an inertia switch.
Fuel control is by the Ecu detecting engine rotation after a START signal is sent to the starter motor. If the engine stops, the fuel does too, until the key is turned.
On Ign on, the pump primes with a 1s voltage pulse.

Sounds like a good find. Rust is the most important issue on an Xm.

I would fit a new timing belt before running the engine, they are very easy to do on that engine.
If the belt snaps, it will break the camshaft.

Inertia sw - My error, didn't check intro date for these.

Thanks for the words of encouragement and advice - I will definitely be doing the timing belt before trying to start it.

Will try and add a few photo's but not sure if they need to be hosted somewhere?

It looked much better after a wash:

That looks really good...the indoor storage has really helped it stay in good condition, including the strut tops.

Be aware that if you need any exterior plastics, your car is fitted with grey ones, not black as post '92 cars are.

Thanks Dieselman it will need some door trims as they have been butchered and robbed of the chrome inserts.

I have some trims (nsr door one is marked). No decent chrome inserts.

Are your trims not salvageable?