New member: 1996 V6

[m0rda]

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!

[Dieselman]

Hi Morda, welcome to the world of Xm ownership.

That looks a nice example and imho, silver suits the Series 2 body very well.

[m0rda]

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".

[Dieselman]

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.

[Stickfinger]

What is the story behind it coming to the Uk ?

[m0rda]

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.

[Stickfinger]

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

[m0rda]

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?

[Julianw]

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

[m0rda]

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