An XM..sorry! Advice please

BX Bandit · Post by **BX Bandit** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 10:12 am

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... &rd=1&rd=1

Am assured that apart from the dents and ABS problem the car is pretty sound. Not knowing much at all about XMs, are there any particulars to watch out for? Could be a bargain. Any ideas on price?

Post by **docchevron** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 12:03 pm

Right, well.
Whilst this car has potential to be a good car, I think, it will need alot of work.

Thats a high mileage for a V6, although the auto boxes on these were better than the average.
The bottom ends can be weak, and at that mileage I'd expect some oil burning via the rings.

Check the inner wings and back end of the sills for rot, also around the back end of the boot floor.

ABS is not an uncommon problem, and usually easily sorted.

The suspension "slow to rise, but I;m told this is normal",well, no. But again, it's probably old age and a bit of leakage, quite probably the pump is a bit weak at that mileage too if it hasn't been changed.

It needs to be driven really, If theres any "lash" in the box between third and fourth, or a grating noise when selecting between reverse and drive theres impending doom in the transmission.

The engine should start on the button, and not smoke, but I suspect it will. Some top end rattle at start up is not uncommon but this should wuieten down within 20 seconds.

It's an XM, so check ALL the electrics. They aint as bad as people make out and easily sorted on the whole.

Good luck, but there are better examples out there!
That said, this should be well cheap. Any more than £100 is too much really.

BX Bandit · Post by **BX Bandit** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 5:32 pm

Thanks Doc...agree with price. Think I'm gonna give it a miss...I'd prefer the 2.1 TD anyway and my time would be better spent on my BX TD. I wasn't sure at all what longevity the engine would have but you've made me err on the side of caution...

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 8:17 pm

I'd imagine it's a potential minefield of huge costs and problems but srriously cheap too. If it were nearer I'd go for it. If it does go for a hundred quid or less you could smoke it round until the MOT went and you'd get your money back without trying.

BX Bandit · Post by **BX Bandit** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:07 am

That was what attracted me in the first place Cavmad - at £100 that is one superb motor. If I had the time and money to make it a sound car I'd take a chance and go for it but I have neither. Hadn't thought of running it till the MOT expires and then flog it again tho'....good thinking...hmmm..... My other limitation is space...any more cars and the front lawn may as well have 'Bandit Motors' posted up on it!! Then there's the missus "too many cars"...

....nuff said!
I'm bored of the Xantia basically and really want an XM

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 1:24 pm

Go for it, it's too cheap to say no to. Meanwhile, if you promise to keep it to yourself I might be getting a Xantia. Not to keep you understand.

Post by **docchevron** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 1:29 pm

cavmad wrote:I might be getting a Xantia

Shame on you Billy....
I'll be up north directley with the shovel

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 3:32 pm

About time you bought summat half decent!

BCXM · Post by **BCXM** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 3:40 pm

I had a V6 XM with LPG and completely restored it. The main reason why I took the car on was there was a bill for a complete autobox rebuild to the tune of £1600. I had the car 8 months and it started to develop that 'jump' between 3rd and 4th Doc mentioned. XM V6 and Turbo auto boxes are rubbish. Some lovely cars have been scrapped due to early faliure and most people want (justifiably) top money to recondition them.

I have a lovely black XM Sei Turbo (best combo I think) which a good friend and customer has asked to have a new box fitted and MOT'd. But most people bin em once this happens..

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:31 pm

tim leech wrote:About time you bought summat half decent!

Nah, I'm used to fully decent and don't want to drop my standards too far!
I'll seriously consider that XM if you don't go for it Bandit, only the logistics are a pain in the arse.

mnde · Post by **mnde** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:39 pm

I would really love an early Xm 2.0 Sei with full leather and aircon. I know of two that are for sale (one auto, one manual)... but the time is not right!! Shame the autoboxes are so flakey, because the drive is superbly relaxed.

Mark.

BCXM · Post by **BCXM** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 7:44 pm

i'll swop an XM for both your non running bx's mark...

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:02 pm

Anyone close enough to this XM to check it over and report back?

BX Bandit · Post by **BX Bandit** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 12:47 pm

Billy, If you want the Xm then go for it mate, I can't be doing with car shenannegans at present. I sent the bloke an email but I think the question and response has been copied on the listing. The car is only about 15 miles from me so I'd be happy to check it out but bear in mind I know not alot about XMs. It's not taxed tho' and the ABS is fubar - prob ok to drive tho'

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 1:16 pm

Don't go out of your way mate but if you are near the area I'd be grateful. Anyone any idea what the ABS problem might be? Kind of hoping it'd be something daft like the sensor.