1990 Citroën XM 2.0Si (part 2) - POV 'GOLD EDITION': Test driving one of the cars from my childhood!

[@lonewarrior1543]

Afer owning Jag`s,Mercs,big Aussie cars...the lot basically...then i bought an XM...the Chain Driven 3ltr automatic...with Diravi....i was hooked....altogether 4 ..3ltr Xm`s and a million and a half trouble free kilometers...from flat out German Autobahns...to the bumpy as hell Autostadas around Firenze...the best car ever built in my biased opinion...ultra comfortable and handling that belies its ride...just incredible....one great memory...three up with all the gear...sitting on about 140kph...we got into a bit of a race with and Audi s4 also fully loaded....and really barreling down fore mentioned bumpy bit around Firenze....absolute no differance in speed...until he hit a big one at about 150...actually skipped into the next lane....the Xm passed like it was on rails....now driving a mint C5 the first edition....not bad...but no Xm....an absolute future classic....and the most comfortable seats ever..love your content mate...never miss an episode!

[@Strike86]

An XM is on my bucket list to own very soon - totally agree that I wouldn't even look at a later car. The early ones with the one-spoke steering wheel, the edgier dash and cooler wheel options are a much purer representation of what Citroen is all about. Gallic cool, clever technology and a flash of madness. Thank you for a brilliant pair of videos - it was nice to spend time with an XM vicariously.

[@MarkSmith-io3qd]

I’ve got a very late ‘W’ reg XM 2.1td with the auto box and it’s the perfect combination for wafting along on a wave of torque.

[@JohnnyPaton]

About to take ownership of a series 1 V6 SEI.

[@ngaugefan696]

I had one about twenty years ago. I changed all the spheres except the accumulator sphere. I thought I might as well change it. After that it was brilliant. The difference between automatic and sport was night and day. In sport mode the suspension was very firm. And mine was a carb model!

[@beautgrainger147]

Would have been interesting to see some sort of citroen XM prototype with more of the SM front

[@chrisperyagh]

The first XM I test drove was a 2.5 turbo diesel estate which Stockbridge Citroen let me take out for an hour, so I took it over Hayling Island to see what it was like on narrow roads, then up around Goodwood and back to Chi where I handed it back. It had horrendous turbo lag and snatch and would suddenly take off when it hit 3000 revs. Someone was going to overtake me on the A27 and once the turbo kicked in, it took off and left them in a cloud of black smoke as it was a dirty diesel engine for a brand new car. Not at all like the CX 25 GTi Turbo 2 where the turbo was already in at 800 revs, so no turbo lag/snatch at all on that gem. Oh yeah - those XM headlights. Going from full to dipped beam was like switching to sidelights only as the dipped beams were that weak. I had a love/hate relationship with my XMs - while I loved the styling, the reliability problems is what did it in for me. The SEi spec had wooden trim on the dashboard, ashtray covers, gearstick knob (on manuals) and along the doors. I used to do my driving instructor training along those roads over Portsdown Hill/Fareham way.

[@seanp3113]

10:53 I remember going over that crest as a child I'm the back of my parents GSA. In that car it felt like my stomach was coming up into my mouth. It still haunts me today!.😂 I never realised how good an XM is 👍

[@torresalex]

It's like you said in the walkaround video, the XM (and Citroens in general) get lambasted for things that the Germans are let off or even praised for. It really was an underappreciated gem in its time and all I know is I want one even more now!

[@davidpaterson2309]

I had an XM from new (as a company car - no depreciation risk!) in 1994 and loved it, particularly the ride. It was the 2.0i petrol turbo and its only drawback was lack of power and turbo lag which could prove a little too exciting sometimes when pulling away on a roundabout and not a great deal happened for the first second and a half. But it was the consummate motorway cruiser once you wound it up and had terrific range with an 80L tank. A colleague’s wife (French) shrewdly pointed out that it was a car designed specifically for the needs of Parisian bourgeoisie - it didn’t matter that it wasn’t fast, it could get you and your family from Paris to the ski slopes in complete comfort at 130kph without needing to fill up!

[@rimmersbryggeri]

I read Parisian as Persian there and thought what is he on about.

[@davidpaterson2309]

@@rimmersbryggeri Hell of a drive from Tehran to Val d’Isère.

[@hestjensen3876]

The V6 24 valve had some issues as far as I remember. I think the best is the V6 12 valve. Cheers and regards from Denmark.

[@rolandlivings2370]

Fell asleep watching. Not your fault just the floating sensation of being in a Citroen with THAT SUSPENSION had C5 as company cars and two of the older rusty versions CX and GSA club but the ride was always a joy to experience. Great video once again

[@lurntwubber]

Like death and taxes, your enthusiasm for the chevrons is a universal absolute. And, Chinook-like coastal flybys... we watched a vulcan years ago fly below us around the coast of Bournemouth, that was really something.

[@matthijs9409]

I’ve owned more then 1 Xm and my current daily is a V6 12v auto with Diravi, and it’s the Xm to go for if you ask me. Pure comfort and snoothness.

[@E34Benzin]

That's the perfect combination for the XM, but sadly they're so rare. Most of them are diesel and manual, which takes away from that smooth and cushy ride.

[@Zadster]

Aaah back when cars actually looked different from each other. The people over the road from my parents had one of these in dark green. Looked lovely, shame it was a diesel. They then moved on to a Xantia. The previous owners of the house had a Matra Rancho. Alas they have a Mitsubishi hybried and a BMW Mini now, all very sensible. Shame they didn't make a premium version of the XM with a transparent panel in the nose, and the reg plate inside. Maybe with an extra pair of driving lamps that moved with the steering.

[@UPnDOWN]

Wow, yeah....that'd be crazy! Imagine a car with all that...

[@robc5955]

Last week whilst returning my lad to Uni and driving down the m6 south of Stafford, I spotted a BX gti automatic in silver doing 85-90 I followed it for some time, beautiful looking thing my lad (who is into 80’s and 90’s car) egged me on to catch up with it, I did eventually ! What a beauty driven by an older gent it looked mint no smoke and seemed to be gliding along. I’m ashamed to say I don’t even know they made a gti auto and I remember them new.

[@556johny556]

This video definitely gave me the moral boost I needed in this point during my hunt for an XM of my own. Over the course of last two and a half weeks I had well over five good examples of the XM sell right under neath my nose. But I am determined to get my Xantia a big sister.

[@UPnDOWN]

Good luck!

[@diuco17]

Dis you get it?

[@robsawalker]

Always loved these cars. It's a shame Citroen made the interior more sensible in the later cars - yours is lovely!

[@UPnDOWN]

It's not mine! Wish it was, though...

[@stevenorton3066]

Such a good video. I found it by following from the Facebook group. I'm on my fourth XM, which I bought in 2010. It a S1 2.1 SED manual. I'd like to convert it to auto if I could find the parts. Previous XMs were - S2 2.1 VSX manual in white, S2 2.5TD VSX in silver and a S2 2.0TCT manual in black. I did a top end rebuild in all of the except the 2.1 VSX which was rotting away.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Another great video, the thing I always loved about the Citroens of this era was the steering wheels and how comfy they look, something which I can see in my cactus nice and comfy seats and appear to be hard wearing. Now away to look at Auto trader for old Citroen's

[@Mancozeb100]

Drove one of these Dublin to Kerry ( before most of the motorways) in the early 90s. A 2 litre petrol, manual. An underwhelming car. Steering, brakes, that bloody parking brake, interior trim assembly, were all annoying. Not a relaxed drive at all. For a large, new, executive car, it was quite the disappointment . Made me ask if Citroen had done quirky just for the sake of quirky. Very little of the car seemed to be well sorted. Preferred a drive in a more conventional Xantia a few years later. If I were so inclined (which I'm not) the CX just seems more appealing, probably because of its more distinctive shape. Anyway - great to see this, Richard. Thanks 👍🏻

[@MrManBuzz]

I was wondering where part 1 was thinking I may have missed it, had a look and saw both parts were uploaded at the same time. 2 videos in a day? Starting to spoil us 😂

[@UPnDOWN]

Yeah...don't get used to it!

[@flippy9133]

really want one so bad, they become so rare especially the pre-facelift ones with the cool dash. We had one when I was a kid it was so comfy. Couldnt even feel speedbumps in it

[@joedunnedunne8217]

Hi just purchased a 1990 xm sei. 44,000 k genuine mileage. I'm currently having it recommissioned by a local citroen expert. Can't wait to experience the drive. I'm in southern Ireland. Joe

[@UPnDOWN]

Nice!

[@jongmans38]

I would love a XM estate with V6, maybe one day, but I do like the mark 1, also the BX also in Mk1 with the non cancelling indicator switch.

[@Zadster]

A V6 always seems to make cars better. Other than fuel economy, obviously.

[@gordonprentice7090]

Portsdown hill one of my favourite places to spend a summer evening

[@aslandama]

Only really starting to appreciate Citroen cars after all my 40 plus years as a petrolhead, thanks to your channel and Hubnut's of course. I've owned around 40 cars in my time but only Italian or Japanese, maybe it's time to branch out and discover new things!

[@UPnDOWN]

Glad you like them!

[@aaaabababa]

About the Headlights: There was a revision to fix the horrible headlights in 1992 or 3, those lights don't have the plastic screen on the inside anymore, my 1993 XM has those already, and they still aren't great with normal bulbs, but with some Osram Nightbreakers they are pretty good.

[@aydncitiloglu4629]

i had a series 2 for 12 years, it was wonderfull

[@Mr80sliveon]

Credit to the Ower of the car... Who I know. But it's interesting the difference between the 2.0i 8v and the 2.1td. Despite 20bhp difference the diesel being 110bhp the torque makes all the difference and makes for a great driving experience. I note your section of slight lack of go where the td over comes this... Great talk on the suspension. Clearly researched well. The S1 dash is great and makes the cabin very airy. Parts can be an issue but locating a hoarder is key.

[@Mr80sliveon]

Flow dividers ie sinkers made right up into S2 cars and down graded to anti sink from 1996..

[@UPnDOWN]

Thanks! I didn't actually research anything, it was all off the top of my head (so I'm awaiting the errors to be pointed out!)

[@Mr80sliveon]

No Richard. Its Very good.

[@MattBrownbill]

I thought the same with the SM vs XM comparison. They have grown on me over the years.

[@sammygirlie345]

Brings back memories I had a mk1 3.0 Xm and then a mk2 vsx estate loved the mk1 more

[@geoffgourd]

Great video and I love your work and knowledge. There was one small thing you got wrong: there was a Citroen XM V6 SEi 12v 1990 model I owned manual YES MANUAL transmission - you mentioned there was only automatics. It was even fitted with a factory fitted keypad immobiliser. I loved that car but spent a an absolute fortune on it. The car reg was G589 ARV - look it up on car check.

[@UPnDOWN]

I haven't gone back and watched it, but I'm sure I wouldn't have said that as I knew they were auto by default, but manuals were a no cost option (unlike the 24v which was manual only) I might have made the error though!

[@JakobKsGarage]

Oh I miss my grey XM series 1! It was "only" a 2 litre, but could easily reach 200 km/h. And just sooo much space. It died from rust in front suspension towers at a time, where I couldn't really handle such things. Those flat plastic hubcaps are really the most beautiful ones ever made, according to me... Bought a set on eBay for my CX GTi, when I changed to 15" Alfa Romeo steel rims on that.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Not sure how I ended up here but I love ALL Citroens and I like your style. Subbed from snowy Beantown.

[@FreeKraps]

The XM truly honour the legacy of the CX

[@thomasalbrecht5914]

I used to own a D.12 - the naturally aspirated diesel with three valves per cylinder and a whopping 82 hp. The ride was superb, and of course the engine didn’t match the suspensions. But it had surprisingly good torque for city driving and felt not nimble, but competent. On the autobahn it would reach 180 km/h indicated speed - that’s around 112 mph for people who don’t use rational units -, but it would take some time to get there. And if you needed to brake for some fast lane hugger, you needed to switch off the air con compressor to get past them with some dignity, once they gave way. But on the other hand, no matter how hard I drove it, it never got past 8.2 litres of diesel per 100 km (or below 34 mpg for twisted imperial brains). Even with family and luggage and driving flat out for hours on end. I would have kept it forever, but the MXL tyres wouldn’t have that. I lost the car on a wet twisty road during a holiday in Piedmont - albeit driving carefully and not too fast, as my previous phrase might have you think, and wrote it off. It must have been something from the vineyards I was driving through. The Citroën dealer it was towed to looked at the wreckage, kicked a tyre and said, “when we were selling the BX around here, first thing the customers did was change those tyres. They’re no good for our roads here.” I could see why, but it was too late... That D12 was the only XM that used MXL. My last trip in an XM was in 2000, it was the last 3 litre V6 24V. I drove it from Berlin to Cologne in under 4 hours on a grey Sunday morning when the country was still asleep - that’s an average speed north of 150 km/h. And yes I had to refuel, it used 20 l/100 km on that drive, so 14 mpg. But what a ride.

[@UPnDOWN]

That's the thing with the PSA-era hydro-Citroens...once you've got the speed up, it's so easy to keep it going.

[@steveberridge4648]

Great review!! This is the sort of road my bmw struggled with. Ride quality is so important for making progress on back roads. A boggo Peugeot 206 for example is brilliant on back roads. Love your Citroen reviews. My mate has a rare xantia estate 1.8 he is selling soon if you're interested. He's put 100k on it and paid just £500 for it 8 or 9 years ago.

[@UPnDOWN]

I don't need another one, but thanks!

[@aaaabababa]

btw, you hear a click when you open the door, because it goes out of sport mode, not into sport mode, it's done that way, because then the hydractive valves resting position can be "sport", and also, because if you were to load the car up with stuff, then let it get out of sport mode and suddenly make it open the center spheres, you'd have less pressure in that sphere, effectively makign the car fall down, same thing with unloading, then the car would harshly jump up a little. Hydractive 1 just isolates the third sphere on each axle, and so does hydractive 2, they both have mapping to change between soft and hard, but if you put it into sport mode manually, then hydractive 1 just goes hard while hydractive 2 changes the mapping, still staying soft, but for a little less and keeping hard a little longer.

[@UPnDOWN]

Yeah, someone else pointed that out. Makes total sense what you say. 👍

[@maxxo5534]

after my mk1 C5 proving superbly reliable, i've bought it a friend a 2.1 td series 1 XM MOT next week! really excited to drive it!

[@UPnDOWN]

I've been following it on AS. Nice to see an ex-Ray Noon car being loved.

[@maxxo5534]

@@UPnDOWN about to be a huge update i'll type up tonight.....found some erm, interesting wiring

[@Lot76CARS]

Fantastic cars, I remember them new, I still have the VHS launch video in the loft, they were a brave company car choice but if you want different this ticks all the boxes. I love em!

[@UPnDOWN]

Same here!

[@2512MaTHias]

Another guy with strange french cars with funny sounding short names… congratulations to your XM and your SM! I also love them both! 😁👍

[@ChopsGarage]

Omg I love a white XM so cool

[@persjofors2586]

Had one. Still missing it.

[@grayfool]

I want one now too. Stop doing that. Have you sen the making of Ronin extra stuff? It's hilarious. Bob De Niro's face as he's being driven druing the chase through the tunnels is a sight to see. The stunt driving was epic.

[@UPnDOWN]

Yeah, it's good. The one with the twin-steering wheels!

[@tricia_and_chrisholman965]

I had a G-reg manual in 1997 which I’m pretty sure had a carburettor, it certainly wasn’t quick but I loved it. The main issue with it was that it wouldn’t idle until it had warmed up, which made driving with a manual gearbox and foot parking brake interesting. I only had it for three months because somebody jumped a red light (when it was far less common) and sliced all the plastics off the front making it a foot shorter. Insurance wrote it off because it was worth so little.

[@UPnDOWN]

It may well have done, yes. The 2.0 carb was available in the UK, it seems. I never remember seeing one, but then when did you ever see an XM anyway!

[@frasergavin418]

I have had a AX, GSA.a BX 14 BX 16 and a BX 19 ,loved them all but would have an xm estate anytime.

[@jamesleeharris]

Lovely lovely cars always wanted one. Shame they're out of my price range now. For me I'd have the 2.1 diesel for the full French experience . Keep up the great work rich . I'd love to see you do a c15. Not the romahome version just dead basic van.........then maybe a romahome or hy-lo version.

[@UPnDOWN]

I'd quite like to do a C15 one day, too.

[@mistreku]

Always loved these cars, especially the looks. Do you think it would be ok to lower it a tad, would it still ride well? IIRC, they have some level sensors on the antiroll bars which should be adjustable?

[@UPnDOWN]

If you play around with the height of the suspension, chances are you'll make it drive worse. You'd have to stiffen it to lower it, otherwise it'd just bottom-out a lot.

[@RobsCars]

Haha, I didnt realise his was your channel Rich, I have since subscribed and liked the channel. I will hopefully catch up with you tomorrow as I need to book my car in....at last! Anyway, @4:58 I have been over that bump at speed in both the 98' Cerbera and the 18' Clio RS220 Trophy, I flew in the Clio, so I can vouch as to how bad that bump is. At one point I literally had all 4 wheels off the ground... the Cerb on the other hand was very compliant so perhaps it is the longer wheelbase that may have something to do with it? But nothing rides like a hydro pneumatic suspension. Either way cracking videos would love to see more content on TVRs 😁👍

[@UPnDOWN]

Thanks Rob

[@silkdestroyer]

I have an '89 2.0Si which I'm about to have "recommisioned", (after I've had my '85 CX 2.5 auto Pallas done.) I've just had completely re-built a 1949 Renault 760.

[@silkdestroyer]

The CX went off to have the work done, and after an initial flurry all has gone quiet. In the meantime, I've just bought an SM.

[@paulrandles5249]

I would love an XM like my Dad's, it was a manual white 2.0 Si the same as your Dad's, if one comes up I'd fight you for it. In the mean time I've got the crystal model he was given at the launch party.

[@UPnDOWN]

My dad's was a Meteor Grey on a G-plate, but year-wise it was the same spec as this.

[@docchevron1472]

We removed the 2 litre petrol auto from our mk1, and replaced it with a d12 with the auto. It was faster, and considerably more economical. The auto in it is the pure mechanical zf 4hp18 that generally last better than the later auto adaptive version used in the likes of the 2.2 c5. Which was the 4hp20, which is pretty much the same architecture as the 18,but an ecu, expensive oil and no dipstick I rather want another xm now...

[@docchevron1472]

*edited because I'm old and forgetful. And old *

[@flyingvitelotte2519]

Now I want a XM too, I'd love having one either in Bleu Olympe or Vert amandier (I have no idea how they're named in UK) with a blue interior in the former (blue and brown interiors were available until 1991), although I'd be very intimidated by the powerful brake system, never been inside a hydro Citroën, let alone having driven one nor car with no ABS or from the 20th century. In France the 1st carburetor model to come was name Séduction... which actually is shockingly poverty spec for an executive car. No rev counter, no armrest (which was available as an accessory), no electric mirrors (same for the Harmonie, middle level trim) the upholstery was as rough as flimsy. It was later by the Présence which thankfully was less pov spec with a rev counter and softer canvas.

[@UPnDOWN]

Brakes are easy enough to get used to. They feel very different to a 'normal' car, but they're superior IMO. Very powerful and easy enough to modulate. The Xantia was the worst for brake pedal feel, I'd say, but most have ABS.

[@PaddyWV]

There's a pretty XM on the 'bay atm. With ALL the wood! (Apologies. Included a link previously which is probably banned)

[@UPnDOWN]

The black one? Yeah, I saw that.

[@PaddyWV]

@@UPnDOWN Was it black, or a deep purple? I didn't know they emptied half a forest - or imitation forest? Into those! 🙂

[@UPnDOWN]

Black. That's the interior the posher models got.

[@nigelrudd670]

Bloke at work had one purple, he reckoned it were the best car he ever had, and went like s..t off a shovel 🤓👍

[@UPnDOWN]

Purple?! Don't think I've seen one in purple before!

[@frasergavin418]

Also heard the visa GT is a great hot hatch and the zx 19td are fast .the CX 2.5 TD is fast and the bx 16 valve..have you been in either the CX estate or the DS Safari. Very long cars.

[@UPnDOWN]

I've not been in the CX estate, or a DS Safari. Been in the saloon versions, though.

[@frasergavin418]

Subscription added you bring back many memories.

[@Tagora2664]

Honesty can't remember the last time I saw an XM on the road. A stunning looking car that fell to the same fate as a lot of large french cars. Lack of buyers in the first place and residual values that went through the floor. Shame really 😕

[@jo05dk]

I've been looking into how the 3L 24V engines performed recently. Yesterday i dived into some Citroen brochures, and found something interesting. In 1989 Citroen in an official brochure claimed that the manual 3L 24V PRV took 7,8secs to reach 60MPH (something like 8secs to 100km/t), and 138MPH on top. It was written as part of the normal brochure text. The same setup in a 1991 brochure (official specifications listings) is listed with a 8,6secs to 100km/t, and a top of 146MPH. ES9 seems to be listed at 8,4secs to 100km/t, and a 146 topspeed where i've seen it. 1989 and 1991 brochures found on citroenet (UK). Don't know if all they did was to put a higher gearing in the cars after 1989, since they went from around 8 secs for a 0-100, to a 8,6 for the same sprint. Did gain 8MPH on the top. No matter: A bit strange they messed around with the numbers like that..or perhaps just lied through their teeth in the beginning..could be :D I remember people saying that the 12V was less prone to dying, so perhaps now a days i would feel better about buying a first gen 12V with an auto box. I have experienced both. A 12V Break, and a much later 24V hatch. Give me a 12V auto pre facelift for the looks, and i think i could be happy. ..eventhough in my dreams i'm driving the 24V :) A very enjoyable couple of videos. Thanks :)

[@UPnDOWN]

To be fair, Citroen were known for fudging numbers and actually UNDERquoting their figures to try and lower skyrocketing insurance premiums. The Xsara VTS was a classic case.

[@jo05dk]

@@UPnDOWN Wouldn't a raised topspeed be worse than a slightly quicker acceleration..? I don't understand insurance, so maybe not. Anyway: Refreshing approach, underquoting. Not the standard expectations.

[@chrisbury4635]

I remember the XM coming out in the UK when I started working at Citroën in Blackburn in 1991, think the XM came out in 1989 ? Cx estates were still available brand new (Common crossover with Citroën) Some early 2 litres even came with a carburettor here in the UK too, the rear Axle is from a Cx (Sans Longerons) and the Dosser valve (Brake Valve) is located remotely on the bulkhead underneath the scuttle, Citroën's are much better in LHD form as this is how they were designed (imo), needless to say i had quite a few LHD Citroën's, when I worked in NL we used to maintain 2x V6 XM limo's and I remember them having Diravi steering 😎

[@UPnDOWN]

All correct, except rear axle isn't a CX one at all (it's more like a BX). Doseur valve is behind the brake pedal as normal, I think? But you're probably right - they work better in LHD format.

[@chrisbury4635]

Yes but I'd be tempted to read the XM book on the development (Comme Moi) and I'm pretty confident the rear axle has it's origins in the CX, look from the side (behind the wheel arch liner) infront of the rear wheels and you'll see the large diameter tube of the CX rear axle, and have a good look under the scuttle too, LHD is directly behind the brake pedal 😉👍🏻

[@marcbrasse747]

The only problem with that superb bump handling is that you basically learn to ignore them which sooner or later wears the aft spheres out. Are you aware that the later XM's have the so called Activa 2 system which is even better. There is actually a dutch test in which they compare the XM to the C5 Air Cross and even record graphs. The XM wins! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn-vZ2ynr9RraKc

[@UPnDOWN]

Later XMs had Hydractive II (Activa is something different), which I put in text later in the vid (not because I forgot to mention it, or anything!)

[@cinephile9237]

Hello! I am selling my Citroen XM turbo injection, automatic, 1998 cc, 1997, petrol, dark red, owned since 2011, under 82.500 miles. I have two keys and all service history. It is off the road, parked in my driveway (Greater London). On the good side : impeccable grey velvet interior. Spheres were replaced under 1000 miles ago. On the requirement side : The lacquer has peeled, tyres need to be replaced, and a new alternator is required. I think that is all that is required for it to be running beautifully again.

[@huwdavies6650]

It would be interesting to compare it with its sister the Peugeot 605. Both cars had similar issues in their early years that tarnished their reputation from there on.

[@UPnDOWN]

I've never even sat in a 605, I don't think!

[@JimBiddle.]

What is the dull red warning light, is the alternator on the way out?

[@UPnDOWN]

It is the charge light, yes, but the alternator was charging fine, weirdly.

[@jakeypoo6918]

“Am I going to get hit by a tractor” I loved that hahaha

[@UPnDOWN]

I would have lost.

[@pallasathena55]

The reason the Xm is worse over those sudden dips is that the Hydractive suspension has a movement sensor that switches it into stiff springing briefly to attempt to control the float

[@UPnDOWN]

To be fair to the XM, I took the BX over that road last night out of interest, and it did worse than the XM.

[@pallasathena55]

@@UPnDOWN yea, I think the BX suspension height needs to be exactly right for it to ride well. I also found in the past that my CX ride actually got better when I made the damper valves slightly stiffer.... kind of contrary to what you might think 🤔

[@andyboothe4377]

Xm is a awesome car ,the estate 😍

[@UPnDOWN]

Prefer the hatchback myself.

[@jfv65]

How does the suspention compare to a Jag XJ40 from the same era?

[@UPnDOWN]

That's a very good question. Sadly, I've never driven one!

[@frasergavin418]

I have owned a ax gsa and 3 bx,s .the 19trs did not have an oil leak at the front and the subframe rusted it was so dry.the first one my mechanic had seen.

[@UPnDOWN]

My BX mk1 had a rusted subframe. Had to weld it up as it was too rare to replace.

[@spacarsales5154]

This would have been the first video to draw the SM similarities to my attention had I not just watched Goffey say the same thing on OG Top Gear the other day, is this the thinking man’s SM? 🤔

[@UPnDOWN]

If the Goffey says so, then it must be so!

[@mikes747]

I've always liked these but have never been brave enough!

[@davidsharp9166]

Same here but I get that way towards all the Hydraulic suspension Citroëns

[@UPnDOWN]

See I don't understand this. The suspension is quite simple and pretty reliable. It's the rust, auto gearboxes and sometimes the electrics that you should worry about 😆

[@davidsharp9166]

@@UPnDOWN trying not to sound like a broken record, but a video of the Myths and Truths of these cars.

[@mikes747]

@@UPnDOWN they're the bits that frighten me!

[@stel1000]

I’d like to say there is a boot animation when you turn the key first before turning it all the way to start the engine. But in the video you cut this part every single time, it’s kinda sad honestly because it’s really beautiful and I don’t think any other cars had it back then.

[@UPnDOWN]

I didn't even notice it, to be fair!

[@stel1000]

@@UPnDOWN but, did you see it now that I pointed it out? Isn't it beautiful?

[@Mr80sliveon]

It's a zf 4hp 18 mechical box...

[@Mancozeb100]

For some reason, YT has just popped this up on the screen here - so … watched it, of course ! Second time to watch - and read my comment from 2 years ago… agree with your comment about the series 2 being more boring in styling details. Just remembered that the owner (my then boss) of the series one that I drove back then, was annoyed by Citroen putting the logos off-centre on the steering wheel and on the nose, and saying that “everyone” put the logos centred. And I thought… boring old twat - why do I work for him - and we were supposed to be an innovative engineering company !! 🤦‍♂️😂. He had a lot of electrical problems with it- not made much better by awkward Irish mechanics who historically, gave Citroen a bad name here. My boss replaced the XM with a….. Mazda 626 ! 🤦‍♂️

[@xm222]

A very nice ride :)

[@brianiswrong]

I test drove a white estate 2.0i manual back in the day, the foot handbrake made it (for me) undrivable 😭

[@UPnDOWN]

Really? I just can't see it. Maybe I need to try one!

[@brianiswrong]

@@UPnDOWN May I suggest hampstead heath Hill in rush hour,on you way home from a job in Holborn to Bedfordshire. It did the rest of the journey fine (as you say in its day it was a big car) and settled down a treat on the m1.

[@zachariah74]

every time I watch these, I end up looking for Citroens on autotrader better yet, XMs are not as expensive as I thought they might be. What caveats come with owning a XM?

[@426baron]

Beware I was looking for a BX because of that man. Ended up buying a Xantia. Beautiful and confortable but already spilling LHM from random and varying places on its parking spot. From what I gather it is part of the Citroën life 😉

[@UPnDOWN]

Watch for rust! Speak to the owners forums (and the CCC), they're pretty knowledgable. Hydraulics aren't a worry IMO, but electrics can be fun to put right. Getting some of the parts can be fun, too. Buy on condition, not colour/spec.

[@UPnDOWN]

@426 - Xantias are nice too, though no where near as fun as a BX or funky as an XM, but arguably more usable than both. Shouldn't be spilling LHM, though!

[@426baron]

@@UPnDOWN she has a visit to a PSA specialist (who wasn't worried much) scheduled for next monday. I fell in love with its Vert Galant paint, which sometimes turns blue and got me very confused the next day.

[@556johny556]

@@426baron I bought a Xantia with a leak in the 3 way rubber joint on the rear return system (the orange Y shaped piece for those of you who know what I'm talking about). Of course the car had bunch of other suspension problems to sort out, but since it's low spec, it was perfect as my first hydraulic Citroen since it's not Hydractive, and probably bit easier to find pieces for than a BX. Now that I have learned much more specifics through my Xantia, I have been looking for an XM to give my Xantia a sibling. But boy do they sell fast when the right one comes up for sale. But yea LHM leak is definitely not typical part of Citroen life from what I've seen so far. Other things go wrong for sure (cursed be the seizing height correctors), but they don't develop hydraulic leaks all that much.

[@danieltaylor3755]

What about those terrifying strut mounts?

[@UPnDOWN]

Same issue as the Xantia, and now, seemingly, the BX. I guess you keep spares and inspect it regularly.

[@davidsharp9166]

May I humberly request a bump compilation video of Citroëns with hydraulic suspension

[@UPnDOWN]

What, like down on the side with the Go-Pro, type of thing?

[@davidsharp9166]

@@UPnDOWN yeah exactly.

[@UPnDOWN]

Sounds like an idea.

[@davidsharp9166]

@@UPnDOWN for a control use the OG smart car, they don't like bumps at any speed.

[@MajorKlanga]

You could get a 2.0 litre carburettor model in the UK; I know because I had one.

[@UPnDOWN]

My commiserations!

[@mantabond]

It's interesting, good sir: you say the XM attends to road imperfections better than her elder sister. Who would have thunk that? This is in opposition to what quite a few CX owners say. The suspension structure of the XM is the same as that other French carriage which, in one review, equalled the comfort of the CX. A non-oleopneumatic carriage no less.

[@UPnDOWN]

For me, the XM was a better ride. Certainly a better ride/handling balance.

[@mantabond]

Right. Happy New Year, good sir.@@UPnDOWN

[@kimmohietala5359]

XM has not attracted a following like CX is getting now and I guess that it gets overlooked because folks go for CX instead. CX is a hard act to follow. But I reckon the PSA engines are an advantage over the CX for daily driving at least. Old Citroens engines are tough but oh Jesus aren't they so unrefined.

[@themancalledx]

Have we gotten 4 videos in one week????

[@UPnDOWN]

Ha! Don't get used to it!

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Ice car good video 🚗🚙🚘👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ralf-peter.schwarz]

What is the "S" in 2,0Si? I only know about the 2,0i without additional S. Who knows about that?

[@blxtothis]

Part 1 stirred the juices, now I really do need that lottery win. “The only thing wrong with Ronin”? Apart from the script, acting and lame storyline it was non-matching Citroëns , he, he!

[@UPnDOWN]

Blasphemy! Ronin was amazing! haha

[@michaelheimbrand5424]

Today´s useless knowledge: When you open a door (or the hatch) it actually goes from hard to soft. It´s to avoid pressure differences between the two circuits which results in jumps or droops when the system is activated. Those jumps/droops are a thing to be aware of when working on Hydractive 2 cars. Not fun when they suddenly falls down to the bump stops when you have it on the four post lift.

[@UPnDOWN]

Ahh, that's interesting. I confess everything I said was rattled off the top of my head! Makes sense what you say. So does the car revert to hard when the engine is switched off, then?

[@michaelheimbrand5424]

@@UPnDOWN Yeah. A minute or so after ignition is turned off it shuts down the hydractive ECU (=hard). Then turns on when door opens or ignition turned on. It's even smart enough to shut the system down after a much longer time (20mins maybe?) if a door stays open. That thing I mumbled about with being careful is that some bad behaviors in the system can make is related. Think about what happens if you pull the fuse for the system in the highest setting and then put the car in it's lowest setting. You will then have no pressure in the suspension circuit but completely maxed out "middle spheres". Then you turn on the system and voila' you have a one time mexican jumper. And the same can happen in the opposite direction. Usually not a big problem with Hydractive 1 which have only one solenoid/valve that "never" breaks. But on Hydractive 2 the are ALWAYS bad at least in the rear. It's only a bad o-ring that creates large internal leak. It results in hard suspension until you have used the brakes or tinkered with the height lever a little bit. (raise+lower a bit and it usually falls down, corrects itself and then remain soft for that drive.) A nice misfeature is that you can benefit from this. The amount of "falling down" (or jumping) is a direct relation to the condition of the middle sphere if that makes sense. That's why I mention the "careful" bit. No body parts involved when it's on it's wheels. They are way more devious than the usual thing with "never crawl under it on just suspension pressure". Activa's makes this even more interesting with their sudden urge to rather quickly turning the suspension parts into finger cutters sometimes. A good rule of thumb on all of XM's is that older series one 89-92b usually have good components and bad cabling stuff (you already mentioned the ground points which are horrible and should burn in hell). 92b-94 are the least problematic I think. Then 95-00 has good wiring but much more "BMW problems" with it's more Bosch-built components. A good example is the window regulators that's always bad on Series two and almost always good on series one. Two things to remember if you get a V6 or V6.24. They are horrible. They almost always feel jerky when going from coasting to light load (very "nice" in city traffic). It's the only thing I never managed to fix on them. And I really hate that it's almost possible to drive them in legal speeds. And having a Diravi on XM is also rubbish and I...What the F... is wrong with me. They are of course wonderful. But I hate that i always feel that I am going insane as soon as I buy one. That's why I promised myself to never ever own one again. I would be an idiot if I ever get another one. My most recent purchase is a vega green V6.24 1992a just like in your video @ 14.05...

[@iankstanley]

oooooh a Maestro 😂🤣

[@loopwithers]

Citroen UK employed me 1 year as a demo driver for the launch of the XM. What larks... 2.0sei auto was best. V6 24v was truly 'orrible.

[@UPnDOWN]

Really? Why was the V6 24v horrible?

[@loopwithers]

@@UPnDOWN I wrote an article about it. Can I send you the link? We dreaded delivering them.

[@UPnDOWN]

Yeah I'd love to read that!

[@loopwithers]

I can be far more specific. Are you on Twitter?

[@UPnDOWN]

Yeah, links in the description