Full introduction to my 1992 Citroën XM

[@maxxo5534]

don't fear XMs, they're worth it, just don't give up on it

[@petersimpson5859]

If a car looks already slightly dated at launch, a face-lift can help. Cars like the XM look like the future at launch so only over-familiarity forces change.

[@andreasu.3546]

XM still looks futuristic more than 30 years after it was launched. And I don't mean "futuristic" like the Thunderbirds or the Jetsons, but truly modern. I used to have a 2.0 Turbo CT and I miss it to this day.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Agreed Peter. I'm sure there are a few cars I could think of that benefitted from a facelift but generally I'm all about the original form these days.

[@RustyRoseAdventures]

Lovely video! I think it's great, turning old unwanted cars and putting them back on the road!

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Thanks Max. I just can't bare to see these beautiful machines get sent to the scrappers...wish I was into stamp collecting or something else though as this weather is a nightmare for doing anything outside!

[@chrisperyagh]

I was always impressed at how fast the heating defrosted the windows in both my 1990 XMs (3.0 V6 Si and 2.0 SEi). Definitely had the better heating/ventilation system compared to the CX 25 GTi Turbo 2 I had which was like being breathed on by a cat. The 1st series XM with the single spoke steering wheel is the definitive XM - then they put that fugly two spoke steering wheel in (which your K reg has) and then the facelift and more Xantia-like dashboard from around 1995. I wouldn't mind having a drive in an XM for old time's sake. Next year I'll be reacquainted with the car that started it all - a 1953 Traction Avant 11BL which I haven't seen for around 20 years, so that'll be the four big Citroens ticked off the list. I was told by the Citroen dealer in Chichester to specifically avoid burgundy Citroens like the plague as the paintwork is a disaster on them.

[@bryjan51]

Came here via "up and down" .enjoyed your vid and will lookout for your updates. Was never into Citreons until I bought my brothers in laws 03 Picasso 2 litre diesel a good few years ago and has been a utterly reliable workhorse.👍

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Welcome aboard 👋 Always wanted one of these starships since they were launched in 89 but its taken me all this time to have the guts to buy one...what an idiot 😄

[@DrEvilsFinger]

Filming in the back of Citroens seems to be the fashion these days

[@16ValverYTChannel]

😂 I'm not sitting in the back of that for 24 hours ...not in this weather!

[@marcussvenssonalmasgymnasi6424]

Suspension is not any problem in all the Citroëns I have owned ( GSA, BX, CX, C8, Picasso). Electrics may be a bigger issue..:)

[@Chillmax]

The C8 & Picasso are the odd ones out there, as they're not hydropneumatic, which of course was a shame.

[@Chillmax]

I've owned 19 XM's over 25 years, mainly V6 24v's in both Mk1 & 2 (and lots of other cars too). Obviously I could talk at length about the XM, but I suppose I just wanted to say, and to agree with you, that I also like the Mk1 'slab' dash, and maybe the bonnet & grill as well. However, the Mk2 is a better car, sorry ;-), it just feels better and works better too; if you've ever been in a new or low miler late model Exclusive, 97-01, they were really rather lovely. The problem I had in the end with XM's was the C6, once you'd owned one of them, the XM felt very, very elderly, tired & drab. I'll always love looking at the wedge, like a little space craft, unless you go classic, CX/ BX/ DS/ SM, the C6 walks all over the XM, when working correctly, it's extraordinary! You have what some call the Mk1.5 there with the neither here nor there steering wheel from 93-94. Citroen really were crappy on the lower spec models, and you really know when you're not in an SEi or an Exclusive, it seemed worse in the Mk2's, although some prefer fewer issues with lower spec'd models. If you ever get a chance to drive a V6 or the 2.5 diesel, maybe in top trim, do give it go, why not have the best you can get ;-). My one piece of advice with a new hydroneumatic purchase is always the same, unless you know it was just done, change all of the spheres for brand new, and service the system, if that's not working 100% correctly, there's not much point owning it (Careful with the height correctors)!! I'm down to just a CX at the mo, I'm in Ireland and it's not so easy to own lots of big engined old cars here, but I would love to have another C6 one day, maybe you will try one too. Hope it's going well & Happy Floating.

[@BanjoLuke1]

We had a 1993-registered XM SD turbo, but the break. We had if for maybe six years as a family lugger. How I miss it! It was a sort of dark gunmetal with a grey interior. No aircon. Just a beast of a car. Silent. Swift. Capacious. Comfortable. Manual... So the parking brake could be a pain. But just a spectacularly capable and inviting car.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

I'm really looking forward to properly driving it as I've only driven, gingerly, around my estate to test some of my repairs.

[@charliejohnson4037]

Excellent stuff as always. Look forward to the updates.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Thanks Charlie. Don't worry, I've got a fair bit already in the can so there will be a few weeks of XM to enjoy whilst the weathers terrible.

[@pizzalover3]

A gorgeous set of wheel trims on that. Very nice.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

@@pizzalover3 100% agree 👍🏻

[@Chillmax]

The nicest ones IMHO, are the early, around 90/ 91, SEi alloys, they're silver with a dark inner section and a pattern that reminds me of the Manhattan skyline, very rare now.

[@pizzalover3]

@@Chillmax ooh yes, those are rather delicious!

[@Chillmax]

@@pizzalover3 Heavens, now, now, calm down 😉.

[@The_Car_Stalker]

I think you are a very brave man and i am jealous!

[@rosco-reigns]

Hello fellow hubcaps enthusiast lol, can't agree more... the hubcaps are better than the alloys.

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

I thought "no more cars" at three cars. I now have four since I purchased a Volvo 850 TDi a couple of weeks ago. Now, no more cars! I actually don't have anymore room. I've always loved the XM and that diesel sound. 😍 What's this like for getting parts? Trip to France in the future? My 850 was from Hereford and I'm in Kent so nice and close...Well done for saving this. To be honest that rust isn't too bad, a decent welder could sort that, I had to do similar to my Volvo 960, although luckily my car had an MOT at the time so that I could take it to a garage that I trust to do that. Great car! It'll definitely be worth it when it's back on the road.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

I'm Kent as well. Seems like there's never anything i want down this way. It's always in the middle of the country...or Scotland! Parts availability is rubbish to be honest. There wil be some parts gathering from someone a friend of mine knows so i'll film the harvest for another vid. Sounds like you love a Volvo! Do you still have the 960? Wonderful cars...proper boxy but good.

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

@@16ValverYTChannel I do still have the 960, it's a 1994 mk2 estate 3.0ltr 6cyl auto in red. Needs a respray because the lacquer is peeling. It's in storage for the winter. 850 just bought, we have a mk1 Toyota Previa which we did the NC500 with in the summer and then my boring everyday car is a 2017 Volvo V90. The two old Volvos are more comfortable than the new one. The 960 is hard to get parts for, okay mechanically but bits of trim are hard. As I'm finding out the 850 is easy in comparison. Just waiting for the weather to improve so that I can do more on them.

[@beautgrainger147]

Go, go, new found welding skills! I hate rust but actually, while it takes a bit of practice, it's not really too bad if you can get access to the rust.. it was that or talk of a recent welding job on someone else's costing £1200.. Granted, I'm good at learning hand-skills, but nowadays there are a load of videos about welding cars. I bought a used clarke welder one size up (for less money) than the popular model, got a bottle of shieldong gas, had a bit of practice and mock set-up, then started with the easiest bit on a sill. You can make complex shapes with cerial box cuttings then copy to metal, cut out and weld into sections and insert as one, or add the pieces to the car, until you've recreated the shape. Also, get the car up high.. I used some wooden sleepers and drove onto them. And get a leather apron, neck piece, hood, gloves, and auto dimming mask (affordable nowadays).. those bits will stop spatter from running down your collar/neck 😅

[@citroenfan8930]

Contrary to popular belief the Series 1 V6 XM's were sold in the US by CXA - same folks that brought the CX to our shores. We have one and it joined our 85 2CV Charelston, 69 1'2 ID 21 Wagon as well as our 72 DS21 BVH Pallas. The XM is a very nice car, but to be quite honest, the 72 DS with the original 2 part spheres (with replaceable dampers) is more comfortable for long trips. Combination of the suspension and those DS seats. I think, at least from my perspective, the XM is akin to driving an SM (had one years ago) but with a ton of rear leg room.

[@matthewseymour8972]

Such a fan of these cars. Never owned one. I did have a xantia estate for a few years. Loved that car. My wife hated it, mainly because of the infamous "stupid plastic clutch clip" which of course failed when she was driving it... I'd really love to EV convert one of these. Only things I'm lacking are the money, time, knowledge, skill and space otherwise I'd be right on it.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

I have exactly the same skill set as you Matthew 😂

[@markdunstan8277]

Great cars had two myself Wish I kept it

[@Strike86]

God I saw this for sale, I was eyeing it up for quite a while but the mileage and list of faults put me off. I still really want an XM. Totally agree with you, I tend to prefer the original to the facelift nowadays and I used to be opposite. Not always true, but mostly.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

When you see what I've had to do over these 11 months you'll thank me for the dodged bullet 😉

[@Hashiriya985]

here in Brazil at the same time i love French cars but i dont have the courage to buy one, cause they are expensive here and theyr suspensions are not built for our roads, but they are cool cars here cause most of em are imported.During the military dictatorship (1964-1986) we could only choose btween VW, Chevrolet ( that acctualy sold Opel cars here ) Fiat and Ford.. but we didnt have any cool cars, when they open the dictatorship ended and the market was open, european ''modern'' cars like these finally arrived here and they looked like spaceships i remember that Citroens, Audis, BMWS, Hondas, anything imported was a total mindblowind technology compared to what we had!

[@torresalex]

I don't think I saw a single Citroën in the three weeks I spent in São Paulo (nor in Salvador)

[@Hashiriya985]

@@torresalex yes, they are expensive and "problematic" so ppl here dont exactly want them anymore

[@hhgttg69]

no stress, all good.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

😊👍🏻

[@torbendk2777]

nice car 👍 since first i saw one, it beame one of my dream cars. i use to have one like yours, 1990 Y3 (serie 1) 2,1 td same color as yours lovet it, did put ca 1/2 m2 new sheet metal in it, and a "new" wiring in the front between the front lights (not funny at all, a hell of a job 😒) after i sold it, i bort a 2001 C5 2,0 hdi o and a 1993 Y3 (serie 1) 3,0 v6 aut inbetween the first XM and the C5 missed them so much, so well, now i have a 1999 Y4 (serie 2) 2,5 td as my daily driver 😀

[@UPnDOWN]

It's wonderful!

[@16ValverYTChannel]

It's certainly got 'character'

[@MrBeboopman]

Well done on saving him... beautiful car and colour.. have a c6... and hello from Tipperary Ireland 😁 subbed.😁

[@16ValverYTChannel]

A C6 is a wonderfully crazy thing to own. You are a brave man!

[@MrBeboopman]

Or mad😁 ...hard to know with old beautiful Citroëns.

[@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 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.

[@jugostran]

I really like this XM. I really want one in the exact same spec.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Cheers Nick. It's the perfect spec for me. Auto with the XUD11 up front, velour seats and wheel trims. I was lucky to find it 😊

[@drphilgarner]

Love it. Phase 1 best for looks no doubt. If you can't have V6 with leather turbo diesel 2nd best for full French experience. I have a Renault 25 2.1TD and it sounds similarly clattery. I had the good sense to buy it in the south of France though so it isn't rusty! 😂

[@16ValverYTChannel]

A 25! I adore that wonderful Luxo-barge 💘 Are you based in Europe or just don't care if it's left or right hand drive?

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

Good Luck with it.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Thank you. I'll need all the luck I can get!

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

It is a beautiful car that requires some special care to shine. I look forward to the next video.

[@S_Paoli]

I love the XM. Too bad they never sold it here in the US. :( Just out of curiosity, how much does usually cost to repaint the whole car in the UK? Thanks!

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Like anywhere it depends on the kind of job you want done. Prices can range from £2k to £Sky's the limit.

[@xm222]

A very nice story 👍🙂

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Many many thanks

[@brianiswrong]

The phase 1 cx was a much better car than the phase 2 or face-lift, fancy getting rid of the ' level bubble instruments.

[@Mr80sliveon]

I recognise the car. Has it lived in Ireland before now? Ive got three at the moment, a white V6 on an L reg, a M reg S2 2.1td with 269,000 miles on it and also an L reg manderin 2.1td project... i also have a container full of series 1 parts! So if you gwt stuck give us a shout!

[@16ValverYTChannel]

You're a very lucky person to have a container full of S1 parts, proper Hen's teeth. As far as I'm aware it's been based around the South West all its life but there's a fair chunk history missing so who knows?

[@supertuscans9512]

Be very careful with the heater matrix - v important, use distilled water!

[@indy500tabasco8]

this was the most enigmagic car of 90s in muscat oman

[@16ValverYTChannel]

When Citroën still had the balls to be daring.

[@rh95754]

I recent added to my collection of XM - as I bought a 1990 XM PRV V6 BVM Pallas - which in plain english means V6 with manual gearbox, and they’re as hens teeth. I already had a 1999 2.5 Exclusive BVM and a 1998 V6 Exclusive BVA (automatic transmission). My 2.5 is 99% as new, but the PRV needs a bit of welding (same spot as yours in the front), a cracked rear bumper, a dented rear left door that need straightening out and some paint. Otherwise lots of small things that needs adjustments / replacing, but I have good access to parts. Keep up your good work 👍 Which social media are you on? FB or instagram?

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Wow, congratulations on your XM. I'd absolutely love a V6. Will you be tackling the welding yourself or getting it done via a garage? The only social media I am on is Twitter @16Valver so if you're on there come say hi 👋

[@markdunstan8277]

The most scary thing is the front struts if they rot

[@16ValverYTChannel]

Yeah, I was worried but thankfully they appear to be good.

[@HologramJones]

How do you feel about a Phase 1 C5? There's a lovely 3.0L V6 near me that's very tempting. It's in really good condition too.

[@16ValverYTChannel]

My thoughts are simple whenbut comes to V6, Phase 1 C5s..."When do you pick it up?"

[@HologramJones]

@@16ValverYTChannel 🤣

[@HologramJones]

@@16ValverYTChannel I'll tell the wife it's your fault then 🤣

[@16ValverYTChannel]

@@HologramJones I don't mind taking one for the team if there's a V6 C5 involved 😉

[@markdunstan8277]

The series one was the best It had the best dashboard And a separate suspension computer Suspension easy to do Get a Haynes manual

[@16ValverYTChannel]

It's tradition to buy a Haynes with every new car isn't it. There was no way i was going to settle for a Series 2 tbh, original is definitely best!

[@michaelheimbrand5424]

My tip: Be interested, do a lot of learning. The biggest fault with any Citroën is people doing wrong stuff to them. Except for that, the XM is a really good car. The 2.1D is very reliable. The hydraulics are...well...hydraulics. You know, like brakes and steering always is. The difference is that Citroën´s does hydraulics really good. And it´s very simple. But to see that, you need to learn. Have a look at up´n down´s channel. And if you do any "please help-videos" I promise to give you any answer you need. I need to know one thing: Does it have a sport button and very thick pipes to the front top strut mounts? If "yes" = Hydractive suspension. Not to worry, just more fun to learn. If it has ordinary brake pipes to the strut mounts, then common BX knowledge applies to the hydraulics. Again, subscribe to the up´n down channel. I´m Swedish, but I know there are good forums in the UK. Become a member ASAP! Citronerds are usually happy to help.

[@Delinnep]

Horses is cheveaux. Horse is cheval. (From the top of my head.)

[@BanjoLuke1]

Nearly.... Horse: Cheval Horses: Chevaux Hair: Cheveux