Citroen XM Forum

My '91 model XM has never let me down but the bodywork is rusty (non galvanised model). Thought I'd put the engine into another body. Does the engine fit Xantia models? (A friend has one sans motor) or should I hunt for another Xm? Thanks

Hi louisgg

Pleased you have found us here.
All XM's are galvanised.
Rust is now sorting out quite a few XM's.
It is just that a galvanised body shell has different rust problems that as a result often stay hidden from the owner until the MOT failure.
The rusting is often less than on comperable age cars so sorting it is often an option.
Doubt that an Xantia body shell is going to be much different.
Engine conversions are currently likely to cost more than buying a replacement XM.
Getting the conversion 100% can also be a pain.
Most get close but not quite perfect.
Best of luck with whatever you decide.

John

Hi Louisgg

Firstly, welcome to the club. I thought all XMs were galvanised? I know some of the early and later ones are suffering some rust. It really depends on how bad the body is, will it cost you more to have it repaired than to buy another car? In my opinion the 2.1 td manual is the best car of the lot, very efficient engine and excellent fuel consumption for its size.

Ther have been one or two cheap 2.1 XMs about lately but mostly not running, if you can transport one you can get a bargain. The engine will fit the Xantia, the main difference being that the Xantia has partial electronic engine management so I would consider fitting a purely mechanical engine a positive advantage.

There is another thread where a 2.1 estate is available for very little money but I don't know whether it is driveable or not, worth a look anyway.

Peter

Sorry John, you obviously type faster than me