Oldest XM in the UK - Now with registration!!

[MTXM]

The 2 exhaust systems pictured above are not the same (count the pipes going in and out). Which one is correct? the top one looks rather like a ES9 system.

Well spotted Mike and the second exhaust system was for my PRV V6 24v!

Note that ex factory only the cat was separate, the exhaust was one piece including back box.

Thank you for posting the details John and I was not aware that original exhaust systems beyond the cat were all one piece, although the front and middle silencers were certainly linked.
Regards,
Matthew T.

[xantia_v6]

There is a NOS 24V system on LBC at present: http://www.leboncoin.fr/equipement_auto ... htm?ca=5_s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

or a complete early V6 for about the same price: http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/939727552.htm?ca=5_s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (maybe I posted this one previously, but mybe still a bargain IMHO)

[MTXM]

Many thanks for that Mike!! With regards, Matthew T.

[MTXM]

I spent some time underneath the car yesterday, with the helpful assistance of a lift belonging to a local friend. The main task was to complete fitting a new exhaust, which included replacement of the front rear manifold to exhaust gasket and fittings as Paul's recent thread. I also had a good clean down at the back underneath with heats-shield and spare wheel carrier removed and thoroughly coated everything in waxoil. The condition of the car underside is not at all bad with the sills now repaired and mainly surface rust to rear subframe and wheel inner covers. Regards, Matthew T.

[russ92xmsed]

I would love a lift like that. Grrrrr!

Not looking too bad under there Matthew.

[MTXM]

It is an extremely useful tool Russ and just a shame it is not in my garage! With regards, Matthew T.

[Dieselman]

Foolishly, a few years ago, Mrs Dm and I didn't buy a house that had space for a full height lift. I now regret thaat decisioon.

[White Exec]

Have got the space, just not the spare €2k+ to pay for one. Birthday next month though...

[MTXM]

I have recently completed two quite significant repairs on the car, which both proved quite demanding and especially the eventual resolution of a blowing exhaust last weekend! The earlier task was to replace a low pressure hydraulic suspension return pipe between the offside front and centre spheres that required forward movement of the engine to create space against the bulkhead and then below even more restricted access to address around the steering rack.

It had been eventually possible to replace the entire exhaust system beyond the catalyser, although I was disappointed to note there was still a distinctive blow against the rear manifold, most likely a cracked assembly or gasket leakage, while the manifold-to-cat ring seal and fixings were new. During a further inspection underneath I did spot a nasty crack in the rear manifold casting underside but an-insitu sealant repair brought little if any improvement.

I then decided to attempt removal of the manifold, not knowing whether this was physically possible with the engine in place, given the very tight location and complex and bulky pipework involved. It did prove to be a major task, including release of three engine mounts and the front end to allow maximum jacking and to create space around the subframe, while even then the rear manifold assembly had to be further dismantled to allow removal and rebuilding insitu after initial disconnection. Fortunately no manifold studs broke but an earlier repair had regrettably somewhat reduced the number and the gasket was indeed toast!

The work although extremely arduous has quite transformed the car and for the first time in my ownership the exhaust does sound as it should, so hopefully the effort was worthwhile! Although I took no photos during the work I attach shots of the original cracked manifold pipework and well-worn gasket.

Regards,

Matthew T.

[Dieselman]

That's a pretty convoluted manifold and link pipe setup.