Citroen XM Forum

White Exec wrote:I was a regular reader of Diesel Car magazine in the late 80s and the 90s. Dean is right, the appearance of the XUD was a (possibly the) turning point in passenger car and small diesel power units. It was dubbed a "high speed diesel", and not without reason: the BX19 could reach 100mph, and with extraordinary economy. Another milestone was BMW's 2.5td, a six-cylinder, and this remained a benchmark for several years.

The term High Speed Diesel refers to the engine revs, not the vehicle speed. All passenger car diesel engines have always been High Speed Diesels.

The BMW 2.5 is a great engine as long as you don't require any torque. Sounds good, but outclassed by the Mercedes OM605 and OM606.

I've also got this mag (and the original '89 XM launch one in 'Car') Have also got an article from Telegraph of 'Matt' (cartoonist) who loved the car , and 'Siamese twin' article on the 605/XM launch. Plus some original brochures, in both languages.
I was on holiday in France in 89 when the car was new. Recall spending a lot of time looking out for one (I was in a Ser 1 CX gti)

Oh, forgot. Also have a Setright article on the Activa, when he frightened the Citroen rep when whizzing it about!