Citroen XM Forum

Gave the headlight lenses another do in good sunshine today and then a rub over with a cutting compound. There has been some improvement in their clarity I think, but as they were pretty good to start with it probably isn't significant. Still it was quite an interesting thing to do. Next up, I shall examine the ones in the car and see if changing them over is a good idea.

And I still have a pair of lights I bought years ago hidden away in cardboard boxes in the most inaccessible part of the garage, just in case.

I did give the car another wash today and tried the Mr M*scle treatment on the wheels, it did improve them, but again not significantly. I followed this rather harsh treatment up with an application of Autoglym sealant but I think a professional refurb is the only way to go if I am serious about making them better but at £204 for the set it is a bit of a luxury. On the other hand I have had a set of Saab wheels done in the past and they did do a good job.

At the moment I am trying to decide what to do about my ZX which has spent the last few months sitting on my Mum's drive waiting to be used and feeling unloved I suspect. The need for it which I anticipated didn't develop, hence the lack of use. Being a three door 1.4 Reflex it is quite rare and it is quite good fun to drive, but there isn't much point keeping it if it doesn't get any use. I would quite like my son to take it on (then he wouldn't be wanting to use my normal runabout ) but he has no off-road parking and really can't afford to run a car. It needs a drive shaft replacing and an oil leak addressing - of the two I think the knocking drive shaft is the more pressing. I think I shall have to make a decision before I go down next week. While it's not normally eating anything sat on Mum's drive, the arrival of a tax renewal form this week has brought it to mind.

Can you tell that I like to think in writing??

Required welding has now been completed!

The repair to the jacking point/sill/floor pan looks to my very untrained eye to have been done to a high standard; there is lots of new metal in there and the contours have been recreated to my satisfaction. The exhaust has also ben welded up and is now gas tight, but I have been warned that it would appear that there are some loose baffles in the silencer so that is a problem that may reappear, albeit in a different form. All in all, I am pleased with the outcome.

In the morning, I shall be heading to the Cotswolds to visit Mum for a few days. Depending on how the journey goes, I may try to call in at Stratford for an hour as it "could" be on my way. I am looking forward to the drive in the XM and I am also looking forward to renewing my acquaintance with the ZX. I have reminded Tony W of its existence and the need for some work to be done but nothing has transpired as yet. However, I shall be bringing a shiney new tax disc south with me so something needs to happen!

Excellent news on the welding Rob

Do have a lovely trip to the Cotswolds. The XM is perfect for that.

I went to see dad in Somerset yesterday and travelled in the V6 Xantia. I used to use the XM for that trip and I rather missed it. the V6 Xantia is not quite the same as the XM for sheer cruising ability and nor has it the comfort.

Be interesting to see the difference you perceive between the diesel and the V6.

Really enjoyable drive down today with a brief stop on Stratford to look at the cars. The V6 is a fabulous cruiser, so capable, comfortable and quiet. I can live with the fuel consumption because the upsides make it worthwhile.

It was good to see Matthew and Russ today. My V6 is unlikely to ever look as lovely as MOReen and it is good to know she is well cared for. I think xms really suit proper colours - silver is a bit anonymous for my taste. Nonetheless, I am very pleased with the change.

Tomorrow I shall get to see how several weeks of inactivity have affected the ZX...

Remember the "200 year old Volkswagen" in Woody Allen's film Sleeper? (Google it on youtube.)
No problem!!

Apart from needing a little electrical jolt to stir it from its slumbers all seems unchanged with the ZX. Took it for a run and enjoyed its basicness, a real contrast to the style, sophistication and sheer presence of the XM.

I have done a little over 600 miles in the XM since Sunday and I'm very impressed. I reset the fuel computer before I set off from Cainscross this morning and after 250 miles it was reading overall consumption as being 36.5 mpg. I travelled at the speed limit whenver possible and safe. After 145k I reckon it must now be properly run in.

Petrol XM are surprisingly economical...depending on how you drive.

Also, when I joined the M5 at Junction 13 (Stroudwater) I was being caught by a plums and custard 2CV with headlights blazing, we exchanged waves before I moved away, and then I spot tonight a plums and custard 2CV for sale in Cheltenham. What a good job it wasn't advertised a day or two earlier or I could have been awaiting divorce papers.

I have absolutely no need or use for another car but they are just so much fun!!