1996 Citroen XM

1996 Citroen XM VSX Estate (Break) 2. 5 Turbo Diesel - Manual. P69 JPX.
I've fitted alloy wheels, a full leather interior and a multi cd changer so it's more like the Exclusive.
I am reluctantly putting this XM up for sale. I have a V6 automatic and cannot justify having 2 XMs. (Wifey's words not mine)
I have owned this one (the 'Enterprise') since 2016 and have covered around 15000 miles in it. It is a 26 year old car with around 160000 miles on the clock and has required some tinkering with over the last 8 years as you would expect. Luckily I was a mechanic in a 'previous ' life and have been able to do all of the work myself. Unfortunately, arthritic hands and a parking issue - 2 XMs, an Audi TT, a Merc and a Hyundai can be seen as a bit too much by some - not by me!
Some of the recent work on this one includes:
Full service including LHM change, cambelt, tensioners and balance shaft belt change, new water pump and belt and auxiliary belt fitted at 148000.
New fuel lift pump at 155000?
ABS relay modified with diodes to cure the old 'ABS Not Working' problem. I've since discovered that a BMW ABS relay actually is the same as the original Seimens relay. The brakes are very powerful.
New front bottom ball joints and wheel bearings at 148000?
LED headlamp conversion so you can see very well at night AND it passes the MOT.
Engine fuse box modified to overcome inherent heater and cooling fan problems. Heavy duty in line fuses fitted.
Jobs I did for the last MOT (July 2023):
Full brake strip down, clean and inspection. Bleed brakes. Inspect and adjust parking brake.
Remove rear halves of both sills and weld in new sections, waxoiled, painted and stone chipped. (MOT advisory 2022)

Good Points:
Very very very comfortable and easy to drive.
Smooth reliable strong engine. MOT emissions fine.
Clutch and gearbox in very good condition. Lovely gear change.
Tyres are Michelin's with 4mm of tread left.
Massive load carrier. I can get all my fishing tackle and toolbox in without folding the rear seats. ( I often have a nap on the back seat if the carp aren't biting)
Tow bar and electrics fitted and working. I recently picked up another XM on a transporter trailer from Bury St Edmunds and back to Lincolnshire. All in one day.
All electric windows and sunroof work well.
Original stereo with additional multi cd changer. All working well.
Bodywork and underneath in very good condition, sills repaired and everything waxoiled copiously.
Full leather interior with electric adjustable seats fitted.
New front spheres and firmness diode kit at 155000. Hydraulic regulator/ pressure control valve resealed and accumulation sphere replaced.
Rare classic. I've never seen another estate on my travels.
Hopefully the work I've done will keep this one on the road for some time to come. This car will come with lots of spares that I've accumulated.
Not so good bits:
She did 'float like a butterfly' and go round corners absolutely flat - no body roll. Suspension did rise and lower and went into sport mode as designed - until I took her off the road for a year. When I started her up in November she ran well but had developed a LHM leak above the rear axle crossmember. Its from the area of the rear Height Control valve. Could be rubber return pipe elbow, the valve or 3. 5mm steel pipe to it. (HC repair kit included) Access to the valve requires lowering subframe. Not as difficult as it sounds. See website club-xm. co. uk
I slightly damaged the driver's door and rear door several years ago. I've been gradually filling and smoothing them over the years but it still has a little bit more to do and then the correct paint and lacquer applied (Supplied).
There are a few small areas of bubbling on the lower parts of the front wings and ahead of the rear wheels.
The 'silver' on the door trims have faded and have a few bubbles. I've covered them with red body stripe tape and they actually look good.
It will need a new battery and the central locking on the driver's door is sometimes 'lazy'. In the past this has been caused by poor connections in the multi plugs in the door openings.
The air con doesn't blow cold. And the seat heaters don't warm your bum.
The rear seat back does not 'split'. It was from a saloon.
The windscreen is showing 26 years of use.
Although I de-rusted and painted the alloy wheels, they are probably due to be done again.
Because I used this car as my daily runner/ fishing mobile I've gotten to know it well. I could pick up anything untoward relatively quickly and sort it before it got worse. I honestly love it and there will be tears. It's for that reason, and the work I've done, that I am reluctant to sell.
I'm looking for offers from enthusiasts. I think offers over £1000 may tempt me, otherwise I will repair the LHM leak and keep it in the family.
See the picture of the jolly jaunt to pick up my new XM which; now recommissioned, I am also looking to sell in the next few months. As mentioned above: this is a very comfortable and useable French classic. Citroen pulled out all the stops developing the XM.
I've been in many cars over my career but never in one more comfortable.
There is great information and technical support on club-xm. co. uk.