How Many Left?

[demag]

I was amazed when I first saw the total production figures for the XM. Compared to the likes of the Mini and Beetle they are just a drop in the ocean.

Anyone like to hazard a guess on the numbers left? There seem to be constant references to scrapped ones and the majority of the remaining ones all have telephone number mileages.

[xmexclusive]

Hi Demag

I still see the odd XM on the road as I drive about. There does seem to be more Mk2's in scrap yards now whereas a couple of years ago it was Mk1's being scrapped. I expect the demise to be fairly rapid now for all XM's in general use. Cost of spares/repairs will see them off to the scrap yard with virtually any failure. Before long enthusiast owned Mk1 V6-24v's will outnumber the rest of the XM fleet. Now is the time to collect your second hand spares if you want to run an XM into the future. The question is what bits to collect?
There will also be a few gems come out of the woodwork. My Cit dealer has a W reg 24v come in once a year for service. Just approaching 15k, garaged daily, cleaned and washed every week, would not look out of place in the front of the show room. We might be surprised how many XM's have been this well cared for.

Regards

XMexc

[Ciaran]

Here in Ireland XMs have always been very rare, indeed when I had my S1 I went almost two years before seeing another, never saw any on Autotrader etc either.

However, strangely, this last year or so, I've seen more than ever! perhaps ten or so, so they seem to have come out of the woodwork, or caught on in some respect. I've seen three in Autotrader in the last six months, a real record!

I must admit I do worry about the future, and what to do when spares aren't available etc. But then I think I'm just being soft I look at the likes of the CX crowd... still a fair few of those on the go, they're much older than the XM, and they rust to boot!
There may be a fair few years life left in XMs yet if we're smart about it. I hope so anyway.
I want to try and get at least one more after my current one, I've no doubt in my mind that it will get more difficult as time goes on though.

My main concern is what I will eventually replace it with. Try as I might, I cannot find another car that comes close in terms of looks, distinctiveness, etc. C5 et all just don't do it for me, I would rather have another Mondeo than one of those to be honest. Of course the obvious replacement choice is the C6 I hear you say, but how many of those are going to be sold? Not many if Citroen UK's apathetic sales attitude stays the way it is. "It will sell itself" is what one of their directors is quoted as saying, and dealerships can choose whether they want to stock it or not.
This doesn't bode well for people like us.... if no one buys them then the few that are around will retain their value. We can only hope that sales of C6 rise as time goes on.

It will be a sad day when the last XM finally breaks and can't be fixed, I just hope something suitable to replace it with emerges soon!

This post has been edited by Ciaran on November 23, 2006 06:24 pm

[onthecut]

Hello all.

I certainly go along with the broad view that remaining numbers are on a slippery slope. As XM exclusive says, anyone happening to run one simply as a day to day car is likely to junk it come any big bill. I'm not sure I agree that S1 24valve will be the big survivors --- personally I think the later the model got, the smoother, quieter and generally more desirable they became, so my money is on top spec S2, whichever power unit.
With regard to which bits to stock up on, you surely must start with items peculiar to the XM, with a failure record, critical to the function of the car, only available as OE parts. It is these pieces which will condemn the survivors as PSA cease supply. At the other end of the scale, things like radiators, engine internals, bearings and so forth tend to have a reasonable aftermarket presence and availabilty beyond oe items. (Although, as computers, accountants and 'just in time' continue to roll through all parts of the auto sector, even aftermarket is heading in the wrong direction from the owners' point of view)
As to what to have after the XM, that's dead easy -- the coolest car in Britain -- a Defender. Really, just like the XM --- quirky, iconic, good ground clearance, wheel at each corner, variable quality electrics, 2.5 diesel, loads of room, excellent tow vehicle, owners still wave at each other, excellent internet forums. There you are -- sorted !!!

Mike.

[Little&Large]

Hi Ciaran
I wouldn't worry about the spares situation-I have seen Xmexclusives shed,garage and garden and he has enough spares to keep everyone in the UK going for the foreseeable future.
I have a 1958 BMW Isetta and one of the 1st questions people ask is I bet the spares are hard to find.Everything is available including all body panels.When parts were scarce in the 1970's people made do with what they could make.The UK club has 600 members now so is quite a small club but can supply almost everything needed either new or used.Having said that the Isetta only has 37 parts compared to the 1,345,876 on the XM.
When Johns Spares have run out we'll still be alright I'm sure.
If you have the space it is good to have a spare car to cannabilise,I did it with 2cv's I have had,but generally most of the spares I have ever kept have never been used and end up in the bin,although to be fair they were for more common cars.
Wish me luck I am off to Switzerland and France tomorrow.I now have 4 new Goodyear NCT Eagle 5's fitted and the tracking just done-the ride is a little firmer.
If anyone is interested they were £60 each fitted and balanced from College tyres in Perivale West London-I thought that a reasonable price...my WRC rally tyres are in the Available section!!
Regards Rob

This post has been edited by Little&Large on November 23, 2006 07:11 pm

[mebedforduk]

Well my two penneth

My 2.5 has died at just shy of 200K and is / will be broken. Mot would cost far too much even DIY

The 2.1, well thats *just* running sometimes, at 250K its ropey, again it really is worn out

Im looking at a Xant as a temp, but Im afraid I will be defecting to Audi after 6 years XM ownership (5 Xms I think?)

Her indoors has a A6 and apart from being firm its ok.

Mark

[citroenxm]

Hi All

Yup up to the V6 s1 24v club!! I have one!!!

Rare when new ... So amasing for its time, at 200bhp through a 5 speed MANUAL box, unlike the S2 which is back to auto, however, I do think the auto adaptive S2 box is a different kettle of fish then the ole slow S1 4 speeder.

The old 4 speeder took TOO much power from the engine, but I cant speak for the auto adaptive, I've only driven one in a Xantia, and I guess the smaller body to weight made a difference.

Anyway, what else for the price (In 1991) was 0-60 in 7.4 sec, and top speed in xecess of 145mph!!!

Will confirm top speed when I get on the road..

Surely they must get preserved! I'd buy another now if cheap enough, just to store!

regards
citroenxm

[Ciaran]

Audi..... surely not Mark! the same Mark that proclaimed you would never get him in anything German on XM-L a few months back!?

I know, I know, needs must. The cars can't last forever, just a pity.
I must admit I do like the A6, it's a bit more distinctive than the A4 anyway. I'm a bit partial to Saab 9000s as well, but they stopped production even before the XM did, so same problem really...
As for the spares situation, I suppose you've made a good point there Rob, I'm sure a lot of things can be sourced / produced if you're feeling resourceful, the situation isn't as bleak as my earlier outlook would suggest...

[Peter.N.]

According to the published figures they only sold 61, 2.1 td Manual estates in '96, all registered in January, and I have had two of them. They all have the reg 'N---YBL' I looked at one that was for sale in Skelmersdale last year which although sporting a personal plate had originally been a YBL. There have been three or four for sale on Ebay or autotrader in the last year, and one pulled out in front of me near Lyme Regis a couple of weeks ago. So thats at least eight accounted for out of the original 61 and they are just the ones that I have seen. Has anyone out there got one?

On the general XM sighting front, on two trips to the north of Scotland this year, in a total of over 4,500 miles I have seen only two, one in Chard and another near Stirling. There are a few more in France but most seem to be concentrated in the Cherbourg area.

There are a few enterprising members of this forum who seem to be stockpiling spares. Keep it up lads!

Peter.N.

[David Hallworth]

i've got 3 Series 1 V6's at home.

1 - 1991 H Plate V6 24v
2 - 1990 G Plate V6 12v
3 - 1993 K Plate V6 24v

And have also owned a Black V6 12v Manual.

I know GJCP, Citroen XM, Andmcit, and myself all have Series 1 24v's (apologies if i've missed something) and theres one more i know of in Glasgow.

David.

This post has been edited by David Hallworth on November 29, 2006 09:14 pm

[Peter.N.]

My, your a glutton for punishment!

[DerekW]

Take care, CitroenXM, or Beachcomber will be claiming your top speed (and probably your acceleration figure) is ludicrous! I wonder what makes him so sure?

Derek

[onthecut]

Hi all.

Hadn't noticed the performance figures, but I reckon it invites a riposte. I'd say a Carlton GSi would give you a very good run for your money indeed !

Mike.

[DerekW]

Mike,

You're probably right, but since Barbara Castle (another Labour Minister from another era) decided that 70mph was fast enough for we mere mortals, it's all academic anyway.

Have you all noticed that they're talking about introducing a new bunch of taxes, using "green" issues as an excuse? And don't think the other bunch are going to be any different. Politicians are constantly thinking of ways to get us to finance their lifestyles - and the laws never seem to apply to them!

Rant over

Derek

[citroenxm]

DerekW,

Wonder what make who so sure?? I'm a little lost there...

Green issues no problem for me if they use exhaust emissions.... Mine WILL be on LPG!!

24v even on LPG too..


HA, beat you by one car D hallworth... But I dont think any of us do as well as xmexec!!

Regards
citroenxm

This post has been edited by citroenxm on November 29, 2006 09:15 pm