Back To An Estate

Hi all.

After some time looking and waiting, have finally got myself another estate. Really have missed all that useability and space. 2.5, 105k on the clock.
It's certainly noticeable going straight from the 2.1 to the 2.5 how much smoother (relatively) the 2.5 is. Curiously though - and maybe it's my driving - the 2.1 auto actually feels quicker off the mark, although it loses out on higher speed acceleration. Only immediate issue is that it's running cold (just over 70 deg, mostly). So -- off with the stats and it seems the main one is opening early. Well pleased to find QH have them, as was expecting unpleasant bill from main agent, looking at the size of the piece.
One thing I can't remember from the last 2.5 I had is how much you can rock the engine to and fro by hand ? I'm thinking this one I've got seems a bit sloppy, but, on the other hand, there are no knocks, rattles or clonks whatsoever when driving. All thoughts welcome.

Mike.

Hi Mike

Hope you are pleased with your new estate. I had a try rocking the engine in my 2.5 and could get it to move back and forth about an inch or so. The top drivers side engine mount on a 2.5 is totally different than any other XM that I have seen. It spikes into a rubber doughnut at least 3 inches in diameter in a circular steel protrusion from the chassis side member. This gives a very flexible mount. All XM's seem to have this type of bottom engine mount, but only the 2.5 has them top and bottom hence the extra movement you are seeing I suspect.

Regards

XMexc

Hi XMExc.

Yes -- inch or so seems about it, so I'll rest easy now.

Mike.

Hi Mike

The one I checked was the newer one with age/mileage comparable to yours, will rock the 200k one when I get a chance. Will see if I can find a photo of the mounts to load up to the site. Hope you do well with selling your 2.1 exclusive as it looks good on ebay. I do not supose you kept the torn drivers seat cover as I am thinking about redoing my set with green leather to replace the seude. Think it might look great in a green car.

Regards

John

Hi John.

Funny you should mention that ---- yes, I do still have it. Pop me your address and I'll send it on to you. Prior to changing the cover, I naively thought the handwheel was a lumbar adjustment (which didn't work). Having now seen all it does, having reconnected the giant speedo cable --- what a waste of space !!!!

Mike.

I seem to remember that Noz had found the optimum adjustment of the upper moveable rubber stops, but I can't find anything on the files about it. If he is at home, he may care to comment?

I'm back again, now that I've got my memory in gear!
My first XM 2.5 Estate had an engine movement of a total of about 6 inches! It was memorably smooth yet had my Indie panicking in case something was going wrong and he couldn't find anything.
My present 2.5 Estate has - like yours - about 1 to 2 inches. It is not so smooth on take-up nor for driving. Is that the reason, I wonder?

Hi Techmanagain

The couple of inches of movement was when rocked by hand. When the engine is running with significant throttle movements I estimate the rocking can be double this. To me the 2.5 seems to move about far more than any other XM engine.

Regards

XMexc

I am certain mine is not right. I get unevenness (judder) when pulling away cold, and I get vibrations when accelerating hard, and a definite 'bump' when suddenly hitting the throttle or taking it off.

I am thinking too much movement, but haven't given it a rock to see how much I get. How does it adjust? I think I read that Noz adjusted his recently, but I'm not sure if he gave a description of how or not.

Cheers,
Rowan.

Hi Mike

Is that your 'YBL' on ebay? My son read the ad and remarked that the owner was very knowledgable about XMs, thought he must be a member of 'Club-xm'.

Peter.N.

Hi Peter.

Sadly, in some ways, yes it is. Like it says in the ad though, I really can't justify having the two ! The black one certainly has the comfiest of the XM seats, by a mile in my opinion, and I think I've had all the main seat versions. You'll not be surprised to hear the new toy is ----- green !

Mike.

Hi Mike

Had a rock of the engine in the 2.5 estate with 200k on the clock and get a similar movement on that engine.

Regards

XMexc