Buying an XM

• Rust
• Electrical Problems
• Hydractive Problems
• Hydraulics
• Air Conditioning
• RP Numbers

Rust

Rust is generally not a problem on XM's as the bodies are all galvanised. Poorly repaired accident damage is likely to be the cause of any corrosion.

Electrical problems

All cars over a certain age have electrical problems due to contacts oxidising over time. Usually, all that needs doing is to separate the contacts, clean them and smear with vaseline or No Crode to help prevent it happening again. Unfortunately, the XM suffered from extra electrical problems early on in its life. Citroen used earthing blocks which proved to be less than reliable, even off the production line. This caused all manner of electrical problems, particularly with the alarm and the hydractive system. The cure for this is simple - replace the blocks with old fashioned connectors and the problem is solved.

Hydractive problems

When the system was first introduced, there was a noticeable difference between 'auto' and 'sport' modes. In 'sport' mode, the third hydraulic sphere per axle was removed from the circuit by an electro-valve at all times, putting the suspension into a firmer setting. In 'auto', this sphere was only removed from the circuit at times when the computer felt the springing should be stiffer. These first computers were designated as H1. In those early versions, the difference between 'auto' and 'sport' was considerable and if there was a problem, the computer defaulted to 'sport' mode, which made the ride rather harsh. Citroen tried to improve matters. From RP 4859 they altered the parameters to make to make the difference a little less great. Unfortunately, it didn't have much effect and they tried again. Computer H3 appeared on RP number 5539 and solved improved matters even further.

The final change came with the introduction of Hydractive 2, whose computer was designated H4. This solved the problems for good. It appeared from RP 5929, which encompassed the very last of the S1 models (dubbed 'Onyx') and all the S2 models. With Hydractive 2. 'sport' mode now switches between comfort and firm, but earlier than in 'normal'.

In the last few years of production, Citroen added an extra sphere as an anti sink valve to stop the car from sinking overnight. Unless the car has been modified, we would suggest going for a Hydractive 2 car from RP 5929 onwards.

Hydraulics

This is undoubtedly the most common question asked about hydraulic Citroens. The common perception is that the system is unreliable, but the experience of most members of the Citroen Car Club is that is very reliable, providing that it is serviced properly. As with all hydraulic Citroens, check that it rises properly when first started. This may take from 10 to 50 seconds. It doesn't matter whether the front comes up first, or the back. Check the colour of the hydraulic fluid - LHM. It should be bright green. If it looks dirty, it should be replaced. It should normally be replaced every 30,000 miles. Spheres last for approximately 3 years before they need replacement.

Air conditioning

S1 cars originally had R12 gas in their a/c systems. This is now banned for environmental reasons. You can either go for a drop in replacement like R416a or you can have the system converted to R134a. Both work well. Conversion will cost more initially, but more a/c specialists deal with R134a than R416a. On older XM's get the a/c specialist to check the high pressure pipe from the compressor for de-lamination. If this pipe de-laminates, it will be *very* expensive for the owner! The writer speaks from bitter experience here.

RP Numbers

Citroen use a numbering system called RP (Replacement Parts), also called the ORGA number. The RP number can be found on the inside of the nearside A pillar on a right hand drive car (see picture). By using an RP calculator, such as the one at Julian Marsh's excellent site you can find out the day your car was made. In theory, by quoting the RP number to your Citroen dealer whilst ordering parts, you will get exactly the right part for your particular car.