C5 to XM good or bad?

[Deanxm]

I dont think they had pollen filters Adam, i was thinking of fitting one in the scuttle though.

D

[addo]

Oh yes they did, at least on Oz delivered (and thus AC) cars. 6447K6 from memory; same as the 605. The scuttle trim is famous here for breaking when partially removed during filter renewal.

EDIT: Weird; no mention of it on SC. Maybe it was a dealer retrofit here; possibly for dusty climates.

[robert_e_smart]

Pollen filters would be a nice retrofit for XMs.

Working A/C would be nice too. Meh, a working sunroof is good enough for me.

[Deanxm]

A/C is good but not realy for cold air, i like it for demisting in the mornings and dehumidifying in muggy weather.

D

[Citroenmad]

I think air con is a very desirable thing to have on a car and would not buy a car without it now. On extremely hot days, especially very warm days with very little sun and muggy conditions, I look forward to getting into the car to set the climate that I want.

[waynedance]

Air con is a must would not have a car without it.

[addo]

Based on what Dean's said, UK XMs didn't have pollen filters; they were delivered perhaps with a gauze mesh in a plastic frame across the cabin air intake, but one would be surprised to find that still fitted.

The evaporator on an XM is quite large and thick. With no pollen filter, it clogs readily with dirt/muck. The drain passage for water in the evaporation chamber, is a contorted route that first passes through a right angled plastic stub on the climate box, then through a rubber tube ahead of the gear lever, which finally turns down to exit in the centre tunnel. It is not a design that can be "rodded out" easily once blocked.

[robert_e_smart]

They do have a very open gauze on the air intake, probably to keep leaves and stuff out. I have been amazed by the crap that gets into the evaporators I have pulled out of Xms.

[addo]

So you've seen the gauze panel, then! They (similar) were fitted to early 405s delivered here, with similar results - perhaps this forced the improvisation for Oz XMs?

Main reason I hook into heater boxes, is because with age the boxes distort and it often causes the flaps to bind excessively - this burning out the op-amp flap motor controller or breaking the flap motor box's pinion. Once you trim it all up and fit back together with fresh grease on the pivots, they're lovely.

[robert_e_smart]

And here we are trying to weld out Xms up in the UK, cutting out rot, and you are cutting up distorted plastics!

I didn't fully appreciated that sun/heat damaged would have such a profound effect on the cars apart from the visual damaged to dash plastics.

[addo]

It really is frustrating when you eyeball something still intact, that has to come apart - knowing with one hundred percent certainty it will crumble as dismantled.

Then, knowing also in advance that a replacement item is not available.

If you come across one, I would readily pay £££ posted for the early 405 dash demister outlet grid in perfect nick.

[robert_e_smart]

http://www.leboncoin.fr/equipement_auto/301619655.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Wrong side of-course, but only the demister trim that goes along the very back of the dash?

I sent the same part of a XM S2 dash to Portugal last week, and a whole pile of series 1 Dash plastics to Oz a couple of years ago.

[addo]

Gerry Freed commented very recently on that other forum, multiple scams attempted against vendors on LBC and French Ebay, had made sellers extremely wary of overseas approaches. It explained why I never have much luck striking deals, even when they say something like "email par uniquement".

I'm sure the demister outlet would go just fine, and probably tweeter grilles also.

[Peter.N.]

Going back to the original question ........ a month ago I would have said XM every time having driven them almost exclusively for over 15 years then I bought what I thought was a banger of a C5 a few weks ago and I think its a brilliant car if you have to go modern and want something like the XM. I don't care much for the styling especially the interior but they are very nice to drive and if you get the 2.0 Hdi which I shall be doing sometine in the future they are very economical, the same engine in my 406 will do 60 mpg, driven elderly gentleman fashion. I don't find the seats to bad but of course it depends on your shape, my son who is 6' 4" and can't get comfortable in anything thinks the seats are excellent.

So far I have also found them relativly easy to work on, if you open the bonnet you can actually see the alternator, power steering pump and aircon pump in fact you can even touch them! The doors and enclosed bits are quite easy to dismantle and they don't rattle.

I dare say I will come across a job that will completely change my opinion, but so far .....

Peter

[citroenxm]

Im pleased my Reccomendation for the HDi has prooved well Peter..

The bad side, is when Air Bag lights start playing up come MOT time... They ARE an MOT item now and need to work!

At least thats one less thing on S1 XMs not to worry about!

I cant moan about Reliability issues on the HDi's either! My own is now on 205k, a Taxi I knew got to 285k but the Head gasket or something has gone on that. All that needed once was the engine pump...

Look at 406 HDis on ebay, and see how many you see with 200k or more. Doesnt your own 406 have over 200 on her now Peter?