Segment:
Large family car / executive car, known for its innovative technology and comfort.
Competitors:
Peugeot 605, Renault Laguna, Ford Scorpio, Opel/Vauxhall Senator, BMW 5 Series (E34), Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class
Innovation:
Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension (Hydractive) offering exceptional ride comfort and adjustable ride height.
Design:
Distinctive, aerodynamic, and avant-garde styling by Bertone. Later facelift models incorporated more conventional styling cues.
Technology:
Advanced features for its time, including ABS, power steering, climate control, and early electronic engine management.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, repair, and diagnosis
Chassis Suspension:
Hydropneumatic suspension (Hydractive), steering system, wheel bearings, drive shafts
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, repair, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and operation
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instruments, electronic control units (ECU), body electronics
Bodywork Interior:
Body panel repair, interior trim, seats, glass, weatherstripping
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for various systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full component rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
File Type:
Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing.
Searchability:
Typically includes text-searchable content for quick information retrieval.
Image Clarity:
High-resolution diagrams and illustrations for clarity in repair procedures.
Physical Format:
Not applicable for digital format, but if printed, would be expected to be a sturdy, comb-bound or perfect-bound workshop manual.
Physical Format:
Not applicable for digital format, but if printed, would typically be on durable, grease-resistant paper.
Engine Options:
4-cylinder (e.g., 2.0L) and V6 (e.g., 3.0L PRV engine, later PSA ES9 V6)
Engine Variants:
Petrol: 2.0i, 2.0 Turbo, 2.1 TD, 3.0 V6. Diesel: 2.1 Turbo Diesel
Typical Hp:
Varies by engine: 115 hp (2.0i) to 190 hp (3.0 V6)
Typical Torque:
Varies by engine: 170 Nm (2.0i) to 270 Nm (3.0 V6)
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for petrol engines.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol, Diesel
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP18, later ZF 4HP20)
Transmission Features:
Hydraulic torque converter for automatic, clutch actuation for manual. Overdrive gear for fuel efficiency.
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not available for this era of vehicle, as Euro NCAP began testing in 1997. Early testing was less standardized.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on many models, early traction control on some V6 models.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (standard on later models), seatbelt pre-tensioners, reinforced safety cell, side impact beams.
Radio System:
Factory fitted radios with cassette players, often with steering wheel mounted controls on later models.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (Thermotronic) available on higher trim levels, offering digital temperature and fan speed control.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on many models, particularly higher engine variants.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically fitted to pre-facelift models. Later models may have had aftermarket or dealer-fitted options.
Bluetooth:
Not a standard feature for the era. Bluetooth connectivity would be an aftermarket addition.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (varies by engine oil type and driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For V6 engines, typically every 80,000 - 100,000 km or 5-6 years. For 4-cylinder engines, consult manual as some had timing chains.
Suspension Fluid Change:
Hydropneumatic fluid (LHM - Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) should be checked regularly and changed according to manufacturer recommendations, often around 60,000 km.
Engine Oil Grade:
Varies by engine: e.g., 10W-40, 5W-40 (synthetic for V6). Consult specific engine requirements in manual.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
LHM Plus (Green) is crucial for the Hydractive system. Using incorrect fluid can cause severe damage.
Suspension Reliability:
Hydropneumatic system can be complex; leaks from spheres, pumps, or lines are possible. Requires specialized knowledge and tools.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can suffer from electrical issues due to the complex wiring and early electronic systems, particularly body control modules and sensors.
Rust:
Common on older vehicles, especially wheel arches, sills, and around windows. Regular checks and treatment are important.
V6 Engine Issues:
PRV V6 engines can be prone to oil leaks and potential head gasket issues if not maintained. Later ES9 V6 engines also require careful maintenance.
Diesel Engine Issues:
Older turbo-diesel engines can be robust but require diligent maintenance, including turbocharger care and fuel system upkeep.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën's history of innovation in suspension (DS, SM), comfort, and avant-garde design.
Facelift:
The XM received a significant facelift in 1994, with revised styling (smoother lines, less angular), improved interior, and mechanical updates.
Production Period:
1989-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Rennes-la-Janais, France
European Car Of The Year:
Nominated for European Car of the Year in 1990, showcasing its advanced design and technology, though it did not win.
Ride Comfort Rating:
Consistently praised in contemporary reviews for its exceptional ride comfort, often compared favorably to premium luxury sedans of the time, thanks to its Hydractive suspension.
