Greetings from Kuwait!

[Riba]

Hello all,

I am about to pick up 2004 X5, which is either going to be the biggest mistake I'll make this year, or a good deal. Didn't plan to go for a BMW but this one popped up and we took a plunge. Engine diagnostics return 0 errors, and no traces or carbon in coolant, everything else I am willing to deal with. Runs well, no weird noises except from the front suspension, but it will get fixed. Paid £4150 for it.

I am originally from Croatia, but relocated to Middle East a while ago. Owning an european car here is a bad idea as the dealers love to charge you arm and leg for parts and service, so being a DIY person I am planning to rely on myself, and with the support of the community forums such as this one I can even be an enjoyable experience.

More details and photos tomorrow after I pick up the car.

Looking forward to be am active contributor to the forum!

Tom (AKA Riba)

[X5Sport]

Hello and a very warm from me Tom.  Welcome aboard 

Richard

[Riba]

Thanks Richard! Think I got plenty of warmth here already. 

[squeaky2]

Hi Riba......welcome......i know its warm there is was in Kuwait last week and was 43c!  I noticed a few BMW's around but you certainly have your fair share of Yank Tanks.

Im assuming that you have got a petrol X5.  Which engine is it?

[Riba]

You missed the best part, it was around 54 degrees a month back.

Yes, smart thing to do would be to get a common US or Japanese car, but that would be an easy way out, wouldn't it? The prices of used European cars go sharply down because of high cost of parts and service, but I already dragged a suitcase of Volvo parts over here during my last trip home.

It is a petrol powered V8 - fuel consumption is a non-issue here.

[Sanj]

Wish fuel consumption was a non-issue here (UK)!  >:(

[Riba]

[quote="Sanj"]
Wish fuel consumption was a non-issue here (UK)!  >:(
[/quote]

I know the feeling...feels nice to fill up for £12. Too bad there is nowhere to go.
You gain some, you lose some I guess...

[X5Sport]

£12!!!!!!!  Add £100 to that here.. :'(

[Sanj]

What do you mean, no where to go? Is it a boring desert drive or something?

Know the heat and dust can grate on you...

[X5Sport]

[quote="Sanj"]
Know the heat and dust can grate on you...
[/quote]

Pun intended?

[squeaky2]

[quote="Sanj"]
What do you mean, no where to go? Is it a boring desert drive or something?

[/quote]

Well when Saudi Arabia and Iraq are your neighbours and the rest of the country is sand there really isnt anywhere to go......could be worse though.....could be Belgium 

[Riba]

[quote="squeaky2"]
Well when Saudi Arabia and Iraq are your neighbours and the rest of the country is sand there really isnt anywhere to go......could be worse though.....could be Belgium 
[/quote]

Haha, good one!  ) Exactly as squeaky said, and all the local roads are straight lines. The only chance of fun while driving is getting a proper 4x4 and head out into the desert, but X5 in not that kind of vehicle. I may get a beat up LR and do it.

[Riba]

It is 3.0i after all, not a V8. Her are the pics, I'll start with the questions in the appropriate forums once I dive into it.

[Sanj]

[quote="X5Sport"]
[quote="Sanj"]
Know the heat and dust can grate on you...
[/quote]

Pun intended?
[/quote]

Me sir, never!