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Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 8:14 pm
by 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)

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 9:44 pm
by X5Sport
Hello and a very warm :hi: from me Tom.  Welcome aboard  :D

Richard

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 6:14 am
by Riba
Thanks Richard! Think I got plenty of warmth here already.  ;)

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 7:40 am
by 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?

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:26 am
by 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.

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 1:18 pm
by Sanj
:hi:

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

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 5:14 pm
by 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...

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 6:38 pm
by X5Sport
£12!!!!!!!  Add £100 to that here.. :'(

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 8:21 pm
by 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...

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 8:37 pm
by X5Sport
[quote="Sanj"]
Know the heat and dust can grate on you...
[/quote]

Pun intended?

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 8:52 pm
by 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  ;)

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2014 8:06 am
by 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.

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2014 9:38 am
by 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.

Image

Image

Re: Greetings from Kuwait!

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2014 11:07 am
by Sanj
[quote="X5Sport"]
[quote="Sanj"]
Know the heat and dust can grate on you...
[/quote]

Pun intended?
[/quote]

Me sir, never!  :shifty: