Repairing our XJ after dirty 500 ppm diesel ........

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Where 50ppm can already be bought in Namibia

I have just (June 6, 2013) received an email from Mr Ekko Eisenberg, Dealer principal at M+Z Motors in Windhoek. He writes:

"For information purposes, Total service stations are currently busy with the roll out for the 50ppm at their service stations.
There are now already a few that do have the 50ppm but not in all towns.

Puma service stations (previously BP Service stations in Namibia) have started beginning of this month with the roll out.

We have not had any detailed information from Engen or Shell, but we know they are also following suit in due course."

www.metjeziegler.com

I have just received the following from Volvo, on June 4, 2013 at around 12 noon:

"According to a recent case study 50 ppm diesel are available in Namibia and Botswana on most of the main routes therefore these engine variants are available in the major centers (Gaborone and Windhoek)."


This welcoming news means that, with careful planning, modern Diesel-powered vehicles fitted with DPF's can now be used outside of South Africa.

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I just had a peek at another 4x4 community forum. Someone sought advice on the purchase of a new SUV and was comparing a Santa Fe with a Trailblazer. Intended use would include visits beyond South African borders but no 4x4-ing and only mild dirt ropad travel. A number of experienced overlanders suggested the person rather buy the Santa Fe instead of teh Trailblazer.


Perhaps time for some to notice that BMW, Mercedes (including G-wagen G300 and G350BT), Hyundai, Kia as well as various other brands will void your warranty of you were to travel outside of SA, simply because 50ppm Diesel fuel is unavailable there. This seems to be overlooked by most and this can have serious consequences should engine failure occur within the warranty period.


Do not be fooled by the fact that those vehicles get marketed in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, etc. Oweners there may use their vehicles but we South Africans "cannot export our warranties legally." To me, this is an unfaor and illogical situation, but I do understand from a large manufacturer that the EU imposes enormous penalties if they do no comply. Apparently, the EU overlooks the other African countries simply because 50ppm isn't available anywhere else in Africa.



I am trying to find out if the new Rexton W can be used in Namibia, for instance, yet Mahindra SA does not seem interested to respond. They are the Ssangyong distributors here. Also, I have contacted Volvo today and I hope to be getting a clear answer from them.


OK, so we can have three diff-locks and a hand-welded car that cannot traverse Africa because of some stupid verbiage of a warranty. I always thought that it at least would take a novice like myself and some deep mud to get stuck, but can someone please hand my lawyers the recovery strap.....................

I have a beast of a toyota land cruiser LJ70G SWB troopie with a 13B Dyna motor (bulletproof) & 4-speed manual gearbox. She has 35" tyres & a roof-top tent & really looks the part. I live in Bulawayo, have beeen to Hwange / Vic Falls a couple of times and look forward to exploring more of Zim & neighboring countries. I would really like to up-grade to a 5-speed box to increase my travel speed to at least 110km/h but am struggling to locate a suitable box. Any ideas?

How do i access the forums?

I have just read a response to a reader's letter in the March 2013 issue (DIY Bumper).

While I agree that there is a lot more going into a bumper made by a company like TJM than most realise, I think the claim that TJM crash tests each bull bar is far fetched. A quick look at their website reveals that they have 125 bull bars listed. This means 125 vehicles crashed to test the bars !! I seriously doubt if they (or any other after market manufacturer) does this. Just the replacement cost of the air bags will amount to (very conservatively calculated at R 10 000 per vehicle) R 1 250 000. I can also not find a single reference (other than the claim that a the products are air bag compatible ) on the site. Air bags are activated by deceleration sensors, situated some distance from the bumpers and their deployment will not be delayed by any bumper fitted to the original chassis mounting points.

Are these manufacturers pulling wool over our eyes with their claims ?

My wife an I have recently semi retired and would like to plan a trip from either CT or JHB to Serengeti Tanzania. Timing would be April/May 2014. We are in our mid 50's. Looking for other couples to join this trip. We currently drive a 2013 Mitsubishi Pajero sport and tow a Brakha 4x4 trailer. Any interested couples can contact us on entma@iafrica.com. Cheers Richard & Isabel

Hi ,i am planing to do Botswana trip with my family in July 2014 ,from Central Kalahari through to Chobe and then back to KZN ,i am looking for safe Camping sites on route and a trip plan,i will also be towing a 4x4 Trailer ,any ideas let me know ,thanks

Hi folks, I'm new here. As I am planning to buy new/demo W166 ML350 BE petrol model with coil springs and no low range, those who know/own them are welcome to share comments. Was looking at E350 platkar and saw that the prices are close. It will allow me to travel back roads, dirt roads, visit Namibia, etc. Real-world fuel consumption when driven with circumspection?

GOOI MIELIES 4X4 PRET VASTRAP - 20 JULIE 2013 TE BRITS - R350.00 PER 4X4/PYPKAR! KONTAK ELMIEN RAS 0824995971. KLUBPRYSE VERTEENWOORDIGEND VAN MINIMUM 5 4X4 KRY VERMINDERDE INSKRYWINGSFOOI!! GROOT PRYSE OM TE WEN! KOM GENIET DIE DAG SAAM MET ONS!!!

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Any Ford ranger experts out there? I have a cluncking noise when the car is engaged in 4x4, its been to various diff and gear box guys, transfer case has been opened and gears and chain inside replaced but none of it sorts out the problem. Dont know what to do now.

Going to Kgalagadi park for a week, first time. Im looking for some info on tyre pressure for comfort, I see different pressures on the net, some say 1.1 others say 1.4. Any other tips one can share will be much appreciated.

Win Bridgestone Tyres to the value of R10 000 with TUFFSTUFF

In association with Bridgestone and SA4x4 Magazine

Post your best photo of your Wheels In Action on the TUFFSTUFF Facebook page and win 1 of 12 SA4x4 Magazine subscription and possibly Bridegstone tyres to the value of R10 000 .


How to Enter:

1. Go to the TUFFSTUFF Facebook page

2. "Like" the TUFFSTUFF Facebook page – not because you have to but because you want to.

3. Post your Wheels In Action photo on the TUFFSTUFF wall

4. Photos entered must contain the following:

It must be focused on the wheels
Long distance photos of vehicles will not qualify
Any make / brand of tyre will be accepted
Examples of qualifying photos can be viewed at the following link
5. Get your friends to "like" the TUFFSTUFF page and then "like" your
photo
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.512892948754961.116727.202091649835094&type=1&l=bbbced60c3

http://www.tuffstuff.co.za/

Sand a chance to win a GoPro3 with Sudio22 and SA4x4.
Upload a recent picture showing “Your 4x4 in Action” and stand a chance to win a GoPro Hero3 Black Edition worth R 5000.00.
Click here to enter!
http://sa4x4.co.za/studio22

Hi from Hamburg, we (2 pax) come to visit South Africa from the 4x4-side of life. Looking for a 4x4 rental with good reputations and services and reasonable rates for Landcruiser or Defender. Bushlore was recommended. Now found out about Carel Pienaars "South Africa 4x4 Rental" with fairly cheap rates but cannot find any reports. Would appreciate hints, advice and experiences. Thanks to all of you from freezing Hamburg (Germany), Jorg.

We are planning a trip to Namibia in July this year. It will most likely be in the southern half of the country. We will be 3 vehicles. My Ford Ranger 3.0 4X4, a 3.0 Hilux 4X4 and a 2.7 Hilux 4X4.We are planning a 10 -12 day trip from Bloemfontein. Would appreciate any suggestions with regards to must see places, accommodation (camping and lodging), websites, articles and any tips.

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>> NEWS FLASH

Remember to enter this great competition.
Stand a chance to win a Solar Buddy Lantern valued at R150
Enter here.
http://www.facebook.com/SolarBuddy?fref=ts

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Any SA4X4 readers living in the UAE?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=602452186451087&set=vb.147462545283389&type=2&theater

Great Land Rover Videos.
Go have a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mev5grGpvk&list=UU3oDXZ11_F2X8AJUW7bhEDQ&index=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBeCI0cpRqA&list=UU3oDXZ11_F2X8AJUW7bhEDQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3f_HzrIXtg&list=UU3oDXZ11_F2X8AJUW7bhEDQ

Notice to all Jurgens Ci owners and customers
The factory has difficulty in supplying both caravans and spare parts on account of industrial action. At this stage the plant is a month behind and cannot get any parts or accessories out of the factory.

Please like our page and share this news if you wish to receive further updates.

THE ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER VIDEO.
Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBeCI0cpRqA&list=UU3oDXZ11_F2X8AJUW7bhEDQ

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Where are you heading off to this weekend?

Nissan owner

Welcome back to all of you who were on holiday. Where did you go? Send us some of your photos.