Monday is pick up day!

jinstall · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 2:34 pm

Well after switching 4 different CRD's, I finally have a pick up date, MONDAY. I have a 6hr train ride to Bremerhaven and then about 1 hr inspection with the vehicle 30 min with German customs and then it is all mine. I should put about 500 miles on it in the first day. I treated myself to a 1st class ticket on the ICE speed train. I hope to hit 300kph(187mph) while on the train. It should be a good drive back and maybe some snow so I can check out the ESC. I stopped by the dealer to check on the tire carrier and was told it would be $600+ to order it AUGH. So I might be selling a new tire carrier soon. I want to install the E-spec one as it is fitted for the long european plates. I will probably be selling the front and rear bumpers, headlamps, tailamps and front fenders as soon as I can get all that stuff off. Little items as well like the headlamp switch will be forsell also as the e-spec is different. The dealer also said the best oil to use in from Mercedes Benz and runs about $20 a quart so I will have to source that on out to see who REALLY makes it. I was looking in a few Diesel mags and they were showing secondary oil filters, is that a must? The KJ will see daily speeds of 80-90 sustained speeds on the autobahn so I want to make sure it will get all the best it needs. Also it will be getting a e-spec trailer hitch. I will use the normal diesel at first and then I want to try the Super Diesel they sell here to see if it really makes a difference. I am still looking for a chip from here in Germany for it. Oh well as soon as I can get my hands on it I will take photos of it at the Free-Port in Bremerhaven.

CaKJFreedom · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 6:58 pm

Man, that is going to be one giddy/happy drive home! Enjoy and keep us up to date!

Ranger1 · **Joined:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 1137

Digi CR is a German made tuner, with TUV certification. You might also look for Carlson Electronics, also a German company, who makes tuners for Mercedes Benz, under the brand name of C-Tronics. They may have something for the CRD.

dog_party · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:18 am

Congrats!! It only took 4 changes! Take some picts of that cool 300KPH seat that you paid for. Then, on your way back, take picts off all the stuff you RIPPED by on your way there. :wink:

oldnavy · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 11:52 am

Keep us posted as to cost of E code head & tail lights, I for one might be interested in some better lighting. The rear tails of E code lights can be wired for second set of tail & brake lights. I did that on my (front & rear) MB & VW's and it really made a difference in rear visibility. I won't go into detail about how bad US spec head lights are compared to Euro spec headlights.

jinstall · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 1:40 pm

OK bad news. I dropped off the check and last nigh the dealer called and said the KJ had been recalled and I could no long take delivery until further notice. It is not my dealer's fault I have bought all my cars from him ofer the past 5 years. There was a recall on some chip set in the steering collum and that is all I know. I get a free rental car until it is fixed and they will deliver it to me when it is freed from recall work. I want to go to Bremerhaven to pick it up. The parts are in route and this recall affects all 25 KJ CRD's in USAREUR. They expect to have it finished by 1st-2nd week of March.

jinstall · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 1:42 pm

oldnavy wrote:

Keep us posted as to cost of E code head & tail lights, I for one might be interested in some better lighting. The rear tails of E code lights can be wired for second set of tail & brake lights. I did that on my (front & rear) MB & VW's and it really made a difference in rear visibility. I won't go into detail about how bad US spec head lights are compared to Euro spec headlights.

I know all my cars have e-spec lights on them front and rear. Amazing how much better people see you with amber turn signals in the rear.

jinstall · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 1:45 pm

Ranger1 wrote:

Digi CR is a German made tuner, with TUV certification. You might also look for Carlson Electronics, also a German company, who makes tuners for Mercedes Benz, under the brand name of C-Tronics. They may have something for the CRD.

Digi CR I know of, Carlson is WAY EXPENSIVE so I will look under C-tronics. Star Tech has come cool stuff out as well. Still waiting to see if DC-E will add a HID option the the KJ.

jinstall · **Posted:** Tue Feb 28, 2006 8:08 am

Update: Parts should be in on Friday. I willhave confermation on this by Thursday. Hope to pick up early next week. Would really like to know as I have to take a train 6 hrs to get there and 8 hrs to drive back. Around 600 miles I think one way. Then of Friday I have to drive to the eastern border to pick a friend up from school. 1200 miles in the first week, lol.

jinstall · **Posted:** Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:12 pm

OK the KJ is fixed and I will be leaving on Wed Morning at 4am augh.

mOlson · **Posted:** Mon Mar 06, 2006 4:26 pm

jinstall wrote:

I know all my cars have e-spec lights on them front and rear. Amazing how much better people see you with amber turn signals in the rear.

Is it just the >05s that have amber rears? I was behind the Jeep with my fiance driving and was glad to see how bright the amber indicators in the rear are. Also we don't have rear fogs but I know the euros do. I yanked the driver's tail light and cut and installed a two fillament bulb in the lower (empty) reflector housing. Hooked it up directly to the battery and looks like it will work pretty sweet. just have to run a wire to the back now.

jinstall · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 6:24 am

GOT IT! 600 miles in 18 hrs. Sun, heavy snow and heavy rain and high speeds, not a single issue. Great ride on the autobahns. 2 thumbs down though:

Steering wheel is too thin, my hands are too big, like a HMMWV steering wheel.
Cruise Control does not work above 86 mph.

Other than that it was great. Sunny days and near blizzard conditions at night.

Now all I need is tow hooks, trailer hitch and an oil change. I have to drive to the east border in the morning and back, another 500 miles.

dog_party · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:03 am

WOOOOHOOO!!! You finally got it! Congrats!

As for the non HMMWV steering wheel...wear thick gloves. :lol:

Never tried the cruise above 86. Interesting...might have to try that.

jinstall · **Posted:** Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:05 am

OK 1300 miles in 3 days. Going great. Was cruising between 95-105mph for 4.5 hrs, not a single issue. Finally had to out it is 4LO and it really did not want to go. Not sure maybe it was the torque but it took a minute to get going. Just sloppy watery mud/clay. Any how what are the best mats to use for muddy shoes and snow? Need the for front and rear. Still looking for chips ofer here for it. I hoe I can get someone that needs a US spec CRD and can use mine for testing.

Monday is pick up day!

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