HereComesTheSun | ExpatWoman.com
 

HereComesTheSun

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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2013 - 12:30
You can only go as far as April 30 at the moment, but that will give you a good idea of what you need to know.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2013 - 12:12
Cleartrip.ae is showing direct Dubai-Heathrow flights with Royal Brunei on your dates for AED 2,274. Assuming you're flying into London, I'd get those booked immediately if I was you, as I doubt Emirates will have another sale so soon.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 12:06
You were in the wrong place. That's why there was no entrance. Even if I was in the wrong place, there were 12 other people like me. And the best thing we even called the number that was on webpage and it was off. Probably organiser should provide with more detailed information. There's no 'if' about it. Yogafest is at Internet City Amphitheatre, always has been. It's a different place to Media City Amphitheatre, hence the different name. I don't dispute that they should have turned their phone on, I'm just trying to make sure you know where to go next time. Sorry to disagree with you but the picture you just posted is from Dubai Media City Amphitheatre... I can 100% assure you it's not.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 11:58
You were in the wrong place. That's why there was no entrance. Even if I was in the wrong place, there were 12 other people like me. And the best thing we even called the number that was on webpage and it was off. Probably organiser should provide with more detailed information. There's no 'if' about it. Yogafest is at Internet City Amphitheatre, always has been. It's a different place to Media City Amphitheatre, hence the different name. I don't dispute that they should have turned their phone on, I'm just trying to make sure you know where to go next time.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 11:25
One month ago when there was a yoga festival it was a big failure. Went for a morning yoga and there was no entrance. There was a fence all over the Amphitheatre because of previous days concert. Someone even went all around the fence and couldn't get in. Wasn't the only one who couldn't find the entrance, later on some people sneak under the fence to get in... was kinda funny&pathetic at the same time. I went away and was really disappointed. Maybe because it was the first session at 8am... don't know. You were in the wrong place. That's why there was no entrance.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 11:22
It's this place: http://i50.tinypic.com/zin1h5.jpg In front of Sony Ericsson (opposite side of the lake from Microsoft and IBM) It's definitely not the Media City Amphitheatre as that is fenced off for the big Natalie Cole concert tonight. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 28/03/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 11:40
Given that 99.9 times out of 100 you get the card handed back to you before you have even signed the receipt, anyone can use anyone's credit card over here. Not legally, of course, but I can't imagine any cashiers in this country ever actually check the name or even the gender on the cards that are handed to them. That could be interpreted as good or bad. To be honest, I can't think of a good interpretation of it. I was thinking that it could be good for those who ask people that they trust to do their shopping for them. It's also good for anyone who happens to find a stray credit card lying around that they shouldn't be using. The complete lack of credit card security over here is a pet peeve of mine. If you're doing shopping for someone else you should have to show the same documentation that you mentioned is needed in the States. It all boils down to service staff in this country not being willing to confront customers because they know their employers won't back them up, and also because so many customers in Dubai get so easily and unnecessarily affronted by people simply trying to do their job. "You're just a minion working in a shop, how dare you ask me questions about my credit card." That kind of thing! Anyway, I digress. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 27/03/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 11:25
Given that 99.9 times out of 100 you get the card handed back to you before you have even signed the receipt, anyone can use anyone's credit card over here. Not legally, of course, but I can't imagine any cashiers in this country ever actually check the name or even the gender on the cards that are handed to them. That could be interpreted as good or bad. To be honest, I can't think of a good interpretation of it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 11:16
Given that 99.9 times out of 100 you get the card handed back to you before you have even signed the receipt, anyone can use anyone's credit card over here. Not legally, of course, but I can't imagine any cashiers in this country ever actually check the name or even the gender on the cards that are handed to them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 10:56
Raise a case against him at the Rent Committee, or failing that ensure there is enough 'wear & tear' in the property to use up the full deposit.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 10:49
AED 29 is about £5 isn't it? I certainly wouldn't happily write off £5 if I was back home and I wouldn't here either.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 14:15
We are in a villa. Inform him that you will be reporting the matter to the Rent Committee then (and follow through on the threat if necessary). People like this need to be stopped.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 14:00
Are you in an apartment or villa? If an apartment, you should be able to get the affection plan from building management and do the Ejari registration yourself. If this is not possible, I would have no qualms with reporting him to the Rent Committee and/or the police. Both will take a very dim view of his behaviour.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 12:11
It's a great day out but getting home can be an absolute nightmare. Don't be put off though; it's part of the experience! Have fun
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 12:08
It's AED90 for food only (buffet); you get two tickets, so you can eat twice or share with someone else. The food isn't of the greatest quality, but I suspect you're not that bothered if the IV is an option. You pay for your drinks separately as normal. That's been the case for the last few years anyway (not been yet this year). It's a great place to spend a relaxing Friday afternoon in the sun. Kid friendly and no silly time restrictions on drinking so it doesn't get too mad during the day.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 15:39
And it also shouldn't be your responsibility to find him a new tenant if that release clause is indeed in your contract.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 15:36
30 days notice ( which we have given) and 2 month penalty I thought you said there was no break clause in the lease? If the above is in your contract then you should only be losing out on 2 months' rent. The 2nd cheque should never be cashed. He should give it you back in return for you paying him the equivalent of 2 weeks' rent to make up the total of 8 weeks' penalty. I'd speak to the Rent Committee if I was you, but I can't see any reason why that 2nd cheque should be cashed, especially as you will be long gone by then. Thats what the agent told us, but I just pulled out the contract and there it was, perhaps the landlord is also under the impression there isn't one hence our troubles with him. I am concerned about the 2nd cheque as you say we will be long gone and our UAE bank account closed, I don't want to come back here in the future and find out there a case against us. I think I'll tell DH to talk to the rent committee about it, just to make sure we dot all the i's Is the landlord in the country? If so, I would arrange to meet him so you can highlight the penalty clause and collect your 2nd cheque from him. You really need that 2nd cheque in your possession; do not leave the country without it. You should also be entitled to your deposit back as well. I would tell him to deduct the 2 extra weeks of rent from the deposit (plus whatever other nonsense he charges for), and give the remainder back to you with your 2nd cheque. But, yeah, speak to the RC and get some clarification from them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 14:59
30 days notice ( which we have given) and 2 month penalty I thought you said there was no break clause in the lease? If the above is in your contract then you should only be losing out on 2 months' rent. The 2nd cheque should never be cashed. He should give it you back in return for you paying him the equivalent of 2 weeks' rent to make up the total of 8 weeks' penalty. I'd speak to the Rent Committee if I was you, but I can't see any reason why that 2nd cheque should be cashed, especially as you will be long gone by then.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 16:42
How open ended does it need to be? Even with just a standard ticket you should be able to change the return date for a small fee and it will be valid for 6-12 months.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 16:31
India is a great place with some incredible natural beauty, but also a lot of very obvious problems. We had a fantastic holiday in Kerala last year, and certainly felt safe in the sense the OP is suggesting, but the country is undoubtedly getting some bad press at the moment and the government only has itself to blame for that. There are over a billion people in India and the country is so large and diversified that you can't draw any broad conclusions from some relatively isolated incidents. Sadly, violent rape occurs in every single country in the world, but it is still not something that is likely to happen wherever you go. Personally, I'd be far more concerned about being involved in a traffic accident in India than being the victim of any personal crime, because in that sense the country is certainly not safe; travelling by road in India remains a truly terrifying experience.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 02:10
There's nothing further you can do since it was a one year contract that was signed and you'll be vacating at the end of that period as the agreement specified. This couldn't be more incorrect. Please ignore everything she said
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 02:07
Why did you give him cheques without agreeing on a price? No, they shouldn't be taking commission but this should have all been agreed 3 months ago if your contract is renewing now.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 23:25
Here's DriveArabia's prices and specs guide for pretty much every car that exists: http://www.drivearabia.com/ultimatecarbuyerguide/ And here's the Volvo XC90 page: http://www.drivearabia.com/ultimatecarbuyerguide/usedcarspage3.php/52/342/ <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 20/03/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:01
You don't actually mention whether you'll be a teacher or a member of the support/admin staff. If the latter, they may be more flexible on your hours.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 11:12
Has anybody been to the World Cup via the general admission? Just wondered what it was like and if it is suited for kids? We have visitors over so may take them down early on for a hour or two. Ta Early on perhaps however it turns into a drunk fest as the day goes on Personally i wouldnt go there if you paid me There's no alcohol in the General Admission section, but it does get EXTREMELY busy in there as it's free. Maybe kid friendly for the lead up to the first race, but not much later.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 15:32
Definitely true. I saw it announced on the official website. Edit: It wasn't on the website, it was on a big one-page advert from the promoter in 7Days a few days ago. Definitely official. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 18/03/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 11:34
While I agree about the no food / drink policy since this makes for a cleaner environment especially when people already have issues about throwing rubbish, I must say no water is a bit much. Soft drinks are sticky and can cause mess, food again smells and people will discard wrappers, but I honestly don't see the harm in letting people drink water especially in these hot climates. What about people who feel unwell? Small children? Spilt water causes no mess and I believe it is a right to be able to have water on ones person anywhere. What if I need to take a Panadol? I respect the rules of Ramadan but that is 1 month and for religious reasons. I don't see why people can play loud music on their phones on the metro (every time I have travelled on it this has been the case) yet water is not allowed. I'd imagine it's because a blanket ban on all food and drink is simply easier to enforce. Allowing one type of drink but banning all others would just make the task more difficult. And in reality, most passengers are only doing relatively short journeys so I don't really see it being much of an issue.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 09:23
I completely disagree, for example, I did a forty minute trip today, got where I was going, and then had to turn round and come straight back, as the place I was going was closed. So I was on the tube 1 hour 30 min. This is just an observation, I'm not looking to cause an argument, but you weren't forced to go 1hr 30mins without water. It was presumably your choice to turn straight around and get back on the train; you could have exited the gates and had some water before re-boarding. And if you couldn't last the initial 40-min journey without water, there is a again nothing stopping you from breaking the journey up and including a drink break. The rules are well known and are there for a very good reason. As such, it's up to us as passengers to plan around them accordingly.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 13:21
I'd avoid Groupon at all costs. I'm still waiting for something I ordered 4 months ago. Plus, those shirts are extremely chavvy.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 13:16
I also thought it was great, as did everyone else in the big group we were with. Not sure what those of you complaining were expecting, to be honest. As Scotsgirl said, it was a Noel Gallagher concert, not an Oasis one.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 16:24
I use Empost. It's only AED80 to send documents to the UK and they promise to deliver within 4 days max. Call them on 600 56 5555 and they'll send someone over to pick it up from you.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 11:41
Anyone who absconded and now wants to return without paying their dues is taking the p*ss on a monumental scale! Surely a new passport can in some way be traced to the previous one. I can't believe you just start off afresh with a whole new identity each time you get a new passport. As such, I would expect this person to be arrested on arrival. He/she must be either mad or desperate to even consider this.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 16:15
Now T3 is another story! I landed at T3 a few days ago at midnight and was hugely impressed with the improvements they've made. Almost every immigration desk was manned and they've now set up 5-6 designated desks just for GCC nationals and UAE residents, so you no longer have to queue with the hordes of tourists. The place was packed but I was through in no more than 5-10 mins and the bags were there waiting for me on the carousel by the time I reached it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 17:23
you say they are just doing their job, but isn't a perk of that job the fact that if you do it well you get a tip ?? I just think it's basic good manners, that's all..they've saved me the bother of getting off my lazy backside to go get my food so I reward them with a few dhs... And in an economy where there is no minimum wage they get paid little enough as it is !! My point was more the wide array of industries that now see tipping as a universal right in this city. I have a maintenance contract for my apartment that is paid for, but whenever any actual maintenance is performed, some sort of tip is expected. The same for roadside recovery, removal services, washing machine repairs etc etc. I really dislike feeling obliged to pay extra on top of something I have already paid for. I certainly don't mind tipping for extraordinary service that goes beyond what I expected, but I once had a roadside recovery mechanic actually demand a tip for coming out and jumping my flat battery. He did precisely what I had already paid for and nothing else, so I don't see why I should be expected to pay extra in such circumstances. The question in the OP was regarding take-out delivery.. I know it was and my answer was that I usually give them any coins from the change. And I also extended the discussion to include the ridiculous amounts of service personnel from all industries that now see tipping as a right.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 17:08
you say they are just doing their job, but isn't a perk of that job the fact that if you do it well you get a tip ?? I just think it's basic good manners, that's all..they've saved me the bother of getting off my lazy backside to go get my food so I reward them with a few dhs... And in an economy where there is no minimum wage they get paid little enough as it is !! My point was more the wide array of industries that now see tipping as a universal right in this city. I have a maintenance contract for my apartment that is paid for, but whenever any actual maintenance is performed, some sort of tip is expected. The same for roadside recovery, removal services, washing machine repairs etc etc. I really dislike feeling obliged to pay extra on top of something I have already paid for. I certainly don't mind tipping for extraordinary service that goes beyond what I expected, but I once had a roadside recovery mechanic actually demand a tip for coming out and jumping my flat battery. He did precisely what I had already paid for and nothing else, so I don't see why I should be expected to pay extra in such circumstances.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 16:42
The tipping culture in this city is out of control. It seems that almost every service employee in every industry now expects to receive a tip for performing a service you have already paid for. I'll usually round up to the nearest AED5 so as to avoid getting any coins, but I won't go out of my way to tip every single person for simply doing their job (and often not to a particularly high standard).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 20:26
Just bookmark http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/forum23-dubai--northern-emirates.aspx That's what I do anyway
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 March 2013 - 08:27
I remember reading in Xpress (or maybe on here) that Nakheel was employing various underhand tactics to coerce Shoreline owners into agreeing to their latest community charge proposals, which have been disputed for some time now. One of these tactics was to prevent title deeds from being issued to 'problem' owners who didn't already have them, which may or may not explain the lengthy delays some of you are experiencing.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 01:44
I asked my friend in RERA, he only has to give you 3 months notice like any other rental property in Dubai unfortunately. Unless there's been a fundamental change in the law over the last 6 months, this is incorrect. I know this as I was in the exact same situation as the OP and the Rent Committee ruled that 12 months notice must be given if the landlord wishes to sell. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 26/02/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 18:32
www.awf.ae/law-33-2008.html d. If the owner of the property wishes to sell the leased property. And for the purpose of clause (2) of this Article, landlord must notify tenant with reasons for eviction at least twelve months prior to the determined date of eviction subject that such notice be sent through the Notary Public or by registered mail. edited by HereComesTheSun on 20/02/2013 <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 20/02/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 18:29
IHe is trying to sell - am I screwed now and have to be out by 31st Oct 2013? :-( No. There are legally required ways and means of serving the 12-month notice and sneaking an extra clause into a contract is not one of them. You're still entitled to another one-year lease adjusted for any price increases within the rent calculator.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 18:23
Try booking as a tourist from abroad (i.e. via a .co.uk website) as they get much better rates / special offers than those of us already here.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 18:20
Increases in rent must fall within the parameters set by RERA's rent calculator and must be communicated to the tenant a minimum of 90 days before the end of the contract. The 12-month notice refers to the landlord wanting you to move out so he can move in or sell it (in reality, they usually just rent it to someone else for a higher price). I don't know what happens with JVT not being in the rent calculator yet, but it definitely won't give landlords carte blanche to charge whatever they like. You will have to seek advice from RERA/the Rent Committee on that. I think I'm right in saying you won't be able to file a case without having your contract registered with Ejari (which requires title deeds or affection plan), but you should still be able to seek their advice without this. I would also advise you to try registering with Ejari even with the existing incorrect title deeds you currently have as they may accept it and you are then in the system (which in turn helps other JVT residents by adding to the database for that area).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 17:34
Party Zone or something like that. It's only small but you really can't miss it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 17:24
Any party shop will have them. There's one between the Yacht Club and Bob's Fish & Chips in the Marina.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 09:02
I understand the point you are making Sakhifa, but sometimes people simply don't have any choice but to go down that particular route (for example, Dubai's ridiculous 1-cheque rent system and extortionate education fees). Assuming this loan would be for rent, try asking your employer to loan you the money rather than a bank through a salary advance (I've been very lucky with employers agreeing to help out like this). If that's not possible, rent a place that will take 4 cheques and just borrow the much smaller initial payment from the bank. You should have enough by cheque 2 to start paying it yourself. If its for anything else (especially personal 'luxury' items that you could do without), I'd seriously reconsider for the reasons outlined by Sakhifa. You're presumably still in your probation period and this really isn't the place to be defaulting on debt repayments. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 19/02/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 23:47
AED100 will be a parking fine. Either they've entered the details into the system incorrectly or someone has cloned your licence plate (yes, people actually do that). You need to contact them and explain that there is no way this could have been you or your car. Good luck.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 15:47
I've never had a problem with Cobone (numerous with Groupon), although I'm sure other have had opposite experiences. However, whenever I've priced up the holiday offers on these sites, I've been able to do it all myself for at least the same price. So I would advise you to check that is actually a 'deal' before booking with them as cutting out the middle man makes life much simpler, especially as they tend to impose all sorts of restrictions.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 09:21
Not sure I understand this thread. Are you saying you noticed some time ago that you weren't being charged and DEWA explained what you needed to do but you chose to ignore them? If so, that seems like a strange reaction to me. Why wouldn't you do as they asked in order to rectify the situation? And why would you possibly not want to pay for your last 6 months of water usage? Yes, they made a mistake but that doesn't mean you get to have a free ride, especially in this country. Sounds to me like you've got nothing to rant about; just pay up and move on.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 14:24
The first service for a Mercedes is usually after 10,000 miles, so 18,000km is about right.