| New joiner: 2012 Baltic Blue Westminster | |
Hello all
This is my first post, thought I’d introduce myself. I’m Bryan and the now proud owner of a 2012 4.4TDv8 Westminster in Baltic Blue with Sand interior. Bought 2 weeks ago with 170k miles on the clock with full service history, in great condition.
I’ve lurked on the forum since 2021 and I’m extremely grateful for all of the free knowledge and advice that I’ve read - thank you all! What a great forum this is!
Always fancied an L322 and had to scratch the itch. It’s glorious to drive, the power is sublime and the cabin is such an airy, comfortable place to be in. First car I’ve had where the seats get too hot…
Have changed the interior bulbs to warm white LEDs, added the blingy Autobiography knobs to the armrests (look amazing), added side cargo nets to the boot and also bought a 7” cheapy CarPlay screen that works surprisingly well for £30. Need to sort the drooping glovebox but I’ve read the heat treatment post for that so will give it a go. Oh, and Bosch wiper blades - the old ones were smearing…
Did my first ever full service today - suck-out oil change (following Baltic Blue’s method - 9.25l out - thank you sir!), and replaced the oil filter, air filters, pollen filter, and diesel filter - very satisfying to do the work myself. And yes, I reset the service interval with the Gap tool.
Intend on doing the oil changes every 4-5k miles (I fortunately work from home so only do about 6k a year). Next job is the diffs and transfer box oils and then get Mr Bodsworth to do a gearbox flush. Will be using ramps on the drive for this - do I need to take the undershields off to get at the diffs?
I want to keep this for a good long while so longer term I’m planning a suspension refresh, new brake pads and discs, a set of new tyres (looking at AT3 Grabbers but open to suggestions) and replacing the hoses on the engine. Rides beautifully right now but new parts never hurt, right?
Looking forward to doing as much as I can on the car, even though my spanner skills are very much at amateur level - the only way to learn is to do, I reckon. The how-to’s on here have given me the confidence to have a go at stuff that would have scared me previously!
Going to do the NC500 over 9 days in July, and try roof tenting for the first time - seems the ideal vehicle to do it with!
Some pics from the advert attached.
Cheers all, Bryan.
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22nd Apr 2025 5:33pm
