Picked up a '99 528iT for my wife. [Archive] - Bimmerforums

Stück

01-01-2014, 04:14 PM

In matching Titansilber as my daily :)

Her previous '00 Civic was a good reliable driver for her but with another kid on the way... it had to go!

It has 184k on it, compression is good and even across all 6 cylinders. It has some rarish options, like heated seats, heated steering wheel, pull out cargo floor, static (not self leveling) rear suspension, and xenon headlights.

I actually bought it last week but just now got the repairs needed completely.

The woman that previously owned it hit something on the highway that bent the front subframe and cracked steering rack, and the oil pan. I work at a salvage yard so those replacement parts were free.

While looking the car over I noted a bunch of new parts recently done by the previous owner. Radiator, upper/lower hoses, thermostat, water pump, DSC module, AC Compressor, starter, rear Bilsteins, cabin air filters, and some other things I'm surely forgetting.

Since my wife was going to be driving it I did some preventative maintenance immediately.

New coolant expansion tank as it had a pinhole leak.
New both hoses off the lower connections on the tank as they were weeping, one came apart while removing!
Good used alternator on there as the original ones bearings were loud.
3 new idler pulleys, including conversion to hydraulic main tensioner.
2 new belts.
Both short rear brake flexible lines off the DSC pump. The smaller of the 2 was leaking, pending failure. 2 new ones were cheap peace of mind.
New oil filter housing gasket.
New VANOS oil feed line w/ new crush rings
New upper and lower air intake boots.
Good used ICV (was throwing mechanical jammed code and idling high)

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/F8F61279-E4C4-4E28-B2B1-ED8006819EB3_zpsbbe3dj4p.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/F8F61279-E4C4-4E28-B2B1-ED8006819EB3_zpsbbe3dj4p.jpg.html)

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/B0024015-12E1-4F3D-960B-AD183FF26489_zpstwlinp6h.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/B0024015-12E1-4F3D-960B-AD183FF26489_zpstwlinp6h.jpg.html)

After finishing up I washed them both and took a couple pictures :)

I'm not going to say how little I paid for the car, but even with all the new & used parts I tossed at it to get it "wife can just drive it" ready I'm at $1,300 total investment including the car itself.

RuskiE39

01-01-2014, 04:16 PM

I love your keeping it e39, props on the clean ride :)

Stück

01-01-2014, 04:35 PM

I've always loved E39 wagons since the first time I drove one back in 2001. Took awhile to get one but the price was worth the wait!

I'm in the process of building a round to flat pin radio adapter to put a late model CD player w/ AUX in the car, I refuse to pay the $80ish the OE BMW adapter goes for. That's ridiculous for what it is.

As soon as Luke & German Audio Specialties has more of his E39 Passive Crossover Networks in stock this car will be getting one.

Narvin

01-01-2014, 05:43 PM

Wow! Looks great for how little you invested in it! You know though.. That front needs to be updated haha

Stück

01-01-2014, 06:33 PM

Eh, she can't back out of the driveway as is without dragging the front bumper on the way out. What I'd want isn't nesicarily practical for her. I'm not going to spend money on things I know she'll tear up. Headlights will get new clear corner lenses, with new adjusters but that's it.

IndiansFan

01-02-2014, 12:46 AM

It's day's like today when I look at your driveway and then my driveway.........makes me wish I lived where they only put salt on food! Forecast is calling for an additional 6" by tomorrow.....

Keep the pull out cargo floor lubed, and it won't squeek. Enjoy the grocery getter.

shortedaman

01-02-2014, 03:01 AM

Its 60 here in Houston.

ojomo

01-02-2014, 03:14 AM

better stock up on plastic fender flap/liners.

tmvE39E53Z32TT

01-02-2014, 09:24 AM

Nice score.
It's good to have wife and kids in a bimmer. They are much better protected.

RVAE34

01-02-2014, 09:33 AM

Nice! You finally scored one :D

Alpinweiss E30

01-02-2014, 09:38 AM

Nice car. Always wanted to get a touring for my wife but I either couldn't afford it at the time or find one for sale nearby.

RuskiE39

01-02-2014, 04:29 PM

Agreed, if I was ever to get a wagon it would be an E39 and clone it to look like RVAE34's :P

Stück

01-04-2014, 02:51 PM

Have about 200 miles on the car so far. It's done perfectly fine save for a reoccurring CEL for SAS bank 1 & 2. A quick poke around found the vacuum line above the exhaust manifolds running down the valve cover to be stiff as a board, and cracked. Replaced the bad section with fresh vacuum line and hoping that fixes those codes so I can get it inspected this weekend. I tested the valve, it opens on vacuum, and the air pump works fine as well. Should do the trick.

Stopped by a buddies shop and had him do an alignment on the car yesterday and its driving straight as an arrow now.

Replaced both front fender liners, the large hoop, on both sides as they were drooping down and incredibly brittle. Each one came out in a hundred pieces.

Replaced the connector to the front ride height sensor for the self leveling headlights. It was broken from whatever it hit on the highway. Hopefully the headlights will self adjust now after I put new adjusters in them.

Stück

08-26-2014, 03:00 PM

Just wanted to bump this thread with a few updates. She just ticked over 193,000 miles and the M52tu is still running like a dream.

A couple months ago I treated her to a G.A.S Passive Crossover Network with an Image Dynamics i5800 amplifier (had the amp laying around, not really my taste)
Along with that I swapped out the C43 headunit for a CD53. Sound quality bump was massive!

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/C8FEB81A-A61F-481B-9448-1734E11D2F97_zps1hepsx5d.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/C8FEB81A-A61F-481B-9448-1734E11D2F97_zps1hepsx5d.jpg.html)

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/0C333F49-89C9-4DAA-B119-708153206C9A_zpskfriib2f.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/0C333F49-89C9-4DAA-B119-708153206C9A_zpskfriib2f.jpg.html)

Last weekend I mounted a set of style 81's with new Continental DWS.

Today I got the windows tinted, which we've been talking about for awhile. 20% all around.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/IMG_2210_zpsd4fe3466.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/IMG_2210_zpsd4fe3466.jpg.html)

In the immediate future I'm planning on throwing a 2001+ front bumper on there, and building her a set of 2001+ headlights /w EVOXR projectors to replace the pre-facelift xenon lights on it now.

RVAE34

08-26-2014, 03:14 PM

I am coming to steal that crossover. With all that copper, I will be rich when I take it to the scrap yard. Muahahaha.

Stück

08-26-2014, 04:10 PM

Copper inductor coils? haha... Clearly you've never priced out audio grade MKP capacitors before, that's where the money is!

Frankie

08-26-2014, 05:52 PM

I've got the same car in my garage and would love a set of style 81's or style 5's. Where did you get yours?

Last month, the car developed a squeaking noise somewhere in the front which was not brake noise and was speed dependent. I pulled a piece of wood the size of half a clothes pin from INSIDE the hat of the brake rotor. Weird.

Stück

08-26-2014, 07:40 PM

Mine came in on a car at work, I took them after mounting good tires. I work at a salvage yard that deals primarily in euro's.

auaq

08-26-2014, 08:18 PM

Nice score! The E39 family is growing indeed ...

Pekelicious

08-27-2014, 05:46 AM

Mine came in on a car at work, I took them after mounting good tires. I work at a salvage yard that deals primarily in euro's.

Man, i need the address of that salvage yard so i can go get some goodies for me every time i travel to houston :D

AquilaBMW

08-27-2014, 10:46 AM

Very nice... the wheels totally updated the look of the car. It's amazing what a nice set of wheels can do. I need to start learning about Audio stuff. My Touring has the stock Audio system and after being in cars with the DSP system and the other one with Dual Amps and crossovers, the touring one just sounds inadequate.

Stück

08-27-2014, 12:32 PM

Yeah the style 29's are so BLAH looking, and a PITA to clean. Wifey wasn't going to clean them and I sure didn't want to. 81's you can just chase with the wash mitt on the way by. I love how the 81's look on the Touring.

New 01+ LCI front bumper cover acquired:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/F7C1BAD1-6774-4CAB-8F4C-3609C5997DFC_zpsls35priw.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/F7C1BAD1-6774-4CAB-8F4C-3609C5997DFC_zpsls35priw.jpg.html)

I need to make the cutouts for the headlamp washer jets as this cover does not have them and her car does. Nothing I can't handle.

Oh and a pair of 01+ LCI Xenon headlights, loose inside and rough lenses. They look much better in pictures than they actually are.
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/F82C6343-D690-4BEA-BE93-23B779D99A5B_zpspk55r4f0.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/F82C6343-D690-4BEA-BE93-23B779D99A5B_zpspk55r4f0.jpg.html)

I just ordered brand new lenses for the headlights and I'll be ordering EVO-XR projectors shortly. Already have the new adjusters.

She's going to have a brand spankin' new looking front end soon!

Stück

08-30-2014, 10:46 PM

Headlight lenses showed up today from... Umnitza... I really don't like doing business with them but they had the best price by far on the new DJ Auto lenses.

I'll be changing over the US amber corners into the new lenses so if anyone wants the "Euro clear" inserts please speak up. Whom ever wants them first come first serve you pay shipping...

Brand new LCI foglights showed up today too.

Now just waiting for the EVO XR projectors from The Retrofit Source, and the bumper back from paint. Both should be mid to late next week.

BimmerBreaker

08-30-2014, 10:51 PM

I'm interested in the euro corners, if your willing to let em go to me ;)

Stück

08-30-2014, 10:53 PM

Certainly. Consider them yours.

I should have everything in hand to build her headlights next weekend. I'll shoot you a PM thereafter and we can figure out the rest.

BimmerBreaker

08-30-2014, 10:56 PM

No problem. Thanks, my buddy's E39 needs them desparately :) And hes spent so much on the car already getting it up to shape I'd like to give these to him pro bono

Havent read anything else in this thread because I'm not ready to buy a touring! lol

MacLoGoS

08-31-2014, 12:13 PM

Nice looking touring!!

Stück

09-05-2014, 09:44 PM

Made some progress with the wife mobile.

Last night I finished up the drivers side headlamp. New EVOXR projector and DJ Auto lense. Love fresh optical clarity! Plastic film will stay on until they are install to insure no scratches on the new lenses.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/BE66D1F9-5DA6-425E-9CF4-80839CA6897F_zpshfxbaw0h.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/BE66D1F9-5DA6-425E-9CF4-80839CA6897F_zpshfxbaw0h.jpg.html)

Today I got the front bumper cover back from paint. I ended up buying the 3 center grills and the lower rubber lip spoiler new at the dealer. I just didn't have anything nice in the yard. Not very expensive... Also installed a new pair of fog lamps, they are aftermarket but look/fit great for $29 shipped. (ebay)

Total cost wrapped up in the front bumper swap for the new cover, grills, lip spoiler, fog lamps and the paint is $193.

Before:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01816_zps266ad821.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01816_zps266ad821.jpg.html)

and after:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01817_zps36bee408.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01817_zps36bee408.jpg.html)

She will be running around with no front bumper moldings or license plate all weekend as I assumed that the pre facelift bumper moldings would snap right onto the facelift bumper cover. They won't, all the tangs are in different places, otherwise they would fit fine. Not sure why BMW did that. She wanted to keep the chromeline moldings but it looks like I'm not going to be able to facilitate that now.

Crazy how much this simple mod lifted the face of the car up from the dumps.

Tomorrow I'll be swapping finishing the passenger head light, swapping wiring connectors, and installing the head lights.

Jose E34

09-05-2014, 10:57 PM

Looks good Jordan. Bet the wife is excited.

BimmerBreaker

09-06-2014, 12:55 AM

I think you should find a way to make the chrome trim fit. It would look rather silly if it had chrome in the rear and sides and solid black front. Get creative ;)

Vytas

09-06-2014, 09:11 AM

Where did you get the front facelift bumper and the fogs? Any advice where can i get it in Europe? Shipping must be expensive... I have the same model thinking about same upgrade, except ugly and expensive face-lift(my opinion to much rings all over..) headlights :)

Stück

09-06-2014, 09:45 AM

I think you should find a way to make the chrome trim fit. It would look rather silly if it had chrome in the rear and sides and solid black front. Get creative ;)Well I intend to change all of the moldings, not just the front if I do that... Regardless I thought i would give it another look this morning now that the day light is back.

Where did you get the front facelift bumper and the fogs? Any advice where can i get it in Europe? Shipping must be expensive... I have the same model thinking about same upgrade, except ugly and expensive face-lift(my opinion to much rings all over..) headlights :)No idea where you could get it in Europe new besides your local dealer. Here in the US we have a number of aftermarket body parts suppliers, I would imagine you do too.

The cover is from Certifit, it is $54. Fit and finish is flawless. Puts all of the M5 rep bumpers to shame in that department.

Vytas

09-06-2014, 12:46 PM

This is amazing price :) i will try to search in EU. Looks very nice and fresh !

- - - Updated - - -

Can you show some pics from inside? I want to compare with my 528 :D

Stück

09-06-2014, 01:14 PM

The interior of her car is bone stock Standardleder grau on comfort seats with Vavona wood trim. Nothing to see there.

Faceoff, mounting the headlights:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01818_zps9db369a5.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01818_zps9db369a5.jpg.html)

Face back on, low beam check:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01819_zpse49f66a7.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01819_zpse49f66a7.jpg.html)

Lowbeam & fog lamp check:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01820_zpsd812fafa.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01820_zpsd812fafa.jpg.html)

3/4 profile full frame:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01821_zps77bea589.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01821_zps77bea589.jpg.html)

3/4 profile tight:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01822_zps71c70aa1.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01822_zps71c70aa1.jpg.html)

Two Titansilber beauties:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01825_zps88f32031.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01825_zps88f32031.jpg.html)

Unfortunately this early production Touring has the 2 wire turn signals, so I'm going to have to find a more creative means to wire in the angel eyes to the park lamp system. For now I'm just leaving them disconnected as they are strictly cosmetic.

- - - Updated - - -

I think you should find a way to make the chrome trim fit. It would look rather silly if it had chrome in the rear and sides and solid black front. Get creative ;)

Looked at it again and nope.. not going to happen. The depth of the early model trim simply isn't compatible with the raised sections of the facelift bumper. The interfere greatly, and even if I trimmed all the mounting tangs off the trim that dont line up with the holes the trim still can't get anywhere near close to engaging or being flush.

Facelift trim it is... she wants to leave it black though, which is best because I can just texture and paint facelift trim myself and save the bodyshop paint work. Between her and the kids body coded moldings isn't a good idea anyway.. they get bumped a lot...

BimmerBreaker

09-06-2014, 01:34 PM

That is so odd. I have facelift and prefacelift trims at my disposal right now and they looked close enough to me (though I never had them side by side), but I wasn't looking at the bumpers. I wonder why BMW changed that... seems so silly to me :dunno

Stück

09-06-2014, 01:35 PM

I agree, usually BMW maintains linearity through the LCI process so cars can be readily retrofit.. but oh well. If you try to install the early trim on the later cover you'll see what obstructs immediately.

Both your chrome euro inserts are wrapped in foam and ready to ship. PM me your info.

Stück

07-26-2015, 04:09 PM

It's been really cool than I next to never have to update this thread, this Touring has been a really reliable car.

In the nearly full year thats passed since my last post I've changed the two small brake lines that come off the DSC pump as they were leaking. I went with UUC braided stainless steel ones so I don't have to worry about it again.

The hose that goes from the aux water pump to the lower coolant hard line under the intake let go. Thankfully it did so in the driveway and I was able to pick up a new one for something like $25 and it only took 20mins to change out.

I picked up another set of Technical Graphite trim for the touring from a wrecked 97 528i. Wife loves it, neither of us liked the wood. I got an AT knob separetly and I tucked the MT knob in safe keeping as we'd like to convert the touring to 5spd with a ZF320. I already have the flywheel/clutchkit/trans/driveshaft set aside. I'm saving the 3:15 from my car when I swap my 3.45 M5 in for a little added kick. 528i/5 would have come with a 2.93 and the Touring a 3.07 IIRC.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/E28BA57C-ABFA-45CF-8C84-1F550A69837A_zpsa1bcxrj8.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/E28BA57C-ABFA-45CF-8C84-1F550A69837A_zpsa1bcxrj8.jpg.html)

Our 16 year old has been learning to drive this summer and shes nearly become my wifes chauffeur. While shes been doing OK I guess there was a incident a couple weeks ago I'm still irritated about. Somehow the two of them both "did not see" a pothole that was 3ft across and deep enough the underside of front bumper hit the ground. Cosmetic scuffs to the bumper and it pulls to the right now... but no otherwise apparent damage....

Ah but today will be the cars first official black mark during my ownership...

Wifey complained the A/C wasn't cooling well last weekend, I checked the pressures and noted it was low. I added 12oz and it was blowing 38F from the vents, nice... Yesterday morning she went to drive the car and said the air wasn't blowing cool at all.

I wasn't able to look at it yesterday but did so this morning. I put the gauges on it again and nada... empty. ZERO PSI on the low and high sides... well s&*$.

I injected some dye in the system and dumped another 12oz of R134a in. Pretty quickly I found the leak.... the condensate draining from the evaporator case was bright green. DOUBLE S@$&!

So now I need to remove the dash and HVAC case to R&R the evaporator. DO NOT WANT lol. Huge job. At least the core is cheap enough, only $136 my cost brand new for BEHR.....

dannyzabolotny

07-26-2015, 05:09 PM

Man I can totally relate, I've been teaching my girlfriend how to drive and it's been pretty stressful haha. She doesn't ever want to drive a stick, you're lucky that your wife is okay with it.

Stück

07-26-2015, 05:21 PM

My wife would actually prefer a manual, he whole life she's had manuals and only later in her adult life had automatics. Once our youngest gets a bit older I'll tackle that project.

The wagon should get tremendously better gas mileage with a manual too. That 4 speed GM in there now is awful, she gets 17-19MPG at best.... where as I get 27MPG in my E39 with double the horsepower.

dannyzabolotny

07-26-2015, 05:24 PM

19mpg in a 528i? Damn those pre-facelift autos must have been terrible, the 530i and 540i get way better mileage with their autos.

Stück

07-30-2015, 11:24 PM

I started in on the Touring evaporator job. It's gone really smoothly and I have to say as absolutely daunting as the pictures look, it really wasn't that bad.

1.5 hours from start till HVAC case sitting on my bench. It took another 40 minutes to carefully break down the HVAC case and expose the evaporator.

A little over 1 hour in, HVAC case still in place. Center console, dash, and core frame removed:

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/CC3BDB8F-DA95-4CFF-BE69-524050956D9C_zpsmqyir6ik.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/CC3BDB8F-DA95-4CFF-BE69-524050956D9C_zpsmqyir6ik.jpg.html)

A touring makes for a nice place to stack all the crap you have to remove:

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/B53AA213-6FDB-4011-A7FA-D07823517F33_zpsu79lmi9v.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/B53AA213-6FDB-4011-A7FA-D07823517F33_zpsu79lmi9v.jpg.html)

1.5 hours in, HVAC case removed and on the work bench:

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/92A4407D-393C-483F-9063-908511259A0E_zpsdkrqvbe7.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/92A4407D-393C-483F-9063-908511259A0E_zpsdkrqvbe7.jpg.html)
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/8B57001B-F518-46DB-9835-1421BC2F7160_zpsoigrc5ha.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/8B57001B-F518-46DB-9835-1421BC2F7160_zpsoigrc5ha.jpg.html)

The HVAC case is held together with about 2 dozen T20 screws and several dozen pressure clips. About 20 minutes of disassembly got to this point:

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/7C75F976-E882-4577-84B3-6802266D5B4E_zpslboq05cr.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/7C75F976-E882-4577-84B3-6802266D5B4E_zpslboq05cr.jpg.html)

Look at how dirty the evaporator is. 206,000mi here. Hair, dirt, dust, and other various debris. All of which traps moisture and odors... not to mention holds moisture against the aluminum core, which fosters corrosion.....

Side by side with the brand spanking new evaporator, honestly... a good 60-70% of the surface area of the original unit is matted with thick crap obstructing flow and killing the cores thermal efficiency. Note that the slanted strip at the top is not part of the front face area, it is covered by the case as installed:

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/BE1F411A-02C9-431B-AF53-9A03919B64E8_zpsmbjeybrp.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/BE1F411A-02C9-431B-AF53-9A03919B64E8_zpsmbjeybrp.jpg.html)

A veritable jigsaw puzzle of HVAC case laying on the floor:

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/0D627FE5-6797-4099-80C7-6E3FCE7A13F7_zps8yxtpepk.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/0D627FE5-6797-4099-80C7-6E3FCE7A13F7_zps8yxtpepk.jpg.html)

and finally... the pièce de ré·sis·tance.... the hole where all the preciouses R134a was escaping. This is after cleaning the suspect area with a wire brush. It was heavily corroded and caked in the same junk as the front face of the core... it builds up on the floor of the case.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/9BF4382E-07A4-45EC-9516-E31E7BFFBB41_zpsklbtt4kk.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/9BF4382E-07A4-45EC-9516-E31E7BFFBB41_zpsklbtt4kk.jpg.html)

1gr8e39

07-31-2015, 12:28 AM

You'd have no problem doing this on the sedan lol. Maybe it's time to throw a S62 g420 in? You have got to be running out of things to do on your car.... Btw. One of the s/c VF guys said they though your car was faster than theirs. How much power do you think it makes. It's time to get that baby on a dyno.

dannyzabolotny

07-31-2015, 12:49 AM

Stück, your work never ceases to amaze me. I just get inspired to go work on my car some more. I'm just amazed at how easily you do all this, it would probably take me a week or two.

MortVader83

07-31-2015, 01:25 AM

I'm jealous! No matter what I do I can't get my girlfriend out of her Civic. I even surprised her with an '02 330xi a couple of years ago and she said no. Luckily I bought it cheap and turned a profit.

What's your secret? lol

BimmrMeUpSnotty

07-31-2015, 01:26 AM

Wow man! That thing was nasty!

dannyzabolotny

07-31-2015, 03:05 AM

Stück

07-31-2015, 08:56 AM

Getting my wife out of the Civic wasn't a problem. The car did nothing well except conserve gas. It was slow, boring, small, stereo sucked, etc. Didn't even have ABS. She also owed more on it than it was worth. We ended up lucking out as her brother was in need of a car and took over the payments on it.

Redshift

07-31-2015, 09:30 AM

Great work on the evaporator. That's real manly stuff right there.

Stück

07-31-2015, 09:39 AM

Great work on the evaporator. That's real manly stuff right there.

Ha!

Funny thing is that I explained to my wife what all this repair would entail, and I don't think she really grasped the gravity of the situation until she ventured out to the garage last night and looked at her interior. The expression on her face was hilarious.

Redshift

07-31-2015, 09:41 AM

Ha!

Funny thing is that I explained to my wife what all this repair would entail, and I don't think she really grasped the gravity of the situation until she ventured out to the garage last night and looked at her interior. The expression on her face was hilarious.

Been there before. Love that. It reinforces the lengths to which we'll go to fix or upgrade something. They often can't comprehend until the parts are literally on the floor.

dannyzabolotny

07-31-2015, 11:47 AM

Yep, my girlfriend was shocked when half of my 540i's engine components were laying around the garage. But I actually made her useful, she helped me clean all the grime and gunk off the engine covers :P Maybe I'll have her help me restore the seats too.

auaq

07-31-2015, 11:59 AM

Ugh ... evaporator. See them everyday on Toyota's at work.

Stück

07-31-2015, 12:02 PM

Best I can tell E39's have well made / reliable evaporators, I really couldn't find much of anything online about replacing them.... so I just dove into it.

auaq

07-31-2015, 12:13 PM

Ze Germans!

dannyzabolotny

07-31-2015, 02:51 PM

Oddly enough yeah, that's the one component that just keeps working on E39's, I rarely see anybody complain about them failing all of a sudden. Sure they need to be refilled after a while, but that's about it.

Stück

08-01-2015, 11:01 AM

Did not get as far as I would have liked last night. It took significantly longer to clean the HVAC case parts and reassembled than I had planned.

None the less I did get the case completely reassembled last night and I'm about to head into the garage to install in it the car and put everything back together.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/9C8E9152-CEDD-4F54-ACA3-279CB04EC6E8_zpsl6v5h3cr.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/9C8E9152-CEDD-4F54-ACA3-279CB04EC6E8_zpsl6v5h3cr.jpg.html)
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/8EABDAF8-2B7C-402C-9080-221F7C1A16E4_zpsyrs6psoa.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/8EABDAF8-2B7C-402C-9080-221F7C1A16E4_zpsyrs6psoa.jpg.html)
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DEB1A19A-B4F9-4404-B607-CEEC2668C5EA_zpsbq9l0ifo.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DEB1A19A-B4F9-4404-B607-CEEC2668C5EA_zpsbq9l0ifo.jpg.html)

1gr8e39

08-01-2015, 01:16 PM

Not as fulfilling a job as your used to. But it's getting there. Was there any other "while your in there" stuff that your doing?

dannyzabolotny

08-01-2015, 01:54 PM

Did you follow a specific guide for rebuilding that, or did you just use your wizard skills to figure it out on your own?

Stück

08-01-2015, 03:15 PM

Not as fulfilling a job as your used to. But it's getting there. Was there any other "while your in there" stuff that your doing?I wouldn't necessarily say that. I mean not everything I do is go fast stuff. Regular maintenance and repairs is a larger part of my sidework by far. Other than cleaning everything as I put it back in and leaving a token of my affection for my wife on the expansion valve? No :-)

Did you follow a specific guide for rebuilding that, or did you just use your wizard skills to figure it out on your own?I actually looked for a guide online, but I was unable to find anything. I was more interested in a timeframe approximation than a step by step guide. I typically just dive into things and figure it out.

Interior blown and vacuumed out. Lots of dust bunnies and chunks of decomposed foam:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01864_zpshca2aerm.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01864_zpshca2aerm.jpg.html)

Another shot, this time daytime of the interior in a pile:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01865_zpshfq8kdxp.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01865_zpshfq8kdxp.jpg.html)

Engine bay side of the firewall, ready to accept the HVAC case:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01866_zpscrw7zcjy.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01866_zpscrw7zcjy.jpg.html)

HVAC case back in place, dash frame bolted down, wire routed and zip tied in original locations:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01867_zpsp0lcseex.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01867_zpsp0lcseex.jpg.html)

Upper dash pad reinstalled, starting to look like as car again:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01868_zps10ffe9ch.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01868_zps10ffe9ch.jpg.html)

Remainder of dash reinstalled, radio, cluster, trim etc:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01869_zpszw7zvr3b.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01869_zpszw7zvr3b.jpg.html)

Center console reinstalled:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01870_zps9kjnkwqh.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01870_zps9kjnkwqh.jpg.html)

and where the car stands now, all buttoned back up and drawing a vacuum on the AC system:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/DSC01871_zpsgzcgbasv.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/DSC01871_zpsgzcgbasv.jpg.html)

All told I'm into this job just shy of 7 hours. I'm sure I could have completed it in 5 hours or less if I had not taken the time to clean the interior of the HVAC case, and blow out and vacuum the interior, and wipe down each part as I put it back.

1gr8e39

08-01-2015, 03:20 PM

I'm sure you've done plenty of a/c recharging but I found you get the best results by slightly under filling it, even though the system can store extra freon. I just did mine Wednesday to exact BMW spec and I ended up bleeding it a bit and getting better a/c temps.

dannyzabolotny

08-01-2015, 03:46 PM

It's kinda ridiculous to think that BMW put carpet in a place where literally nobody would ever see it, under the HVAC core. I guess it was for ease of installation or something?

Stück

08-01-2015, 04:23 PM

Sound deadening more than anything IMO.

Just finished filling the AC system with 24oz of R134a. Took her up and down the freeway, 38F vent temps with 106F ambient per OBC.

Burrrrr.

1gr8e39

08-01-2015, 05:21 PM

Sound deadening more than anything IMO. Just finished filling the AC system with 24oz of R134a. Took her up and down the freeway, 38F vent temps with 106F ambient per OBC. Burrrrr.
Dang that's cold. Well done as always...

Sent from NSA's Apple Metadata Collector.

tinius

08-01-2015, 05:27 PM

Great photos of the IHKA. I've filed them away for future reference.
Thx,

Redshift

08-01-2015, 09:21 PM

Great wrenching as always, Jordan. Now come over here and do my dash.

philly98540

08-01-2015, 11:14 PM

Damn, very impressive. This may be a first on this forum. Nice work.

Stück

08-01-2015, 11:16 PM

Man its easy, just do it.

I think the only things needed to remove the dash, console, and everything else are:

13mm socket
10mm socket
7mm socket
6mm allen
Philips screwdriver
T20 screwdriver

Redshift

08-02-2015, 05:50 PM

I know, I've been tackling larger jobs. Soon!

Stück

08-03-2015, 08:57 AM

Well Sunday morning my wife decided we needed to roadtrip in the newly fixed up Touring, she wanted to make a Buc-ee's run. The big one we like to go to is about half way between Houston and Dallas.... 3 hour round trip.

We all piled in the car and set off. The AC had no problem getting everyone uncomfortably cold long before we got there, I'm talking nose, ears and fingers tooo cold kinda cold when its over 100F outside.

Good stuff :-)

philly98540

08-03-2015, 09:08 AM

Glad it worked out! Still amazed at how much crap was on the fins. Yuck! Do you know the history of the car?. Were climate filters used? Makes me want to yank mine out just to clean it.

dannyzabolotny

08-03-2015, 09:19 AM

Yeah, makes me wonder how much crap is in my 2001 540i's AC core.

tinius

08-03-2015, 10:00 AM

http://i60.tinypic.com/4rs1uo.jpg

This image is still giving me nightmares. Is this where the incoming air stream from each side first enters the IHKA? I assume it's up against the firewall, which means you can only access it by removing the whole unit, as you did. Do you think your car was run for some long time without cabin filters? Or could the system pick up this kind of dust and lint while recirculating?

Is this the incoming air path, with the squirrel cage at the top of the loop, and the condenser coils right after the arrowhead?
http://i62.tinypic.com/2cooqix.jpg

Thx,

Stück

08-03-2015, 10:13 AM

The incoming air enters the HVAC box through those slanted yellow circles yes. Before that is the angled ducts that go to the cabin filter housings.

The dirty as hell face of the evaporator core is the first point of contact immediately after the blower motor.

When I bought the car it has cabin filters in place, albeit dirty. I did change them pretty much immediately and the same ones are in place and perfectly find 2 years later.

The cabin filter design in our cars is no where near air tight, so dust and small debris can absolutely circumvent the filters, and it adds up over time.

Also something I wasn't aware of but makes sense... when you have the recycle option turned on the cabin filters are altogether bypassed and the HVAC recycle intake is opened on either side of the case, drawing in unfiltered cabin air. You can see how dusty and dirty it was up under the dash, that all gets drawn in.

philly98540

08-03-2015, 10:55 AM

You think a bores cope could be snaked in well enough to see if my fins are caked with crud? Or is the blower cage in the way? Tks.

Stück

08-03-2015, 10:59 AM

If you remove the filter housing inlet duct and look inside with a flash light you can see a tiny bit of the evaporator, but realistically just the parts immediately in front of the blower that aren't caked with crud. The sides and middle are obscured.

philly98540

08-03-2015, 12:23 PM

OK. I'll take a look and see if I can see anything... That crud pic has got to me. Just nasty.

I get the A/C sock smell in my car once in a while. I've done the evap coil cleaner spay routine, etc. but man nothings getting that cr@p off without disassembly.

Stück

08-03-2015, 12:31 PM

Problem with those case cleaner foaming sprays is that it is injected on the back side of the evap coil, and its not going to clean the top side if its that thick with crap. Its just not. It was thick and almost woven together like tearing apart felt.

philly98540

08-03-2015, 01:39 PM

I wonder if the PO used to haul dogs around in that car? Lots of hair...

And yes, you are right, those sprays are not budging that mess. Sigh.

Stück

03-27-2016, 10:48 PM

So I thought I would post a seldom seen update. This car for the most part has been rock solid, only requiring attention by means of regular maintenance.

Last night we were all traveling up to my BIL's lakehouse for the weekend and I made a quip at her expense about the laundry situation at home (its deplorably backed up) and she decided it would be funny to slam on the brakes and throw it in park... which was fine... I continued to laugh so she hit reverse as she floored it. Reverse doesn't catch immediately though and in the second and a half or so it took to catch she had nearly pegged the tachometer up to ~6k. It engaged with a loud chip of the tires and make a bang noise.

I immediately stopped laughing, and she had some smartass comment something to the effect of "oh now you're not laughing anymore" and I said.. Nope, because I think you just broke your transmission.

At this point she was oblivious of what she'd done, essentially neutral dropping the transmission into reverse at 6k rpm. At 212k mi the 4L30E said Nope, FU, walk home.....

She tried to put it into Drive, 3/2/1 but they would only rev the engine to ~2k or so as if the car was being held on a trans brake. No forward gears. Reverse still reversed, and neutral was now a reverse too. 5 Parks and 2 reverses.....

I had her get out of the car and I whipped the car around in reverse, driving it the rest of the 3/4mi or so to the lakehouse down pitch black back roads in reverse.

Called a buddy to come fetch me and the car with his trailer and brought it home. Got in about 3am this morning, slept for 5 hours, then got to work on the car.

Transmission and such is out on the ground. I'll still need to drop the 4.10 differential and pull the shifter/pedal box later today.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/B50677FA-21CA-4875-A1B3-863EA7EC7B8F_zpshonrvxwb.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/B50677FA-21CA-4875-A1B3-863EA7EC7B8F_zpshonrvxwb.jpg.html)

Luckily I already have most of what I need to swap the car to a 5spd set aside at work. I had intended to swap the car at some point, but not right now... my hand is sort of forced now though so... out it comes.

Going back in will be a ZF320z 5spd manual, E36 M3 flywheel/clutch (lighter than E39 flywheel, non-SAC) manual driveshaft and 2.93 diff. The car should get a 3.07 being a Touring, but I don't have one of those at work so 2.93 will due fine.

- - - Updated - - -

and I'm spent....

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/5B3F62AE-6A38-4625-9146-1F2A7FE6416C_zpste2ndqgi.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/5B3F62AE-6A38-4625-9146-1F2A7FE6416C_zpste2ndqgi.jpg.html)

Everything that is automatic related is out of the car save for the harness and EGS computer.

philly98540

03-27-2016, 10:58 PM

Sounds like marital bliss! I hope she on that laundry sitz beings your on swap detail.

Mless5

03-28-2016, 10:54 AM

You Sir have a wonderful e39 and e30, can't wait to see this evolve into something equally nice! Seems like it is already on the right path.

AquilaBMW

03-28-2016, 11:01 AM

Some really great work going on here... So, can we assume the laundry is all done now? :-) That was an unfortunate thing she did, but she did not realize the ramifications of the move. Would have loved to see her face when you told her she just blew up her transmission.... like Uh Oh! :-) Oh well, c'est la vie, now she gets to drive a manual. Maybe that's what she really wanted. :-)

gmak

03-28-2016, 11:10 AM

Lesson learned. Never joke about the first wife's delays in her chores when she's driving.

Stück

03-28-2016, 12:16 PM

We had discussed converting the Touring to a manual from day one, she prefers manuals and has no problem driving them but suitable mommy-mobiles generally don't come with that option. I had intended to put off the conversion until our youngest was a little older (shes 22months) but as said... my hand is forced.

Car should be a lot more fun to drive, be a little quicker and get better mileage. Were manual 528i Tourings offered to the US market? I've never seen one.

No the laundry isn't any more caught up than before lol. She stayed at the lakehouse all day Sunday while I worked on the car, came home pretty late.

I have to go pull the pedal box in a bit but everything else is ready to roll out of work today on to the house.

dannyzabolotny

03-28-2016, 12:19 PM

I feel like I've seen a few 528i/5 wagons, there's at least one member on here with one. They were very uncommon though.

auaq

03-28-2016, 12:25 PM

I think there have been few 528iT 5 speed in US.

ojomo

03-28-2016, 07:49 PM

women scare me sometimes.

dannyzabolotny

03-28-2016, 08:41 PM

This is why my girlfriend drives a new Hyundai with a warranty. I wouldn't trust her with a relatively sensitive German car when she can't even be bothered to keep her new car clean and serviced (I do all the oil/filter changes because she doesn't care).

auaq

03-28-2016, 08:43 PM

Stuck's wife forum name: StuckInGear

:D

Mach540

03-28-2016, 08:46 PM

stuck's wife forum name: Stuckinhere

:d

fify

auaq

03-28-2016, 08:49 PM

Mine sounds better.

Stück

03-28-2016, 10:59 PM

I did not manage to get a driver to deliver the whole setup this evening due to a number of employees calling in with Monday excuses... setting the whole operation behind.

I did bring the differential and flywheel home, along with the pedal box. I figure that would be sufficient to keep me busy this evening for a bit.

Diff installed easily, the Tourings seems to have *just* a little more room between those rear ear bolts and the spare tire well so I didn't have to lower the subframe like I did on my E39.

Finishing that up I moved to the front of the car and pulled the rear main seal flange plate off. The rear main seal had a BMW logo on it, and was hard/like plastic. While it wasn't full on leaking, just weeping.... its cheap and easy to change now. New seal was staggered on the crankshaft so it rides on a virgin surface.

After that I drove a new pilot bearing into the crankshaft and bolted up the E36 M3 flywheel.

As said I decided on the E36 M3 flywheel to drop a little rotating mass. 3lbs right on the dot. Both use a 240mm disc.

The E36 M3 flywheel is 10.288 kg (22.68 lbs)
The E39 6cyl flywheel is 11.65 kg (25.68 lbs)

I also get to move away from the awful LUK Self Adjusting Clutch and stick with a standard SACHS pressure plate, using the matching E36 M3 clutch kit. All of the M3 hardware here is a direct swap, as both cars use the same ZF320 transmission.

I then went top side to install the clutch hardline through the floor pan, which has a plug in the body you just knock out. After that I grabbed the pedal box and realized I should have pulled a later model one. I just pulled the first manual pedal box I found in the yard, which was in a 98 528i. Unfortunately this uses an older design set of switches, master cylinder and I'm just going to pull one from a late car tomorrow.

dannyzabolotny

03-28-2016, 11:27 PM

I also get to move away from the awful LUK Self Adjusting Clutch and stick with a standard SACHS pressure plate, using the matching E36 M3 clutch kit. All of the M3 hardware here is a direct swap, as both cars use the same ZF320 transmission.

Pardon my ignorance but why is the stock self-adjusting clutch a bad thing? I think it felt alright back when I had my 540i/6, though my manual driving experience is admittedly pretty limited.

RuskiE39

03-28-2016, 11:30 PM

How are you going to tackle the programming side of the swap?

blarf

03-28-2016, 11:38 PM

How are you going to tackle the programming side of the swap?

Change the ZCS and go?

RuskiE39

03-28-2016, 11:47 PM

I don't know much about manual swaps but I want to learn someday, from my understanding the wiring and programming is the hardest part of it all.

Stück

03-29-2016, 12:06 AM

Pardon my ignorance but why is the stock self-adjusting clutch a bad thing? I think it felt alright back when I had my 540i/6, though my manual driving experience is admittedly pretty limited.

The SAC was LUK's answer to a question no one asked.

As a regular clutch wears the engagement point in the pedals travel moves. This movement over 100-150,000mi of wear is hardly of any consequence to anyone.

LUK made a Self Adjusting Clutch that is constantly taking up for the wear maintaining a consistent engagement point... in practice however that isn't always the case, and the SAC pressure plates are light, feel like crap.

How are you going to tackle the programming side of the swap?I have a number of coding software tools on my laptop. PASoft should be able to code the cluster for manual, and WinKFP can flash the DME with manual software if needed.

jstern

03-29-2016, 02:47 PM

Were manual 528i Tourings offered to the US market? I've never seen one.

Yes there were! We have 3 in our family-1 1999 and 2 2000 all sport package cars. There seem to be quite a few here in the northeast as I know another forum member who had a 99 in Wells, ME (can't remember his forum name). There was another one for sale In Portsmouth, NH a couple of years ago as well as Rob Seigle (the BMW CCA Hack Mechanic) had one for a short while.

If if you look at the percentage of manual Tourings vs auto, there weren't many. I saw stats once but have been unable to find them.

RuskiE39

03-29-2016, 04:07 PM

Yes there were! We have 3 in our family-1 1999 and 2 2000 all sport package cars. There seem to be quite a few here in the northeast as I know another forum member who had a 99 in Wells, ME (can't remember his forum name). There was another one for sale In Portsmouth, NH a couple of years ago as well as Rob Seigle (the BMW CCA Hack Mechanic) had one for a short while.

If if you look at the percentage of manual Tourings vs auto, there weren't many. I saw stats once but have been unable to find them.

So disappointing they never offered M54 or M62 manuals.. I would kill for a V8 6 speed waggy.

blackknight530i

03-29-2016, 04:09 PM

So disappointing they never offered M54 or M62 manuals.. I would kill for a V8 6 speed waggy.
They had m54b25 manuals in wagon form.

RuskiE39

03-29-2016, 04:25 PM

They had m54b25 manuals in wagon form.

Yeah, I should have clarified. I know they had the 525it but a 530i is already slow enough, it would be manageable but with an M62 doe...

blackknight530i

03-29-2016, 04:26 PM

Yeah, I should have clarified. I know they had the 525it but a 530i is already slow enough, it would be manageable but with an M62 doe...
Gotcha

mike okisbig

03-29-2016, 05:02 PM

Please keep us (ok, me) posted on the coding part of the swap. I'm getting ready to do the swap in my 99 528iT and the coding is what worries me the most.

blarf

03-29-2016, 07:18 PM

So disappointing they never offered M54 or M62 manuals.. I would kill for a V8 6 speed waggy.

Don't tempt me. I would kill to get rid of this thing.

Please keep us (ok, me) posted on the coding part of the swap. I'm getting ready to do the swap in my 99 528iT and the coding is what worries me the most.

The coding is by far the easiest part of the swap, especially because the US spec 528iT was available with the manual transmission so in theory you should be able to change the ZCS and recode everything with NCS expert. AFAIK the MS42/43 DME doesn't need to be reflashed for a transmission swap. It's all the other electrical stuff (reverse, pedal switches, etc) that's a pain IMO.

Stück

03-29-2016, 07:40 PM

If anyone knows the ZCS that would be right for my car that would be super, someone has a calculator. Brian, Paul?

blackknight530i

03-29-2016, 07:41 PM

If anyone knows the ZCS that would be right for my car that would be super, someone has a calculator. Brian, Paul?
Don't need to change zcs, just make the coding changes in PA soft or ncs expert.

Stück

03-29-2016, 07:48 PM

Yeah, I intend to just code the things I NEED to manually, but it would be nice to change the ZCS in case someone after me tries to program the car and gets really confused.

blackknight530i

03-29-2016, 07:53 PM

Yeah, I intend to just code the things I NEED to manually, but it would be nice to change the ZCS in case someone after me tries to program the car and gets really confused.
I can do that. It's easy. I did the same thing on my 530i. You do everything in ncs expert.

Stück

03-29-2016, 08:11 PM

OK all the parts are home now, the driveshaft with a brand new CSB/flex disc (came out of the donor car that way) and the transmission.

The Transmission you'll note has a DOT-R sticker on it. This is a new/reman factory trans. The car the driveshaft and transmission came from looks to have been overhauled just prior to being wrecked. Can't beat that!

Also the new Sachs e36 M3 clutch kit, which was about $277. Bringing my total parts expenditure to about $300 with seals and such. Yes the used swap parts are all free, perks of working at a salvage yard :-)

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/2649FC69-1C0A-43CC-9958-346CB90DA43F_zpsmoobh64v.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/2649FC69-1C0A-43CC-9958-346CB90DA43F_zpsmoobh64v.jpg.html)

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/91073EB5-2697-472C-B319-62DBFB8515D9_zpsdlp0o97z.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/91073EB5-2697-472C-B319-62DBFB8515D9_zpsdlp0o97z.jpg.html)

dannyzabolotny

03-29-2016, 08:29 PM

philly98540

03-29-2016, 08:40 PM

Damn parts falling from the sky right into your lap. Amazing good luck. Makes the swap even better.

Stück

03-29-2016, 11:38 PM

Wow, so you get stuff for completely free from your salvage yard job? I would've expected them to charge you at least a little, but I guess the yard makes enough from buying wrecked cars for pennies that a few missing parts don't matter, eh?

Ehhhhh I mean yes and no. We have a ton of ZF320z transmissions as it was widely used across BMW's model range in the late 90's and early 00's. I set this one aside a year ago when we had ~60 odd units on the shelf and we tossed out (scrapped) about half of them. We currently still have 35 or so of them, so really.... one less is of no consequence. We get 2-3 in for every 1 sold. They are pretty hearty gearboxes and failure rate, thus sales, is slow.

2.93 open differential from a E39 is worth only slightly more than its weight as scrap iron, again not something that ever sells so no loss.

Driveshaft is arguably the only valuable part in the lot as its a manual length large CV shaft, fairly uncommon.

Those things considered, I also gave all my takeouts of similar scrap value back to the company.

I am one of the managers, but I don't get any benefits aside from the cheap/free parts so you know it is what it is.

Pennies.... lol.... E39's are pretty worthless salvage cars compared to our meat and potatoes there. IIRC this week we got a 2010 750Li, 2013 S63 AMG, and 2013 ML550 in for parts (along with innumerable "regular" parts cars) Those are the kind of cars that make money, but they cost 10, 12, 15k wrecked as well....

aaaaannnnnyyyyway.

I got the clutch/pressure plate installed and tossed the transmission up in. I love when you get to bench press it once and it stabs in first shot. The ZF320z isn't that heavy, but it certainly gets a lot heavier with each successive failed attempt. It really was a pleasure to do the bellhousing bolts on this car. The E39 has so much room around the transmission to get your hand/arm up in there to start the bolts. E36's and worse E30's have very limited space. M/S5x swapped E30's its about impossible to even see the top bolts and starter bolts, let alone get your hand between the trans and tunnel.

Driveshaft, heatshields and exhaust all went back in as you'd expect, nothing fun or exciting there. I'm saving the wiring and pedal box for tomorrow when I have some day light. Its hard to depin the DME and TCU wires I don't need with crap light, as the front of the car is facing the garage door and far away from my lights.

dk500

03-30-2016, 01:00 AM

Love following this. Can't wait to see how the first start up goes!

Stück

03-30-2016, 01:38 PM

Pretty much all the mechanical was completely last night. Getting kind of tired of these long days/nights but what can you do.

Today on lunch I went out to a 2001 530i 5MT car and proceeded to completely remove the console/dash assembly. Took about 15 minutes, no joke. 100% non destructive clean removal. Done a few new, and they fly apart especially when you aren't concerned about where nuts/bolts/screws land.

I wanted to dissect the factory harness and remove the original color correct wires for transplant into my wifes car. Yes I could have just run a few random wires, but I'm OCD like that.

Donor car slit open and disembowled:

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/641A900C-FDC3-403B-8A4E-2ACFC52C5543_zps8nflfzpb.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/641A900C-FDC3-403B-8A4E-2ACFC52C5543_zps8nflfzpb.jpg.html)

and what I came for:

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/2986EE0A-A090-4A57-9615-2F6E8E8FA6AD_zpssxkcfitk.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/2986EE0A-A090-4A57-9615-2F6E8E8FA6AD_zpssxkcfitk.jpg.html)

I have no intention however of running the 3 wires going to the DME from the pedal box over the IHKA box with the main harness bundle. They have plenty of slack so I will tech-flex them and run them under the IHKA which is a lot easier on a car that isn't blown apart. Most of the rest of the wires plug into junction combs in the box behind the cluster.

blackknight530i

03-30-2016, 01:40 PM

There is a cheap adapter cable from BMW to convert the blue and red connectors to work with the new clutch switch module.

Redshift

03-30-2016, 01:58 PM

Yeah that's serious OCD. Random wires FTMFW, yo!

Stück

03-30-2016, 02:13 PM

There is a cheap adapter cable from BMW to convert the blue and red connectors to work with the new clutch switch module. I checked every E46/E39 MT car on the lot looking to see if one had been retrofit with the new master and Y harness, but alas no luck. I don't have time to order it as I sincerely doubt any dealer would stock it.

61116911072 is the PN for the record though.

blackknight530i

03-30-2016, 02:22 PM

I checked every E46/E39 MT car on the lot looking to see if one had been retrofit with the new master and Y harness, but alas no luck. I don't have time to order it as I sincerely doubt any dealer would stock it.

61116911072 is the PN for the record though.
Yeah, no worries. It's just that those switches are known to fail, but you can always change later.

philly98540

03-30-2016, 02:26 PM

No random wires? Where the fun in that? One should always lay surprise biscuits of random crap for the next owner.

Redshift

03-30-2016, 05:15 PM

No random wires? Where the fun in that? One should always lay surprise biscuits of random crap for the next owner.

What is a "next owner"???

gmak

03-30-2016, 05:19 PM

What is a "next owner"???

A myth. Some say that some drivers get tired of their BMWs and let it go to a stranger; eventually, the cars wind up at a parts stripper and bits and pieces are transplanted into other BMWs everywhere. At least that's the story the 7-series tell to the 1's.

Redshift

03-30-2016, 05:21 PM

A myth. Some say that some drivers get tired of their BMWs and let it go to a stranger; eventually, the cars wind up at a parts stripper and bits and pieces are transplanted into other BMWs everywhere. At least that's the story the 7-series tell to the 1's.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stück

03-30-2016, 11:34 PM

Well this evening everything went as planned. I laced all of the wires into place and tossed 2 behind the IHKA and then fed them through the grommet behind the glovebox into the ebox.

Blue/Brown wire from Pin2 on the (UPPER) clutch pedal position switch to the DME X60004 Pin23.
Blue/Black wire from Pin2 on the (LOWER) clutch position switch to EWS Pin8.
Gray/Violet wire from Pin4 on IKE to DME X60004 Pin19.

I reused the transmission speed sensor connector for the reverse lamp switch. The connector is the same and the cable is 2 conductors plus a shield wire. I cut the shield back and connected the black wire to ground, the yellow wire to DME X60002 Pin2

With that done I left everything open and accessible while I fired up the laptop.

I used PASoft to code the IKE and EWS for manual specifications, which is super simple. Literally check the MANUAL box instead of the AUTOMATIC box and hit save. After that I reset DME adaptations, cleared the codes and attempted a start.

Car fired right up and assumed a solid idle as if nothing every happened. No lights, no nada. Yay.

I spent the remainder of the night reassembling the interior waiting on my wife to have some time to come out and help me bleed the clutch. She became available right as I wrapped up but unfortunately I realized I'm out of brake fluid. Car is done save for that, but its too late to go out and get some. I'll pick up a bottle on my way home from work and she will have the car for tomorrow night.

Grand total will be right at $300 with the brake fluid, and I'd say about 10-12 hours of my labor. The latter figure if you want to count the time spent in WDS looking at electrical schematics.

blackknight530i

03-30-2016, 11:39 PM

Stück

03-30-2016, 11:52 PM

I'm familiar with the tool you speak of, but I've honestly never seen a use for it. I have a Motive pressure bleeder and it does a great job of filling the system with fluid and driving the air out.

auaq

03-31-2016, 12:24 AM

Only $300 ... while we're spending probably 2-3 times over that. So unfair! :shifty

blackknight530i

03-31-2016, 07:49 AM

I'm familiar with the tool you speak of, but I've honestly never seen a use for it. I have a Motive pressure bleeder and it does a great job of filling the system with fluid and driving the air out.
I used the pressure bleeder as well, but the clutch engagement was still right off the floor until I used the tool and got more air out of the slave cylinder. You could build one easily.

mike okisbig

03-31-2016, 10:52 AM

Nice work! If you can, could you take a picture of the wiring you changed at the DME for reference?

Stück

03-31-2016, 10:58 AM

Nice work! If you can, could you take a picture of the wiring you changed at the DME for reference?The amount of wiring at the ebox would make a photograph generally not useful. Factory wire color and pin assignments were noted on the last page. That is what you should work by. You are adding 2 wires to the X60004 connector, and 1 wire to the X60002 connector. The slots are there, numbered and empty, the wires with the correct pin terminal just click into place.

mike okisbig

03-31-2016, 11:34 AM

The amount of wiring at the ebox would make a photograph generally not useful. Factory wire color and pin assignments were noted on the last page. That is what you should work by. You are adding 2 wires to the X60004 connector, and 1 wire to the X60002 connector. The slots are there, numbered and empty, the wires with the correct pin terminal just click into place.

Gotcha thanks.

Stück

03-31-2016, 09:18 PM

Just my luck, all of this had gone far too smooth and something had to go wrong.

I setup the pressure bleeder, jacked up the car and slid under. With my 4" long 7mm wrench I put the box end over the bleeder. I tried to crack the bleeder and dropped the wrench, thought it just slipped off as I'd applied -like zero- force. Nope, bleeder sheered off. Whomever tightened it in place must have drastically over torqued it so when I put any force at all on it to remove it just fell away.

I have a massive assortment of used loose BMW hardware, but not a single bleeder among it.

Tried 2 parts stores close to the house, none have a bleeder this small. Sigh....

Off is the general direction in which this bleeder screw may F*%#.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/70284DB2-C2E2-4916-B498-E5B84B28833E_zpsf7db9vqi.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/70284DB2-C2E2-4916-B498-E5B84B28833E_zpsf7db9vqi.jpg.html)

Sucks that something stupid like this means my wife will be without the car tomorrow.

Stück

04-01-2016, 10:34 PM

Well I got a replacement bleeder valve at work today. When I got home I went ahead and put the slave back in and bleed it. Pretty straight forward.

Protip. If you raise the ass end of the car high enough the angled downward bleeder valve becomes a straight out bleeder at what is now the top of the back of the slave cylinder bore.

Of course to do this you need a big haus jack like my AC Hydraulic DK13HLQ with a 30" lift.

Not my picture, but its a good one to demonstrate its high lift :-)

http://members.roadfly.com/jbgotm/DSC01054.JPG

Clutch bled out just fine, and test drive went off without a hitch. I took the first lap around the neighborhood to make sure everything felt right before jumping seats with my wife so she could drive. She stalled it twice in a row taking up 1st, then with a little advice took off like a pro the third and subsequent times. She was really surprised just how much quicker the car is now with a manual.

Stück

04-16-2016, 12:09 AM

Well, we made it a whooping 2 weeks before another failure..... and so much for having a clean & clear insurance record.

I now have the esteemed pleasure of an at fault accident on my auto insurance policy.... while I was in bed trying to nap off a massive headache from a stressful day at work.

My stepson, in his infinite wisdom known only to other 11 year olds decided to start my wife's E39 Touring ahead of her going outside. He neglected to note it was in gear because he pays attention to absolutely-nothing he does.

The car started, and proceeded to idle down the driveway in 1st, across the culdesac, up the neighbors driveway, and crash into their garage.

Let me tell you how excited I am.

So excited.

I now have a neighbor with half of the bricks on the side of his garage smashed in, and a E39 that got an all new facelift front end installed not long ago... all smashed up too....

Oh, and I'm sure I'll be paying more for insurance now, even though I was in bed and not party to this stupid s&^@.

auaq

04-16-2016, 12:11 AM

Ruh Roh.

Sorry to hear about this Stuck.

blackknight530i

04-16-2016, 12:12 AM

Stück

04-16-2016, 12:21 AM

blackknight530i

04-16-2016, 12:25 AM

I did wire the clutch interlock, and I did code the EWS to manual. It should not have started.

My wife is now trying to blame this on "her mechanic" for not doing the conversion right, but then mentioned that she had tried to start the car several times over the last two weeks without pushing the clutch in, and it cranked but died. She thought it was "supposed to" do that... of which shes made no mention.
If you changed the coding in the ews, that's the reason. You didn't code it to manual, but rather as a Euro car. The default US mode is park (auto) or neutral (manual). By changing the setting, you removed that requirement. I'm sorry to say, but I think that's what happened.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

auaq

04-16-2016, 12:29 AM

E-brake wasn't engaged before?

If I'm reading this right the car was started in first gear but wouldn't the car just stall and lunge forward a little bit??

blackknight530i

04-16-2016, 12:30 AM

E-brake wasn't engaged before?

If I'm reading this right the car was started in first gear but wouldn't the car just stall and lunge forward a little bit??
I guess if it was facing downhill it could get enough momentum to keep it running. Considering it was the new facelift Frontend that was damaged, I'm guessing that's what happened.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

auaq

04-16-2016, 12:33 AM

I'm thinking the same thing. It just had enough momentum to keep it running and roll down the driveway and across the street. I'm also thinking that your stepson must have disengaged the e-brake as well. Crap! :(

Stück

04-16-2016, 01:41 AM

Car was backed in the driveway, and on a ~20* incline. I know she's not been good about using the parking brake as she's always relied on the parking pawl in the AT. I don't know if it was engaged or not, but unless it's pulled hard the engine will easily overcome it.

blackknight530i

04-16-2016, 01:48 AM

Damn, definitely a cluster... glad nobody is hurt though.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

BimmrMeUpSnotty

04-16-2016, 06:36 AM

Holy crap! That sucks man.

JimLev

04-16-2016, 06:41 AM

Holy crap! That sucks man.

Sure does. One would think that junior would have turned the key off, stepped on the brake, or done both.

philly98540

04-16-2016, 08:08 AM

Ouch! Sorry to hear. I hope the insurance goes easy on you.

jstern

04-16-2016, 09:48 AM

Oh man, Stück! That is horrible. So sorry!

gmak

04-16-2016, 09:54 AM

If my son at the same age was any indication, there is much more to the story than stated by the young lad. And women wonder why we bottle up our feelings. It's because letting them out would just make the situation worse.

I hope that both kid and car come out fine in the end.

Stück

04-16-2016, 02:18 PM

He was unable to turn the key off or hit the brakes because he was sitting sideways in the seat with his legs out the door. The resulting roll down hill obviously caught him off guard and he rolled clear of the car before he could do anything else. My 22 month old daughter, and my wifes 7 year old daughter were buckled in in the back seat as the car drove away less a driver.

With a cold idle speed of +-750rpm, 2.93 gears and 235/45R17 tires there is a maximum unattended crawl of 5mph, well within the capacity of the bumper shocks to absorb.

He rolled clear without suffering any injuries, then chased the car unsuccessfully. By the time my wife ran outside after his screams the car was just bumping up their driveway. It stalled when it hit the neighbors garage.

I don't even want to know how much it'll cost to repair the neighbors brick and wall. The interior wall, sheetrock is cracked as well. I adjusted the track on his garage door so the door could close without the force limiter kicking it back but thats about all I can do. He is completely chill about it, just happy no one especially all our kids were hurt.

German Panzer > Brick.
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/1_zps0i1hdzui.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/1_zps0i1hdzui.jpg.html)
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/0_zpsgiwu4czu.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/0_zpsgiwu4czu.jpg.html)

I'll install new bumper moldings on the wagon and call it a day. I'm not going to bother with repairing the paint scuffs. The cover itself isn't hurt or otherwise dislodged.

As for the boy... he's pretty mortified with what he did, and while he generally prefers to lie-until-duress about the most inane things, he was very forthcoming with what happened and accepting fault.

I haven't even begun to touch on punishment/repercussions, but my wife and I have been fighting about it all day...

justinca540i

04-16-2016, 02:28 PM

Wow so sorry to hear. Glad there okay though.

auaq

04-16-2016, 02:31 PM

Omg

blarf

04-16-2016, 03:26 PM

damn. lol.

Make him work off the damage, have him help you with the car and the house.

Mach540

04-16-2016, 08:40 PM

Kinda hard to punish the kid for just trying to be helpful.
No harm was certainly intended. Just a lack of understanding, which I'm still guilty of occasionally.
As long as he has a little bit of a grasp on the potential damage evaded, let him help replace the bumper trim, sweep up the concrete dust, give him a big hug, and tell him every thing is going to be just fine.

philly98540

04-16-2016, 09:01 PM

Car don't look all that bad compared to that wall.

dannyzabolotny

04-17-2016, 12:00 AM

I'm honestly impressed with how little the car got damaged... Just goes to show that houses aren't built as well as some old German cars are, haha.

What's crazy is that the bumper isn't sagging despite having hit a house, and yet every E39 I see on Craigslist has a saggy bumper. What gives?

BimmrMeUpSnotty

04-17-2016, 12:41 AM

dannyzabolotny

04-17-2016, 12:46 AM

Maybe you should stop looking at Craigslist, ever think of that?

Why would I look anywhere else? Craigslist has the most choices, and the prices are reasonable, whereas on Autotrader all the cars are either dealership cars or sold by delusional owners that value them way too highly.

Stück

04-17-2016, 12:59 AM

I'm guessing to mean the wavy undersides? That's from pulling over curbs and parking blocks etc I think...

gmak

04-17-2016, 07:49 AM

dk500

04-17-2016, 05:52 PM

Why would I look anywhere else? Craigslist has the most choices, and the prices are reasonable, whereas on Autotrader all the cars are either dealership cars or sold by delusional owners that value them way too highly.
Want to see overpriced? Check the BMW CCA classifieds...

BimmrMeUpSnotty

04-17-2016, 07:09 PM

Hey Danny! My reply was just a joke, haha, hoho....

RVAE34

04-18-2016, 08:26 AM

Holy crap, just reading this. I cannot believe the 22 month old and 7 yr old were in the car too. I would have flipped my ish!!!! So glad no one was hurt!

Stück

04-23-2016, 09:27 PM

So... does anyone else think their spouses car / their spouse hates them?

My wife calls me about 2 hours ago, says her car overheated and she stopped, and to come help her. She also mentions the battery light is on....

I figure it threw a belt somehow and toss a spare belt, all the tools needed, and a tow rope in case in a box in the trunk and head off to her location.

I got to her car about 10 minutes after it happened, and it was at 3/4 so I don't think it got too hot. From where she said the battery light came on to when she noticed the needle towards the red was about a half mile if I had to guess....

Anyway I open her hood flashlight in hand and have a look, tattered primary belt was wrapped around the fan but the fan was OK. Look a little closer... WTF?

I pulled the air cleaner out to take this picture....

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/1E9C734E-2B2A-4916-89F5-3F37ED918A9E_zpskmjhydzy.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/1E9C734E-2B2A-4916-89F5-3F37ED918A9E_zpskmjhydzy.jpg.html)

I hooked up the tow eyes to both cars and pulled her the ~5mi back home with my E39 Sedan Tow Haus.

The main belt tensioner came off the oil filter housing. How in the f....... I look at it closer and realize a large chunk of the oil filter housing is stuck to one mounting point of the tensioner, and the other mounting bolt is sheered clean off flush in the oil filter housing.... seriously what in the f....

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/608D3BC3-077B-4F08-A761-849BE7C1A688_zpss1qtbwsk.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/608D3BC3-077B-4F08-A761-849BE7C1A688_zpss1qtbwsk.jpg.html)
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/75BCC5F9-0C46-4F59-BBFA-5D031B734BB1_zpss14g0ocp.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/75BCC5F9-0C46-4F59-BBFA-5D031B734BB1_zpss14g0ocp.jpg.html)

Mind you I just put a new fan, fan clutch, power steering pump, P/S hoses, P/S reservoir, power steering pump pulley, water pump pulley, 2 mechanical tensioners (AC/Main) the alternator mounted idler pulley, and 2 belts. All quality OEM stuff. Continental belts, INA tensioners, OE plastic pulleys... maybe 2-3 weeks ago.

and this is how the car thanks me.

I'm not even sure how exactly this grenaded. All of the pulleys spin fine, IE the bearings are nice and smooth like the new parts they are. The alternator mounted idler pulley obviously melted a bit with the belt wrapped up on it.... but other than that... everything seems fine.

All that aside it is amazing what a woman can NOT notice. I'm sure this made a racket, never noticed a noise..... and then of course the power steering stops working, as does the air conditioning (it took both belts with it) and shes just staring at the battery light wondering why it came on while the temperature gauge steadily climbed no doubt....

I keep the belts, oil filter housing gaskets, crush washers and such on hand but not spare tensioners I'm afraid. Oil filter housing shall need to be replaced of course too since its broken.

Le'sigh.....

RuskiE39

04-23-2016, 09:41 PM

Damn man, sorry to hear. This is some stroke of bad luck, always happens in 3's though.. maybe its over?

jp5Touring

04-23-2016, 09:56 PM

JB Weld ? Seriously wtf ? :eyecrazy

philly98540

04-23-2016, 10:03 PM

RuskiE39

04-23-2016, 10:18 PM

That's some bad luck right there. So you think it all started with the bracket on the filter housing bustin loose?
Never saw this before...

I hope it did not overheat too far. Sounds like it should be ok.
I've always been told by the time the needle starts moving past the half point its too late, and i've always refuted this based on the fact that anybody conscientious of their surroundings will notice in time via either temp gauge or test no 7. I really hope it's fine though, women can do some strange things when it comes to automobiles... wife blew the head gasket on our Audi. :shifty

Stück

04-23-2016, 10:34 PM

My best guess? The top mounting bolt snapped, which allowed the mechanical tensioner to lever down breaking the oil filter housing and taking the belt drive out. I don't think its an actual part failure.... just bad luck.

As said, I'm just glad it didn't take the fan/clutch out as those are brand spanking new and not cheap. I've tossed a lot of money at this car between the engine front end, and the manual swap.

I don't think the engine was run too hot, we'll see though. Upper hose wasn't overpressured when I got there and the expansion tank bled off pressure quickly when I cracked the cap. She had the key on with the fan blowing max the whole time from when she called till I got there, so the aux pump was at least pushing coolant around generating some heat exhange.

- - - Updated - - -

I've always been told by the time the needle starts moving past the half point its too late, and i've always refuted this based on the fact that anybody conscientious of their surroundings will notice in time via either temp gauge or test no 7. I really hope it's fine though, women can do some strange things when it comes to automobiles... wife blew the head gasket on our Audi. :shifty

The gauges in our cars will read dead nuts center from 167F to 235F. This CAN be changed in software, but that is how BMW engineered it to keep drivers from becoming alarmed at the wide swing of temperatures these engines can move through.

She did not mention that the overheat lamp came on, just that the needle was by the red... I'm thinking it was under 260F then.... still no mans land for these engines, but I've seen many do it multiple times in quick jaunts with no ill affect.

auaq

04-24-2016, 01:18 AM

Sheer bad luck is filled with this car.

jstern

04-24-2016, 09:51 AM

WOW! Another stroke of bad luck. Hope the engine is OK.

Last Summer my wife was driving her 2000 528i silver stick wagon in Portsmouth, NH when both cooling fans quit with the AC on. Car overheated, blew a hole in the expansion tank and most of the coolant shot out. She shut the car off and coasted into a parking space. When I got there, you could see a big coolant stain on the road leading to the car. After the tow home, replaced the expansion tank, refilled coolant and did a block test-negative. WHEW! Replaced thermostat, all coolant sensors cause they had gotten so hot, radiator w/Zionsville, removed corrosion from aux fan connector, replaced fuse for electric fan clutch replacement with circuit breaker and all is well.

Stück

04-24-2016, 03:04 PM

Drove over to the shop this morning to rob a used oil filter housing from a core engine. Grabbed a good used alternator idler pulley while I was there, I'll order a new one Monday with a replacement AC belt. I had the correct main serpentine belt in stock at the house, but the AC belt I had was a 5PK906 not a 5PK863.

Used OFH installed with the tensioner reinstalled with new bolts:

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/2F8E2377-961D-4E44-A30C-202844AB208B_zps8vrfjv4i.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/2F8E2377-961D-4E44-A30C-202844AB208B_zps8vrfjv4i.jpg.html)

I got everything else buttoned up then took it for a test drive. Doesn't seem to be any ill effects, the engine still runs silky smooth and pulls strong. Knock on wood hopefully it doesn't rear its head later on down the road.

RuskiE39

04-24-2016, 05:47 PM

You mentioned something about this earlier, but if one of these engines ever overheats, is it a good idea to keep the heat on with engine off? As if bleeding the system to circulate the system?

Stück

04-24-2016, 06:01 PM

If for some reason the thermostat is jammed in a partially open state you can use the heater core as an aux radiator. I once moved a E36 M3 from Glendale, CA to Houston, TX in the middle of May this way. Not fun, not comfortable, but it made the trip. It was 104F ambient when I passed through Phoenix, heater a blazin'

Thermostat strap snapped, so it was essentially jammed maybe 20% open at best for the duration of the trip. If I shut off the heat the engine temperature would quickly climb over 3/4, but sat comfortably at half so long as I was miserable.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/95-M3-EH05798/072509-001_zpss28sk4ub.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/95-M3-EH05798/072509-001_zpss28sk4ub.jpg.html)

On late model E39's the aux water pump on the radiator shroud will circulate coolant through the heater core when the key is in the on position, early models you have to press the REST button IIRC to turn the pump on. Regardless it does the same thing, circulate hot coolant from the engine through the heater core exchanging some of that latent heat.

If you're in a situation where you immediately realize you threw a belt you'd be well served to go max heat ASAP while you negotiate your way off the road to a safe place to stop and cut off the engine. In a perfect world you could hit your hazards, cut the engine and coast to a safe place but American drivers are F'ing morons and will just honk and pass you repeatedly until you run out of momentum.....

RuskiE39

04-24-2016, 06:04 PM

Makes sense, thanks for clarifying!

Stück

04-25-2016, 01:33 PM

Looks like its time for the Touring to get some upgraded shoes....

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y530/JSarette/528%20Wagon/BB92EDBD-23DD-49CE-8D2F-EADDC95CAB02_zpsk87qdsgk.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/JSarette/media/528%20Wagon/BB92EDBD-23DD-49CE-8D2F-EADDC95CAB02_zpsk87qdsgk.jpg.html)

A 530i Sport came in Friday with this very nice unmolested set of Style 42's wrapped in brand new Michelin A/S3's The tits aren't even worn off the shoulders. No curb rash, paint in good shape, clean on lips intact, no corrosion etc.

Free :-)

These will be going on the Touring soon to replace the Style 81's on there now. I want to do a suspension refesh on it though before I mount them up to get the maximum out of the tires. Its pretty much time to load the shotgun and replace everything on this car.

RVAE34

04-25-2016, 01:45 PM

My wife is the same way. I will drive her car and be like "What the hell is that noise"?! She replies, "What noise, I don't hear anything" SMH!!!!

I can hear the smallest noise and it will live in my brain for eternity until I either fix it or sell it.

dannyzabolotny

04-25-2016, 02:21 PM

jp5Touring

04-25-2016, 07:11 PM

I like how Clean that OFH is.
Like them wheels,nice score.

auaq

04-25-2016, 09:51 PM

Can't see pics Stuck.

RuskiE39

04-25-2016, 11:00 PM

Yeah, that's awesome man. I love how clean the OFH is and great score on the style 42s!

justinca540i

04-25-2016, 11:50 PM

This is why my girlfriend drives the Hyundai, because she knows nothing about cars and would totally trash an older BMW. If she had a 540i she would drive it until the chain flies right off of the sprockets, because she listens to music loudly and pays no attention to anything. Meanwhile I hear the tiniest rattles and squeaks and I can accurately pinpoint where each noise is coming from.
Just take it for a drive every few weeks or something and you can be able to know when to service it.
Rattles drive me crazy, especially when I can't find it.

Stück

04-25-2016, 11:53 PM

Photobucket was down earlier for a few hours.

I drive my wife's car fairly often so I'm not too worried about her driving it into the ground without noticing but stuff does happen that you can't plan for.

I'll still take a car I enjoy working on over one I have no desire to. I'm very glad to be rid of the 2000 Civic DX she brought into the marriage...

NordmanMg

04-26-2016, 01:09 AM

This is why my girlfriend drives the Hyundai, because she knows nothing about cars and would totally trash an older BMW. If she had a 540i she would drive it until the chain flies right off of the sprockets, because she listens to music loudly and pays no attention to anything. Meanwhile I hear the tiniest rattles and squeaks and I can accurately pinpoint where each noise is coming from.

I just read through all pages and thought "why this guy punishing himself for?"
i don't know man, for what you spending on all that repairs you could probably afford newish BMW 3-Series, still on warranty, not to mention newer 3 is about size of E39

blackknight530i

04-26-2016, 01:16 AM

I just read through all pages and thought "why this guy punishing himself for?"
i don't know man, for what you spending on all that repairs you could probably afford newish BMW 3-Series, still on warranty, not to mention newer 3 is about size of E39
LOL, you obviously don't know Jordan :)

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

NordmanMg

04-26-2016, 01:42 AM

What, don't tell me that he loves pain in weird ways lmao

Michael97528i

04-26-2016, 02:10 AM

What, don't tell me that he loves pain in weird ways lmao

I think all of us E39 owners do...

gmak

04-26-2016, 06:21 AM

I just read through all pages and thought "why this guy punishing himself for?"
i don't know man, for what you spending on all that repairs you could probably afford newish BMW 3-Series, still on warranty, not to mention newer 3 is about size of E39

Maybe he should post pics of the wife and then we would understand? Or maybe he's got Dreissig-und-Neun flowing in his veins instead of blood. Or, maybe his mother was hypnotized by a German psychotherapist.

blackknight530i

04-26-2016, 07:39 AM

What, don't tell me that he loves pain in weird ways lmao
Read his ESS twin-screw 530i6 ZHP and e30 restomod build threads and you'll see what I mean.

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Stück

04-26-2016, 09:07 AM

NordmanMg

04-26-2016, 09:08 AM

Read his ESS twin-screw 530i6 ZHP and e30 restomod build threads and you'll see what I mean.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

I saw that one before, but hey you're right,
that compressor charged e39 is one hell of a beast

Mannyf540

04-26-2016, 11:53 AM

Stuck is the shit!! Love the work you do, so inspiring!! Showing some of that Texas Thunder!!

dannyzabolotny

04-26-2016, 02:05 PM

In Stück's situation, having two E39's is perfect since he gets all the parts he'd ever want for pretty much free. Sometimes I wish my girlfriend had a BMW so that when my main BMW's are down I can drive hers without hating my life, instead of driving the Hyundai. But alas, I still owe a bunch of money on the Hyundai so it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

jstern

04-26-2016, 05:10 PM

All cars are going to need repairs, may as well be one worth driving.

I'm married and heterosexual. New BMW's have zero appeal to me. Sorry.

That, and I work in auto salvage. I have more E39's in the yard for parts than I can count. Pretty much whatever I want is free.

Style 42's that look nice? Free.
Oil filter housing on a Sunday? Let myself in and free.
5spd conversion kit? Free, just the cost of a new clutch and seals while I'm there.

etc etc.....

I like working on these cars so fixing what needs doing is of little consistence to me.

+1000. I don't work in a salvage yard and have to pay for parts but I'd rather my wife and son drive E39s which I don't mind working on and get great satisfaction out of fixing.

And I wouldn't buy a new BMW of any kind with someone else's money.