Picking up my 540i6 Saturday! Have lots of questions....

[Ahheck01]

it's a 1997 540i/6. Here's the thread:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=512601

The drivers side fog is cracked - can I replace these fogs with the newer round style? If not what do I need to do to be able to use the newer style? Where would I get them (best place?)

It has Xenon's as you can see, but I'm trying to figure out what the best route would be to upgrade to xenon hella angel eyes like in the newer style. I definitely don't want to go euro clear - just the updated style.

Which would you recommend first:

Shadowlining
Updated Fogs
Updated headlights
Updated Tails/sidemarkers

Put those in the order that you'd do them.

I'll keep you posted! Let me know what advice you guys have for me :cool

-Evan

[flyeryan]

did you sell your 3 series? I saw it on ebay. Actually, Mykal showed it to me (I work with her). She said she knew someone that was getting a new 5er. I'm jealous. Where in IA are you located?

Oh, sorry I can't help with the mods question. I only really know E34s. :D

[Ahheck01]

did you sell your 3 series? I saw it on ebay. Actually, Mykal showed it to me (I work with her). She said she knew someone that was getting a new 5er. I'm jealous. Where in IA are you located?

Oh, sorry I can't help with the mods question. I only really know E34s. :D
Well, as of tomorrow, it is sold, yes. Ebay didn't appreciate what's gone into it, but along comes a guy in Tennessee who saved my life. He's getting a heck of a deal, and I"m getting my 540i/6 - a win-win!

I'm in Hiawatha (Cedar Rapids, essentially). I'll be going to ISU this fall, though :cool

[flyeryan]

oh yeah, I've been to Hiawatha. It seemed like it was full of hippies... oh well. Glad you got your e36 sold, and that you're getting a fine e39. I'd love a 540i6. Maybe someday...

[98M3_4]

I would fix your fog light first since it's broken. I don't know if you can run the newer 01-03 round fog, you'll need to change the entire front bumper cover I believe and don't think it's a direct swap onto pre-01. someone correct me if I'm wrong here. Or you could go M5 front bumper and rear to match, but big $$.

Then I'd do the headlights, sidemarkers and tail lights. Shadowlining last

Congrats and good luck with the mods

[Ahheck01]

I would fix your fog light first since it's broken. I don't know if you can run the newer 01-03 round fog, you'll need to change the entire front bumper cover I believe and don't think it's a direct swap onto pre-01. someone correct me if I'm wrong here. Or you could go M5 front bumper and rear to match, but big $$.

Then I'd do the headlights, sidemarkers and tail lights. Shadowlining last

Congrats and good luck with the mods
Thanks for the advice!

Tomorrow I order my Valentine One - first mod for a 540i for sure. :stickoutt

[flyeryan]

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=9090

you might want to check that out before you buy a V1. Whenever you see a quote for the V1 that says it was "best in test" or something like that, if you read the fine print the test was from 2002. The Escort has been much improved since then, and the V1 has not. Just my $0.02.

EDIT: My flamesuit is on, but this is a direct quote:
With an increasingly wide gap in the V1’s level of sophistication compared to modern designs--not to mention a minimalist feature set, quirky ergonomics, an exceptionally chatty nature and stiff price tag--the competition has clearly passed it by. Small wonder that Valentine’s market share continues to shrink, down to an estimated 0.6 percent and falling. Time for a new model, guys.

[Johnny 5]

I would not spend your money on modifications right now. Believe me, something will need to be replaced.

[eurotunerwerks]

I think you should just get an M5 front bumper and completely update the look of the car. and as far as the shadow trim, a lot have done teh tape and are very happy for the $10 they have spent. just have to take your time. your car looks JUST like mine but i have the updated lights and M5 front bumper. Here you go :

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d130/bmwboyee/540.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d130/bmwboyee/5402.jpg

[eurotunerwerks]

oh yeah, if the valve cover gaskets haven't been replaced you will have to do that.

[type3particle]

Tried the new passport, still love my V1

Ahheck01 - there is a guy ebaying a front driver fog light in the classified section. I asked him to post a link or auction number, but I'd head over there first to see what's happening. His post was vague so I'm not sure off hand if it'll help you or not...

[NY550i]

I would not spend your money on modifications right now. Believe me, something will need to be replaced.

I agree.

Considering the car has 155k miles i would be worried... definitely need to have a couple of grand put aside just incase something does wrong.

Before you put any mods you might want to get inspection I and II done and have the car fully checked out.

[Ahheck01]

Before you put any mods you might want to get inspection I and II done and have the car fully checked out.
Already had that done pre-purchase :D I will set aside 1k though, in addition to my V1.

As far as which detector to go with, I see little risk in getting the V1 since the resale value isn't much lower than the upfront cost.

-Evan