Finally upgraded to the E39!

[ViolinARC]

Got the Tataka airbag recall letter last summer and decided to call BMW NA since its been over a year and still "no remedy" according to them.

They referred me to my local dealer and I explained to them that I don't want to drive the car while I wait for the replacement airbag parts so they gave me a brand new 320 to drive until parts are available in Aug/Sep and told me to park the E39.

The twin turbo 4 cylinder and plastic interior makes me appreciate my E39 a lot!

Yo man ...it's been a while. How's it going? Looks like you've figured out a way to get BMW to respond to complaints. And I thought I was clever getting a refund for those failed Sub-Optimal wheel bearings...

Where did you go to complain and since I now have TWO, do you think they will loan me two?!?

[philly98540]

Never thought they give a loaner for waiting for parts. You must be good!

[Aryana]

Yo man ...it's been a while. How's it going? Looks like you've figured out a way to get BMW to respond to complaints. And I thought I was clever getting a refund for those failed Sub-Optimal wheel bearings...

Where did you go to complain and since I now have TWO, do you think they will loan me two?!?

It's been good! The E39 has been performing beautifully and the maintenance has been non existent after spending a boat load of money on it the first few years so there hasn't been much to post about. I never got any refund for my failed "Sub"Optimal hubs. I snoozed on that one.

I just called and made an appointment with my local dealer to get the car. Nothing special really, I didn't even have to complain.

Never thought they give a loaner for waiting for parts. You must be good!

I just asked nicely! That seemed to do the trick.

[dannyzabolotny]

And here I am wondering why BMW is using a VW-style expansion tank in that 320i... so weird. I barely recognize that engine compartment as BMW, it's just so different than what I'm used to. So much plastic everywhere.

[Ryanfuk]

Nice looking 530i and for those who say that the 540i is better because of pauer .... big censor to them! The m54b30 has a really nice torque curve and power of course. Just gently put your foot down on the throttle pedal and you'll notice how quickly, swiftly, and smoothly it reaches upto a speed of 110 mph. No need to go aggressive on the throttle. I enjoy the torque of the m54b30 engine.

big censor. its just 60hp and 100 ft-lbs of torque (~50% more)

[Aryana]

big censor. its just 60hp and 100 ft-lbs of torque (~50% more)

Only when the timing guides aren't crumbling into the oil pan LOL!

I have yet to see a M62 powered E39 that can run away from my little 6 on the twisty roads around here.

[AquilaBMW]

Only when the timing guides aren't crumbling into the oil pan LOL!

I have yet to see a M62 powered E39 that can run away from my little 6 on the twisty roads around here.

Hmmm..... Do I hear my next challenge?

[NordmanMg]

Hmmm..... Do I hear my next challenge?

i want to see that))))))

[justinca540i]

What's this so called E39?

[Aryana]

Hmmm..... Do I hear my next challenge?

We'd have to find new roads to make it even since I know the ones around here too well!

[Aryana]

The rare 18x9 Style 42s on the right side got bent after driving over a piece of wood on the freeway during a rainstorm. I was surrounded by traffic so had no where to go and decided not to even attempt a swerve with my 5 month old strapped in the back.

Front right had both the inside and outside lip bend, but it held air.

Right rear had only the inner lip bend, but it immediately lost all the air because the bear couldn't seal.





I used my 17" Style 42 spare and another wheel/tire from AquilaBMW. Took the wheels to a local specialist and for $479 they said they will be functionally and cosmetically restored. (Front barrel with the outside lip bent will be refinished).

Neat shop. I knew I was in the right place when I saw a matte black Style 65 on the wall to showcase their powder coating.

Left side is still pretty:


Right side looks hideous with the 17" Style 42 spare and the loaner wheel!


Their work looks legit. I'll post up photos of the wheels after the repair.

[Aryana]

Wheels came back looking awesome. Like it never happened.

They didn't touch the centers and only one barrel needed to be refinished due to the bend on the outside lip.





This barrel was refinished:



And one that was not for comparison:



Here's a comparison showing a 17x7 on the rear and a 18x9 on the front:

[justinca540i]

18s looks so good

[philly98540]

Repair came out nice! Those wheel guys work some magic.

[JimLev]

18's look better.
How's your baby daughter doing Dad?

[Aryana]

18's look better.
How's your baby daughter doing Dad?

She is great Jim! Just turned 6 months old and she is just so much fun. We're enjoying every second...

[TX S3]

Man, this is a great thread by OP...I love the maint. done.

- - - Updated - - -

you decided to ditch the 17 let me know.

[Aryana]

Thanks! Glad someone appreciates the money pit. E39's are so worth it...newer BMWs just don't feel right to me.

I sold my stock 17" style 42 wheels for $600 and now just have one left which is my spare.

[Aryana]

The car has been great, but after the Tataka airbag recall work was done, my air bag light was intermittently coming on/off.

I went back to the dealer since they were the last to touch the system.

$185 for the diagnostic, and they told me it would be $2100 in parts/labor to replace the passenger seat occupancy sensor and module.

I bought the parts for $400 and then paid $300 for an upholstery shop to replace the pad and a local guru to do the programming.

I haven’t been posting much because the car has been reliable as can be and I’m all done modding it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all you crazy E39 owners!

[JimLev]

Same back to you. Good to here no problems with the car.
Nice front plate.

[dannyzabolotny]

Just needs a headlight polish and it'll be perfect!

[Aryana]

Just needs a headlight polish and it'll be perfect!

I know...bad cataracts!!! I’m embarrassed...

I’ll fix em up ASAP as it really lets down the car.

[Aryana]

Same back to you. Good to here no problems with the car.
Nice front plate.

Thanks Jim. I had to put the plate on for a bit cause a parking enforcement officer gave us a fix it ticket for not having one. I didn’t know they gave those out around here when you’re parked!

Not many people get it, and even BMW enthusiasts are stumped, but I guess that’s ok since it doesn’t attract attention.

[philly98540]

Car is looking great. Glad to hear its been running solid. Happy Holidays!

[Jason5driver]

18” Style 42's, mmmmm.... tasty...
What is the suspension, Dinan ?