Thread: "What did you do to your E39 today V2.0."

  1. #13651
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    Got to arm yourself with all the right part numbers before hand otherwise you get the idiot behind the counter trying to figure out Year Make Model part no sequence. Rockauto.com is your best friend
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  2. #13652
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    Yes, I usually order from FCP Euro or RockAuto... but now that it's Christmas rush season AND the US post office is really screwed, I didn't want to wait that long. Or have my parts thrown in a ravine in Alabama!

    I actually looked up the number last night, since that is what I always do at the chain parts stores. But I forgot it
    '98 740iL E38 201k, TCG at 190k, 5HP24 at 195k
    '97 540i/6 E39 Dinan blower & stage 1 suspension 114k
    '93 525i E34 "Golf Ball" (hail damaged) 334k

  3. #13653
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    Quote Originally Posted by DrCharles View Post
    Yes, I usually order from FCP Euro or RockAuto... but now that it's Christmas rush season AND the US post office is really screwed, I didn't want to wait that long. Or have my parts thrown in a ravine in Alabama!

    I actually looked up the number last night, since that is what I always do at the chain parts stores. But I forgot it
    Well there’s your problem. Take a picture of the computer/phone screen next time and you’ll have the right number from the off. AutoZone also let’s you buy online and pickup in store fyi.


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  4. #13654
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    I've pre-ordered in the past, also. But it takes longer to process the order in the store, and causes more confusion with the counter monkeys, than just asking for the part number and paying on the spot. Thanks for the picture-taking hint
    '98 740iL E38 201k, TCG at 190k, 5HP24 at 195k
    '97 540i/6 E39 Dinan blower & stage 1 suspension 114k
    '93 525i E34 "Golf Ball" (hail damaged) 334k

  5. #13655
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    Quote Originally Posted by DrCharles View Post
    ..... I didn't want to wait that long. Or have my parts thrown in a ravine in Alabama!.....
    LOL

    Maybe that ravine is our new, better boneyard? After all, the parts are not used.
    Ed CT
    1998 528i
    5-Speed
    Aspen Silver
    Aubergine Leather

  6. #13656
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    Quote Originally Posted by DrCharles View Post
    Today I went to buy some plugs for my E39... got them at Autozone. Always a blood-pressure-raising experience.

    The latest idiot kid at the counter, when I told him I need copper spark plugs for a '97 BMW 540i but he has to look up the number because I forgot it, actually asked me - What are they for. When I stared at him and said, I just told you, a 97 BMW 540i!... he said, Oh, I thought that was pretty long for a part number.

    So then he looks it up, and says "that was for an 840, right?"
    I almost lost it, but did say 540 - and all the '97 4.0 would be the same anyway. He looked at me like I was speaking Greek.

    Then he comes out with platinum plugs... I don't like those on my blown M62 - the slightest detonation can knock the platinum piece off, and if it gets stuck between the piston and cylinder wall... I'd rather change the copper ones more often. Besides I've had the car 8 years and only put 53k miles on it.

    Finally he gets the right ones, I pay and leave, shaking my head. Argh. If it weren't for the Reward Points I'd never go there again.
    Way back when I had my old 540i. I contacted the local DEALER for a price quote on a new third brake light housing. Literally the conversation went as this...

    Him: Thank you for calling BMW parts. This is John, how can I help you?

    Me: Yes I was looking to get a price quote for a third brake light housing on a 2002 540i sedan. I have the vin to help.

    Him: 2002 540i...is that a BMW?

    Me: Yes it's a BMW

    Him: You sure?

    Me: Yes 1000% sure.

    Him: Hmm...I guess if you say so.

    I immediately hung up after that and called another dealer where the parts guy wasn't a clueless idiot.

  7. #13657
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    I’m glad we’re all in the same boat since the pandemic? Not sure what it is but it seems like because of the pandemic, and it’s irreversible? changing of the way business is done, I have never ever ever experience the true evidence of hiring warm bodies, then I have since the pandemic and really before the pandemic has a hit or miss situation. It is not, NOT! ANYWHERE NEAR a given any more! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hung up on mentally challenged warm bodies that were hired just to fill seats! Scary scary scary scary!


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  8. #13658
    Join Date
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    '97 540i Dinan, 98 740iL
    Today I changed the plugs. It's a moderate PITA since the engine compartment is fairly tight with the M62, certainly compared to my E38. Removing the cabin air filters and ducts improves access but that ABS unit is annoying.

    The old NGK two-side-electrode plugs (about 50K miles on them) really didn't look bad at all. Fuel ring was about halfway up the extended nose. The plain simple Autolite copper plugs I installed look like a slightly colder heat range, not a bad thing with a supercharger... I gapped them to .035, and put a small amount of anti-seize on the threads. Since I only drive about 5k miles a year, a shorter life than the gee-whiz iridium or platinum won't be a problem.
    '98 740iL E38 201k, TCG at 190k, 5HP24 at 195k
    '97 540i/6 E39 Dinan blower & stage 1 suspension 114k
    '93 525i E34 "Golf Ball" (hail damaged) 334k

  9. #13659
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    Drove the wagon to run errands, wiped it down on return and put the cover on as the wind is blowing and the rain is coming!
    Current Garage Highlights
    2003 525iT TiSilver
    2002 M5 TiSilver
    1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)

    Former Garage Highlights
    2005 X5 4.8is
    2004 325iTs (2x)
    1973 Pantera L
    1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
    1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
    1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
    1969 Road Runner 383
    1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green

  10. #13660
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    Ordered a swath of parts to replace my crumbling engine and wiper cowls.
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
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  11. #13661
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    Quote Originally Posted by 300kplus View Post
    I’m glad we’re all in the same boat since the pandemic? Not sure what it is but it seems like because of the pandemic, and it’s irreversible? changing of the way business is done, I have never ever ever experienced the true evidence of hiring warm bodies, than I have since the pandemic and really before the pandemic was a hit or miss situation with counter customer service cluelessness. It is not, NOT! ANYWHERE NEAR a given any more! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hung up on mentally challenged warm bodies that were hired just to fill seats! Scary scary scary scary!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  12. #13662
    Join Date
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    2001 BMW 540iT/6

    "What did you do to your E39 today V2.0."

    Quote Originally Posted by computiNATEor View Post
    Ordered a swath of parts to replace my crumbling engine and wiper cowls.
    That was a hugely satisfying job when I did the same. New air duct elbowz too. Good time to clear out the BBB drain and such while you’re at it.


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    Last edited by scottieducati; 12-07-2021 at 12:14 AM.

  13. #13663
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    2003 540i/6 Msport Sedan
    3 years ago my wife was rear ended in my 1994 E34 530i. When I bought the car with over 200k on the odometer I knew we’d go through it from stem to stern and we did. We went through all the systems and then on to the suspension. When finished it was near perfect mechanically but the exterior while undented still had rust. It was a hooptie for sure, but a reliable fun hooptie and we loved it. We looked for another until recently and couldn’t find anything that measured up. Her back took at least two years to stop being an acute problem and today is better but not trouble free like it was before.


    Then last year this time my son sold his 1991 E30 318is. Over the previous 6 years he carefully restored that car giving her a respray, a M suspension with a proper lowered stance, soft compound tires on period correct performance wheels, every piece of the interior was made perfect through sourced parts, same with the trunk trim and tools, and we went through the engine replacing the timing chain set, entire cooling system, fuel system, and more. It was sad to see it atop a trailer as it drove out of sight. I tried to tell him how one day he’d be searching through ads trying to find iti, that he’s want it do badly.. but how can you lend your experience to your children? He’ll just have to learn like the rest of us.

    And then last year the week before Christmas we boarded a plane for Texas to roll on a very nice 2003 imported 540i with that graduated dark grey exterior and Montana Black leather interior. We drove it back (barely) and immediately set to work sorting it out which ended up costing almost as much as the selling price alone. But it sure turned out nice. The smooth power delivery is intoxicating. We think it’s chipped but there are no decals so we’re not sure. Reconditioned wheels, new Continental tires, brakes, all new cooling system, drive shaft and gubio, fixed the taillights, seats, headlights, and fog lights, added BT to the sound system which is really nice, and a second and third key. Dash lights, so much I can’t remember. Now its elevated above Hooptie and below BAT level, only because of the miles.

    Then suddenly a requirement in his household for a new car meant he couldn’t keep the 540i.. so I bought it from him. I haven’t taken delivery yet but I wanted to do something today, so I downloaded the manual and have been sitting here learning about the finer points of the car. All the sun shades work and I love that this time of year you can go inside press a button, and when you come back out the car is still toasty warm inside. And it gets 28-29mpg pm the highway. It’s not an E34 and I’ll keep looking for the right one, but it’s a bimmer and I think I’m going to like it. It will go into storage the first sign of snow, something I didn’t worry about with the E34.. but this car is too nice to let road salt touch it’s delicate underbelly.

    I need to learn more about the differences between imported and domestic 540’s. We have the window sticker and original receipts. With over 200,000 on the odometer I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities for quality repairs. More later..
    A great ending is all you'll see..
    __________________________________________________ _____________


  14. #13664
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    Quote Originally Posted by scottieducati View Post
    That was a hugely satisfying job when I did the same. New air duct elbowz too. Good time to clear out the BBB drain and such while you’re at it.
    Crumbling might be a bit dramatic, haha. Cracked and dry.

    I’ve had all the cabin boxes off before for maintenance, and I keep it pretty clean down there. The new windshield that’s going in behind it all is the main impetus for this job.
    Last edited by computiNATEor; 12-07-2021 at 12:23 PM.
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

  15. #13665
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    Quote Originally Posted by computiNATEor View Post
    Crumbling might be a bit dramatic, haha. Cracked and dry.

    I’ve had all the cabin boxes off before for maintenance, and I keep it pretty clean down there. The new windshield that’s going in behind it all is the main impetus for this job.
    You actually paid for new OEM cowl trim? Ouch!

  16. #13666
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    00 M5 | 03 540i | 94 NSX
    When I bought new cowl trim 6 months ago or so it wasn't all that expensive for everything.
    Last edited by MotorMouth93; 12-07-2021 at 05:58 PM.

  17. #13667
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    Be $416 from FCP for cowl trim. Obviously could find it cheaper but it's definitely a part I would want lifetime warranty on. Still think it's massive ripoff.

  18. #13668
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    Quote Originally Posted by Nfs021 View Post
    Be $416 from FCP for cowl trim. Obviously could find it cheaper but it's definitely a part I would want lifetime warranty on. Still think it's massive ripoff.
    Worse. $925.

    I'm also replacing the wiper arms and a bunch of stuff. Chicago winters were rough on that stuff.
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

  19. #13669
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    In case anyone's curious -

    Screen Shot 2021-12-07 at 23.25.16.png

    This does not include the remaining $2500 spent on E60 M5 parts.

    Screen Shot 2021-12-07 at 23.27.41.png

    And THAT doesn't include the $1200 still remaining to buy new rear tires, alignment, fix the EDC, and fix whatever wobble under braking I have in the E60.
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

  20. #13670
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    I see the wiper arms are available again. I know they were listed as back ordered for some time awhile back. Mine are good. Little bit of light surface rust, but no bends or anything serious. Next year I'll remove them and have them stripped down and powder coated satin black.

    I'm going to try and get my back windshield replaced next month. Sick of not having rear defrost with cold weather and rain. Annoying as f***!

    Not surprised at the cost for the E60 parts lol.

  21. #13671
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    Probably not rust, but aluminum corrosion on the wiper arms. It'll cause paint bubbles just the same, though.
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

  22. #13672
    Join Date
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    Went to check out this 1997 528i for $300 .

    https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...xuUHRvUjFFVzNR


    Last edited by Jason5driver; 12-14-2021 at 12:15 PM.

    Looking for an E39 belly pan , passenger front inner fender liner …

  23. #13673
    Join Date
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    ^ that photo website is blocked
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

  24. #13674
    Join Date
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    The car was so good it blocked the ad.
    Current Garage Highlights
    2003 525iT TiSilver
    2002 M5 TiSilver
    1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)

    Former Garage Highlights
    2005 X5 4.8is
    2004 325iTs (2x)
    1973 Pantera L
    1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
    1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
    1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
    1969 Road Runner 383
    1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green

  25. #13675
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    What’s up with the difference in paint color between the doors?
    Is the cat part of the deal too?

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