"New" Touring Owner!

[TenaciousG]

Hi, all -- and, thanks! Without all the lurking I've done the past several months, I wouldn't have been able to get my car sorted so well! I figure it's past time to stop in and introduce myself, and the car.

Less than two years back, I found a 354 Titanium Silver over black 525 with three pedals 68,000 miles to its name. I had two Porsche 944s, an e82, and a second baby on the way. Compromises were made, but zero regrets so far! Thanks to you folks, and the decade of troubleshooting posts, I've been able to swap out most of the cooling system, install new air bags, sport struts, bushings, speakers -- the e39 has been a great platform to drive and maintain. Here are some pictures:





I'm hoping to get into some autocross events with it this summer. Modifications of note include the AC Schnitzer roof spoiler I bought off a 540iT guy who lost his engine, Eibach sways front and rear, billet aluminum rear sway brackets, Bilstein B8 struts, Arnott rear bags, and a Jim Conforti chip (more for the throttle remapping than the less significant power gains). I've got to replace the subframe bushings, motor mounts, and wheel bearings later this spring. I'm looking at several older posts before committing myself to installing a better subwoofer, but that's not really a priority. It's an incredibly fun daily driver!

[XAlt]

Congrats.

[cheapE46]

Clean! I am not so sure about the red wheels but to each their own

Did you rent a tool for the rear frame bushings?

I have replaced shocks (Bilstein B4 touring) and rear air springs (Arnott) and my mechanic told me that everything is nice in tight both in the front and rear BUT I still feel that there is enough "cushion" in the rear
It feels like jumps on every bump and crashes on every depression in the road.

Wondering if your Bilstein B8s ride like that too?

[adm750]

Welcome....!! Nice to see another cool touring in the great state of Ohio Sharp car...nice find. The fam and I will be in Cinci over the summer I'm sure....looks like I'll need to keep one eye on the rear view mirror while we're there...

[TenaciousG]

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Welcome....!! Nice to see another cool touring in the great state of Ohio Sharp car...nice find. The fam and I will be in Cinci over the summer I'm sure....looks like I'll need to keep one eye on the rear view mirror while we're there...

I'm driving most of the 275 loop heading in and heading home from work -- give a honk if you find me!

- - - Updated - - -

Clean! I am not so sure about the red wheels but to each their own

Did you rent a tool for the rear frame bushings?

I have replaced shocks (Bilstein B4 touring) and rear air springs (Arnott) and my mechanic told me that everything is nice in tight both in the front and rear BUT I still feel that there is enough "cushion" in the rear
It feels like jumps on every bump and crashes on every depression in the road.

Wondering if your Bilstein B8s ride like that too?

The red was an experiment -- I didn't want to commit to painting the Borbet wheels so I dipped them last winter. They looked great until brake dust and salt entered the picture. If I keep the wheels, I'll have them powdercoated/cerakoted black. Their original color is close to the car's, and I wanted to see if they'd look better with some pop!

I bought a secondhand Koch tool because I was told they could work (in a pinch) on E53 x5 subframe bushings, too -- so I figured it'd pay for itself after a couple years anyway, since my wife drives an '04 3.0.

The OEM shocks in the rear were horrendously shot when I got to replacing them. Coming from a 944 Turbo with Koni yellows all round, the ride is not NEARLY as harsh -- it has a little give in the back, but I don't get a jarring sensation when I go over a small pothole, or deformation in the road. Keep in mind, a number of other factors (like wheelbase, ride height, etc) are in play. The car feels more planted, but I put Eibach sway bars (with beastmaster rear sway clamps) on at the same time -- so my observed differences come from some really big maintenance items getting crossed off within a weekend.

[Jerinoid]

Looks great. Personally, I am lovin' those red wheels. Just a matter of taste though I suppose. Welcome to the group.

[TenaciousG]

I was happy with them but two days of brake dust was enough to make them look really dingy... I'm going with black -- or selling, to upgrade to some beefy front rotors.

Looks great. Personally, I am lovin' those red wheels. Just a matter of taste though I suppose. Welcome to the group.

[XAlt]

I was happy with them but two days of brake dust was enough to make them look really dingy... I'm going with black -- or selling, to upgrade to some beefy front rotors.

Basketweaves can probably get the job done for now.

[TenaciousG]

Basketweaves can probably get the job done for now.

I have squared continental summer rubber on those for now -- the Borbet wheels have the Nokian winter tires from my 951, because those tires were too good to sell with the car! but they're staggered and on their way out, so after next year, I'll need replacements.

[StephenVA]

Welcome to the family!

[adm750]

I have squared continental summer rubber on those for now -- the Borbet wheels have the Nokian winter tires from my 951, because those tires were too good to sell with the car! but they're staggered and on their way out, so after next year, I'll need replacements.

I have a set of style 42's off an e39 530 sport that I can't find the time to re-work.....if you happen to be interested.

They have 235/45-17 conti snows mounted on them (two are in great shape, two at the limits...)....and I actually have a total of 5 of the style 42 wheels. The centers are good but the barrels have seen better days....(...meaning, if it were me, I'd swap the centers into refreshed barrels if I had the time/$$....)

I'll post pics up on this thread when I get a chance....not against meeting halfway to do the deed either.

tony