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Thread: computiNATEor's Build Log - Seabiscuit, Otto, and Manuel

  1. #1
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    01 M5 TiAg/M1SW

    computiNATEor's Build Log - Seabiscuit (parted), Otto (sold), Manuel (in progress)

    It’s been a long time coming, but it’s time for me to start documenting and organizing my BMWs. I currently own 3 BMW E39 530is - one totaled, one automatic, and one manual. I gave them names, mostly just so I can talk about them without going crazy.


    The totaled car I refer to as “Seabiscuit.” It is an 03-11-2003, Black Sapphire/Black, automatic, sport, premium package 530i. I purchased it as my first “real” car in August of 2014 at the age of 18, for $7500. I promptly crashed it, fixed it, and drove it from 92,000 miles to 156,000 miles, when it drove its last mile. Seabiscuit was t-boned and totaled (structurally, not just monetarily) by an old lady running a red light on 03-01-2017, just 10 days shy of its 14th birthday.

    I loved that car. I had been through several iterations of brake rotors/pads, at least six sets of tires, three sets of wheels (71s, 49s, 5s); burned thousands of dollars in fuel; and completed a variety of upgrades. Stainless steel brake hoses, a custom MS43 tune, Stewart water pump, Koni FSD “Gold” shocks, auxiliary input, and tons of other little tweaks.

    Currently, Seabiscuit sits in a garage (my grandmother has a detached garage that is never used; thankfully) (though I should drag it outside; the paint was trashed anyways by a combination of mediocre paintwork after the first accident and a desert sandstorm on the way to Phoenix, and it doesn’t leak anything so it won’t stain the concrete), supported by a jack stand (the LF suspension was destroyed on impact), and is slowly being picked through for parts. I will save a ton of them, including (but not limited to):

    • European lower dashboard
    • Gauge-ring’d, perfect condition ~2010 instrument cluster
    • Perfect door sill plates
    • Jan 2017 rebuilt sunroof cassette
    • New exterior BMW badges
    • Various black interior pieces
    • Black floor mats (carpet and WeatherTech DigitalFit)
    • TEC cupholder, Ultimate Cupholders, “DropStops"
    • European lift-up center console w/ storage pocket
    • 3 great, just-purchsed Style 5 wheels (finding a used one in similar condition shouldn’t be too difficult)
    • Refreshed cooling system
    • 156k mi, oil-analysis-verified-healthy, pencil-coil, rebuilt-DISA, zero-lifter-tick M54B30, punching out about 200whp (according to drag strip times) through a transmission w/ a failed torque converter
    • Fresh engine mounts w/ less than 2k miles on them
    • Six month old Nissens radiator
    • Lifetime warrantied, <10k mi Bosch alternator
    • Rebuilt, lifetime warrantied ABS module
    • Stainless steel brake hoses (including the mid-hoses from ECS Tuning)
    • 2 rear Koni FSD “Golds” + OE sport springs in good condition
    • E60 triple-stream washer nozzles (big difference, trust me)
    • And more I’m probably forgetting.



    Now, my second 530i, “Otto," I acquired for $4750 with 136k mi. with my insurance payout money. I received a pretty fair settlement, IMO, considering the condition and parts I had into my last car. I have semi-complete records for Otto dating back to when new and one master key. I should pick up another one and a wallet key, too. Otto is an 04-25-2002 530iA Sport, in Toledo Blue over Sandbeige. Equipped w/ Mk3 Navigation, DSP, a 4x3 nav screen (the 16x9 was swiped for a beautifully clean ’00 Anthracite Gray M5 by the previous owner), aux-in, voice-control, premium package, and PDC. This is an ex-E39Source car (“Hassan’s 2002 BMW 530iA”). It is currently in need of:

    • Oil pan gasket (I will likely use the cut method; I will safety wire the oil pump nut if I can)
    • Transmission fluid change (parts are ready to go; I just need some free time)
    • Fan shroud replacement (fiberglass is old and cracking)
    • Interior detail
    • Driver’s seat leather restoration/re-dye
    • Sunroof guide rail repair (lots and lots and lots of labor)
    • Engine mounts (there is a slight shake in the rear view mirror, and some minor heat shield rattling that preceded engine mount failure in Seabiscuit)
    • HVAC module needs to be disassembled and vacuumed out; the automatic temperature control is slow to respond to changes in cabin temperature.
    • Front bumper and bumper trim could really use a repaint, as could the PDC sensors (they’ve faded to purple). RF bumper trim is cracked, though secure.
    • Front sway bar end links
    • Windshield washer fluid line repair. It’s currently washing the underside of the hood.
    • There are three holes in the left taillight bucket area that appear as though some bodywork has been previously completed on the LR quarter panel. Currently they are plugged with a window sealer-like rubber, but I’d prefer to reinforce them either with welded plugs or something like fiberglass body filler (plus primer and paint) to prevent water entry and corrosion.
    • Rust repair in the spare tire well. It would appear that a battery exploded sometime in the car’s history, as there are little acid dots in the battery area, and a body plug is missing where the rust is. I plan on sanding/grinding or chemically stripping the area, applying a rust converter (any suggestions?), etch primer, and respraying the spare tire well area (well-masked off, of course) with a flat, unsealed coat of Toledo Blue aerosol from AutomotiveTouchUp.com, then replacing the body plug and applying some undercoating beneath. Good as new.
    • Some dumb stuff, like the center console rolling door cubby, and side marker light bulbs (current ones are sun faded)
    • Battery vent tube. No need for another rupture.
    • And that’s about it, for now.



    And the third 530i, “Manuel”. Manuel is pretty similar to Otto; it, too, is a 2002 (10/01 production) 530i5 that I purchased for $2500 with 191k mi. in Toledo Blue over Grau, equipped with the sport package, Mk3 nav, OE 16x9 display, cold weather package, premium package, heated comfort seats, and DSP. I believe it was once equipped with a factory cell phone, though that has since been removed (there are several detatched antennas dangling in the trunk, plus the rear glass antenna). I have service records for the last seven years or so, two master keys, one valet key, and one wallet key. Manuel is a salvage titled vehicle (hence the price) due to a relatively minor rear end impact. The damage appears to be limited to:

    • The trunk lid (bowed up on top; large dent near key hole; likely will need to be replaced)
    • The unibody panel that runs below and between the trunk and taillights (likely why the vehicle was totaled)
    • The rear bumper (superficial scratches, no cracks).
    • Paint transfer/scuffs on the right taillight (no cracks or broken bulbs)
    • The inner unibody (visible through spare tire well) appears complely unscathed


    Aside from crash damage repair, Manuel appears to need:

    • Another oil pan gasket repair (I might do this one properly, especially if I can install an Eibach sway bar simultaneously, and safety wire on the oil pump nut)
    • An oil change
    • All four jack pads (Seabiscuit parts car to the rescue!)
    • Something in the right rear. Suspension? Axle? Subframe? There’s a slightly alarming clunk. I suspect subframe bushings, as it happens over parking lot/street transitions as the suspension is torsionally stressed, but not over speed bumps. Could also be a bad strut, or ball joints. Hard to tell; I need to go over the service records I have.
    • All shifter bushings (there’s probably 2cm of play in-gear)
    • Something in the driveline; it feels like the dual mass flywheel is worn out, which, at 191k SoCal commuter miles on its second clutch, is definitely a possibility. There is a distinct springy sensation.
    • HVAC module cleaning, too: electric boogaloo.
    • Power steering lines/reservoir (I have a spare reservoir, and the lines from Seabiscuit were replaced in 2015)
    • Instrument cluster (about 25% of the pixels and at least one backlight are out) (again, parts from Seabiscuit)
    • Aux-input. This may be fairly involved; I’m not sure yet which option I’ll take. I may just splice into the tape deck in-dash.
    • Headlight restoration. I have some Hella G4 projectors and DJAuto lenses ready, but it’ll be hard to give away those brand new, shiny European Hellas with Otto, even if they aren’t bi-xenons. Quad low beams, anyone?
    • Front brake rotors/pads. According to the previous owner, they have 65,000 miles on them. Yes, really.
    • Driver's door window regulator.
    • Some easy stuff like windshield wipers.



    Sooooo… All that to familiarize y’all with the cars I have. Now I need to rebuild them to make two really nice cars, and prepare Otto for sale. I’ve had enough of the slow-shifting ZF 5-speed slushbox. While it’s nice in traffic, its slow performance on fun drives really is a wet blanket.

    I dropped Manuel off at the body shop yesterday with the trunk and rear bumper from Seabiscuit. They estimated about a week and $1500 for a good as new refurb.
    Last edited by computiNATEor; 03-07-2018 at 01:53 PM. Reason: Updated Title
    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.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    North OC, CA
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    01 M5 TiAg/M1SW
    My dad gave me a tiny little USB camera this evening; I figure I could use it to drop into spark plug holes (places where the sun don't shine, as a friend of mine might say). Has a ring of bright-ish LEDs on the end, and a low-res camera. Enough to see what's going on. He got it for like $2 on sale somewhere.

    Great for spooky campfire lighting; it's the little black thing by my chin. About an inch and a half long or so.
    Photo on 6-28-17 at 11.53 PM #2.jpg

    Photo quality isn't great, but it's usable.
    Photo on 6-28-17 at 11.52 PM.jpg
    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.

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Lansdale, Pa
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    98 540 6, SC'ed, 16psi
    Quite the collection of i6's. Good luck on all the work you have planned!
    98 540i 6, 525 whp, 120 mph 1/4, V3 Si S/C'er @16 psi, W/A I/C, Water/Meth, Supersprint Headers, HJS Cats, 3" Custom Exhaust, UUC Twin Disc, Wavetrac LSD, GC Coil Overs, Monoball TA, AEM FP, Aeromotive FPR, AEM Failsafe AFR/Boost, Style 65's w/275's, M5 Steering Box, Eibach Sways, M3 Shifter, Evans Coolant, 85 Deg Stat, PWM Fan, 10" Subs, B.A. speakers, Grom Aux/BT, Still Rolling as my DD!

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    Lynchburg, VA
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    2001 540i
    Thanks for the big write-up. As a fellow salvage title owner, good luck


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2001 Salvage Title 540i
    My build thread: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...toive-decision

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    BMW
    We need pictures of each car to visualize the story here!

  6. #6
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    It's coming, I promise! I am currently trying to get all of my photo libraries organized. I have more than 500gb total now...
    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.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
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    1995 525i/5
    I'm more surprised that you haven't gotten a 540i/6 yet, they're about as cheap as a 530i at this point.
    1995 525i 5-speed - Thread

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny View Post
    I'm more surprised that you haven't gotten a 540i/6 yet, they're about as cheap as a 530i at this point.
    But muh steering feel!

    Honestly, I could. But I like the sound, smoothness, relatively light weight, and better balance of the I6. I also get 16-18mpg if I drive like an absolute maniac, but 20mpg is easy if I drive like a normal person.
    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.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
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    Destin, FL
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    W220 S55 AMG, E39 540i6
    Quote Originally Posted by computiNATEor View Post
    But muh steering feel!

    Honestly, I could. But I like the sound, smoothness, relatively light weight, and better balance of the I6. I also get 16-18mpg if I drive like an absolute maniac, but 20mpg is easy if I drive like a normal person.
    I dared to look at the OBC today on my home. 11.6 mpg in town with moderate acceleration. Great fuel economy isn't one of its attributes.

    Can't wait to see how the mash up of 3 E39s goes


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Chris
    -------------------------------------
    04 Mercedes S55 AMG
    97 BMW 540i6

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by cnsorial View Post
    I dared to look at the OBC today on my home. 11.6 mpg in town with moderate acceleration. Great fuel economy isn't one of its attributes.

    Can't wait to see how the mash up of 3 E39s goes
    OUCH. Yeah, exactly.

    Thanks!
    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.

  11. #11
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by computiNATEor View Post
    But muh steering feel!

    Honestly, I could. But I like the sound, smoothness, relatively light weight, and better balance of the I6. I also get 16-18mpg if I drive like an absolute maniac, but 20mpg is easy if I drive like a normal person.
    16-18mpg isn't *that* good for an i6-powered car. I get like 15-16mpg in my 2000 540it which is older, weighs more (around 4000lbs) and has a slushbox. And that's with me beating on it constantly in 115º weather. On a highway trip I get about 20mpg, driving at a reasonable 80-85mph.
    1995 525i 5-speed - Thread

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny View Post
    16-18mpg isn't *that* good for an i6-powered car. I get like 15-16mpg in my 2000 540it which is older, weighs more (around 4000lbs) and has a slushbox. And that's with me beating on it constantly in 115º weather. On a highway trip I get about 20mpg, driving at a reasonable 80-85mph.
    We've talked about this before; 16-18 is around town, quarter mile stop-n-go, deep city driving. Highway driving nets me ~25mpg. Slushbox numbers here, too; I haven't driven the manual enough to know its mileage.
    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.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
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    North OC, CA
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    Still trying to get my photo libraries up and running and backed up... 400+GB is a lot to organize.

    Here are some photographs from the body shop as they prepare Manuel for paint.

    IMG_1483.jpg
    IMG_1481.jpg
    IMG_1482.jpg

    Sorry for the the upside down photos. Apparently VBulletin still doesn't support iPhone rotation tags. C'mon guys, it's been ten years now!
    Last edited by computiNATEor; 10-31-2017 at 12:04 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.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Destin, FL
    Posts
    641
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    W220 S55 AMG, E39 540i6
    Looking good. Where are they gonna paint to? That little body line below the tail light?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Chris
    -------------------------------------
    04 Mercedes S55 AMG
    97 BMW 540i6

  15. #15
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    Sep 2014
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    Quote Originally Posted by cnsorial View Post
    Looking good. Where are they gonna paint to? That little body line below the tail light?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    That'd be my guess. They did say that the unibody pulling they had to do was some of the toughest sheet metal they'd ever come across. I'm confident that these guys will do a good job; I'm paying a little more here than another body shop because of the somewhat structural nature of this area, and because I want to keep this car for 300k miles.
    Last edited by computiNATEor; 10-31-2017 at 12:04 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.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Perrysburg, Ohio
    Posts
    392
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    1999 BMW M3
    Nate, I am a good friend of Ryan's. I was about to purchase Hassan's 530iA. But, at that point it would have been my 3rd 530iA. Life happened and I bought an M5. Hassan's now yours is 'The Shit for the 5er.' But now, I've got an E38 740i, 530i/5 (3rd 5er), and an M5 in the fleet!
    Current
    1999 BMW M3/2/5 cosmos/black vaders

    Past
    2000 BMW M5, Jetblack
    1995 BMW M3/2/5, Alpine white
    1997 BMW 328/5, Boston green
    2005 BMW 330/6 ZHP, Silbergrau
    1999 BMW 540/6, Cashmere beige
    2000 BMW 328/5, 144k miles sienna red (slicktop)
    1995 BMW Dinan M3/2/5, Dakar yellow (I regret it)
    2002 BMW 530iA sport, Jetblack
    2001 BMW 530iA sport, cosmos
    2002 BMW 530iA, sterlinggrau

  17. #17
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ajcanadian View Post
    Nate, I am a good friend of Ryan's. I was about to purchase Hassan's 530iA. But, at that point it would have been my 3rd 530iA. Life happened and I bought an M5. Hassan's now yours is 'The Shit for the 5er.' But now, I've got an E38 740i, 530i/5 (3rd 5er), and an M5 in the fleet!
    Hey, thanks AJ! It's a pretty nice car. It's hard to keep the beige interior clean, though! I feel like it needs vacuuming every other day 'cause my work shoes scuff up the rubber floor mats :/

    I'm currently waiting for my manual car to be completed at the body shop. It will become my daily driver and I will be prepping Otto for sale. Otto will be undergoing a pretty big service; engine mounts, transmission fluid/filter change, oil pan gasket, brake inspection/caliper lubrication, front bumper repaint, door handle refinish, and Inspection II.
    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.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Perrysburg, Ohio
    Posts
    392
    My Cars
    1999 BMW M3
    Quote Originally Posted by computiNATEor View Post
    Hey, thanks AJ! It's a pretty nice car. It's hard to keep the beige interior clean, though! I feel like it needs vacuuming every other day 'cause my work shoes scuff up the rubber floor mats :/

    I'm currently waiting for my manual car to be completed at the body shop. It will become my daily driver and I will be prepping Otto for sale. Otto will be undergoing a pretty big service; engine mounts, transmission fluid/filter change, oil pan gasket, brake inspection/caliper lubrication, front bumper repaint, door handle refinish, and Inspection II.
    I see! How's the leather? I heard it was pretty dried out. The beige isn't my favorite either.

    You really think you can sell Otto for a mark-up after all the time and money you spent on it? At that point I'd just keep it.
    Current
    1999 BMW M3/2/5 cosmos/black vaders

    Past
    2000 BMW M5, Jetblack
    1995 BMW M3/2/5, Alpine white
    1997 BMW 328/5, Boston green
    2005 BMW 330/6 ZHP, Silbergrau
    1999 BMW 540/6, Cashmere beige
    2000 BMW 328/5, 144k miles sienna red (slicktop)
    1995 BMW Dinan M3/2/5, Dakar yellow (I regret it)
    2002 BMW 530iA sport, Jetblack
    2001 BMW 530iA sport, cosmos
    2002 BMW 530iA, sterlinggrau

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Tempe, AZ
    Posts
    7,658
    My Cars
    1995 525i/5
    If I were you, I'd swap the black interior from your first 530i into the 530i/5. I'm in the process of doing that to my 540it and I'm pretty excited.
    1995 525i 5-speed - Thread

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    North OC, CA
    Posts
    3,327
    My Cars
    01 M5 TiAg/M1SW
    Quote Originally Posted by Ajcanadian View Post
    I see! How's the leather? I heard it was pretty dried out. The beige isn't my favorite either.

    You really think you can sell Otto for a mark-up after all the time and money you spent on it? At that point I'd just keep it.
    The leather actually came back pretty nicely with Lexol conditioner, but the driver's seat base has taken a beating over the years. Still comfortable, though.

    Here's the thing: I havent spent all that much money on parts and supplies! A lot of stuff I already had for my black car.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny View Post
    If I were you, I'd swap the black interior from your first 530i into the 530i/5. I'm in the process of doing that to my 540it and I'm pretty excited.
    That's the plan, eventually. First order of business will be the Euro lower dash panel.
    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.

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Perrysburg, Ohio
    Posts
    392
    My Cars
    1999 BMW M3
    Quote Originally Posted by computiNATEor View Post
    The leather actually came back pretty nicely with Lexol conditioner, but the driver's seat base has taken a beating over the years. Still comfortable, though.

    Here's the thing: I havent spent all that much money on parts and supplies! A lot of stuff I already had for my black car.

    - - - Updated - - -



    That's the plan, eventually. First order of business will be the Euro lower dash panel.
    I see, can't wait for the final product. My current 5er has 190k miles with the black leather, base seat. A junkyard near me had an E38 with black interior. I snagged the comfort seats and man are they comfy! It's the same seat a 540 has.

    Over-all what was the issue with the trans? Just needed a fluid top up/change?
    Current
    1999 BMW M3/2/5 cosmos/black vaders

    Past
    2000 BMW M5, Jetblack
    1995 BMW M3/2/5, Alpine white
    1997 BMW 328/5, Boston green
    2005 BMW 330/6 ZHP, Silbergrau
    1999 BMW 540/6, Cashmere beige
    2000 BMW 328/5, 144k miles sienna red (slicktop)
    1995 BMW Dinan M3/2/5, Dakar yellow (I regret it)
    2002 BMW 530iA sport, Jetblack
    2001 BMW 530iA sport, cosmos
    2002 BMW 530iA, sterlinggrau

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    North OC, CA
    Posts
    3,327
    My Cars
    01 M5 TiAg/M1SW
    Quote Originally Posted by Ajcanadian View Post
    I see, can't wait for the final product. My current 5er has 190k miles with the black leather, base seat. A junkyard near me had an E38 with black interior. I snagged the comfort seats and man are they comfy! It's the same seat a 540 has.

    Over-all what was the issue with the trans? Just needed a fluid top up/change?
    Yeah, my 530i5 has the gray comfort seats; I like them a lot better than the sport seats, though I do wish there was more lumbar support. I'd like to pick up some "sport comfort" E38 seats at some point, but they go for crazy money, especially in black.

    I've had zero issues with the transmission, and I've driven 8,000+ miles on it since I bought it from Hassan. I did read one error relating to the torque converter clutch when I first got it, but I cleared that and it hasn't come back since. I'll change the fluid soon, as soon as the 530i5 is back from the body shop (who is apparently not doing a rush job; that's ok).
    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.

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Perrysburg, Ohio
    Posts
    392
    My Cars
    1999 BMW M3
    Quote Originally Posted by computiNATEor View Post
    Yeah, my 530i5 has the gray comfort seats; I like them a lot better than the sport seats, though I do wish there was more lumbar support. I'd like to pick up some "sport comfort" E38 seats at some point, but they go for crazy money, especially in black.

    I've had zero issues with the transmission, and I've driven 8,000+ miles on it since I bought it from Hassan. I did read one error relating to the torque converter clutch when I first got it, but I cleared that and it hasn't come back since. I'll change the fluid soon, as soon as the 530i5 is back from the body shop (who is apparently not doing a rush job; that's ok).
    Man it is wonderful! I fell in love with it when I paid $20 for a perfect one from a dude parting his 540 and put it in my 217k mile 530iA. That original seat was just worn out. Correct, they do go for top dollar. By any chance is the bottom cushion only replaceable? I might not be totally sure about this but a buddy of mine Luke (owner of an Avus M5) put a passenger side bottom cushion on his driver side.

    It could just be a small electrical issue. Same thing with my cosmos 530iA. At 220k miles new owner texted me and said trans is in fail safe mode. I hooked it up to Inpa, reset every adaption and cleared the code and it's been running flawless. Your car probably needs new fluid. What fluid are you using? That's correct I'd rather have it done right instead of messing it up. I am very jealous of Otto!
    Last edited by Ajcanadian; 07-10-2017 at 08:02 PM.
    Current
    1999 BMW M3/2/5 cosmos/black vaders

    Past
    2000 BMW M5, Jetblack
    1995 BMW M3/2/5, Alpine white
    1997 BMW 328/5, Boston green
    2005 BMW 330/6 ZHP, Silbergrau
    1999 BMW 540/6, Cashmere beige
    2000 BMW 328/5, 144k miles sienna red (slicktop)
    1995 BMW Dinan M3/2/5, Dakar yellow (I regret it)
    2002 BMW 530iA sport, Jetblack
    2001 BMW 530iA sport, cosmos
    2002 BMW 530iA, sterlinggrau

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    North OC, CA
    Posts
    3,327
    My Cars
    01 M5 TiAg/M1SW
    Quote Originally Posted by Ajcanadian View Post
    Man it is wonderful! I fell in love with it when I paid $20 for a perfect one from a dude parting his 540 and put it in my 217k mile 530iA. That original seat was just worn out. Correct, they do go for top dollar. By any chance is the bottom cushion only replaceable? I might not be totally sure about this but a buddy of mine Luke (owner of an Avus M5) put a passenger side bottom cushion on his driver side.

    It could just be a small electrical issue. Same thing with my cosmos 530iA. At 220k miles new owner texted me and said trans is in fail safe mode. I hooked it up to Inpa, reset every adaption and cleared the code and it's been running flawless. Your car probably needs new fluid. What fluid are you using? That's correct I'd rather have it done right instead of messing it up. I am very jealous of Otto!
    You can totally replace the seat cushion by itself; BMW sells the foam, IIRC. You just need to know how hog-rings work, which I don't.

    Sport seat bottom foam: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/52108162329/
    Comfort seat bottom foam: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/52108234867/

    I follow Luke on the Obsessed Garage FB page; he's truly obsessive. I love it

    I'll be going with Valvoline Maxlife ATF. It's available relatively inexpensively from most any auto parts store; I bought 3 gallons from Walmart using their in-store pickup option for ~$55. I plan to drain and refill the transmission, drive it a bit, then drain, change the filter, and refill again. That will hopefully change like 85% of the fluid in it; it's impossible to change the torque converter fluid without removing the transmission, so there will still be some old fluid circulating. If it's lasted this long...

    You could also use the ZF Lifeguard 5 fluid, as its the manufacturer-specified fluid. It's a lot pricier, though ($18/liter!!) ($216/ 3 gallons), and if I was keeping the automatic car, I might go for it. I'd say the Maxlife ATF should be changed every 30,000 miles, whereas the ZF Lifeguard could probably go 60,000. With that price difference, I'll stick with the Valvoline. I'll also be using the Maxlife to change the ATF in the power steering rack, which needed a new reservoir gasket. I replaced that with a Viton gasket that Bluebee on Bimmerfest recommended years ago; I bought like a 50-pack on Amazon for cheap.

    Interesting side-note: I have a ZF filter sitting in my garage waiting to be installed, and it's developed surface rust! In the dry California climate?! I'll have to use some scrub pads on it before I install it. :/
    Last edited by computiNATEor; 07-11-2017 at 02:27 AM.
    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.

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Perrysburg, Ohio
    Posts
    392
    My Cars
    1999 BMW M3
    Yeap, if I were you I'd replace the whole seat itself. It's just too over complicated. Just BMW things

    His car is very very obsessive. I know why everyone agrees why Luke's car is a unicorn. Avus on 06SS (silverstone Full leather) it is truly eye catching.

    Yeap, it is cheap. Good luck with the fluid change!

    Hahaha, My M5 needed it when I bought it. One of the things showed up in the PPI. Infact all the BMW's I've owned have had the same issue.

    Ugh, hopefully you figure it out.

    On a side note, you gotta upload pics of Otto. Otto has been one of my favorite especially after Kennan's Topaz 525/5
    Current
    1999 BMW M3/2/5 cosmos/black vaders

    Past
    2000 BMW M5, Jetblack
    1995 BMW M3/2/5, Alpine white
    1997 BMW 328/5, Boston green
    2005 BMW 330/6 ZHP, Silbergrau
    1999 BMW 540/6, Cashmere beige
    2000 BMW 328/5, 144k miles sienna red (slicktop)
    1995 BMW Dinan M3/2/5, Dakar yellow (I regret it)
    2002 BMW 530iA sport, Jetblack
    2001 BMW 530iA sport, cosmos
    2002 BMW 530iA, sterlinggrau

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