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Thread: My first BMW E39!

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
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    1998 328is

    My first BMW E39!

    Hello I am new to this thread coming from the e36 forum with an automatic. I recently purchased a 1999 e39 528i it is the 5 speed manual transmission it was the only manual I could find and I also wanted to learn how to drive stick so here are some pics...

    I want to know if I can add facelift tailights and headlights toy pre facelift model, is this possible? Not too good with wiring so if there are any diy plz do link me or explain because I do like the modern look of those angel eyes.IMG_20180406_183353277.jpg067bfadb-66f2-41eb-9972-af16e6de7737.jpg483416df-8345-439e-9c9c-3b853b2afaba.jpg
    Last edited by zohaibrose; 04-09-2018 at 02:47 PM.
    98 328is/5 Arctic silver
    99 528i 5speed Alpine white(Totaled Unfortunately)
    Oil pan and timing chain delete, weight reduction right?
    98 540i/6 (New baby)











  2. #2
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    Welcome to the 5 series family of fine cars and owners!
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  3. #3
    Join Date
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    waiting on my new E87!
    Quote Originally Posted by zohaibrose View Post
    Hello I am new to this thread coming from the e36 forum with an automatic. I recently purchased a 1999 e39 528i it is the 5 speed manual transmission it was the only manual I could find and I also wanted to learn how to drive stick so here are some pics...

    I want to know if I can add facelift tailights and headlights toy pre facelift model, is this possible? Not too good with wiring so if there are any diy plz do link me or explain because I do like the modern look of those angel eyes.IMG_20180406_183353277.jpg067bfadb-66f2-41eb-9972-af16e6de7737.jpg483416df-8345-439e-9c9c-3b853b2afaba.jpg
    Got one just like it.. '02 530i

    Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
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    Anderson SC
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    2000 BMW 528i
    If you do a quick search, the facelift headlights have been talked about alot. I believe there also may be some you tube videos for the visual learner too. I'm not sure about the wiring.

    My wife's car came with the facelift headlights when it was purchased but they aren't wired up yet. They need new adjusters in them right now so she is trying to decide whether to replace the whole light or just replace the adjusters.
    I do not think the wiring is too bad at all though from what I've read and seen throughout my searching.

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  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by baf07 View Post
    Got one just like it.. '02 530i

    Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
    wow you got the big m54 engine is this one a manual too?
    98 328is/5 Arctic silver
    99 528i 5speed Alpine white(Totaled Unfortunately)
    Oil pan and timing chain delete, weight reduction right?
    98 540i/6 (New baby)











  6. #6
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    waiting on my new E87!
    Quote Originally Posted by zohaibrose View Post
    wow you got the big m54 engine is this one a manual too?
    Nope...just the 5 speed slushbox


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  7. #7
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    2005 X3 & 2000 323i
    Right on. I also went e36 -> e39. Well, via an e38. Upgrades to head/tail lights seem like a can't-miss w/ the aftermarket. Then you'll get sucked into a silver dash instrument cluster. Lots of good stories about DIY on my car, hopefully yours will be good to you.

    Welcome.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
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    99 528i/5, 05 ZHP conv
    I have a '99 (manual) and a '00 (auto). A good short-throw shift kit is a nice mod for the manual

    Also, for lights:

    Here is what I have done twice recently on both my '99 and '00 - one with halogen and one with Xenon
    I am happy with the looks and results.

    Buy these:
    (97-00 BMW E39 5-SERIES EURO CLEAR CORNER REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT LENSES W/ FRAMES )

    http://a.co/bmseCS7

    to be clear these are replacement lenses that go over your existing pre-facelift headlight housings . No angel eyes

    Once installed, I replaced the current clear corner turn signal bulbs with yellow bulbs of an identical wattage, size, plug, etc.

    I would also suggest you just dig in an replace those headlight adjusters. It is not that tough. It will take you an hour or so each side the first time, and we are all here to help you through it. If you break the adjusting knobs (common), you can just JB weld them back on the spindles. I had three broken knobs recently.

    I also recommend you buy rear taillights (post facelift style red/clear - fit fine, plug and play) and clear side lights avail from same vendor. Just takes all the yellow out of the car.

    taillights:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0725JWSWJ/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    side lights:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722ZVM12/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Last edited by effduration; 04-10-2018 at 07:24 AM.

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by effduration View Post
    I have a '99 (manual) and a '00 (auto). A good short-throw shift kit is a nice mod for the manual

    Also, for lights:

    Here is what I have done twice recently on both my '99 and '00 - one with halogen and one with Xenon
    I am happy with the looks and results.

    Buy these:
    (97-00 BMW E39 5-SERIES EURO CLEAR CORNER REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT LENSES W/ FRAMES )

    http://a.co/bmseCS7

    to be clear these are replacement lenses that go over your existing pre-facelift headlight housings . No angel eyes

    Once installed, I replaced the current clear corner turn signal bulbs with yellow bulbs of an identical wattage, size, plug, etc.

    I would also suggest you just dig in an replace those headlight adjusters. It is not that tough. It will take you an hour or so each side the first time, and we are all here to help you through it. If you break the adjusting knobs (common), you can just JB weld them back on the spindles. I had three broken knobs recently.

    I also recommend you buy rear taillights (post facelift style red/clear - fit fine, plug and play) and clear side lights avail from same vendor. Just takes all the yellow out of the car.

    taillights:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0725JWSWJ/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    side lights:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722ZVM12/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    What this guy said...
    Easy and low cost upgrades that make a difference without causing headaches.
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    2001 Z3 3.0i -Oxford Green/Sandbeige
    2016 428xi -Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 430iC- Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 330it - Melbourne Red/Venetian Beige/Black

  10. #10
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    Looks great, you will enjoy it!

  11. #11
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    1998 328is
    Quote Originally Posted by amancuso View Post
    What this guy said...
    Easy and low cost upgrades that make a difference without causing headaches.
    nice m5 buddy, true only the pre facelift m cars came with those tailights in your attatched photo correct?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by baf07 View Post
    Nope...just the 5 speed slushbox


    Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
    dont you mean 4 speed, dam your facelift headlights look 10 times better then my pre facelift lights, mine are so hazy it makes the car look 10 years older need to get angel eye lights on to make it look more modern
    Last edited by zohaibrose; 04-17-2018 at 11:42 PM.
    98 328is/5 Arctic silver
    99 528i 5speed Alpine white(Totaled Unfortunately)
    Oil pan and timing chain delete, weight reduction right?
    98 540i/6 (New baby)











  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
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    Santa Clarita, CA
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    waiting on my new E87!
    Should be the 5 speed, the GM ZF version based on my Vin... Think all e39s from 2000 on had the 5 speed auto versions?

    Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

  13. #13
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by zohaibrose View Post
    nice m5 buddy, true only the pre facelift m cars came with those tailights in your attatched photo correct?

    - - - Updated - - -

    dont you mean 4 speed, dam your facelift headlights look 10 times better then my pre facelift lights, mine are so hazy it makes the car look 10 years older need to get angel eye lights on to make it look more modern
    Sorry for the late reply but yes, only 2000 M5 came with those lights in the US.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2001 Z3 3.0i -Oxford Green/Sandbeige
    2016 428xi -Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 430iC- Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 330it - Melbourne Red/Venetian Beige/Black

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by baf07 View Post
    Should be the 5 speed, the GM ZF version based on my Vin... Think all e39s from 2000 on had the 5 speed auto versions?

    Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
    Early build 2000 MY had the 4 speed auto.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2001 Z3 3.0i -Oxford Green/Sandbeige
    2016 428xi -Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 430iC- Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 330it - Melbourne Red/Venetian Beige/Black

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    NYC / NJ
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    My Cars
    BMW E39i, Nissan Z
    Welcome to the BMW and E39 neighborhood ….

    Great thing about the E39's is that there are tons of mod-products to use on your E39. there is also a huge E39 community out there that will pretty much support you on anything you need to know about your E39.
    Youtube has great collection of E39 mod and repair videos, as well as many BMW forums for info you might need. Many tune shops I know now prefer the E39 model, as it is soooo much easier to repair and work on than some of the newer
    "electronics-up-the-az" BMW's. I'm one of them … have a mint condition (no winters - and stored), 1997 E39 …. and I plan to keep it for the rest of my life if possible!

    Always liked the Alpine white" E39 models …. CLASSY and SHARP!
    Enjoy your E39 (they may have their issues, as all cars do, but you gotta appreciate that German engineering that other car brands just don't have)
    Last edited by NJDave; 04-26-2018 at 06:14 PM.

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