First drive after timing guide project

[BostonJon]

Hi everyone-

Going to be a long post but wanted to formally say hello and introduce myself. I had an E61 530xi for a number of years but traded it about 4 years ago and have been out of the BMW world until recently.

About two months ago I started getting an itch for a new winter project car. Something I could work on in my garage when I had time. I have other daily drivers, so this was to be a project that could take as many months as needed.

I’ve always liked the look of E39s but never had one and had never driven one. However, they seem relatively easy to work on and information on these forms is plentiful and covers any and every issue these cars have at their age.

After a few weeks of searching, I found a 2002 540i about 300 miles from me. Black. M Sport package. Sport suspension. 158k miles. I wanted a 6sp but this one had an automatic but checked all the other boxes. The owner told me he suspected it had a failed timing chain guide and sent me some photos and videos of the car. Interior was in great shape but the car sounded like a diesel truck at idle. I did some research (thanks, everyone!) and took a chance that he was right and that there wasn’t some other damage to the engine.

We agreed on a price and I flew to where he lived, rented a Uhaul truck and car trailer and drove it home. Spent a week or so researching how-to’s and finally bought the ‘big’ timing chain kit on FCP and got to work.

Fast forward a few weeks, countless hours in the garage, $1700 in planned parts, $1500 in unplanned “while I’m in there” parts, lots of incredulous looks from my wife, and I finally got everything buttoned back up last weekend.

Started the car for the first time and it was perfectly smooth. No CEL, no leaks, no diesel noise. Let it idle for a while on a number of different occasions over the weekend to check for noises, look for leaks, etc. Couldn’t actually drive the car bc I hadn’t transferred the title and gotten plates yet. Today I went to the DMV to transfer the title and register the car. I picked “E39 540” for my plate and was surprised it was actually available.

Took the first drive today and the car really is amazing for a 20 year old vehicle. I still have a bunch of suspension, cosmetic, and brake work to do over the winter, but even with that, the car is so well balanced, handles well, and has just the right amount of power to be fun but not too dangerous (I have a C63 that still scares me every time I drive it). I liked the way my E61 drove (and thought it was the best 5 series at the time), but the E39 really is the superior drivers car in my opinion. I can’t wait to get the suspension and brake work done to see how the car performs when it’s maintained appropriately.

Thanks to all here for the wealth of info on this forum that gave me the confidence to save this car from being parted out and for all the future work I’ll be doing to being this beauty back to life!

[scubajim20]

I did the same thing a few years ago with the same car. It really is a nice driving car. I had mine for a year plus before I did the timing +++ work. The engine runs super smooth now.

[BMW540san]

Glad to hear your positive result shared with forum!
There are way too many "takers" out there who just come for information and won't even take time to say thank you.
You're obviously different type of person and looking forward to hear more from you on the forum.
I'll first admit that I'm not active as I use to be but there are plenty here who will help.
One of the reasons I'm not here more often is my new mistress E60 M5 and she's high maintenance...

[kallekula]

Glad it worked out fine! I got 200K on mine with original chains etc. Only have some vanos rattle on startup sometimes if it’s been sitting for some time. Chains gotta be done soon though. Also got a 2nd car i can use when the bmw needs work. I’m actually looking forward to it but I’ve been sick for a long time and know it’s gonna be physically demanding.

[StephenVA]

Congrats!

[JimLev]

Congrats too.
Just curious what timing kit did you use?

[BostonJon]

This one:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-11311741746kt

[JimLev]

I meant the tools you used to time the engine after you replaced the guides.

[E0339]

Congrats on the great first start!

I meant the tools you used to time the engine after you replaced the guides.

I'm crossing my fingers, for comedy sakes, he answers confused, implying he didn't use any.

[BostonJon]

the ones from German Auto Solutions. Really easy to use and very well made. I read a lot of people that ended up with lingering timing codes after using inexpensive timing tools.

[JimLev]

Thanks. Yes the eBay timing tools are notorious for not being copied correctly.