The UNOFFICIAL E39 Touring Thread!

[MCE39]

that's right, it's all coming to me now. that wing looks really good. glad it worked out. i'm in fairfax (hippie land) and brian is up in the santa rosa area. i would love to have a little bay area get together in the near future. brian and i are getting our m5 bumpers painted right now and hope to do the install within a week or so. let's stay in contact and maybe we can make something happen. cheers.

chris

Hi Chris,

It looks like you live right in between me and Brian. Let me know when and where you want to meet. I think somewhere in and around Corta Madera could be a good meeting place.

Can't wait to see pics of your wagons with the M5 bumper. Where did you buy them from? I presume you are also installing the fog lights?

Mike

[thehackmechanic]

Hi guys. I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on a 2002 525iT 5-speed with 135k for a very attractive price. It's advertised as having the sport package. From what I've read, I expected M-badged steering wheel, shift knob, and door sills, shadowline trim, sport suspension, and the special 7-spoke wheels. The car had the M-badged wheel and shift knob, but not the door sills. It did not have shadowline trim. It did have the 7-spoke wheels and 235/45 17 fat rubber. It also had the self-leveling suspension, but from what I've read that's a separate thing from the sport suspension. I've pored over every post I can find in this forum about what constitutes the "sport package" on which models and years, and I still can't be sure this isn't a non-sport wagon that someone's bolted bits onto. I thought the lack of shadowline trim ruled it out, but there are posts that say that that's not true for all models. It does have power seats, but whether they're "12 way power seats," who the hell actually counts how many ways they move (a little hack mechanic humor there)?

Any input here? It's not that I wouldn't buy it if it's does have the sports package, but I want to know what I'm buying. I may try throwing the ten bucks at www.bmw-options-vin-decoder.com and seeing if they provide useful information. I need to make a decision by tomorrow.

--Rob Siegel
BMW CCA Hack Mechanic

[skateparks]

My car does not have shadowline or M sills. My car is stone stock with sport seats, SLS, 7 spoke wheels, 235's, 5 speed, M wheel shifter and bits. Mine is also an '02. my car is also noticably lower. I have had to put springs in every BMW I've ever owned and this thing is RIGHT ON with stock suspension. I am getting over 30mpg highway, 26 mixed driving and absolutely love this car. I had an '03 M5 before this so I wasn'y holding out much hope but I was very wrong.

How much are they asking for this car?

[thehackmechanic]

Thanks so much for the response. The car I'm looking at looks very similar to yours but it's metallic sterling gray, not silver. Same wheels. Same seats. If I buy it, which I'm very likely to, I'll reveal the price. FYI I sent the ten bucks to www.bmw-options-vin-decoder.com; below is what they sent me. It's interesting that it says "SP/Suspension W Self-Leveling Suspension" and "Sport Seats," but nowhere does it say "Sport Package."

--Rob
Vehicle information

VIN long WBADS33442GD50320
Type code DS33
Type 525I (USA)
Dev. series E39 (2)
Line 5
Body type TOUR
Steering LL
Door count 5
Engine M54
Cubical capacity 2.50
Power 141
Transmision HECK
Gearbox MECH
Colour STERLINGGRAU METALLIC (472)
Upholstery STANDARDLEDER/SCHWARZ (N6SW)
Prod. date 2002-01-10


Order options
No. Description
210 DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC)
227 SP/SUSPENSION W SELF-LEVELING SUSPENSION
319 INTEGRATED UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL
360 LT/ALY WHEELS/STAR SPOKE 81
386 ROOF RAIL
403 GLAS ROOF, ELECTRIC
459 SEAT ADJUSTM., ELECTR. W. MEMORY
464 SKIBAG
481 SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
494 SEAT HEATING F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
500 HEADLIGHT WASHER SYS/INTENSIVE CLEANING
508 PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)
522 XENON LIGHT
534 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING
555 ON-BOARD COMPUTER
640 CAR TELEPHONE PREPARATION
650 CD PLAYER
694 PREPARATION FOR CD CHANGER
710 M LEATHER STEERING WHEEL
773 WOOD TRIM
785 WHITE DIRECTION INDICATOR LIGHTS
818 MAIN BATTERY SWITCH
925 SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE


Series options
No. Description
249 MULTI-FUNCTION FOR STEERING WHEEL
302 ALARM SYSTEM
354 GREEN STRIPE WINDSCREEN
441 SMOKERS PACKAGE
470 CHILD SEAT ISOFIX ATTACHMENT
473 ARMREST, FRONT
520 FOGLIGHTS
645 RADIO CONTROL US
661 RADIO BMW BUSINESS
676 HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM
845 ACOUSTIC BELT WARNING
850 ADD FUEL TANK FILLING FOR EXPORT
853 LANGUAGE VERSION ENGLISH
876 RADIO FREQUENCY 315 MHZ
992 NUMBER PLATE ATTACHEMENT MANAGEMENT


Information
No. Description
220 SELF-LEVELING SUSPENSION

[websworld]

Looks like you have sports suspension and seats as separate options, not the whole sport package.

[tabasco]

What exactly is '441 SMOKERS PACKAGE'?

Does that mean it has actual cigarette lighters and an ash tray vs. 12v outlet dummy plugs and a storage tray?

[FaitH777]

Maybe it hads more ashtrays ???

[tabasco]

Nevermind...I found out. It comes with a certified document saying that E30 Tourings are "Smokin' Hot"!!!

[websworld]

update on tailgate wiring issues...

One was bad because the rubber fell out of the wiring guide case... this caused the rear wiper to quit. OK, can happen.

But when looking at non working upper tailgate button, I found that the upper hatch loom on the other side - that WAS seated properly - also has same problems. Just two wires are actually good, three have cracked insulation and one wire is completely severed (glass switch ground - explaining the issue at hand).

Looks like the way the hinges work and the wiring is tied to them, they bend back and forth too much just behind where the hard plastic guide ends and the flex section enters the roof hinge cavity.

The insulation hardens and cracks... and soon after, the wire itself breaks too. I fear many more tourings will face this sooner or later... and I'm not looking forward to preventively opening up the third wiring guide... (fourth contains just the spray hose and FM antenna cable, no regular wires)

[MNsport528i]

Looks like you have sports suspension and seats as separate options, not the whole sport package.

The 525i Wagon sport package did not include shadowline trim - 540iT gets it - you can check here:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...3&postcount=11

Although the VIN decoder did not spell out 'sport package', the wagon of interest has the sport seats, sport steering wheel, sport suspension which together constitute the sport package for the 525i. So, yes the wagon has the sport package. The M-tech door sills were only standard on the '03 540iT Msport.
That VIN decoder is really nice for shopping BMW's...

[Mad Dog 20/20]

Anybody want a set of used U.S. all-red Celis (led) tails?

Selling mine.

[LBMotoring]

Manual Tourings are what dreams are made of.

[FaitH777]

The 525i Wagon sport package did not include shadowline trim - 540iT gets it - you can check here:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...3&postcount=11

Although the VIN decoder did not spell out 'sport package', the wagon of interest has the sport seats, sport steering wheel, sport suspension which together constitute the sport package for the 525i. So, yes the wagon has the sport package. The M-tech door sills were only standard on the '03 540iT Msport.
That VIN decoder is really nice for shopping BMW's...

My 03 525iT M-Sport came with ///M door sills stock

[debonedquail]

I love the stance of this car so much that I had to sign up and ask some questions. Wheel size and offset, also tire size. I'm planning to get an E39 wagon very soon and love this one. Any info is appreciated.

[525iT_Feen]

I love the stance of this car so much that I had to sign up and ask some questions. Wheel size and offset, also tire size. I'm planning to get an E39 wagon very soon and love this one. Any info is appreciated.

PM Tabasco. He's the lucky new owner.

[Jo@EuroDyne]

geordies' ex touring FTW!!! =)

[tabasco]

Hey...my ears were burning...

I love the stance of this car so much that I had to sign up and ask some questions. Wheel size and offset, also tire size. I'm planning to get an E39 wagon very soon and love this one. Any info is appreciated.

Wheels are 18x8.5 Front and 18x9.5 Rear. I am not sure of the offsets. I have a PM into Geordie to find out. Tires are Michelin PS2, 245/40/18 front, 275/35/18 rear.

Update: They are et15 all around per the Wheel&Tire God.

And...since you asked about the stance. She is on Bekkers coilovers up front and Geordie used some modified rear links out of a Merc S-Class in the rear to get her leveled out.

PM Tabasco. He's the lucky new owner.

Damn straight!!!

geordies' ex touring FTW!!! =)

[525iT_Feen]

I was going to sell my car just to buy his...

Lucky you!!! I f*cking love that thing.

[tabasco]

I was going to sell my car just to buy his...

Lucky you!!! I f*cking love that thing.

I am very very lucky! I love it as well!



I am really digging the Boser hood on yours. Maybe you should take a road trip to the Dirty South so I can try it on the wagon? That would make her look super mean!!!

Or maybe I need to venture to Bahston with the wagon to try it out. I do have some family out on Cape Ann I should probably visit.


Hmmmm?

[525iT_Feen]

I am very very lucky! I love it as well!



I am really digging the Boser hood on yours. Maybe you should take a road trip to the Dirty South so I can try it on the wagon? That would make her look super mean!!!

Or maybe I need to venture to Bahston with the wagon to try it out. I do have some family out on Cape Ann I should probably visit.


Hmmmm?

If you make it up here definitely get in touch with me! I would love to see that sucker in person.

[debonedquail]

Hey...my ears were burning...




Wheels are 18x8.5 Front and 18x9.5 Rear. I am not sure of the offsets. I have a PM into Geordie to find out. Tires are Michelin PS2, 245/40/18 front, 275/35/18 rear.

Update: They are et15 all around per the Wheel&Tire God.

And...since you asked about the stance. She is on Bekkers coilovers up front and Geordie used some modified rear links out of a Merc S-Class in the rear to get her leveled out.



Damn straight!!!

Awesome. Thanks for the info. Hunting for the right car now. Can't wait. I need 4 door sports wagon in my life rather than slow VIP lowness.

[Mad Dog 20/20]

do not alter the wiring...u must have ur ecu flashed with euro spec lighting configuration. go to an indy and they should be able to program it for u...i had a buddy of mine do it with his usb based obdii connection to his laptop....$40 was well worth it.

Jo,

Just installed euro clear/red tails, and visited my indy tech. He could not change to the euro light setting w/ his shop's GT-1 computer. He showed me the screen and there did not appear to be a menu option to do so.

Do you (or anyone) have the particulars on how to do this US to Euro lighting reconfiguration?

Just PM'ed you, too.


Thanks!

[Kamil]

Thanks so much for the response. The car I'm looking at looks very similar to yours but it's metallic sterling gray, not silver. Same wheels. Same seats. If I buy it, which I'm very likely to, I'll reveal the price. FYI I sent the ten bucks to www.bmw-options-vin-decoder.com; below is what they sent me. It's interesting that it says "SP/Suspension W Self-Leveling Suspension" and "Sport Seats," but nowhere does it say "Sport Package."

--Rob
Vehicle information

VIN long WBADS33442GD50320
Type code DS33
Type 525I (USA)
Dev. series E39 (2)
Line 5
Body type TOUR
Steering LL
Door count 5
Engine M54
Cubical capacity 2.50
Power 141
Transmision HECK
Gearbox MECH
Colour STERLINGGRAU METALLIC (472)
Upholstery STANDARDLEDER/SCHWARZ (N6SW)
Prod. date 2002-01-10


Order options
No. Description
210 DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC)
227 SP/SUSPENSION W SELF-LEVELING SUSPENSION
319 INTEGRATED UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL
360 LT/ALY WHEELS/STAR SPOKE 81
386 ROOF RAIL
403 GLAS ROOF, ELECTRIC
459 SEAT ADJUSTM., ELECTR. W. MEMORY
464 SKIBAG
481 SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
494 SEAT HEATING F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
500 HEADLIGHT WASHER SYS/INTENSIVE CLEANING
508 PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)
522 XENON LIGHT
534 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING
555 ON-BOARD COMPUTER
640 CAR TELEPHONE PREPARATION
650 CD PLAYER
694 PREPARATION FOR CD CHANGER
710 M LEATHER STEERING WHEEL
773 WOOD TRIM
785 WHITE DIRECTION INDICATOR LIGHTS
818 MAIN BATTERY SWITCH
925 SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE


Series options
No. Description
249 MULTI-FUNCTION FOR STEERING WHEEL
302 ALARM SYSTEM
354 GREEN STRIPE WINDSCREEN
441 SMOKERS PACKAGE
470 CHILD SEAT ISOFIX ATTACHMENT
473 ARMREST, FRONT
520 FOGLIGHTS
645 RADIO CONTROL US
661 RADIO BMW BUSINESS
676 HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM
845 ACOUSTIC BELT WARNING
850 ADD FUEL TANK FILLING FOR EXPORT
853 LANGUAGE VERSION ENGLISH
876 RADIO FREQUENCY 315 MHZ
992 NUMBER PLATE ATTACHEMENT MANAGEMENT


Information
No. Description
220 SELF-LEVELING SUSPENSION

I bought this car... awaitng registration.

[Wagoooon]

Jo,

Just installed euro clear/red tails, and visited my indy tech. He could not change to the euro light setting w/ his shop's GT-1 computer. He showed me the screen and there did not appear to be a menu option to do so.

Do you (or anyone) have the particulars on how to do this US to Euro lighting reconfiguration?

Just PM'ed you, too.


Thanks!

After you installed them,what differences are there? Are your turn signal and brake lights working at the same time?

[Mad Dog 20/20]

After you installed them,what differences are there? Are your turn signal and brake lights working at the same time?

There is no difference in functionality - just looks.

All US wagons have the light control module programmed to have the tail turn signals and brake lights act as one unit. You hit the brakes - turn signals and brake lights illuminate. You put on a turn signal, and again - both the turn signal and brake light on that side flash together as one. This is why we have the all-red tails.

When you switch to the euro lights, it looks weird, because when you hit the brakes, the clear turn signals illuminate AMBER and the brake lights illuminate RED. Makes it look like your tails are mis-wired.