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≈ 158,000 kms. Final update. The rear door sill covers were old, tired and crumbling away every time I opened the doors. At about $50 a piece from FCP, this was a really nice upgrade to the backseat. Alas, all good things must come to an end. A really exciting offer that I couldn't turn down presented itself. After 13 months, she gave me a really enjoyable and reliable 22,000 kms of ownership. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend an E39 to anyone thinking about buying one - they're comfortable, engaging to drive and are built like tanks. Jane went to a friend who will look after her and I said my final goodbyes.

Hi folks, just joined as driving & cars are a passion in life. On a road trip now from New Plymouth - Hokitika - Christchurch. Purchased yesterday my 2nd BMW. 2003 325ci. Milliy's a keeper! Be great if a Canterbury or South Island club can be restarted with regular meets and runs for like minded BMW drivers and their families. Thank you for letting me join. Happy driving everyone. Jon

Final pictures before send off, next to the new '39: To be continued...

176,000 kms. If there was one thing that my E39 530i taught me it was that one E39 is not enough. I loved that car. It rode beautifully, was uber comfortable and had a silky smooth straight six. But it was these exact things that I disliked about it too. It was too comfortable, too relaxed and too quiet. It rolled around corners, the standard seats had little support and I quickly grew used to the 230BHP/220 lb.ft power figures. Then a 540i came into the picture. NZ new, facelift, fully original, great spec and genuine motorsport. While not in my favourite colour for the E39, and not without issues, the spec and price won me over. So, here it is:

Thought I'd offer a service to fellow members. I'm planning a road trip from Invercargill to Auckland and back in about 2 weeks. If there's any members on here that want to buy something from either end of the country, I'd be happy to take things up or bring them back down, meeting people in the main centres along the way for drop-off. The only conditions would be that all payments for the parts would have to be sorted ahead of time - I won't be handling money or paying for other people's parts upfront. And i'd want to be meeting people somewhere along the main route, really don't want to be detouring all over the place lol. Pick-up/drop off arrangements will be sorted ahead of time. Anyone interested? I'm not running a courier service so I'm not asking for money for this, just thought it might help a few people out. Also, @Jacko, I'll finally be able to pick the items up that I bought off you ???

Gave her a quick clean the other day. Titan silver is growing on me... Also polished the tailpipe.

178,000 kms. My most anticipated upgrade. The headlights were badly faded and ruined the look of the car for me. Took it to Final Touch in Porirua to have them professionally refurbished. Really happy with the result. Has transformed the front of the car. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to take good before and after photos, but this will do the trick. Before: After:

Love the e39 passion Boston. Think we need to get together with @adro to arrange a photo shoot of the V8’s.

The test drive highlighted a few things (issues). But most of all, it showed me how awesome these 540i's are. I've been in an E39 M5 a couple times, but never a 540i. This felt like a baby M5. The suspension was tight, the power was overwhelming (it pulls like a freight train) and the handling was far more confidence-inspiring than my 530i. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I wanted it. However, several problems appeared. When we first started it it was misfiring and throwing a CEL. This was solved by the seller kindly replacing the coil packs on cylinders 6, 7 and 8 (where the misfire codes were). After getting out onto the road I realised how loud the road noise was (the tyres were years old); getting back in my 530i afterwards felt like stepping into a sound insulated haven. But most worryingly was the transmission. It shifted fine and initially seemed to have no issues. But about 5 mins into the test drive a spine tingling grinding noise presented itself from under the car. It would last about 2-3 seconds, the revs would drop slightly, and then it would disappear - only to reappear consistently every 10 seconds or so. It would do it most often while cruising along the motorway at about 80-100km/h. Knowing of the cost of repairs for these ZF boxes, I was heartbroken. Was this a failing transmission that would cost nearly double the value of the car to repair? After extensive online research, visits to transmission specialists and phone calls, I was persuaded that a simple transmission fluid flush and filter change could solve my issue. I took a gamble, and bought it. Jon at Auto 38 completed the trans flush and adaption reset. He called me and said he'd taken it for a test drive and the issue was not fixed. Bugger. I went to his shop and took it for a spin myself. All seemed fine; it was shifting smoother and felt a lot better. But about 2 mins into the road as I was driving up a slight incline the noise came back. F**k! I kept driving for about another 10 mins but couldn't get it to do it again. It had definitely improved. I decided to keep driving it for a few days to see if there were any other changes. Fortunately, the noise never came back, and still has not come back after over 2 months and 3,000 kms. It seems to be shifting fine. Here is a photo of the old fluid compared to the new fluid: I can only presume that based on the colour of the old fluid, this was original. PSA: change your transmission fluid! You'll have a better shifting transmission while simultaneously extending its lifespan! It's a no-brainer. At this stage I'm not sure how long the trans will last. Sometimes there's a slightly-too-long delay in engaging reverse, but only when I'm on a decline (ie front of the car pointing down). But other than that, I am having no issues. Seeing how many issues others have with these transmissions, I feel like I should have a plan in place for when this one goes. My plan at this stage is to look out for a lower kms used trans, refurbish the torque converter and put that in whenever this one signs off. Any advice appreciated. NB: at no point has the transmission thrown any codes.

two close calls same day. 1)Stopped at traffic light at front of queue wanting to turn left,indicator going.I am the LH lane which is left turn and straight ahead.The red also controls me against pedestrians.The rh lane green arrow always goes green before thestraight/left light.So my light goes green and i only ease forward as there are still people on the ped crossing.As the last ped clears the crossing i actually accelerate just as a e bike whiszzes past on my left,i just missed her.She didnt even look back i dont think she realised what had happened. 2) going up Ngaio Gorge quite a steep road lots of bikes going up here you always pass several going up.There is a "fog line" painted about 500 mm out from the kerb a defacto bike lane.As i approach a pair of cyclists i notice that the rearmost cyclist is going quite a bit faster than the guy in front and sure enough she just pulls out into the lane proper to pass the other guy. just as i come alongside.I had anticipated this and had moved right enough to leave her room. the speed some of these e bikes go u p the gorge rivals a 50 cc scooter!.The mismatch of speeds with other cyclists and the parity with cars is going to cause trouble

Great Success! Certifier was really happy with car and has passed it. Only had a couple of comments, one being that the ride is terrible. I couldn't agree with him more, the springs that were supplied have a spring rate 11kg/mm... That's a stupid amount and would ideally be ~7-8kg/mm. I went with a particular supplier of XYZ suspension after seeing reviews of how good this company was with setting up the spring rates for the E30. After the drama with this supplier of having the perches and springs rub and write off the tyres, waiting literally 7 months to receive a valid NDT report and now this, I might try to find another party that could supply me with the springs that are suitable. Secondly, the MAF support bracket. I had gashed up a bracket in the shed just to get through the cert process. I managed to convince him of my elaborate plans of boring out an E34 (similar to below) or E36 airbox to make a discrete cold air box. This way I'll retain the OE look of the engine compartment, which as this project has progressed, has become quite important. Massive relief as most of you on here know. Cert can be pretty stressful as the huge anomaly is the certifier themselves and the way certain things are interpreted. I've heard of people having to weld in the aluminium spacers on the power steering rack conversions, having to have engineers reports for suspension geometry, having to install 2x driveshaft hoops vs 1 etc so I feel I got off pretty lightly. My best advice (@Kobra) would be to have a talk to your chosen certifier and make sure you're on the same page and that you know exactly what he wants to see. An awesome site is the LVVTA Forum. The professionals there were answering my pesty questions within 24 hrs. So where to from here? Approached Wife on selling to fund my dream. Swift negative. Means I get to enjoy the work I've done now that its road legal I guess. I'll keep posting random updates for sure. But mainly... Replace leaky heater core Find suitable front springs with the correct spring rate Skid plate to prevent the sump from accumulating more scrapes I'd love to find some sport seats in terrible condition and reupholster Colour match basketweaves to centre caps Paint? Not very motivated after the work involved on Dad's ute ? Wife mentioned retrofitting aircon. Not happening. Radiator research, basically see whats the biggest OE radiator that fits Figure a way to use the OE oil cooler I've found. Preferably S52 oil filter housing Intake ✌️

Picked up new front and rear window seals today from Coombes, plus new under tray hardware. To be fitted as time allows.

A dozen Bluff oysters?

FCP Euro the whole kit, with fluid and thermostat and bolts (Pierburg is solid). Cant go wrong, its not a difficult job either. It wouldnt be a bad idea to replace the plastic fitting next to the oil cooler with an ali one while you're there, Ive seen a bunch breaking recently and you want to do it with the cooling system drained. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-aluminum-coolant-hose-flange-rein-chc0609

First thing i did one my Silver 530i M Sport, remove grille and boot M Badges. aahhh much better

Another one listed. I struggle to see how these cars are 'worth' 70k.

Needs M badge delete. ?

177,500 kms. More maintenance. Oil and filter change. Went with 5w30 this time as that is what BMW recommends. But I have read online and talked to others who have recommended 5w40 for its use in reducing vanos noise and reducing leaks. Anyone have views on this? Diff fluid change. Guibo replaced. Was perished. Had a code for a faulty electronic thermostat. New one swapped in. Power steering leak fixed by replacing leaking crush washers at the pump. Cheapest fix ever! Power steering fluid flush. Replaced rear brake hoses. Old ones perishing. Very happy with how the car is driving now. Steering feels smoother and more progressive with the fluid change. Only one leak remains, but unfortunately it's the rear main seal. If I end up doing something with the transmission I'll sort it then; I am yet to see the oil level change, and there is only an occasional small puddle under the car. I can live with this for now.

Awesome stuff @BozzaFC! A wise man once said to me me, once you get your first V8, it's hard to go back ?. Look forward to seeing the silver titan and reading about your progress! Now the last thing to do... update your profile ?.

176,200 kms. After getting the trans issue sorted, it was time to catch up on some maintenance + tend to a few other issues. The car was leaking oil. Badly. The rocker cover gaskets were pissing out oil to the point where whenever I drove the car all I could smell was burning oil. Some of the coils were dripping with oil also. This confused me since the rocker cover gaskets had been replaced within the last 12 months. Turned out all the old bolt seals had been reused and so there there was no chance of creating a leak-free seal. The gaskets and all seals were replaced. Leak solved and car running much smoother + smelling nicer. The water pump to radiator hose was brittle and living on borrowed time. This was replaced. Coolant return hose also looking worse for wear. Replaced. Fluid flush with blue BMW coolant. Oil cooler hose replaced. The cabin air filters were filthy. Looked to have been cleaned with air instead of being replaced. New filters installed. Engine air filter was about 10 years old. New filter installed. Fuel filter dated 2009. New filter installed. Rear tyres. While they still had tread on them, they had been sitting (previous owner used different wheels) for a long time and were past their use-by date. Replaced with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's. Has reduced road noise significantly. These tyres are great. The old tyres were so old they had almost no traction. 30% throttle and the DSC was constantly on. Now: much better grip, feel and performance. Wheel alignment done with new tyres. Driving much smoother. The car was seriously behind on some maintenance, understandably in the circumstances. Car drove and ran far better with these items addressed. Now I am finally able to drive it and enjoy it.

If it starts again try a few packets of Dr Trannys Lubeguard. Ive had excellent results using it along with good fluid fluid change.

The sport seats had arrived, and just needed to be recovered before I could put them in the car. As soon as the leather upholstery kit was delivered, I dived straight into the first seat. Many zipties were used... Some foam was repaired on the side bolster. The next seat was for the driver side. This one had taken a bit more abuse, and needed some more serious foam repair. The rest of the second seat was the same as the first. The seat rails were cleaned up and repainted. Both seats mostly back together. I still need to do some work on the back covers. I'm stoked with the result. I think they look great, although I may still need to tweak fitment in a few places. Quite happy with the quality of the leather kit, especially for the relatively low price.

If you just want a hard lined AUX. Dont get a grom, do what hqstu did with the business cd update and then you can also add bluetooth via that method if desired.

I've just bought a later e39 Business CD radio (the thing that installs behind the "flap" up front, with aux input (off ebay $220) for my May 02 build 530. Also a $30 Bluetooth adaptor off ebay which plugs straight into the rear of the business CD. Controls on steering wheel don't work (except for volume) but the sound is great, the aux input even has adjustable level which is good. An earlier e39 may need a round pin to flat pin adaptor cable to suit the more modern units flat pins.

FCPeuro it. Lifetime warranty.

$200 pick up Christchurch

It's possible that the drivers door lock barrel which is not working and needs to be replaced anyway is holding the drivers door module in a lock or unlock position. This will be preventing initializing the keys impossible because the central body control module is not getting the right signal from the drivers door lock which should be in a neutral position. This is not an easy job to do. You may need help with this. It maybe time to get a professional to look at this for you and check with the appropriate scanner to check module live data signals. Does the boot lock and unlock with the key and work with the interior lock switch ?

Certification recheck day! I'll either be crying into my pillow tonight or cracking into a bottle of something in celebration. Something for everyone at the certifiers.

Typically nice and easy to access, I see.

At that kind of money I'd be into an M2.

Figured out why my windscreen washer stopped working. Soaked in WD40, knocked all the lumps of rot out, and it lives again At least until parts turn up to replace it.

...there is certainly a (perceived) noviceness to many e-bike/scooter riders. People that would otherwise not, or never have much, ridden either...

About $18000 buy now and probably $5000 shipping and it could be yours!

Sorry you did say you’d got the kenwood. Time alignment made a big difference in my system. Easier to centre music. With the kenwood what about running a USB ( if it has a rear one) to an ashtray dock) Location works well for hand free calls. Below if for iPhone but easy to put a phone cable instead https://www.instructables.com/id/Ashtray-iPhoneiPod-Dock/ amp mounting works well on the side of the boot. I’d be worried about underseat as I ran my alpine front amp that way. The power cable became shorted out by feet of rear passenger. There was a bit of smoke as a result. Since that I’ve only done boot installs and made sure power areas into amps are well protected. 4 gauge is good for a dangerous 120amps before a typical slow blow fuse will go.

Nope, my point is completely based on the E91 335i being exciting, anything else is irrelevant Anyway, this whole argument is irrelevant.

Sold pending collection/payment