Hamilton E39 530i

Just did my 2002 530i, driver’s seat recline right side failure. There are two motors with four cables. The upper one for the headrest and the lower one for the seat recline. It is an easy fix and worth doing all four cables. If you don't want to do all four cables it is worth holding the cables while you move the seat to identify the correct cables to fix. Do not turn the key on with the seat unplugged or you will get an Airbag light. There should be 15mm of inner cable sticking out once you cut the outer cable and reattach the metal end piece. It is very easy to cut with a box cutter. I used a soldering iron to heat the metal end fitting, which worked well. Tightening Torques Front seat to floor 42 Nm (31 ft-lb) Seat belt to seat frame 48 Nm (35 ft-lb)

Pelicanparts.com has Bosch "High Power" Spark Plug (FGR-7-DQP) for BMW E39 5-Series after 10/97 (all, except M5) for $6 USD each. I have not used them for parts yet but I think I will give them a try. With the high kiwi dollar their prices are very good. Based in LA and ship worldwide.

My 2000 520ia did this too. If it only does it once the car is warm it is most likely the ABS computer module in the engine bay. We did the fault code thing but it was a red-hearing. Changed an ABS sensor at the wheel and it made no difference. BM Warehouse were great and took the sensor back luckely for me. If the problem is related to the temp of the engine compartment it is the ABS comp. The original contacts crack and when the unit gets hot you get all sorts of ABS faults. I sent mine to an ABS workshop in Tauranga. They took it apart, replaced the aluminium contacts with copper ones and sent it back all fixed. I think it was around $260 You can still drive the car with the ABS comp off but you have no speed or ABS.

Try this guy in Christchurch 03 3659336 or 027 2408353. Around $210 for the ribbon replacement.