jeffbebe

The list of things to fix, repaint, rejuvenate goes ever on... At some point (cash allowing) I really want to restore my wheels. Anyone know what BBS style these are? The BMW wheel caps are obviously aftermarket, pretty certain it had BBS centres and these weren't factory alloys. Can't find them on the web but then I'm not really sure where to start looking.

Anyone had any experience of replacing the dials and needles in an E39 instrument cluster? I can get the cluster in and out no problem and open it up but I've heard it's notoriously difficult to get the needles off without damaging the whole unit and equally difficult to replace them so they are correctly configured. Saw this bespoke tool on Youtube but they're expensive to buy: Any help would be appreciated? (this is a cosmetic job, nothing's broken so if it's too much of a mission I'll flag it).

Okay, so I'm a dumbass. Reverted to original halogen bulbs - no change. Start tearing my hair out thinking the unit's f****d... Then notice the little instrument lighting dial next to the headlights switch. Never used it before - wasn't entirely sure what it did. Turned it up and hey presto. No more intermittent LED on the new head unit. Guess it doesn't like low intensity lighting! So everything's sorted now. Haven't installed iPod cable yet as haven't decided whether to do the easy job (into the glovebox) or run it under the centre console into the arm rest storage. PS Sorry to hijack your thread Josh but very similar installs I think.

Nice looking car. Not enough red cars around anymore... 50 frickin' shades of grey every we look!

I don't find the search button very helpful. It often doesn't list topics I search that I know are there, even when I use the exact topic title! Anyway, hijack over, thanks for the info.

Yep, it looks amazing.

As much as $10K??! Jeez. Twice what I paid for the car!! haha... I'd thought of the tan interior idea and recolour. Might be the go if I can find a complete one that's not too crazy expensive.

Yeah, quite a few M5s had two-tone interiors. grey/black, blue/black, red/black. Can't say I dug any of those but I love the dark tan!!

Nope, but I like to dream... I'm also pretty good at finding shortcuts!

I installed this Dynavin knock off (bought new from eBay for around NZ$600 inc shipping): Really simple to install in my 1996 E39 - Just plug and play (apparently requires additional wiring in newer models with DSP) and it fitted like a glove with no modifications; just had to remove the MID, cassette deck and wood trim cover. Only problem occurs when I put the headlights on (both running lights and main beam). The LED backlight comes on on the unit but keeps flicking on and off. I can only assume this is to do with the LED bulbs in my angel eyes or the HID kit for my xenon headlights. Haven't tried using the original bulbs to check but wondered if any of you clever electronically-minded chaps might know. If it is is the LED/HID what can I do to solve it (other than use halogen bulbs)? Incidentally, the unit seems great so far: GPS works well - I installed the GPS antenna (which was included) on the metal bar under the dash behind the unit (you can see it in Josh's pics above); DVD player, iPod, bluetooth, radio all a-okay. Haven't installed TV antennae yet (recommendations for those welcome).

Damn. Looks like I missed another shipment... I should pay more attention. I haven't scoured the 19 pages of this thread so I apologise if this is covered elsewhere but, if I buy standard black lettering on white background from you, Andy, is it NZ legal or for show cars only? Cheers in advance.

Also got an OEM MID and cassette player with wood trim cover. Not 100% certain I want to sell in case I sell the car in the future (and want to hang onto my bluetooth/sat nav) but might for the right offer.

Thanks, I'll give him a buzz in the morning.

Can't see if this is a 330 from the pics (probably not judging by the price for low kms) but might be worth a look if you're in AKL. http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index....showtopic=41103

Will take $30 + postage. Someone else has also PM'd me so first to say yes gets the goods. It'll look good but doesn't look as good as the PFL grill in black. I've tried all three now, chrome PFL, black PFL and this one.

Got a couple of bits and pieces that somebody might want. Will fit any E39. 1) Matte black ABS plastic kidney grilles - almost new. Non-OEM. These are the wide facelift version. I prefer the pre-facelift so getting rid of these. Cracked one of the clips on removal but they still fit okay. 2) Cold air intake - not sure of the brand. It was fitted when I bought the car, I've replaced with an OEM air box. Here's a pic of it before I removed it: 3) Right rear door card (black leather). In good condition but needs a bit of a clean. Also missing the pocket liner. I've got a pack of new clips if required. 4) OEM MID and cassette player with wood trim cover. Not 100% certain I want to sell in case I sell the car in the future (and want to hang onto my bluetooth/sat nav) but might for the right offer. Will add pics soon.

Trying to restore my E39 to mint custom condition. Not expecting someone to be able to do all three but wondered if any members do these things, or can you recommend any cost-effective professionals as money is an object. 1) Want to generally tidy up the paintwork - it's in pretty good shape but a few knicks and bumps poorly touched up by the previous owner - hoping to get close to a showroom finish. 2) Upholstery - mine's in generally very tidy shape (black leather) but thinking of a custom finish - this one floats my boat: 3) Wheels - got an original set of BBS (not sure style name - similar to LM but not deep dish just normal machined lip) that have some kurb scuffs on the lip and the centre's badly need painting. Also has large ABS plastic wheel caps (like Super RS) that also need repainting. Not confident to do it myself.

A mint silver E36 M3 parked on Millais Street and tidy blue E39 M5 on Williamson Ave. Anyone?

Anyone interested in getting some nice E39s together in Auckland for a shoot in the next couple of weeks? I know Byron (e34play) said he'd be interested.

Yes! Or this:

My wife has a saying.... "There's only one thing uglier than a new Porsche, the mid-life-crisis driving it".

Has a touch of the late 70's Camaro about it, especially with the oversize wheels. Funnily I saw a navy convertible 90s V8 Vantage like my original post driving down Richmond Road in Ponsonby a few days ago. Choice. Must be very rare in NZ.

Has been fine since I cleaned it up but will replace the bulb soon anyway as it looks like it's on its last legs. I recently put a new M5 bumper on my E39 and foolishly forgot to check what connection type the fog bulbs have. I want to replace with some white bulbs to match the angel eyes and projectors - is there an easy way to check the fitment?

The bulb's fine but I took another look today and noticed a bit of corrosion around the bayonet. Probably some moisture getting in there which isn't ideal. Cleaned it up and haven't had the fault light come on again but I'm guessing that's an issue that will persist unless I stop water getting in.

Thanks Brent. How do I check if that's the issue? And how much does a replacement cost?