jeffbebe

Same thing happened on my 528i when the compressor was on the way out. Had to replace in the end but whilst investigating the problem I did find out that you can get a fair bit of vibration if it's not got enough gas - this can unbalance the compressor and make it shake and overload the engine as it's working over time to keep cool.Get it checked and if the gas level is low try a re-gas first. If that fails, replace.

Yes, warned him about that, the sh*t iDrive, the potential cost of repairs and that a mint E38 would be far nicer but I think it was all a little too late.Thanks for the help though, gents.

A friend of mine has his heart set on a 2002 E65 745i. He rang me to ask about them but I don't know a lot about them. Presume on a 10 year old car that's done 165,000kms he should look out for the usual things - cooling system, suspension, transmission - anything specific to pre-facelift E65s? I've heard the early iDrive was a PITA, anything else that I should warn him about. Car is from a dealer apparently. NZ new and full service history from Jerry Clayton which is promising. They want $15K - seems expensive for a car that's done 165,000kms to me but perhaps I'm missing something.

Easy to say that when you're driving around in a nice E39 M5, Martin! Definitely. An E61 M5 would be a lot of fun, just need to buy a private oil field first!

Budget aside, this: and this: are both f*cking ugly... Whereas this, is a thing of beauty:

Looks good. Not hard to swap the F/L interior, lights, etc over from your 530i to the M5.

Yeah, he's a member on here I think by the name of Lachie. I saw this recently on TM and it had a note saying he'd accept offers over $24K - pretty reasonable!!

I've always been a dreamer... I realised long ago that I will never be as fast as an M5 so it probably doesn't matter that much that I can't afford one!

I hear that. I'm even more particular and would like an original red E39 M5. Ray (HellBM) has got a crashed one - how gutted was I to see that?! - at least I know the S62 will go to a good home in an E46 M3!!

Ha! I think it'll be some time before I can compete, not least because I'm not the world's greatest driver but also most of the performance upgrades I'd planned are on hold until my mechanical warranty has run out . Thinking that it would be a major PITA if I charged the engine and it blew up or the tranny gave way and my insurance was void.Would be fun taking both cars out for a cruise some time though!

Hear hear. My E39 540's faster than I am, so an E39 M5 would more than meet my needs and probably always would unless I miraculously became an expert on the track.Still hoping I can match a stock M5's performance with the 540i for less than the cost of an M5 but I keep getting sidetracked by repairs

Can't find the thread but someone on here recently imported and complied an E39 M5 from the UK under the 'special interest' vehicles rules. I've heard the fuel consumption could drain a small Middle Eastern country but the drive is insane. Pity they're so bloody ugly!

Import one that's virtually unused - 26,000kms - http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ad...m41hs?logcode=p

Yep, I've heard/read the same. Would prefer not to have to recode the ECU if possible though. EDIT: I had an E39 528i previously with no post sensors but I found deleting the cats to be smokey and a bit too noisy in the car (it was a bit of a drone not a pleasant rumble!).

Yep, thinking about it but have to find a solution for the post-cat O2 sensors which would probably cause the car to go into limp mode if left as they are. Ray (HellBM) is going to try and dig up some defoulers to 'space' the sensors so they just get a whiff of gas but aren't in full flow - this worked on his S62 M3. If I delete them I'll replace with a couple of y resonators which should help keep the noise fun but bearable.

The People 1, The Man 0.

Here's my to do list. Since I've got another couple of years' mechanical warranty which will be voided if I tinker with the performance mods, I'm going to focus on the mods I can do myself and the remaining cosmetic bits. Exterior Fix all dents and scrapes Touch up all stone chips, etc Affix ACS spoiler from 528i Replace front and rear windscreen gaskets Front lip/splitters Power dome Interior Replace/paint/wrap dash trim Recolour leather seats and door cards <-- I've got the Pellecare kit to do this, just haven't got round to it yet. Maintenance Replace front door gaskets Vanos overhaul <-- Many thanks to Ray @ HellBM for this. Was their first double Vanos M62 but they've done a great job! Valve cover repaint and replace gaskets <-- Should be pretty easy to get these off now all the gaskets have been replaced so will try and do this myself in the next few weeks. Just going to degrease it, clean it up, sand and paint with crinkle black Transmission fluid flush and change Replace spark plugs and ignition coils Repair dead pixels on the instrument cluster <-- Still has 2 vertical lines I just can't get to work but otherwise perfect. Performance Big brake kit (or upgrade OE pads and rotors) Stainless steel brake lines - got some, not fitted yet. Performance brake fluid Dinan auto transmission software upgrade Cold air intake Free flow exhaust De-cat or high flow cats Stage 2 tune <-- As an interim until I can afford the supercharger Headers High flow Mass Air Flow meter High flow throttle body Supercharger Stage 5 tune Anti roll bars Love this wagon as an inspiration for the bonnet and splitters. I can source the dome and splitters pretty cheaply but fitting the dome's going to cost a bit so will have to wait. Still very keen to get this Strassentech lip and even found a supplier in Thailand that can ship to NZ but just not convinced it wouldn't rip straight off the first time I parked in the underground car park at work! I know it's not to everyones' tastes but keen to hear thoughts. There's also a hole in one of the catalytic converters so going to see if it can be patched up. Might fit a slightly noisier, freer flowing exhaust at the same time if I can rustle up enough $$$s. EDIT: Smaller pics - sorry.

All good since recharging the battery and yes, I can still open the boot with the key, just not the doors (which I could on my 528). Car flew through its warrant yesterday so I'm happy. It's running very well since Ray completed the double vanos procedure. Fuel consumption - particularly when cold - is much improved and the rough idle when cold is all but gone - just the very occasional stutter if it's been very cold and wet but it lasts nary a minute.

Car sailed through its warrant today. Kapow.

I have a full set of 8 used Bosch coils. Good working order, I replaced with new last weekend as preventative but happy to part with these for $100 for the lot.

I did want to know... But have realised I would be biting off far more than I can chew. If I take the suspension and exhaust system off I'm not convinced I could put it back again!!! Would love my car to be half as clean as yours (in fact it probably is exactly half as clean - top and the inside spotless, engine okay and underneath a hot mess!!).Anyway, credit where credit's due - I admire your skill, patience and commitment!!

This guy?

Excellent job. Car looks pristine. Must get some tips on how to get the undercarriage so clean!

Beautiful.

The norm looks pretty great to me.