BreakMyWindow

We can check what version of lcm you have tomorrow Jooles, ill bring my scanning/coding tools along.

That grinding sound is not healthy though... It could may well turn out not to be what ya think until you get some one who knows these transmissions well to have a look at it. To have to shell out for new fluid, then only to have to do it again because the trans needs dismantling would be such a waste. My old 540i made this very same grinding sound going up college hill @ 50 - 60k's just cruising, but it was not as loud as yours sounds in that clip, you could barely hear it - This leads me to believe that the TC in your is on it's very last legs, and that replacing the fluid won't do anything. IMO get it diagnosed properly before spending bucks on new fluid.

Have you had the trans looked at by a specialist? Might save you having to pay for the fluid the 2nd time round if you need to have the trans pulled apart.

Hopefully the torque converter isn't as bad as the one here : http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/527361

oops , yeah 245 40/18

If u have access to a hoist.. go to town on it. But if you're relying on axle stands to get the clearance needed then there's always that risk... I'm all for diy but when it comes to safety, hoists have a better track record then axle stands, or trolley jacks. I'm not sure what alternatives there are for fluids, I'd give Ross at BM workshop in botany a bell and see what his opinion would be for fluid choice.

I'm after a set of these tyres for the front to match the rears which were replaced late last year. These are no longer made, but someone may know where some new old stock is ?

That most definitely sounds like the torque converter, especially with rev dips u describe. My old 540i did that (not so much the grinding noise) but the dips at those speeds. It did it for 80,000kms and still does it! Nee trans fluid should sort it but it might be a bit passed that stage with noise. Good luck..

Have you checked the ground cables are tight on the battery and also the one on the drivers side corner of the bonnet?

Yep, dead give away was that it's not a 2 piece rim. Might wanna look at changing tyres too, those Chinese tyres are dangerous.

... with M5 performance too ;-)

Bugger! GLWS

You managed to take a snap of the markings behind the broken wheel? There should be distinct markings on the edges of the barrel, and behind one of the spokes you should see 'Made in germany' and also the AC Schnitzer logo if it's genuine. On the barrel edge you should see 'RONAL' - I think that's the actual manufacturing company AC used for these wheels.

I'd start with a trans fluid flush. Do you know if you have the 5hp19 ZF box ? seems it would since BMW like to use the same trans in different models There's heaps of info on the USA forums about TC issues for that box as it was used in the 530i.

The wheels have a hot date with Arrow wheels next week for a full refurb using the oem shadow chrome process. As you can see the current state of the wheels really lets down the appearance of the car, the original shadow chrome paint is bubbling and peeling off, and the driver side front wheel has been repainted at some stage in just plain silver - sticks out like dogs b@lls.

Same as an e39 M5 around town.

Can you post up a pic of the back side of the wheel? You might need to clean around the edges, there should be some markings there which we'll be able to tell if they're genuine or not. Replica replacements will be much cheaper to replace, but expect it to fail again driving over bumpy roads.

At least with the model of 540i you got (pre m62tu), you don't have vanos issues or a water-cooled alternator to worry about. The earlier 540i's are definitely more peppy up top than the sep 98' onwards ones.

haha. You also develop a high speed whine from the passenger seat area....

The LSD will make the car feel more predictable as to when it begins going sideways. You would also have more control during the slide. Corner exit traction will also benefit as you have power being distributed more evenly to the driven wheels instead of power/torque being sent to the wheel with the least traction. On the road, especially in Auckland traffic, no real benefit really. Jooles has plans to do some track work so it will really come in to effect there when the car is being pushed.

Both android and ios are very user friendly - they have to be to be able to compete with eachother. Ive been in both camps and each have their strengths and annoyances. Comparing the iphone 5 to the s4 I have to say build quality is like bmw with the iphone, S4 like a Geely.

Pretty sure 540i's if auto already have a trans cooler factory fitted, I know the Vanos models do (Sep 98' onwards). Have you got the rego or chassis # of the 540i you like? Bushes and balljoints in the e39 are common wear - expect to replace some Brownish coloured plastics for the cooling system a sure sign the end is near A full diagnostic check including the trans and once over by Ray is your best bet.

Have not seen an E39 sedan with self levelling, but they did come with EDC, which basically gives you comfort or sport damper settings. around 12-13l/100km of mixed environment driving for the Sep 98' onwards 540i. Slightly less for the 528i. Problem with the e39's are that they're getting old, and too expensive for some people to keep in good condition which is why they're on sold, and look to be a real bargain. If your heart's set on a 540i go for one that has the best Engine, drive-train and suspension condition, regardless of it being the M62TU model, or if it's a sport or non sport model. Especially if it's going to be towing that much.

With a locked diff :-) Agreed lots of fun, did this a while back with an old Hilman Avenger with a 1600 and 4 speed.

Finally got a spare for the M5, a genuine ACS type 3 in 18x8.5. Not too shabby.