Arma

Had the delay relay fitted. No more popping sound during power off.

Thanks. I'm running a Fusion amp rated @ 1600W - can't remember the exact model name. Noticed one thing - when I turn the car ignition + power off, the subs make a loud thump sound. Think I need to get a relay or something connected there to change the timing after power has been switched off - will take it in tomorrow to get that done. Other than that though these subs sound excellent.

It's not too bad. I had a 12" relatively loud sub in my 520i (which was less sealed than my 530i) and the sub was quite clear. Although the sub was fairly cheap so was not the BEST sounding bass ever but it did its job. My e39 530i is more sealed than the 520i. I put two 10" Soundstream subs inside the trunk and they sound fantastic. Having one 10" probably wouldn't have done the job due to how sealed it is, but the 10" really brings out that 'thump' clarity in the bass and having two of them help carry the bass throughout the cabin, I can't complain. Although, I am really interested in that 8" sub in the armrest idea - keen to see how that turns out; other than sounding decent, it might look pretty neat as well!

I'm going to go with the same answers that Michael above has said. 1. A new headunit is likely to improve the sound as the e39s factory system is quite old. You can have your own amp installed and bypass the factory amp. I'm using an aftermarket Fusion amp and had Rapid Radio in Auckland install them (They install things well, but buying products from them can be overpriced sometimes). 2. Wouldn't do that. 3. If you are in Auckland, I've had most my stuff done by Rapid Radio but I know there are a lot of other people that will come recommended. You might find some names if you browse through some of the topics on this forum section.

Thanks for the feedback / information guys. Looks like I'd need to invest in several parts rather than just the rear sway bar to get the most benefit/improvement in handling.

So I just got some subs installed on the white e39 530i msport (photos below). Got Soundstream 2 x 10" subs in single enclosure. Went for smaller subs for the clarity/thump in the bass and two of them so that i can get the loudness out (opposed to the single 12" i had in my 520i, which kind of lacked the 'thump' and clarity in the lows). Not really into the overly loud window shattering subs - just want something that sounds nice and clear. My next step would be to do something with the factory headunit/TV. The factory system doesn't have a sub controller and the screen is a bit out of date, however I kinda like the look of the factory TV being there. Was wondering whether there is a suitable replacement aftermarket unit that any of you might recommend, instead of the factory TV/screen headunit? I heard some things about Dynavin - have not personally seen / used one. Is there a way to have an aftermarket screen installed but retain the in-built info on the screen such as fuel consumption, range etc. being displayed on it when I want? If not I may just resort to an Alpine/Pioneer touch screen head unit.. or Dynavin if it is worth it. Photos of the new sub:

Was wondering if it is worth having m5 rear sway bar kit installed into my 530i msport. Many people seem to say the difference is quite noticeable, and it seems to be a fairly cheap mod. (Front m5 bars won't work on 6cyl e39s i think?). Wonder if I'd have to have the sway bars shipped or if anyone has in stock here. But yeah, question is whether anyone has done this and whether it is / you think it is worth doing?

Sure am. Upload more photos! Wanna see more of this beauty

Awesome choice congrats mate. !

Alright cool, let me know.

By the way (off-topic) regarding the mirror glass enquiry on trademe - I think the mirror glass for my 530i is the same size as the ones on these. Not sure if you have any of that size available - standard ones with the separator line.

Had the disa valve replaced by Glenn - it was rattling when engine was running; probably dead/on its way out (the valve).

How much would you be looking for the alloys + tires? (if the car does not sell)

Second vehicle: BMW 530i M-Sport 2001 (e39) - Alpine White

Spotted an e39 m5 blue (not sure which, maybe leman) on Tamaki dr on the way to Mission Bay, Sunday afternoon (12th May)

Is it generally OK to replace just one of the cam sensors, intake or exhaust (whichever one throwing fault codes) or is it recommended to replace both of them at the same time, regardless of if only one is throwing fault codes? I'm getting the exhaust cps replaced on my e39 530i (fault code thrown) - although bunch of forums say it is best to change both sensors at once. Would changing the intake sensor as well make any difference if it isn't throwing any codes during scan?

Brock did a quick sensor scan at Botany Motorworx this morning - almost everything seems alright, just need to change an exhaust cam sensor, which will hopefully make driving the car feel even better (well, it did on my 520i, improved torque + fuel consumption).

Think he's getting an m3 Might keep the exhaust as it is. Gf's ears are getting accustomed to them.

Need a couple of new mirror glass for the e39 530i m-sport. Anyone know where I can get a hold of these / have these for sale? Are they easy enough to fit on? Never replaced these before.

Yup true. Well I've test driven both, and although i bloody love the torque in the 540i, the fuel consump might be a bit too much judging from how far I have to drive to work everyday. I ended up buying Tristan's 530i which I'm loving so far and am hoping will love me back by treating me well .

Haha I suppose that's a solution. Still planning on keeping the mufflers for now, she can always drive the 520i for the quietness.

So, just bought Tristan's 530i today. Really liking it so far, seems pretty well looked after so hoping it will treat me better than my 520i has. . Came with 2 spare tyres and some other goodies as well. Few small things to fix, such as color fade on the side mirrors - need to get a hold of new glass for the mirrors, if anyone knows where I can get a hold of these and how much they are would be great. Girlfriend was saying the exhaust is a bit too loud for her when in the car, so maybe will address that at some point to quieten it (best way to do this?) at some point, I like the rumble but a bit quieter would be nice for a bit more comfort I suppose . Other than that, liking both the feel and the looks of the car:

Thanks for the detailed reply Zara, that's a lot of useful info. I've had the car in your link on my watch list as well - the only reason it wasn't near the top of my list was because of the color (I find silver a bit dull and too common for my liking). You said the suspension felt softer - what kind of pricing are we looking at if I were to get new struts, shocks and thrust bearings + having a mechanic do it. I've been recommended 530i by a fair few people as well so will probably browsing some of those meanwhile as well. The torque/power of the 540i was the main winning factor for me, but I hear that those v8s can be troublesome and a fair bit more expensive to maintain? Not sure if I want a 3 series at the moment, but perhaps one in good condition, specs and price might catch my eye.

How much would it be to get the 'angel eye' headlights installed into these? Oh and regarding the 'buyer fee'. The place the car is being sold "U-Sell" charges a buyer fee of $150 apparently.

Haven't received any PM from you yet.