thorburn

Think it is about 260k, can check tomorrow. 

Picked up this e39 a wee while ago. 

Has a bunch of ac kit on it, had the timing chain done, and is manual. 

Only known negative at the time of buying was that the sunroof might leak a little and the diff is starting to get noisy. 

Got about 8 months of enjoyment out of it. Then the brakes started getting very spongy. 

Got that repaired- it was the abs. Unfortunately the abs doesn't work, it now has a solid pedal though. I was also told they couldn't scan the car and they believe some wires have been snipped behind the dash. Had a few others try scan it (thanks everyone) but nobody had any luck. 

The car was parked up for some time after that, during that time the sunroof leaked into the drivers footwell. 

My current list of problems is as follows:

-replace windscreen trim seal (have a new one just need to install) 

-passenger brake light stays on

-passenger tail light wiring suspect

-not scanning

-airbag light not coming on

-coolant temp not correct on gauge 

-abs light not working

-abs not working 

-diff noisey

-front bumper grill drivers side broken

-lumbar support drivers-motor goes but no movement

-clunk in front suspension - possibly the garbage power flex bushes I installed

-oil change

-surface rust from water leak

-washer fluid bottle leaks

-needs a clean

Ultimately I'm looking to sell the car (too many cars). If someone wants to take on that list of problems I'd let it go for 8k.

Otherwise I'll slowly fix it up and try and sell it for a considerable amount more.

Where did you get the new buckles? I don't mind buying new for a seat belt. There's probably nothing wrong with e30 ones, but good piece of mind if you go new

Did you see the demon crash behind you at the time? 

Which seat mounts did you use? 

Did you ever get around to making one of these? 

Are you worried that the spherical bearing won't turn about the shock axis? 

Search realoem for part number

Go to fcp or schmiedmann and order

The usual- 'too good to be true' 

6 hours ago, 3pedals said:

I checked these out about a year ago , they were low quality chinese made sh*t at the time, not chinese made quality like Lemforder or similar. 

The bush shell didn't fit into the arm correctly, wasn't actually round and nor was the hole it was shoved into. 

Thanks, just the info I needed

6 hours ago, Sammo said:

I don't know anything about E53's but I would be looking at Scmeidman / FCP Euro / ECS Tuning and OEM parts before Trade Me.

A lot of those TM listings look like sellers importing unknown ebay type parts and marking them up to OEM prices.

FCP Euro in particular has very fast, well priced shipping and good pricing on OEM components.

I had originally looked at those sites. The trademe option was far cheaper. Was hoping for a bargain 

It's probably due a bit of a birthday. 

Was considering getting the full kit like this one 

https://www.trademe.co.nz/2724474566

And the matching rear kit from the same seller. 

A bit worried that this unbranded kit is so cheap. 

Has anyone else taken the gamble with this company? 

Legend. 

That isn't too bad. Only a little more than some overseas options. 

I'm a welder/fabricator by trade. So should be able to make up a bracket. Those photos were definitely helpful though. 

I've also got a 3d printer with a roll of petg as well. So there are options.

Where did you order your expansion tank? I've got access to a used one. But I've got new parts for the rest of the cooling system. No reason to stop

Thanks for the bracket overview. 

I'm currently looking into getting a euro expansion tank for an aftermarket radiator. 

I did notice where I was searching in realoem the caps all seem to be 2 bar. 

Higher boiling point from that extra pressure might be all it takes. 

Are you using a mechanical or electric fan? 

Sorry I'm of no help. But would be keen to find out before I head in the same direction

Sloppy mechanics style? 

Manual e39 540

Also have a check where you're going to run a downpipe. You run out of space really quick if runners 5 and 6 stick out too far. If the turbo is sitting up top that is.

If its the same as all the other aliexpress ones it doesn't fit as is. 

How did you get the orientation for the big ends? 

Some sort of degree wheel to reorientate? 

So cool

I want to know how much extra the guy wants for the e30 m3

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I'd never heard of ads and am researching it currently. 

Nick496 sent you a pm

1 hour ago, NZ00Z3 said:

Hi James

There is probably nothing wrong with your INPA setup.  The problem is with your early model E39.

The Early model E39 will be still on ODB1/ADS and your INPA setup using the USB port only talks ODB2.

To talk to your E39 via the 20 pin connector under the bonnet, you will need either:

- A very old computer with a Com port to set INPA up on and a ADS converter.  

- A scanner that talks ODB1/ADS.  I have checked my Foxwell NT530 scanner (with BMW software) this morning and it will talk to E39 540's from 3/96, so it will cover your car.  Maybe its time to buy a good scanner.

Regards

Murray

Thanks Murray,

Any recommendations on a scanner? I'm really not sure what they're worth either. Would $600 get me somewhere? 

Would be nice to try something before I buy it. 

3 hours ago, B.M.W Ltd said:

You had a look here ? Some had both

 

 

Yes. It doesn't have one there unfortunately. 

I've got an e39 540 that was made on the 6/96

Having trouble connecting a diagnostic scanner to it. I can't connect to it at all

I've tried using inpa on the laptop. I've got 2x generic 16pin to USB adapters. 

Ive also got an adapter that goes from the 16 pin to the round obd port under the bonnet. 

I've only been trying to connect to the port under the bonnet because I don't believe it has a 16 pin port. 

I can connect to my e53 through the 16pin port just fine. 

Do I need to modify the cables to make them work with an older model? 

I'd assume that includes the oil filter housing