slvrbmw

Hi Guys, does anyone have experience with importing parts from the UK and if so could you recommend some good websites to buy? I am looking for something similar to www.frpeuro.com in the USA.

Cheers

Hi Guys,

Our 2002 E39 split its radiator today (luckily while parked) and I am now going to have the whole cooling system replaced as a preventive measure (radiator, all hoses, thermostat, water pump). I should have done this when we bought the car a few months ago because I know this is a problem on E39s and my previous one did exactly the same thing. But because the car is generally in a good condition I thought it would not be necessary. Hope this is a warning to all the other E39 owners out there to get it done asap. My car is NZ new and has a full BMW service history so dont be fooled into thinking that it only applies to imports. This is going to cost heaps but hopefully we will not have any problems again for a while. I still love it - so smooth to drive.

Hi Guys,

Will the BMW Professional head unit and CD player from an X5 fit in an E39, i.e. are they interchangeable?

Hi guys. Is there a way to get the phone in a 1998 nz new e39 working? I have heard that they need an older style sim card. Alternatively may consider bluetooth upgrade. I have checked the bimmernav website and a recent posting here, but that was for a newer car. Has anyone upgraded the older style phone to bluetooth?

Hi guys, is it possible to replace the lower side part of the seat base on the E39? The car I am looking to buy has a broken base by the seat controls. Would be good to know potential cost.

Cheers

The top radiator hose in this example looks like it's ready to burst at the plastic connection to the water pump any day now. The plastic shouldn't be brown like that, well only if it's very old. Based on that pipe I'd say the rest of the cooling system should be looked in to immediately.

Common issues on the 540i are well documented on the net. This one looks to have the m62tu which seem to be more prone to timing chain rail failure. The repair is not a cheap fix, expect little change from 4 - 5k if you take it to a professional to get done - They will probably find numerous other parts while they strip the entire front of the engine down that will need replacing. These motors also rattle on idle, and slightly above. It's normal, but expensive to repair if you're sick of the noise (new vanos gears)

I've owned my 98' 540i (with the same engine) for nearly 4 years now. Bought it with 220k on the clock, now done just over 280k. This is what I've serviced so far :

1.) Reaction rod bushes (steering wheel judder at approx. 80km/h)

2.) Front brake discs and pads

3.) Centre link(drag link)

4.) valley pan gasket, along with valve cover gaskets, vanos solenoid gaskets, intake manifold gaskets.

5.) Both oil seperator valves

6.) Timing chain guide rails, deflection plate, new timing chain due to worn guide rails.

7.) Radiator, water pump, thermostat, Heater hoses.

8.) Windscreen washer jets, hoses and fittings (go brittle and leak over time)

9.) drive belt, and associated pulleys.

Next service will be all shocks and springs, along with new spring pads, pockets, strut mounts. The example you're looking at seems to have standard suspension. Ones that have been lowered on stiff springs and shocks can 'mushroom' the strut towers - look it up on google and you'll see what i mean.

Thanks mate - very useful. Is a 528i a better option maybe?

Hi Guys,

I am considering buying a 1998 nz new 540i. Do they have any known problems other than the usual cooling system issues? Also who is the best for a pre-purchase inspection in Wellington? This is the car: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=453395470.

Cheers,

Dirk

I recently bought a 1997 NZ New E36 328i with 118000km for $4950. Auto, but in mint condition. Unfortunately I think E36 values are at a low point. Except for M3s of course!

By the way....way back it was this exact model/car......that first turned me on to BMWs. I saw one and went...whow...what the heck is that.............I now drive a Beemer 6 series (pics on my newbie post here) and still have my 5 series.

Paul

inspection 2) and now runs like a dream. Congrats on the 6-series, they are lovely cars

.

Hi Guys,

My 1997 328i still has the original head unit it was sold with. I want to replace it with a new head unit that will allow direct ipod control through the unit (so the ipod) can stay hidden. Any ideas on a unit that will match the orange colour of BMW's dash lighting?

Cheers

I forgot to mention it has only done 117000km. I paid $5K which I thought was a very good price.

Hi Guys,

I have been lurking for quite a while - enjoying this excellent forum. I picked up a 1997 328iSE (NZ new) on Saturday. Two previous owners and full BMW service history. Goes like a rocket and is well looked after. Only issue so far is it tramlines - very frustrating. Will start with a wheel alignment and if that does not sort the problem will start looking into replacing control arm bushes.

TradeMe pics attached.