hunter

Yep. From the outside with lights off they look identical. 
Now we’ve cleared that up ?, I need to find me some Xenons to fit to bring it back to build spec. 

nah if the entire light was changed at some stage, these would be on the previous pair.

Sadly. No. 
see pic from back of the light. Halogen bulbs only. 

5 minutes ago, BreakMyWindow said:

Definitely sound like the halogen kind unfortunately. Strange that someone would swap out for worse headlights unless it's had a bump and insurance cheaped out ?

Yeah I think it’s had a slight bump in the past. Given some over spray on the bumper I’ve found. But shitty downgrade to make for sure and must have been some time ago as previous owner had it for ages and wasn’t done by him. He said. 

2 minutes ago, qube said:

Looks like xenons to me?

They have halogen H7 bulbs plus angel eye bulb. Am I missing something obvious here ? 

Was persuing my build sheet yesterday and notived my car was apprently optioned with Xenon lights. but has Halogens. ?

ths is consistent with a number of inconsistecies on the build sheet and what is in the car; such as, multifuntion wheel, cruise control (since retro fitted) and different wheels.

the wheel would be explainable most people change the at some stage, bummed about the headlight difference though as visability at night is poor  -

I will add Xenons to the upgrade list. In the interim stronger Halogens bulbs will be fitted.

Few fixes needed this week. New radiator installed to cure the slow but quickening coolant leak. Thanks to Mosens here in Hamilton for sorting super fast. 
 

loosened sun roof surround today from on top to release the headliner and  wedge some high density foam between the headliner and roof.
 

The head liner was popping and crackling when going over bumps at times, very annoying. 
it also looked like it was bumping the sunroof cassette in the same region. Will test tonight. 
 

Update: foam placement worked a treat not more popping from headliner. Yuss. 

Super cheap also has oil on special this weekend. 30% off Castrol. Grabbed some my self. 

Cheers man. I’ve managed to get mine back in place but it’s been broken at some stage and cable ties used to hold the back section to the seat. ?

Wanted excellent condition 

BMW Schwarz Seat Trim Cover Set Front Outer (E38 E39) - Genuine BMW part 52107058008
 

37 minutes ago, Young Thrash Driver said:

Sold it. Anybody got ideas on how I'll keep my driveway oiled now?

Buy an Alfa

14 minutes ago, KwS said:

Weird, I didn't realise the grilles are fake on those? 

pretty sure they are "active"

 only opening when needed?

Sweet baby Jesus 

Success!

after biting the bullet and splashing out for a brand new clockspring from Coombes. (They had one in stock so snapped it up)

I now have working paddles, Cruise control and stereo controls again, but with new OEM part reliability ?

we also gently polished the heinous water spots off the windows. These have been a problem I’ve been trying to get rid of for some time. Today with the right product and gentle polishing with a drill, success. Stoked. 

New switch installed on existing switch boards and wiring above

old switch de constructed  

new switches getting installed with covers getting new grease for a smooth action  

switches back in ready for trim and airbag. Along with new clock spring. 

frustrating 2 steps forward one back on paddle shift today.

the Clock Spring I have has partially failed (after a week of intermittant paddle shift functionality) with only cruise and stereo controls working. no paddle shift. 

i purchased some new paddle micro switches 4 dollars each. after reading how common the up shift failing is, due to a dirty or faulty micro switch.

Thinking being, go new parts wherever possible from here on in.

• new switches were soldered inplace, switch loom bench tested, all working fine - yuss.
• re-installed switches in car, nothing working- what the!?
• checked all connectins nothing wrong or missing
• cruise control works
• stereo control works

more prodding with a multi meter commenced.

• tip tronic shift from gear stick still works   - tested ok
• tested paddle shift loom from steering column to gear box with miltimeter, (no clock spring)   -  tested ok
• tested Paddle shift switches to rear of clock spring pins with multimeter  -  Failed

So looks very much like the 2nd hand clock spring is the culprit or atleast the circuit / ribbon section of it that passes the Paddles signal through to the transmission.

sh*t.

So, atleast i have 2 new switches, and understand the problem area, now I'm on the hunt for a new clokcpring or really good working 2nd hand one 

WTB. Working Clock spring to fit E39. (E46, E46 M3) with heated steering wheel pins or smg pins. 

These will be the 2 stand alone pins on the left of the clock spring when mounted.

the one I have has partially failed (after a week of intermittant use / functionality) with only cruise and stereo controls working. no paddle shift. 

E39 m sport wheel
Airbag has been replaced under recall
Also has fully working Clock spring

This us come out of a 2001 e39 as I have up graded

Everything works as it should. A few minor marks on the rim of the steering wheel, indicative of the age.

Pick ups preferred.

100 for forum members

Slight problem with the + Paddle emerges Friday, it wont shift up reliably hmmm

- shift works fine, Steptronic from the gear lever works fine, both  up and down. 

When we installed all wiring was tested and good to go

so something in the paddle isn't working.

Some googling reveals a common issue with these SMG wheels and the up shift being intermittent due to dirty / worn contact switches.

This weeks mission is to inspect and clean said switch on the upshift

17 hours ago, hqstu said:

I also need to do this in the M5, right rear...  good work Ben.

They are expensive units. 350 incl gst.  Each. That is dealer prices but was happy ish as I didn’t want to roll the dice on a 2nd hand one

Butyl tape arrived thanks @hqstufor sharing ?

Cleaning the old adhesive off was a real PITA but got most of it off the half of the door I was working on before putting new adhesive tape on. Once tape was mounted I got it with the wife’s hair dryer to soften ( it was also quite cold in my garage today) and reseated the weather membrane. 
 

Slightly paranoid about the lock working once the door was put together I was testing the locks a lot as I didn’t want to have to pull it all apart again. Everything works from the key fob and central lock button on center console. 
 

Door is now all back together and working perfectly. Job done. 

Replaced the door actuator in rear passenger door. Easier than the internet would have you believe. Haha. 
only slight issue was the lock knob stalk falling off and me needing to remember which way it went around. 

new actuator worked first time. 

Now waiting on some new Butyl tape to seal her back up again.
 

new one on top, old on bottom. Old one had lost all its resistance and drive, i  think you can see evidence of that when comparing the the state of the black "strips" in the larger opening. 

4 minutes ago, adro said:

Nah, it hasn't had an alignment yet but I don't think it's cured. ?

Is it Possibly drive shaft or guibo?

you may have checked this?

Massive day this past Saturday, helps to have a good mate with eletrical engineering skills, as we set about installing paddle shift and MFW intothe E39.

It was a Solid 6 hour day day of trim removal and reinstall, wiring, creating new paddle shift looms, ill fitting airbag, straightneding brackets andthen good fitting airbags.

For the paddles shift a new loom was created running from the slock spring to the shifter area to intersect without cutting the steptronic wiring in the shifter area. this allows paddlesot be used once the gear stick is moved into sport mode. Genuine OEM wiring, connectors and clips were used for that factory look, fit and finish and to ensure all bits were new and sure to work. 

The MFW (cruise and stereo control) was a bit more indepth with Factory installation guides and wiring used, splicing intothe LCM and running 1 wire to the DME, 

The airbag bracket was bent, fomr previous air bag removal at wreckers or by former owner?? so that needed removing and straightening up, now fits perfectly. 

after all ofthis and a good vacuum,  I now have OEM cruise control, stereo control and sport mode paddle shift in my 2001 530i.

now i need an alignment, also due to new tires last week and i'll be good to go 

oh except fo rthe freshly failed door lock actuator - doh!

1 minute ago, Navin said:

Sold the 135i..sad sad day. Now to buy a boring 'family' car. 

2series active tourer??

New rubber today for the 530. Michelin PS4, all round 40% off at Hyper Drive and fitted by my local tire shop. Brilliant all for a hair under 1500. Incl shipping and fitment. 
 

have also noticed that the rear drivers side door doesn’t always unlock when I come back to the car. This is likely the actuator and some that will need attention sooner rather than later to ensure it doesn’t fail leaving the door stuck shut. This would mean a potentially damaging door car removal with door closed as per his vid  from e39 source.