Smac01 12 Report post Posted May 7, 2011 After 3 months of owning an Altezza, I realised my mistakes. Just picked this up today - 2001 525i fresh from Japan. I was looking for a 530i but decided to get a tidier & more well spec'd example with a smaller engine. I did want a black one, but they're too hard to find at a decent price. Need to sort out the front jap number plate holder, and get a Euro radio tuner. If you have either, let me know. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nickchin1308 0 Report post Posted May 7, 2011 Wise decision! Car looks tidy With the current fuel prices 525 may not be a bad thing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg111 13 Report post Posted May 7, 2011 Very nice score! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smac01 12 Report post Posted May 7, 2011 Thanks mate - the body is surprisingly tidy. Yeah the Altezza was 3L and 4WD, so fuel consumption can only get better from there.... Wise decision! Car looks tidy With the current fuel prices 525 may not be a bad thing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted May 7, 2011 One nice car - well done! You shouldn't be dissapointed with the 2.5, no rocket ship but quite ok. Great to see another E39 on here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reelGOOD 2 Report post Posted May 7, 2011 Have the same in black and absolutely love it. There's no need for a euro radio tuner. Just turn the radio off then on again, then quickly hold down the 'm' button until the menu comes up. Scroll through to 'area' and change it to europe and voila. Unfortunately I only found this out after the dealer had put a band expander in... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KwS 2378 Report post Posted May 7, 2011 mmmm, thats a very tasty looking car. any pics of the interior? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
allan 295 Report post Posted May 7, 2011 The e39 seem to becoming into their own now, looks nice. That is a pity you could have had my 530 it's for sale, and the fuel conumption is not bad either. The one thing you may wish to consider is rear PDC or a reverse camera as the e39 is not easy to see when reversing, but well done on the purchase. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tristan 338 Report post Posted May 8, 2011 (edited) Just turn the radio off then on again, then quickly hold down the 'm' button until the menu comes up. Scroll through to 'area' and change it to europe and voila. Unfortunately I only found this out after the dealer had put a band expander in... Didn't work for my '01. ONT: Awesome car. May I suggest black kidney grilles. Looks much better than chrome on silver E39s IMO. Also, jap plate holder is easy to remove. Just unscrew it. I then 3M Heavy Duty double sided taped my plate on. Edited May 8, 2011 by Help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nobimmer 694 Report post Posted May 8, 2011 Very tidy mate i like it. Alot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smac01 12 Report post Posted May 8, 2011 (edited) Thanks mate! Yeah mine doesn't have a world tuner - it's 4 months too old. Tristan, the black grills look good, will definitely look into that! (And I'd give a limb for the Schnitzers on that car too.....) Very tidy mate i like it. Alot. Edited May 8, 2011 by brunch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smac01 12 Report post Posted May 23, 2011 Got a chance to give it a good clean over the weekend, here's the result. I've got rid of the Jap plate holder, and put black grilles on it. Now to find a nice set of wheels...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt45 1 Report post Posted May 23, 2011 Nice! For the radio consider getting a Euro tuner rather than band expander, may seem expensive but the expanders are horrible. definitely look at getting the reversing camera .. grant (hotwire) does the hardware for $250 (i think). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smac01 12 Report post Posted May 23, 2011 Yeah - I've got a BM24 tuner on it's way from eBay.de Grant did mention those cameras, very tempted. Nice! For the radio consider getting a Euro tuner rather than band expander, may seem expensive but the expanders are horrible. definitely look at getting the reversing camera .. grant (hotwire) does the hardware for $250 (i think). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt45 1 Report post Posted May 23, 2011 Yeah - I've got a BM24 tuner on it's way from eBay.de Grant did mention those cameras, very tempted. Do it, if you don't you will regret it every time you try to parallel park. Altho i don't have a monitor i'm blessed with PDC without it i would be 120% screwed, but maybe that's just my lack of judgment. Come to this if you want to show it off abit http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index....showtopic=35796 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smac01 12 Report post Posted May 23, 2011 Yeah the camera is probably second on the list after a nice new staggered set of wheels. Would love to come along but can't make it unfortunately! Do it, if you don't you will regret it every time you try to parallel park. Altho i don't have a monitor i'm blessed with PDC without it i would be 120% screwed, but maybe that's just my lack of judgment. Come to this if you want to show it off abit http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index....showtopic=35796 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smac01 12 Report post Posted September 22, 2011 I had some time on my hands yesterday, and wanted to play with the Nikon I bought. Here's how the E39 looks at the moment. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tristan 338 Report post Posted September 22, 2011 Love the wheels. Car looks top notch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nickchin1308 0 Report post Posted September 22, 2011 Solid! Are those white Angel eye bulbs from Trademe? I've been trying to look for some preferably from NZ. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smac01 12 Report post Posted September 22, 2011 Cheers guys. I got the AE bulbs off eBay, will PM you details. They were under $50NZ landed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg111 13 Report post Posted September 22, 2011 Looking very nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
39KiwiTouring 2 Report post Posted September 22, 2011 love the boot lip!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
