Toledo Blue e39 530i Sport - Maintenance and Project Thread

[Sreten]

I sold my ZHP, but I felt so welcomed and really liked how this forum runs and how organized it is that I wanted to share adventures with my e39! Hope you don't mid.

Like the title says, it's a 2002 530i with Sport package in Toledo Blue color.

Car currently has around 141.600 miles. I bought it from the original owner when it had 128k miles.

I spent about 3-4 months looking for a decent e39 and patience paid off when I found this car.
Have to give credit to the previous owner who took great care of the car.
Have 2 keys and a valet key and all of the service records of the car from day one. He had it serviced only at the BMW Centar in Sherman Oaks where he bought it brand new.

I've done many things to the car since I had it.

Right after the purchase, I replaced front struts, mounts and bump stops since they were leaking with OE Sachs parts.

Then slowly doing some other stuff. I got new front and rear sway bar links with bushings, rear breaks, new NGK spark plugs, replaced steering angle sensor, repaired DISA valve with G.A.S kit, replaced front control arms and power steering rack, new windshield and cowl covers, new battery and I'm pretty sure I left some things out... For replacement parts I've only used OE parts as I'm dedicated on keeping the car stock.

https://s32.postimg.org/f1ojmdx3l/20160512_165323.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/f1ojmdx3l/) https://s32.postimg.org/4tkgmxj9t/20160515_122742_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4tkgmxj9t/) https://s32.postimg.org/otvt5rxe9/20160515_122725_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/otvt5rxe9/) https://s32.postimg.org/hxakytoch/20160516_171314_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/hxakytoch/)https://s32.postimg.org/tga2b6kxt/20160516_173248_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/tga2b6kxt/)

https://s9.postimg.org/6xklh85fv/20160806_190305_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6xklh85fv/) https://s9.postimg.org/gguaaosy3/20160806_170241_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/gguaaosy3/) https://s9.postimg.org/44rdx753f/20160809_174746_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/44rdx753f/) https://s16.postimg.org/ljogpjxyp/20160825_183724.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ljogpjxyp/)

One thing about e39s is that they have horrible projectors especially after 13 years of use.

I got new Hella Evo X-R projectors installed along with new Euro spec headlight covers paired with Morimoto D2S 5500k XB bulbs which are pure white and Philips H7 CrystalVision Ultra for high beams.
Also tossed in new LED bulbs for angel eyes making them white

https://s32.postimg.org/yedsmlj69/20160728_174704.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/yedsmlj69/) https://s32.postimg.org/3lghiafdd/20160728_174714.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/3lghiafdd/) https://s32.postimg.org/ez30thpw1/20160728_174719.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ez30thpw1/) https://s32.postimg.org/d4vmfcb9t/20160729_185037_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/d4vmfcb9t/) https://s32.postimg.org/ukpsh1a8h/20160729_185048_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ukpsh1a8h/)

https://s32.postimg.org/ardoobwup/20160729_185825_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ardoobwup/) https://s32.postimg.org/7lt2y4e8h/20160729_185901_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/7lt2y4e8h/) https://s32.postimg.org/qtg7upwk1/20160729_185923_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/qtg7upwk1/) https://s31.postimg.org/6ra2o3tpz/20160730_002747_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6ra2o3tpz/) https://s31.postimg.org/kniazzpyv/20160730_002844_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/kniazzpyv/)

Needless to say improvement was massive and driving at night time is now pure pleasure.

Got the new high gloss trim around windows of the e39 M5. I personally think it makes a huge difference compared to matte black!

https://s9.postimg.org/pfoy1gn7v/20160809_190403_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/pfoy1gn7v/) https://s9.postimg.org/twlwdvqtn/20160809_190540_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/twlwdvqtn/) https://s9.postimg.org/4gdfnpax7/20160809_190628_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4gdfnpax7/) https://s9.postimg.org/ftzyywlfv/20160809_190641_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ftzyywlfv/) https://s9.postimg.org/cfhsirq17/20160809_190501_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/cfhsirq17/)

This is how the interior sits. I got rid off the ugly wood trim.

https://s32.postimg.org/9iscdgtoh/20160511_183734_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9iscdgtoh/) https://s32.postimg.org/yg0b847k1/20160511_182243_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/yg0b847k1/) https://s32.postimg.org/x4sjznby9/20160511_183719_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/x4sjznby9/) https://s32.postimg.org/7tx1ami4h/20160512_080758.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/7tx1ami4h/) https://s32.postimg.org/c6plt6mo1/20160511_182205_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/c6plt6mo1/)

https://s32.postimg.org/e3eiseddt/20160511_182334_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e3eiseddt/) https://s32.postimg.org/eny58tw01/20160511_183803_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/eny58tw01/) https://s32.postimg.org/kspnm5o3l/20160511_183924_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/kspnm5o3l/) https://s32.postimg.org/o62hmm729/20160511_183936_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/o62hmm729/) https://s32.postimg.org/5gai5vebl/20160511_184120_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5gai5vebl/)

https://s32.postimg.org/djd9uxoap/20160511_185231_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/djd9uxoap/) https://s32.postimg.org/hv1vjxv7l/20160511_185039_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/hv1vjxv7l/) https://s32.postimg.org/ra8k5nygx/20160511_185032_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ra8k5nygx/)

And the exterior

https://s12.postimg.org/xrjy3zss9/20160904_170243_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/xrjy3zss9/) https://s12.postimg.org/3o5fc1pix/20160904_170251_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/3o5fc1pix/) https://s12.postimg.org/exy56zuk9/20160904_170127_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/exy56zuk9/) https://s12.postimg.org/ubrtufvjt/20160904_170336_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ubrtufvjt/) https://s3.postimg.org/9e1kyv4z3/Untitled.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9e1kyv4z3/)

View on Santa Barbara from the mountains. Great piece of road to the top.

https://s32.postimg.org/4c69gdvwx/20160514_201526_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4c69gdvwx/) https://s32.postimg.org/y2te25gwh/20160514_201713_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/y2te25gwh/) https://s32.postimg.org/qcmlx0ekx/20160514_201817_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/qcmlx0ekx/)

https://s32.postimg.org/tr4sd59zl/20160514_202157_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/tr4sd59zl/) https://s32.postimg.org/4jtwcw6vl/20160514_202230_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4jtwcw6vl/) https://s32.postimg.org/6ludr54up/20160514_202042_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6ludr54up/)

That's about it for now. :)

[BMWCurves]

Looks great! E39s are some of the best looking cars BMW made, IMO. I definitely miss my father's 540i (although am very thankful I didn't have to share in the maintenance bills).

[Sreten]

True. I had 4 e38s, same V8 as in 540i. More complicated to work on then on I6 and well known problems with timing chain guides. But I love the power and sound of that V8!

[BMWCurves]

For sure, one of my favorite parts of that car was the M62's sound.

But thinking about timing chain and guides...*shudder*

[fw_fw]

NICE!!! I need that Tech Graphite interior trim for my 530i........BAD!!!

[GotZHP]

That car is perfect! We will have to meet up one of these weekends and get some coffee or do some projects. Once the hood is back on my car, it will show its face in public more.

I still need to get PAsoft up and running too

[GotZHP]

Are the sunset photos from somewhere along Rt 154?

[Sreten]

Thanks!

Frank, I was actually looking for Tech Graphite interior trim for a long time and realized I don't want to spend $200-300 on a used, scratched trim and decided to try black brushed aluminium wrap from Vivid. It turned out excellent and they have a life time of 7 years in the outside world so no doubt it will last longer on the inside. Very happy with the results and saved few hundred bucks.

GotZHP, for sure. Next Saturday I'm planing to install new Vanos unit that I ordered from Dr Vanos.
Will get PA Soft going in no time.

It's called Gibraltar Road. Not sure if it is the same. Took me awhile to find it. :)

[Adi]

Super clean E39! Love it!

[Sreten]

Thank you!

I also replaced rear shocks last Saturday.

Haven't had a particular problem with them just figured it would be nice to refresh the rear end as well, plus I got a good deal on the from FCP.

https://s11.postimg.org/gokwczfa7/20161105_074403_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/gokwczfa7/) https://s11.postimg.org/mqsj3h3q7/20161105_084203_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/mqsj3h3q7/) https://s11.postimg.org/bfpvf3wv3/20161105_084403_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/bfpvf3wv3/) https://s11.postimg.org/wqnfjdezj/20161105_090803_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/wqnfjdezj/)

https://s11.postimg.org/rt9uy9d0f/20161105_090809_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/rt9uy9d0f/) https://s11.postimg.org/6xnkn0gtb/20161105_093749_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6xnkn0gtb/) https://s11.postimg.org/pr9dk0f1b/20161105_130749_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/pr9dk0f1b/) https://s11.postimg.org/fv8akd99b/20161105_164851_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/fv8akd99b/)

Old ones were pretty worn out. Almost completely lost compression so I'm glad I've replaced them.
Overall, pretty easy job.

[///Mvious]

I love the e39!... Beautiful color...great find!

[illirep]

Very nice car


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[GotZHP]

Thanks!

Frank, I was actually looking for Tech Graphite interior trim for a long time and realized I don't want to spend $200-300 on a used, scratched trim and decided to try black brushed aluminium wrap from Vivid. It turned out excellent and they have a life time of 7 years in the outside world so no doubt it will last longer on the inside. Very happy with the results and saved few hundred bucks.

GotZHP, for sure. Next Saturday I'm planing to install new Vanos unit that I ordered from Dr Vanos.
Will get PA Soft going in no time.

It's called Gibraltar Road. Not sure if it is the same. Took me awhile to find it. :)

Good to know. if my GF has some home work to do, could I come and kick it just to watch and learn. Vanos is on my maintenance list pending a long weekend to get the job done. I could bring coffee and play around with PASoft and take some notes as you work. Let me know if that is cool and maybe we can meet up. Also, need to find that road!

[Sreten]

Thank you guys!

Of course. Send me your number and I'll text you the address.

[Sreten]

Replaced the Vanos and Valve Cover gasket.

https://s11.postimg.org/hcxk5b9hr/IMG_0067.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/hcxk5b9hr/) https://s11.postimg.org/4k9g5dxvz/IMG_0063.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4k9g5dxvz/)https://s11.postimg.org/m087ktm8f/IMG_0070.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/m087ktm8f/)

I decided to go with Dr Vanos and not Beisan simply because I wanted internal bearings to be replaced and to do that + seals and rings on my own would require more time and work so this just seemed easier even though it was bit more money. Simply take the old unit out and install the new one.

I haven't felt a slightest change in the way it drives to be honest. I know that seals have a break in period but I already did around 300-400 miles since the replacement.

While I had everything apart, I inspected belt tensioners and it turns out they are shot while belts are still good since they were replaced in 2011. I've been also getting a shadow error for precat O2 sensors on bank 1 & 2. I got new parts coming and hopefully will replace all of that this week.

[Sreten]

Picked up this nice 04 Jet Black ZHP sedan. Just rolled over 91k miles, 1 owner, 2 keys, all books and service history.
4 brand new tires, has cold weather package, rear shade but no premium which sucks, but oh well.


https://s14.postimg.org/koz616isd/20161117_150631.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/koz616isd/) https://s14.postimg.org/t8ijyxr4t/20161117_150645.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/t8ijyxr4t/) https://s14.postimg.org/p0nrq6pp9/20161117_151143.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/p0nrq6pp9/)

Needs some love and cleaning up. Should be very nice once I'm done.

[BMWCurves]

Nice! Honestly, the Premium Package isn't a big deal. You can retrofit an E90 autodim mirror for about $150 that has more functionality than the mirror that came with auto dim from the factory Premium Package. The only thing I'd miss is the lumbar support, which a lot of people don't need or notice it missing.

[Sreten]

I can live without autodim mirror and that's an easy retrofit but I'm really missing lumbar support. I drove it for about hour and half home and my lower back were killing me.

Anyways, I picked it up so I can work on little bit and eventually sell it off. Needs few things but overall good car.
Have to say that I liked ZHP coupe more.

[BMWCurves]

I can live without autodim mirror and that's an easy retrofit but I'm really missing lumbar support. I drove it for about hour and half home and my lower back were killing me.

Anyways, I picked it up so I can work on little bit and eventually sell it off. Needs few things but overall good car.
Have to say that I liked ZHP coupe more.

Ah, yeah, if you're not holding onto it long term, I'd say don't worry about it. If you have issues with the missing lumbar support like I did, I would go for either retrofitting it or getting M3 seats. I love my M3 seats

What do you like about the coupe more than the sedan?

[Sreten]

Seats are mint. Would be shame to get rid of them but I get were you going. :)

Just personal preference. I like the feeling of coupe, long doors with no window frame and definitely preferred looks. There's just something about coupes that I love. My goal is to get e92 M3 one day. :blushing

[Sreten]

Almost there. :)

https://s11.postimg.org/ytgriunv3/20161201_143854.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ytgriunv3/) https://s11.postimg.org/bgiq0c7rj/20161201_145143.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/bgiq0c7rj/) https://s11.postimg.org/bhsntr9lb/20161201_145637.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/bhsntr9lb/) https://s11.postimg.org/atjtatavj/20161201_145843.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/atjtatavj/) https://s18.postimg.org/cvfm6w9d1/20161201_143933.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/cvfm6w9d1/)


https://s18.postimg.org/tx8g8zo85/20161201_143940.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/tx8g8zo85/) https://s11.postimg.org/pe0w5n5u7/20161202_074202.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/pe0w5n5u7/) https://s11.postimg.org/s9dzci9u7/20161202_074254.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/s9dzci9u7/) https://s11.postimg.org/e486ap0sv/20161202_074412.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e486ap0sv/) https://s11.postimg.org/fkjosu3pr/20161202_074646.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/fkjosu3pr/)

[Sreten]

Finally got a manual! :thumbup

https://s23.postimg.org/qhm8z97bb/20161220_131858.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/qhm8z97bb/)

[Pilot05]

Sreten you are moving thru ZHP's like I change razors. What is the story with this latest one? Where was it? how many miles? Alcantara seats, I see.

[Sreten]

Haha, I was on the mission for a manual!

I'll post more pics once I bring it home.

It is a 2004 Jet Black sedan with Alcantara seats, no premium or cold weather package.
Only 1 owner and what's even better, only 95k miles on the clock :o

Clutch and flywheel changed less then 15k miles ago, all 4 struts as well.

Needs few common things, control arm bushings, Valve cover gasket, cooling system...

[Sreten]

Drove it home last night from San Diego under a heavy rain. ZHP paired with Bridgestone tires was up to the task!

I was enjoying every mile in it, I was really missing a manual.

Have to give credit to the previous owner, he really took great car of the car. On the pick up, he even had the tire pressure and all fluids checked.
Not a big deal, but a nice touch. :)

Here she is.

https://s27.postimg.org/yf4n8nq67/20161224_162650.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/yf4n8nq67/)

One thing that I really don't like and wish that he didn't do, is powder coating wheels in black color. They just blend with the car.

But, oh well.

Got a lot of new parts and finished bunch of stuff today.

https://s27.postimg.org/5msts2c73/20161224_085257.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5msts2c73/)

Old parts out.

https://s27.postimg.org/4916wrcxr/20161224_113547.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4916wrcxr/)

For the first time I didn't have to clean any oily mess.
Underneath dry as a bone.

https://s27.postimg.org/3jnghiipr/20161224_152742.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/3jnghiipr/)

Overhauled cooling system, replaced all tensioners, pulleys and belts, replaced valve cover gasket and got new NGK spark plugs in, replaced front control arm bushings and sway bar links.

Tomorrow planing to change oil, filter and I think that should be it. And probably alignment after.

[Sreten]

After looking at many coupes, finally got myself ZHP!

https://s23.postimg.org/qcgird1xz/20170118_084630.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/qcgird1xz/) https://s23.postimg.org/78n7b0p3r/20170118_084659.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/78n7b0p3r/) https://s23.postimg.org/9r8wbpatz/20170118_084713.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9r8wbpatz/)

Pretty much exactly what I was looking for.

First things will be removing the M badge, probably going back to OE grille and possibly removing the tint.

[san]

Congrats! More details...


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[BMWCurves]

Congrats! More details...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

+1

[Sreten]

Thanks!

2005, Titanium Silver with Black leather interior.

6 Speed!

https://s27.postimg.org/kpujla9wf/20170118_112914.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/kpujla9wf/)

No premium or cold weather package but has seat heaters and split down rear seats.

Just hit 98k miles, was on lease up until 2008 when previous owner bought it. He is a BMW guy as well.

I drove it home 300 miles from SF area and it was a nice drive. Averaged 30 mpg. :)

Already ordered $1000 worth of parts, needs usual e46 stuff.

Going to start proper thread for it soon.

[BMWCurves]

No premium or cold weather package but has seat heaters and split down rear seats.

The ideal E46 Cold Weather Package.

[Sreten]

Couldn't agree more. Black sedan that I had, has headlights washers and they are useless. Sprays all over the hood.

I do miss premium package, especially lumbar support on these seats. I'll be looking for M3 seats or maybe NB or Cinnamon with lumbar.
Auto dip rear view mirror I'm planning to retro fit.

[Sreten]

I'm very sad to report that last Sunday my beloved e39 got a new owner. Never thought I would sell it, didn't even try selling it.

Guy who was interested in my previous ZHP stopped by to check out my 530i just for fun. He test drove it and I told him everything that I've done on car. He fell in love with the car and offered me 10k. I had some time to think it over but what's there to think about, I couldn't pass on that offer.

At 146k miles, e39 was in tip top shape. I've replaced pretty much everything on it with new OE parts. Complete service records from day one sorted by date and mileage.

I had it almost a year and I've done 20k miles in it and enjoyed every single mile. Hands down best and my favorite car I ever owned.

ZHP from previous postings is my new daily driver. Refreshing of that car is well under way but more on that in a new thread.

[johnrando]

congrats on the sale. tough to see it go I'm sure.

[BMWCurves]

congrats on the sale. tough to see it go I'm sure.

+1

At least it's going to someone who will appreciate it and take care of it.

[Sockethead]

We've had a few BMWs that we had to painfully let go but in the long run they were practical decisions...

[Sreten]

Wasn't easy but it was the time I guess.

Older gentleman bought it and he couldn't be more happier. I'm sure he will take good care of it.

BTW, this is the list of the things I've done on that car if anybody is wondering

- OE Sachs struts, front and rear with new mounts and bump stops
- Lemforder front control arms and tie rods
- Remanufactured steering rack
- Meyle HD sway bar links, OE sway bar bushings
- New engine mounts
- Rear sway bar links and bushings (Lemforder)
- Rear brakes, OE Textar pads and coated Meyle rotors
- Replaced steering angle sensor
- NGK Spark plugs
- DISA valve rebuilt with G.A.S kit
- New Exide battery
- New front window regulator
- Replaced Windshield and cowl cover
- Transmission serviced with new filter, gasket and temperature sensor with wiring harness
- New hood and trunk lid struts
- Installed rebuilt Vanos from Dr Vanos and new valve cover gasket
- Replaced all belts, pulleys and tensioners
- Replaced timing chain tensioner
- Pre Cat O2 sensor replaced x2
- 4 brand new Continental Extreme DW summer tires
- Replaced all cooling system components, water pump, tstat, all hoses, expansion tank and refilled with BMW coolant
- Upgraded headlights with EVO X-R projectors which were amazing, paired with Morimoto Bulbs
- Windshield seals, front and rear
- New trunk lid emblem
- New wiper blades from dealership
- Glossy window trim from M5
- AUX cable
- Just had it smoged and renewed registration for a whole year

And I'm probably forgetting some things...

Had 3 keys. It was bone dry underneath without a speck of oil or rust (California car).
Whole car was in original color, even the bumpers.

He got a hell of a car. It drives like a dream. I got to the point were I didn't know what else to do hah.