Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

2003 E39 540i/A Sport

  • 24-04-2017 11:50am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭


    Have been wanting for a bit more power from my 525i and considered Supercharging it but this 540i Auto came up for a good price up North. Topaz Blue with Cream Interior, 132k Miles. Very little rust too with a tiny bit on the driver sill where it meets the wing and on the rear drivers wheel arch. It has a great spec on it too being English:

    Auto Lights
    Auto Wipers
    Headlight Washing/Intensive Wash
    Tilt/Slide Sunroof
    High OBC Cluster
    Electric Steering Column
    Heated Electric Sport Seats with Memory
    (Working!) Park Distance Control Front and Rear
    High Gloss Shadowline
    Factory Parallel Wheels which I'll either refurb or sell
    M5 Mirrors seem to have been retrofitted but work perfect, including fold.

    The 4.4 pulls like a train and the gearbox is nice and smooth, these have received a Software Update too. Stack of service history with it too including Suspension and Cooling overhauls. I have a few bits to do to it:

    Fix Passenger Window, motor works but window doesn't, must be off the slider
    Fix cracked coil spring, have replacements already.
    VRT
    Test
    Tax
    Change over my Style 32's to it.
    Swap my Eonon into it.
    Replace the gammy fogs too!
    Needs a serious detail so will be giving it a paint correction of course.

    IMG_20170423_153123_zps9semor2c.jpg

    IMG_20170423_153132_zpsglnkfx7f.jpg

    IMG_20170423_153158_zpsjzkqhbp2.jpg

    IMG_20170423_183856_zpst9wqjvli.jpg

    IMG_20170423_135002_zpsye58ncdg.jpg

    IMG_20170423_185121_zps9w48zfai.jpg

    Yes the wheels will be changed :p


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,019 ✭✭✭davycc


    wow you jammy git! you kept that quiet too you whore! looks perfrect to me bar the autobox:cool::D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    davycc wrote: »
    wow you jammy git! you kept that quiet too you whore! looks perfrect to me bar the autobox:cool::D

    Haha cheers man! All kind of happened very fast, it was only linked to me last weekend! Unfortunately the 6 speed manuals are extremely rare, seems even more so than M5's and they go for at least double an autobox model but the auto is fantastic with the V8 :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Timing Chain Tensioner ordered as some preventative maintenance, up next will be the rocker cover gaskets and an oil and filter change. Swapped over my wheels today too, much better:

    IMG_20170428_200846_zpsmbuyrobm.jpg

    IMG_20170428_201702_zpsb4dz68g7.jpg

    IMG_20170428_201711_zpsw1x8cx97.jpg

    IMG_20170428_201726_zpsg8om1y7g.jpg

    IMG_20170428_201737_zps0r2lqwit.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Coded US Sidemarkers on, gave it its first deep clean wash and I got the new Chain Tensioner yesterday that I hope to fit Monday, all going well! Can't wait to get at it with the D/A!

    DSCF0448_zpsrdyedtup.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Replaced my Timing Chain Tensioner and Front Brake Pads this evening. Tensioner wasn't too bad to be fair but said I'd do it as there was no history of it being done and I changed the pads because even though they were new, they were squealing mad even with copious amounts of grease, some cheap ****e was on the front. New Bosch ones in now that I had lying around after ordering them by mistake ages ago and squealing is already gone!

    The tensioner was an easy change, remove the Airbox/CAI and MAF and then underneath the driver side rocker you'll see a 19mm bolt protruding from the head, this is the tensioner, one crack and it'll twist out easy. Screw new one in and tighten and replace the Airbox/CAI.

    Tensioners:

    IMG_20170510_210536_zpsh5gwtrzx.jpg

    Removed:

    IMG_20170510_210602_zps5nks3pjp.jpg

    Replaced:

    IMG_20170510_211738_zpsacifa3jj.jpg

    Back together:

    IMG_20170510_213655_zpsfoinzauq.jpg

    Plenty of meat still left on these rubbish yokes.

    IMG_20170510_214711_zpszc6m3xou.jpg


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Changed the oil, filter and pollen filters in the 540i today, not sure when it was done last other than the books recorded mileage so it was done just in case! Transmission oil and filter next!

    IMG_20170524_213305_zpsc5diqaxf.jpg

    IMG_20170524_212635_zpsxo89sbef.jpg

    IMG_20170524_212406_zpsc8iyhh7h.jpg

    Still waiting on the DVLA to send me out an Export Form :mad:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    All plated now thankfully :) Tax, NCT and some BC/HSD/Bilstein coils are on the cards as the shocks aren't great.

    IMG_20170601_191456_zps51hehaub.jpg

    IMG_20170601_191444_zpsknbupbef.jpg


  • Hosted Moderators Posts: 23,208 ✭✭✭✭beertons


    Browsing threads here. Pity all the pics are gone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    beertons wrote: »
    Browsing threads here. Pity all the pics are gone.

    It's very annoying! Haven't updated the thread here recently, must get it up to date, have plenty planned!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    It's very annoying! Haven't updated the thread here recently, must get it up to date, have plenty planned!

    Photobucket is cancer. Just upload to boards itself maybe. (Reduce the resolution first)


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Photobucket is cancer. Just upload to boards itself maybe. (Reduce the resolution first)

    Have been using Imgur since The Great Photobucket Disaster, just haven't updated the thread since I swapped!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Detailed the 540i, I gave it a single stage Gloss Enhancement with Menzerna 400 and Sealed with Gtechniq's C2v3. The paint was badly swirled and was stained from a trip to Keary's BMW about 2 months ago. I managed to remove about 90% of the swirls and for now I'm happy as the paint isn't really up to scratch on a few panels.

    EvuMqxdh.jpg

    xFUwcE2h.jpg

    5I0ZFwSh.jpg

    yPKj9hAh.jpg

    RsrtpArh.jpg

    YwuUmi9h.jpg

    VbuLQZQh.jpg

    Z3qxBuXh.jpg

    AO6V4OMh.jpg

    sane0ylh.jpg

    34sctALh.jpg

    52QQoYXh.jpg

    u3ZxjmCh.jpg

    CA7gJ1Fh.jpg

    That's how she's sitting now on the BC Coilovers, 20mm Front and 15mm Rear Spacers.

    She also did well for herself at VAGE at the weekend!

    Managed to place in the Top 15 somehow!

    ndevo9Zh.jpg

    And now that my insurance renewal wasn't so bad I've just paid for:

    Complete Steering Wheel - Retrimmed with Perforated Sides, M Stitching and Carbon Wrapped Trim
    Front Splitter
    Gloss Black Grills
    Meyle Gearbox Service Kit
    Ulter Twin 3" Tips
    3 Months Tax

    Still have to order 2 x Michelin PS4's from work for the rear in 255/35/18.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    Such an amazing car! Fair play dude!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Such an amazing car! Fair play dude!

    Cheers Al, utterly in love with the thing!

    Few bits sorted for the 540 recently, got a new splitter (yet to be painted/dipped), Gearbox Oi/Filter service kit, a new retrimmed steering wheel and I'm still waiting on new Gloss Black Grills and a twin 3" Exhaust Tip.

    Before, fairly grubby:

    tRoG7G8h.jpg

    After, much much better:

    LPf7HEdh.jpg

    Various other bits

    07xawhGh.jpg

    sUrzNxyh.jpg

    I have also secured a US/JDM bootlid for it so will sort out that in the coming month hopefully!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,140 ✭✭✭James Bond Junior


    Do you mind me asking how much it cost to reupholster the steering wheel? I have an M3 wheel that I want to get done. Pm me if you would rather not post the price.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Do you mind me asking how much it cost to reupholster the steering wheel? I have an M3 wheel that I want to get done. Pm me if you would rather not post the price.

    I actually ordered a whole wheel so have my own as a spare and just swapped my airbag. It came retrimmed, with the Trims and buttons too and nicely wrapped. It was €277 including I think €20 or thereabouts for postage. A&T Autostyle in Kilkenny do retrims in fantastic quality for about 150+ I think!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    I changed my wheels, got bored of doing nothing to it :D Rears wrapped in new Michelin PS4's too.

    iQa9O43h.jpg

    YETV9PRh.jpg

    NzqmiAxh.jpg

    NLnq0TNh.jpg

    WsRCwBIh.jpg

    HNrfPqYh.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Quick change of drop links a few weeks ago while the weather was half decent, there was some clunking from the front end and seems to be sorted now.

    AEwKVuJh.jpg

    ZJSNRUhh.jpg

    My HVAC blower crapped out on me Wednesday which is not ideal in this weather, no demist ability, no hot or cold air at all. Once I checked the fuses I came to the conclusion that it was the Final Stage Unit(Heater Blower Resistor) as these are a common failure on the E39. My brothers Factors luckily had one in Dublin so he was able to get one to me today, being an original Hella(Behr) unit.

    Replacement was handy enough, on the driver side remove the upper carpet piece from the dash, secured with one screw and slides out. Remove the cover above the pedals, 4/5 philips and 2 torx screws. Once these are gone you should be able to see it, after removing the snap fit connector you can hold down a bit of plastic that locks it in place and simply slide it out, no bolts holding it in.

    De73WLjh.jpg

    Old and looked original unit:

    eGEAMhrh.jpg

    New fresh one:

    o5uo17sh.jpg

    Once all was plugged in and secured I tested it out, blowers working perfectly and sweet sweet 32 degree heat was back again :):cool:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Some big bills came up that I had to get sorted, mainly the chain guides. The transmission go a service too with a full Meyle Oil and Filter Kit.

    Last week I dropped the car off in the very capable hands of Fionnsport to sort out my Timing Chain Guides. I knew this is a well documented issue with the M62 and had planned to tackle it down the line but a trip to France in April meant I really had to get it done! In the end what was replaced was the following:

    Upper and Lower Timing Chain Kit
    2 Valve Cover Gaskets
    Front Crankshaft Oil Seal
    Various OE gaskets, seals, manifold and timing gaskets
    Valley Pan Kit
    Both cooling pipes in the engine
    Coolant Regulator + Transmission Oil Cooler
    Oil Separator
    Water Pump
    Thermostat
    Water Pump Tensioner Kit
    Air Con Tensioner Kit
    Alternator + A/C Belts
    Lower Oil Pan Gasket
    8 Spark Plugs
    Coolant Expansion Tank
    Coolant Change
    Oil Change

    They took good care of the prep:

    c19VVMWh.jpg

    obZxzENh.jpg

    All the auld crappy guides. One was almost about to let go, another wasn't far behind and the main U-Shaped guide had lost it's plastic and the chain had become polished due to metal on metal.

    XDq5fBlh.jpg

    New VANOS Tensioners and chains as the one of the old tensioners wasn't applying any tension to one of the banks.

    Dl9Cqx1h.jpg

    New Oil Separator as the old one was knackered.

    0kg2Jmvh.jpg

    All new guides and main chain on.

    ppo5J5Jh.jpg

    Valley Pan and cooling pipes changed.

    qhmqxjXh.jpg

    vEeoRXlh.jpg

    Getting reassembled.

    PBHzdf5h.jpg

    cFsJxvzh.jpg

    The valve covers were given a quick sandblast and sprayed to at least improve them some bit

    ItwCwONh.jpg

    iw777Ijh.jpg

    All back for a quick drink :D

    GBhVm2ch.jpg


    Delighted I got it done now as both the transmission (due to the new heat exchanger and regulator) and engine are much smoother with a much more linear pull throughout the rev range. Worth it even if I'm now very poor :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Haven't done much with this recently other than enjoy it! Had a failing coil pack at the start of April, replaced and perfect since and it flew through the NCT at the end of April too :cool:

    3YlQElhh.jpg

    VANOS seals are due to get sorted in the next two weeks all going well!

    Replaced my rear discs and pads today, Textar Discs and Pads were on the back, now replaced with Pagid Discs, Pads and Wear Sensor. Got the whole lot, discs, pads, wear sensor, piston rewind tool, brake cleaner and WD40 all for about €100, who says BMW's are expensive to service :pac:

    Old squeaky setup
    ftmi6mfh.jpg

    P1Cj0seh.jpg

    OV2gXADh.jpg

    All fresh and new
    9pTrP3nh.jpg

    TOcyiq9h.jpg

    Fingers always get in the way :pac:
    MSoxT81h.jpg

    qbS3wNqh.jpg

    Taxed her again last night too!


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Not much has been going on with this due to it being in the garage for a replacement VANOS unit for Bank 1, the wait is another week or two so should be getting the car back this week for another few weeks before we replace it.

    Ordered some new headlights which I got for a bargain off my brother and a new BMW VANOS unit for bank 1. Coated the headlights in some of the very best ceramic protection to help prevent the typical E39 lense fog.

    xzcsQCgh.jpg

    oOmvs11h.jpg

    YHYZDcih.jpg

    EqkCPLsh.jpg

    pDj1RBjh.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Installed the new lights! Makes a huge difference and even though mine were in good nick and recently sanded and polished, there's a massive difference in clarity!

    LTH8dD0h.jpg

    OI2MRyHh.jpg

    Left is old:

    n1yXGGqh.jpg

    Also removed the useless HID's for the standard halogens

    hkCFNQih.jpg

    WfRwMpCh.jpg

    And of course, the best thing is they don't point down due to working adjusters!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Unfortunately in September my car was crashed into and before Christmas declared an insurance write off.

    I settled with the insurance company after claiming in my own Fully Comp policy as liability is still as of January, not determined for an amount I was happy with to get the car back to a good standard. Tomorrow work begins to repair the damage along with a full respray and wheel refurbishment. In prep for getting the car back I've ordered the following:

    OEM Bonnet Badge
    OEM Boot Badge
    OEM "540" and "I" Badges
    OEM Wheel Caps
    OEM Driverside Rear Bumper Trim
    Aftermarket Door and Wing Trims
    ATE Front Discs
    ATE Front Brake Pads
    ATE Front Wear Sensor
    Mann Oil Filter
    Mann Pollen Filters
    8L of Petronas 5W-40

    All of this should get her back to where I want it. Once that's sorted I must really get the timing issue sorted along with a Power Steering leak which is probably just a perished hose near the reservoir.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Serviced the car Saturday evening, 5W-40 oil change with Mann filter, Mann Pollen Filters changed, new Expansion tank and cap to fix a coolant leak and coolant changed. Front discs and pads up next once I get the seized spacers off!

    1NUxt33h.jpg

    nDB5aduh.jpg

    WcsfIzEh.jpg


Advertisement