Great job brining back this fine example of one of BMW's finest cars, the E39. I was a master level 1 tech in the late 90's early 2000's and mainly worked on E39's, E38's, E36's, and lots of M cars. These were truly fantastic quality built vehicles. I always laughed at people who hated on BMW's back then and said they were overpriced. It's like buying a Rolex and then complaining that your Timex works better without needing any repairs. With the exception of warranty work, a majority of the cars that came in for service had well over 200,000 miles with many many many of them 300k-400k. I agree with all your services on this E39, but most of those repairs aren't necessary to get the car to 200K. Many people will think it's crazy to spend $3500 on parts for a 20 year old car, but once you drive a well sorted E39 it all makes sense. Hell, the carpet alone in that car is like no other car and finer than most home carpet LOL. Great job! Now be on the look out for some Dinan parts........
Totally agree, I have an 03 M5 with complete leather package and M-audio. Smells and sounds amazing. I also got a 02 540iT wagon with M5 conversion plans. Just need a donor M5 first. Currently 172k on the original ZF auto transmission and chain guides.
@@kzoomin I see what you’re saying. I don’t think the hoses are inherently bad, but more that modern fuel injected vehicles run at 200 degrees and the hoses break down over time. It’s just a shame the rest of the plastic coolant parts fail somewhat regularly on these BMWs.
@@justingustafson7964 yep, and the best part is that it can be replaced and surprisingly for a 20 year old car most oem parts are still readily available new. There's also a product "Gummi pfledge stift" that conditions and protects the exterior rubber seals.
amazing!! I saw all 13 videos in a row. What satisfaction it gives to see when they do a good maintenance to an e39 that is totally worth it. In 4 years I did the same with mine, with 273,000 km that it now has, it goes very well. Greetings from Peru!
Great Work! Im owning a 530i Touring from 2001 and had it since 2005. It is truly a great machine and belongs to a generation of cars that you probably not find today. I recognize all the soft spots, but I changed or mended my parts when the parts broke. So if you take care of your car - and not just the inspections - reasonably well this car will never let you down. If you don't find the dipstick on your car - take the bus.
I am looking for an E39 to buy and the one thing that stands out in my head was the exhaust note. Thanks for the long driving clip at the end. I must have listened to it in my headphones atheist 10 times.
beautiful work. during the test drive, the climate control display looked like it was flashing on and off? also, why did you choose not to do the dampers in the suspension and only the control arms? and why not the ignition coils while doing the spark plugs? the M54 ignition coils had a recall and were a high failure rate item. great work and the person who bought will surely enjoy it! thanks for making these videos.
i just picked up the same exact vehicle, except with 180k miles. same color, manual transmission, ect. thanks for the videos i am sure i will go back to them when i begin my overhaul.
I just ran across your E39 project & found it interesting. I too have an E39, a 2001 540i 6 speed, known as an M Sport. The car has a little less than your mileage @ 49k. I love this car. I bought it back in '09 (13 years ago, how time flies) with 22k on it from a Dr. that ordered it and always garaged. I just finished the VC gaskets & related parts & repainted the VCs. Also made up a heat shield for the ABS pump from an existing OEM BMW 8234412 (Heat shield Passenger E38 740i 740iL E39 540i M5 1999 on) which, with a little forming & an added mounting hole, fits the pump perfectly. I wanted to protect it from the heat like you. I had to replace the radiator too, as it cracked at the inlet hose connection, a known weak point. I also have a '05 E46 ZHP with the same M54 engine you have in your E39. I have done ALL of the stuff you did on this project, just a few months ago. VANOS rebuild, DISA rebuild, CCV replacement, all your cooling stuff too, plus the starter. fuel filter, trans & differential fluids & front control bushings and brakes. But I never added up the parts cost. Great videos. Other enthusiasts need to be more like you. I didn't see if you sold it for your new F10 or not but you should keep it, IMO. Thanks for posting
Thanks for the comment! I still have both the E39 and the F10 and I like them both a lot. Usually I dive right into new projects but the F10 drives so well, I've been putting it off and just enjoying it!
I have an ‘02 525i with a 5 speed and I am so thrilled for you! Mine needs a little work, but after watching all these videos, I’m not as intimidated as I thought I was in tackling them.
I can’t imAgine the amount of labor hours you put into this car. It’s truly adorable and I admire your skill and effort. I’m current a 535i and X5 owner just going through gasket replacement it took hours. Job well done. Enjoy the ride.
Very well done series, I own a 1999 E39 528i with 76269 miles, drives like a dream. I also own a 2003 540ia M Sport and it drives the same. Love the cars and love working on them.
You did a great job on that car and sure will have a lot of pleasure to drive it i just got a 528 i few days ago and i will try to approch the same level of excellence in my restoration work
Incredible job documenting this set of improvements you’ve made to this car. With what you did I wonder if there ever would be a niche market for low mileage classics like this that are expertly restored. With new cars being in limited supply, this type of restoration could be more sought after. Well done PM! Please by another project car to keep these videos coming. 👍
Thank you! I think there could be niche market for cars like this, but the tough part is finding good candidates that aren't already 10s of thousands of dollars. :/ I'll certainly keep looking though!
So much admiration for your artisanal care! Do you have any recommendations in the southeast for 2002 530i manual repair/resto shop? Runs great with 127k miles and average maintenance. Would like to upgrade neglected cosmetics and consider some mechanical care to set it up for the next 127k miles. Your referrals most appreciated!
Great car and great series. Have always enjoyed the attention to detail and "since you're in there" preventative measures ever since reading about your work at Jalopnik. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to the next project.
Excellent video and I really enjoyed your project! You remind me of me, lol. Even have two motorcycles! I have the same car, a 2003 M Sport 5spd, Silver exterior/Black interior. A bit in better shape than yours though, lol. Have most of the things in your project but I've added the M5 front and rear bumpers and what really was a significant improvement was adding front and rear Eibach sway bars. If you thought an E39 could take corners, adding the sway bars was day and night. And no added stiffness while driving. I also replaced the rear super heavy muffler with a less restrictive MagnaFlow couple to a 3.5" single stainless steel exhaust tip. Looks go and has a very mellow European tone.....not loud at all. One question.....did the 6 piece rear suspension kit make a significant improvement? And if so, in what way? At 130K I'm wondering if this would make a difference on mine. My next project is Sending the ABS Module for rebuilding so I may look into ordering your heat shield Valve cover replacement Vanos rebuild...done this to my E34 Very impressive workmanship and communication. Wish you lived in So Cal, lol. Cheers!
Thanks for the comment! Honestly, the 6 piece rear suspension kit made no difference on my car. The boots on the ball joints were torn, but they were still tight and the bushings were in good shape. They had a lot of life left. However, at 130,000 miles you may find they make more of a difference.
I just stumbled across your Chanel. Thank you for this amazing series. I have a question that I hope you can help me with. I own a 2003 525i and love it very much. Last year when it got real hot here in Dallas Texas the ac stopped blowing cold from the passenger side vents. Driver side blows ice cold. Passenger side blows mild. It’s as if the flap that closes off the hot side got stuck halfway. If that’s even a thing. What can I check? The knurled knob in the center works fine. Thanks in advance.
Hi Juan, thanks for the comment. Normally I'd agree with your assessment that the servo that controls the flaps for the passenger side has gone out, or something is interfering with the passenger side blend door. But, on these dual zone climate systems, if the freon gets low, the A/C to the passenger side gets shut off. As strange as it sounds, try topping up the r134a A/C refrigerant. You may have a small leak (check for looseness at the fill refrigerant fill ports) but topping up the system may get you back to full A/C. Good luck!
@@PracticalEnthusiast I’ll start looking into the servos. My friend added Freon when the problem first happened. It did not help. Thx for the quick response.
Yeah, it fixed itself over time somehow. Some of the pixels were dim after doing the job initially, but a couple months later and all the pixels work and are bright. I'm happy with that result!
@@PracticalEnthusiast I was fortunate enough to build a garage for my 93 Z32. But I hear ya! Having a 3 car garage is a dream that came true for me. Yours will come one day! Keep working at it 👍
They were on Amazon, but last I checked they were around $25. I guess I caught them at a good time. The prices for everything used on this project have increased significantly since I bought them. Sad times!
![เปิดใจ "อาจารย์เบียร์ คนตื่นธรรม" อดีตเคยสุดทุกทาง ถ้าใช้หนี้หมดไปบวชแน่ l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IxeE0xVhy08/mqdefault.jpg)
Great job brining back this fine example of one of BMW's finest cars, the E39. I was a master level 1 tech in the late 90's early 2000's and mainly worked on E39's, E38's, E36's, and lots of M cars. These were truly fantastic quality built vehicles. I always laughed at people who hated on BMW's back then and said they were overpriced. It's like buying a Rolex and then complaining that your Timex works better without needing any repairs. With the exception of warranty work, a majority of the cars that came in for service had well over 200,000 miles with many many many of them 300k-400k. I agree with all your services on this E39, but most of those repairs aren't necessary to get the car to 200K. Many people will think it's crazy to spend $3500 on parts for a 20 year old car, but once you drive a well sorted E39 it all makes sense. Hell, the carpet alone in that car is like no other car and finer than most home carpet LOL. Great job! Now be on the look out for some Dinan parts........
Totally agree, I have an 03 M5 with complete leather package and M-audio. Smells and sounds amazing. I also got a 02 540iT wagon with M5 conversion plans. Just need a donor M5 first. Currently 172k on the original ZF auto transmission and chain guides.
Only gripe is the rubber exterior seals and engine hoses don't seem to last long.
@@kzoomin I see what you’re saying. I don’t think the hoses are inherently bad, but more that modern fuel injected vehicles run at 200 degrees and the hoses break down over time. It’s just a shame the rest of the plastic coolant parts fail somewhat regularly on these BMWs.
@@justingustafson7964 yep, and the best part is that it can be replaced and surprisingly for a 20 year old car most oem parts are still readily available new. There's also a product "Gummi pfledge stift" that conditions and protects the exterior rubber seals.
@@kzoomin why ruin a 540i to turn it into a M5? Why not use a 520i instead?
Dang. Really nice. You and Sreten at M539 Restorations are the guys for meticulous BMW work. Love it.
That's the truth. These videos have rekindled my interest in e39s and especially the 530i. I've owned two of them and actively looking for another...
amazing!! I saw all 13 videos in a row. What satisfaction it gives to see when they do a good maintenance to an e39 that is totally worth it. In 4 years I did the same with mine, with 273,000 km that it now has, it goes very well. Greetings from Peru!
I just did the same! here with 240000mi
I really like the way you present everything, very detail oriented and well clear spoken which is very important :) Thanks, e39 528i '98 for ever.
Great Work! Im owning a 530i Touring from 2001 and had it since 2005. It is truly a great machine and belongs to a generation of cars that you probably not find today. I recognize all the soft spots, but I changed or mended my parts when the parts broke. So if you take care of your car - and not just the inspections - reasonably well this car will never let you down. If you don't find the dipstick on your car - take the bus.
I am looking for an E39 to buy and the one thing that stands out in my head was the exhaust note. Thanks for the long driving clip at the end. I must have listened to it in my headphones atheist 10 times.
Did you ever find your E39?
beautiful work. during the test drive, the climate control display looked like it was flashing on and off? also, why did you choose not to do the dampers in the suspension and only the control arms? and why not the ignition coils while doing the spark plugs? the M54 ignition coils had a recall and were a high failure rate item. great work and the person who bought will surely enjoy it! thanks for making these videos.
i just picked up the same exact vehicle, except with 180k miles. same color, manual transmission, ect. thanks for the videos i am sure i will go back to them when i begin my overhaul.
You won't regret it, just stay on top of maintenance with these because it can get very costly, no joke.
I just ran across your E39 project & found it interesting. I too have an E39, a 2001 540i 6 speed, known as an M Sport. The car has a little less than your mileage @ 49k. I love this car. I bought it back in '09 (13 years ago, how time flies) with 22k on it from a Dr. that ordered it and always garaged. I just finished the VC gaskets & related parts & repainted the VCs. Also made up a heat shield for the ABS pump from an existing OEM BMW 8234412 (Heat shield Passenger E38 740i 740iL E39 540i M5 1999 on) which, with a little forming & an added mounting hole, fits the pump perfectly. I wanted to protect it from the heat like you. I had to replace the radiator too, as it cracked at the inlet hose connection, a known weak point. I also have a '05 E46 ZHP with the same M54 engine you have in your E39. I have done ALL of the stuff you did on this project, just a few months ago. VANOS rebuild, DISA rebuild, CCV replacement, all your cooling stuff too, plus the starter. fuel filter, trans & differential fluids & front control bushings and brakes. But I never added up the parts cost. Great videos. Other enthusiasts need to be more like you. I didn't see if you sold it for your new F10 or not but you should keep it, IMO. Thanks for posting
Thanks for the comment! I still have both the E39 and the F10 and I like them both a lot. Usually I dive right into new projects but the F10 drives so well, I've been putting it off and just enjoying it!
Wow. What a beautiful vehicle. 20 years later and still one of the best looking cars on the road. Classic. Smooth, solid, vehicle.
I have an ‘02 525i with a 5 speed and I am so thrilled for you! Mine needs a little work, but after watching all these videos, I’m not as intimidated as I thought I was in tackling them.
I also own a topaz blue e39 with same spec…I enjoy every minutes when I’m driving my e39 manual🥰
Can you please mention your IG id
I can’t imAgine the amount of labor hours you put into this car. It’s truly adorable and I admire your skill and effort. I’m current a 535i and X5 owner just going through gasket replacement it took hours. Job well done. Enjoy the ride.
Very well done series, I own a 1999 E39 528i with 76269 miles, drives like a dream. I also own a 2003 540ia M Sport and it drives the same. Love the cars and love working on them.
You did a great job on that car and sure will have a lot of pleasure to drive it i just got a 528 i few days ago and i will try to approch the same level of excellence in my restoration work
Incredible job documenting this set of improvements you’ve made to this car. With what you did I wonder if there ever would be a niche market for low mileage classics like this that are expertly restored. With new cars being in limited supply, this type of restoration could be more sought after. Well done PM! Please by another project car to keep these videos coming. 👍
Thank you! I think there could be niche market for cars like this, but the tough part is finding good candidates that aren't already 10s of thousands of dollars. :/ I'll certainly keep looking though!
So much admiration for your artisanal care! Do you have any recommendations in the southeast for 2002 530i manual repair/resto shop? Runs great with 127k miles and average maintenance. Would like to upgrade neglected cosmetics and consider some mechanical care to set it up for the next 127k miles. Your referrals most appreciated!
I noticed you never went over the flywheel, pressure plate, or clutch disc
Great car and great series. Have always enjoyed the attention to detail and "since you're in there" preventative measures ever since reading about your work at Jalopnik. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to the next project.
a new PE video, what a nice Christmas present!
It’s so satisfying to watch every single video you shared about e39. Thank you so much!
Please let me know if you considering to sell this car.
This car is now Bring a Trailer worthy. Nice work on the series
Thank you!!
@K Edwards, How ironic is it that BaT has gone from "BaT b/c it likely won't start" to "BaT b/c it's too nice to drive?"
Another terrific video series. Thank you!
As always, you never disappoint. some of those parts are great finds. specially now that parts are hard to find for that chassis! thank you.
Let us know if you’re going to sell this car. Absolutely gorgeous. Would love the opportunity to buy it!
Such an enjoyable video! It’s looks immaculate
Excellent video and I really enjoyed your project! You remind me of me, lol. Even have two motorcycles! I have the same car, a 2003 M Sport 5spd, Silver exterior/Black interior. A bit in better shape than yours though, lol. Have most of the things in your project but I've added the M5 front and rear bumpers and what really was a significant improvement was adding front and rear Eibach sway bars. If you thought an E39 could take corners, adding the sway bars was day and night. And no added stiffness while driving. I also replaced the rear super heavy muffler with a less restrictive MagnaFlow couple to a 3.5" single stainless steel exhaust tip. Looks go and has a very mellow European tone.....not loud at all.
One question.....did the 6 piece rear suspension kit make a significant improvement? And if so, in what way? At 130K I'm wondering if this would make a difference on mine.
My next project is
Sending the ABS Module for rebuilding so I may look into ordering your heat shield
Valve cover replacement
Vanos rebuild...done this to my E34
Very impressive workmanship and communication.
Wish you lived in So Cal, lol.
Cheers!
Thanks for the comment! Honestly, the 6 piece rear suspension kit made no difference on my car. The boots on the ball joints were torn, but they were still tight and the bushings were in good shape. They had a lot of life left. However, at 130,000 miles you may find they make more of a difference.
I expected the 5 series cabin to be a lot quieter but it’s not any different than the e46?
I'll recommend to change the gas fuel pump too.
Can't wait to see what is next!
I just stumbled across your Chanel. Thank you for this amazing series. I have a question that I hope you can help me with. I own a 2003 525i and love it very much.
Last year when it got real hot here in Dallas Texas the ac stopped blowing cold from the passenger side vents. Driver side blows ice cold. Passenger side blows mild.
It’s as if the flap that closes off the hot side got stuck halfway. If that’s even a thing. What can I check? The knurled knob in the center works fine.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Juan, thanks for the comment. Normally I'd agree with your assessment that the servo that controls the flaps for the passenger side has gone out, or something is interfering with the passenger side blend door.
But, on these dual zone climate systems, if the freon gets low, the A/C to the passenger side gets shut off. As strange as it sounds, try topping up the r134a A/C refrigerant. You may have a small leak (check for looseness at the fill refrigerant fill ports) but topping up the system may get you back to full A/C. Good luck!
@@PracticalEnthusiast I’ll start looking into the servos. My friend added Freon when the problem first happened. It did not help. Thx for the quick response.
Whaou, Incroyable travail !
Such a clean car! Excellent project.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this, great job. Hope to snag me an E39 soon.
Hello, I have a 2001 BMW E39 touring (wagon) is the shroud for the abs applicable on this model?
Hello! Yes, it will fit if your wagon is a 530i. The other engines (528i / 540i) would likely need the heat shield modified to fit.
Marvelous,excellent job all around. If you got the time to tackle my 2 beemers , you are most welcome, since I don’t have the time.
It was great watching your videos. I own a 2002 525 touring with a manual. I would like to buy the heat shield from you. Thanks
Really miss my E39.
Me too 😭
,
Grand job man 👏
Great job, great car! So the LEDs of the radio screen (22:26) are working all fine?
Yeah, it fixed itself over time somehow. Some of the pixels were dim after doing the job initially, but a couple months later and all the pixels work and are bright. I'm happy with that result!
nice job ,I've got a 1997 2.8i auto 25yrs old only 40,000 on the clock,
hello! are this rims style 42 17 or 18 inch?
Hi I would like to know the price abs shield and if you can send to Portugal I have e39 525 tds
Hello! Check the link in the video description on how to buy. Shipping shouldn't be a problem but it will be expensive.
Now wondering if the Z was sold or it’s parked in storage? Don’t give up on the Z yet!
It's in storage! I want a bigger garage but that is not likely to happen any time soon.
@@PracticalEnthusiast I was fortunate enough to build a garage for my 93 Z32. But I hear ya! Having a 3 car garage is a dream that came true for me. Yours will come one day! Keep working at it 👍
Great video, as always.
Prices for parts is pretty reasonable.
Are planning on keeping the car or selling at some point?
Thank you! I will likely put it up for sale early next year.
@@PracticalEnthusiast omg don't please, you will regret it
@@PracticalEnthusiast please post a link when you ready to sell it.
@@teddybear2123 will do!
@@MrDosSantos991 I just don't have enough space to keep them all. Trust me, I wish I did.
So what is the end of this story, do you want to sell it or keep it?
Bro your makin the right type of videos..why’d ya stop
Did you use atf automatic transmission fluid, in the transmission? I’ve done that by accident in my Miata before.
Yep, the ZF 5SD320Z 5 speed manual transmission requires Redline D4 ATF.
@@PracticalEnthusiast nice work !!!!!
I have a 1998 528i and a 1984 633csi they both need a little bit of TLC.
Where did you buy those cup holders for 5 bucks?
They were on Amazon, but last I checked they were around $25. I guess I caught them at a good time. The prices for everything used on this project have increased significantly since I bought them. Sad times!
@@PracticalEnthusiast thanks!
Will you be keeping it?
I will likely put it for sale early next year.
@@PracticalEnthusiast Very little doubt you will be able to get top dollar for it. Merry Christmas.
you forgot injectors ☹️
Come to Germany to drive the car on the Autobahn with no speed limit
The m54 in my e39 feels better then It did in my 3 e46s idky and it sounds better too
sell me this, not for 30k though