My E39 M5 Christmas Present
Discussion
Had the starting trouble on my e39 (admittedly only the 530i) turned out to be the inlet and/or exhaust cam position sensors (both were showing faults and changed at the same time). Once they were replaced it was back to health 
Jealous on the M5 front, especially as she looks to be a stunner (hey, what stunner doesn't have issues?) I kept looking at them whilst I had the 530i, but never quite took enough brave pills!
Jealous on the M5 front, especially as she looks to be a stunner (hey, what stunner doesn't have issues?) I kept looking at them whilst I had the 530i, but never quite took enough brave pills!
olly22n said:
You are lucky with your fan - the clutch seized on my old one f
ked my bonnet!
Good luck with getting it sorted. I know a car that had the rear boxes off and it was horribly boomy and lost the nascar-esque sound when you are absolutely on it!
Really? I'd have thought the opposite.ked my bonnet! Good luck with getting it sorted. I know a car that had the rear boxes off and it was horribly boomy and lost the nascar-esque sound when you are absolutely on it!
I haven't heard a simple 'muffler delete' but the Hayward and Scott rear boxes I have are essentially the same and it is awesome at full tilt. That being said, I've read a few people say that it's still louder than just removing the silencers so not sure what the actual difference might be. Either way a lot of the subtlety is lost but if you want more volume without spending well into 4 figures there aren't many other options.
http://vimeo.com/3533207
Patrick Bateman said:
olly22n said:
You are lucky with your fan - the clutch seized on my old one fked my bonnet!
Good luck with getting it sorted. I know a car that had the rear boxes off and it was horribly boomy and lost the nascar-esque sound when you are absolutely on it!
Really? I'd have thought the opposite.ked my bonnet! Good luck with getting it sorted. I know a car that had the rear boxes off and it was horribly boomy and lost the nascar-esque sound when you are absolutely on it!
I haven't heard a simple 'muffler delete' but the Hayward and Scott rear boxes I have are essentially the same and it is awesome at full tilt. That being said, I've read a few people say that it's still louder than just removing the silencers so not sure what the actual difference might be. Either way a lot of the subtlety is lost but if you want more volume without spending well into 4 figures there aren't many other options.
http://vimeo.com/3533207
Epic!
I love the wood trim, dont know what anyones on about haha!
I seriousely debated an E39 M5 before my S55. Best looking M5 nice and subtle with quad pipes lovely job!
Only thing that put me off was that there pretty much maxed out from the factory. Pretty much supercharged or go home.
Lovely example, got a thing for blue cars at the moment.
I too was put off the monaro by price, and thr fact its a vauxhall LOL
I love the wood trim, dont know what anyones on about haha!
I seriousely debated an E39 M5 before my S55. Best looking M5 nice and subtle with quad pipes lovely job!
Only thing that put me off was that there pretty much maxed out from the factory. Pretty much supercharged or go home.
Lovely example, got a thing for blue cars at the moment.
I too was put off the monaro by price, and thr fact its a vauxhall LOL
Patrick Bateman said:
Really? I'd have thought the opposite.
I haven't heard a simple 'muffler delete' but the Hayward and Scott rear boxes I have are essentially the same and it is awesome at full tilt. That being said, I've read a few people say that it's still louder than just removing the silencers so not sure what the actual difference might be. Either way a lot of the subtlety is lost but if you want more volume without spending well into 4 figures there aren't many other options.
http://vimeo.com/3533207
that sounds tremendous I haven't heard a simple 'muffler delete' but the Hayward and Scott rear boxes I have are essentially the same and it is awesome at full tilt. That being said, I've read a few people say that it's still louder than just removing the silencers so not sure what the actual difference might be. Either way a lot of the subtlety is lost but if you want more volume without spending well into 4 figures there aren't many other options.
http://vimeo.com/3533207
petrolveins said:
Pommygranite said:
The "walnut" trim is easily changed (mostly pops off) and you can buy complete "aluminium" or piano black trims for a few hundred quid. Bit of a leather treatment and you have what will feel like a new interior for under £300.
Nice car you have there.
But why would I replace my wonderful walnut interior for some dull silver or black plastic? I love my walnut trim, it was my first choice trim! Works very well with the heritage leather too. Nice car you have there.
Patrick Bateman said:
What is the replacement?
I could understand aluminium trim being a bit dull for some but struggle to see how it'd be horrible.
Either an Audi A8 D2 4.2 Quattro or an E38 740i. I could understand aluminium trim being a bit dull for some but struggle to see how it'd be horrible.
Okay maybe horrible is a tad harsh. I just think it looks cheap and out of place. Cars like this need wood!
sparks_E39 said:
Patrick Bateman said:
What is the replacement?
I could understand aluminium trim being a bit dull for some but struggle to see how it'd be horrible.
Either an Audi A8 D2 4.2 Quattro or an E38 740i. I could understand aluminium trim being a bit dull for some but struggle to see how it'd be horrible.
Okay maybe horrible is a tad harsh. I just think it looks cheap and out of place. Cars like this need wood!
sparks_E39 said:
Patrick Bateman said:
What is the replacement?
I could understand aluminium trim being a bit dull for some but struggle to see how it'd be horrible.
Either an Audi A8 D2 4.2 Quattro or an E38 740i. I could understand aluminium trim being a bit dull for some but struggle to see how it'd be horrible.
Okay maybe horrible is a tad harsh. I just think it looks cheap and out of place. Cars like this need wood!
t off and install some then 
Max M4X WW said:
I hated the alu, Titanium M5 stuff is quite nice but the set I had was in poor condition so I fitted this..
Is that poplar? love that colour, although not in the Champagne cars where it came standard IIRC, looks best with a dark interior colour.I've got Technical Graphite in mine, sanded it back to get the scratches out and polished up, couple of coats of wax and it looks really nice against the champagne leather.
Update time!
It's been with my mechanic for what feels like forever but in reality was probably 2 or 3 weeks. While I still have the 540i not leaving him with tight time constraints seems to make things a bit cheaper. So the bill... Bit more than I was hoping but around what I thought, but a few additional items needed. Good news is I'm still not upto the initial asking price of the car with what I've spent so far.
So I went in with a list for thermostat related issues, horrible steering wobble when braking, slightly wander handling oh and the starting issue that came and went.
Thermostat was replaced and has rectified all those issues and mpg is now noticeably improved.
The brake judder unfortunately was the discs, where they had sat last year they had built up a large deposit where they met the pads and had to be binned, new set of front discs wasn't cheap! Sadly it hasn't fully rectified the problem, they used to judder all the time on the brakes, now though I still have a slight judder when braking firmly through about 80-60, not present below that so will need to get that looked at, least I have full confidence in the brakes now and can enjoy the car!
Unfortunately the starting issue required a new starter motor, but least that's sorted now.
It also needed a few bits like a track rod end etc, and 4 wheel alignment as there was a lot of toe in on one rear which explained the wandery handling.
It also needed some exhaust brackets and some random bits and bobs. It's also got it's M5 badge back, wasn't a fan of it being debadged when the number plate was a dead giveaway.
Engine and gearbox have been given a clean bill of health.
Only items to note are the diff is a bit leaky and the rear brake lines could do with attention. Since the exhaust would need to come off for the diff work I figured I would wait until I upgrade it and do it all then, hopefully around April after I get my bonus.
Have to say while it was gone I was really enjoying the 540i and wondering if I actually needed the M5 especially because at that point I did know know what else the M5 might need. Driving the M5 home soon changed that, it is just the most epic car. So much grip compared the 540i, and proper shove in the back poke. With the wheels all pointing the right way the handling is much better and with the brakes now working without vibrating my hands off the wheel I can actually push it, it rides so well even down bumpy b-roads. Absolute weapon.
It also ticked over 120k on the way home. Just about run in then I think.
Only plans now are to tidy it up a little more. It could do with a bonnet and front bumper respray, also the filler car has the signs of slight bubbling as most seem to. Part of me says leave the respray as I can use it and not worry about stone chips so it's low down the list. Besides that some minor bits of trim could do with replacing, got dead dash pixels too and two dead parking sensors to replace. Oh and that plate is certainly the wrong font, good spot whoever that was. I'll get a nice Sytner plate on it soon, can't get a supplying dealer one as the supplying dealer was in Hamburg! But Sytner did the first service so that seems appropriate.
Two areas i wanted to ask some advice on are the sound system, I believe its the basic cheap upgrade to "HIFI Loudspeaker System" and frankly its the worst system I've had in a car. No Bass, very trebly and adjusting the levels makes the slightest bit of difference. I am aware from googling of a US company called BavSound who for about $500 sell a system to just swap all the OEM speakers, leaving the head unit alone and the reviews are very positive and it looks easy to fit. I detest aftermarket systems so this appeals, I don't want a different head unit or speakers that look any different, an AUX in would be nice rather than my tape player adapter so any advice here would be great.
Next area I mentioned earlier is exhaust, and to be possibly the most important bit now, It's far far too quiet. My old Elise had a Larini Club Sport and decat and sounded insane! Too loud really but a fantastic characterful noise. Most people are recommending the Hayward and Scott system with others saying it's the same result as a muffler delete, I think the muffler delete looks chavvy tbh. But it's the only one I've experienced in the flesh and it did sound good, just a little shouty at low rpm, also drove a Milltek one and it was far too quiet. I have always lusted over an Eisenmann Race system, the best option seems to be to combine it with a Supersprint X-Pipe, It's a lot more money but is it worth it? The videos on YouTube seem to show off a far more unique characterful sound, but how loud is it? How do the noise levels compare to the muffler delete? Next question has anyone got an Eisenmann on their M5 that I could come see, or indeed a Hayward & Scott? I'd like it to be loud, there will of course be some drone, as long as it isn't headache inducing like it was in the Lotus.
Besides the above, I intend to enjoy it! 540i is now with mechanic getting prepped for sale. My plan is to use some of the proceeds to fund a road trip into Norway in the M5.
Long update, so well done for making it this far. I'll get some more photos up here soon enough, that is when I can stop driving it just long enough to get a camera out!
It's been with my mechanic for what feels like forever but in reality was probably 2 or 3 weeks. While I still have the 540i not leaving him with tight time constraints seems to make things a bit cheaper. So the bill... Bit more than I was hoping but around what I thought, but a few additional items needed. Good news is I'm still not upto the initial asking price of the car with what I've spent so far.
So I went in with a list for thermostat related issues, horrible steering wobble when braking, slightly wander handling oh and the starting issue that came and went.
Thermostat was replaced and has rectified all those issues and mpg is now noticeably improved.
The brake judder unfortunately was the discs, where they had sat last year they had built up a large deposit where they met the pads and had to be binned, new set of front discs wasn't cheap! Sadly it hasn't fully rectified the problem, they used to judder all the time on the brakes, now though I still have a slight judder when braking firmly through about 80-60, not present below that so will need to get that looked at, least I have full confidence in the brakes now and can enjoy the car!
Unfortunately the starting issue required a new starter motor, but least that's sorted now.
It also needed a few bits like a track rod end etc, and 4 wheel alignment as there was a lot of toe in on one rear which explained the wandery handling.
It also needed some exhaust brackets and some random bits and bobs. It's also got it's M5 badge back, wasn't a fan of it being debadged when the number plate was a dead giveaway.
Engine and gearbox have been given a clean bill of health.
Only items to note are the diff is a bit leaky and the rear brake lines could do with attention. Since the exhaust would need to come off for the diff work I figured I would wait until I upgrade it and do it all then, hopefully around April after I get my bonus.
Have to say while it was gone I was really enjoying the 540i and wondering if I actually needed the M5 especially because at that point I did know know what else the M5 might need. Driving the M5 home soon changed that, it is just the most epic car. So much grip compared the 540i, and proper shove in the back poke. With the wheels all pointing the right way the handling is much better and with the brakes now working without vibrating my hands off the wheel I can actually push it, it rides so well even down bumpy b-roads. Absolute weapon.
It also ticked over 120k on the way home. Just about run in then I think.
Only plans now are to tidy it up a little more. It could do with a bonnet and front bumper respray, also the filler car has the signs of slight bubbling as most seem to. Part of me says leave the respray as I can use it and not worry about stone chips so it's low down the list. Besides that some minor bits of trim could do with replacing, got dead dash pixels too and two dead parking sensors to replace. Oh and that plate is certainly the wrong font, good spot whoever that was. I'll get a nice Sytner plate on it soon, can't get a supplying dealer one as the supplying dealer was in Hamburg! But Sytner did the first service so that seems appropriate.
Two areas i wanted to ask some advice on are the sound system, I believe its the basic cheap upgrade to "HIFI Loudspeaker System" and frankly its the worst system I've had in a car. No Bass, very trebly and adjusting the levels makes the slightest bit of difference. I am aware from googling of a US company called BavSound who for about $500 sell a system to just swap all the OEM speakers, leaving the head unit alone and the reviews are very positive and it looks easy to fit. I detest aftermarket systems so this appeals, I don't want a different head unit or speakers that look any different, an AUX in would be nice rather than my tape player adapter so any advice here would be great.
Next area I mentioned earlier is exhaust, and to be possibly the most important bit now, It's far far too quiet. My old Elise had a Larini Club Sport and decat and sounded insane! Too loud really but a fantastic characterful noise. Most people are recommending the Hayward and Scott system with others saying it's the same result as a muffler delete, I think the muffler delete looks chavvy tbh. But it's the only one I've experienced in the flesh and it did sound good, just a little shouty at low rpm, also drove a Milltek one and it was far too quiet. I have always lusted over an Eisenmann Race system, the best option seems to be to combine it with a Supersprint X-Pipe, It's a lot more money but is it worth it? The videos on YouTube seem to show off a far more unique characterful sound, but how loud is it? How do the noise levels compare to the muffler delete? Next question has anyone got an Eisenmann on their M5 that I could come see, or indeed a Hayward & Scott? I'd like it to be loud, there will of course be some drone, as long as it isn't headache inducing like it was in the Lotus.
Besides the above, I intend to enjoy it! 540i is now with mechanic getting prepped for sale. My plan is to use some of the proceeds to fund a road trip into Norway in the M5.
Long update, so well done for making it this far. I'll get some more photos up here soon enough, that is when I can stop driving it just long enough to get a camera out!
petrolveins said:
Update time!
It's been with my mechanic for what feels like forever but in reality was probably 2 or 3 weeks. While I still have the 540i not leaving him with tight time constraints seems to make things a bit cheaper. So the bill... Bit more than I was hoping but around what I thought, but a few additional items needed. Good news is I'm still not upto the initial asking price of the car with what I've spent so far.
So I went in with a list for thermostat related issues, horrible steering wobble when braking, slightly wander handling oh and the starting issue that came and went.
Thermostat was replaced and has rectified all those issues and mpg is now noticeably improved.
The brake judder unfortunately was the discs, where they had sat last year they had built up a large deposit where they met the pads and had to be binned, new set of front discs wasn't cheap! Sadly it hasn't fully rectified the problem, they used to judder all the time on the brakes, now though I still have a slight judder when braking firmly through about 80-60, not present below that so will need to get that looked at, least I have full confidence in the brakes now and can enjoy the car!
Unfortunately the starting issue required a new starter motor, but least that's sorted now.
It also needed a few bits like a track rod end etc, and 4 wheel alignment as there was a lot of toe in on one rear which explained the wandery handling.
It also needed some exhaust brackets and some random bits and bobs. It's also got it's M5 badge back, wasn't a fan of it being debadged when the number plate was a dead giveaway.
Engine and gearbox have been given a clean bill of health.
Only items to note are the diff is a bit leaky and the rear brake lines could do with attention. Since the exhaust would need to come off for the diff work I figured I would wait until I upgrade it and do it all then, hopefully around April after I get my bonus.
Have to say while it was gone I was really enjoying the 540i and wondering if I actually needed the M5 especially because at that point I did know know what else the M5 might need. Driving the M5 home soon changed that, it is just the most epic car. So much grip compared the 540i, and proper shove in the back poke. With the wheels all pointing the right way the handling is much better and with the brakes now working without vibrating my hands off the wheel I can actually push it, it rides so well even down bumpy b-roads. Absolute weapon.
It also ticked over 120k on the way home. Just about run in then I think.
Only plans now are to tidy it up a little more. It could do with a bonnet and front bumper respray, also the filler car has the signs of slight bubbling as most seem to. Part of me says leave the respray as I can use it and not worry about stone chips so it's low down the list. Besides that some minor bits of trim could do with replacing, got dead dash pixels too and two dead parking sensors to replace. Oh and that plate is certainly the wrong font, good spot whoever that was. I'll get a nice Sytner plate on it soon, can't get a supplying dealer one as the supplying dealer was in Hamburg! But Sytner did the first service so that seems appropriate.
Two areas i wanted to ask some advice on are the sound system, I believe its the basic cheap upgrade to "HIFI Loudspeaker System" and frankly its the worst system I've had in a car. No Bass, very trebly and adjusting the levels makes the slightest bit of difference. I am aware from googling of a US company called BavSound who for about $500 sell a system to just swap all the OEM speakers, leaving the head unit alone and the reviews are very positive and it looks easy to fit. I detest aftermarket systems so this appeals, I don't want a different head unit or speakers that look any different, an AUX in would be nice rather than my tape player adapter so any advice here would be great.
Next area I mentioned earlier is exhaust, and to be possibly the most important bit now, It's far far too quiet. My old Elise had a Larini Club Sport and decat and sounded insane! Too loud really but a fantastic characterful noise. Most people are recommending the Hayward and Scott system with others saying it's the same result as a muffler delete, I think the muffler delete looks chavvy tbh. But it's the only one I've experienced in the flesh and it did sound good, just a little shouty at low rpm, also drove a Milltek one and it was far too quiet. I have always lusted over an Eisenmann Race system, the best option seems to be to combine it with a Supersprint X-Pipe, It's a lot more money but is it worth it? The videos on YouTube seem to show off a far more unique characterful sound, but how loud is it? How do the noise levels compare to the muffler delete? Next question has anyone got an Eisenmann on their M5 that I could come see, or indeed a Hayward & Scott? I'd like it to be loud, there will of course be some drone, as long as it isn't headache inducing like it was in the Lotus.
Besides the above, I intend to enjoy it! 540i is now with mechanic getting prepped for sale. My plan is to use some of the proceeds to fund a road trip into Norway in the M5.
Long update, so well done for making it this far. I'll get some more photos up here soon enough, that is when I can stop driving it just long enough to get a camera out!
Nice update and I am glad you have the car back and enjoying it.It's been with my mechanic for what feels like forever but in reality was probably 2 or 3 weeks. While I still have the 540i not leaving him with tight time constraints seems to make things a bit cheaper. So the bill... Bit more than I was hoping but around what I thought, but a few additional items needed. Good news is I'm still not upto the initial asking price of the car with what I've spent so far.
So I went in with a list for thermostat related issues, horrible steering wobble when braking, slightly wander handling oh and the starting issue that came and went.
Thermostat was replaced and has rectified all those issues and mpg is now noticeably improved.
The brake judder unfortunately was the discs, where they had sat last year they had built up a large deposit where they met the pads and had to be binned, new set of front discs wasn't cheap! Sadly it hasn't fully rectified the problem, they used to judder all the time on the brakes, now though I still have a slight judder when braking firmly through about 80-60, not present below that so will need to get that looked at, least I have full confidence in the brakes now and can enjoy the car!
Unfortunately the starting issue required a new starter motor, but least that's sorted now.
It also needed a few bits like a track rod end etc, and 4 wheel alignment as there was a lot of toe in on one rear which explained the wandery handling.
It also needed some exhaust brackets and some random bits and bobs. It's also got it's M5 badge back, wasn't a fan of it being debadged when the number plate was a dead giveaway.
Engine and gearbox have been given a clean bill of health.
Only items to note are the diff is a bit leaky and the rear brake lines could do with attention. Since the exhaust would need to come off for the diff work I figured I would wait until I upgrade it and do it all then, hopefully around April after I get my bonus.
Have to say while it was gone I was really enjoying the 540i and wondering if I actually needed the M5 especially because at that point I did know know what else the M5 might need. Driving the M5 home soon changed that, it is just the most epic car. So much grip compared the 540i, and proper shove in the back poke. With the wheels all pointing the right way the handling is much better and with the brakes now working without vibrating my hands off the wheel I can actually push it, it rides so well even down bumpy b-roads. Absolute weapon.
It also ticked over 120k on the way home. Just about run in then I think.
Only plans now are to tidy it up a little more. It could do with a bonnet and front bumper respray, also the filler car has the signs of slight bubbling as most seem to. Part of me says leave the respray as I can use it and not worry about stone chips so it's low down the list. Besides that some minor bits of trim could do with replacing, got dead dash pixels too and two dead parking sensors to replace. Oh and that plate is certainly the wrong font, good spot whoever that was. I'll get a nice Sytner plate on it soon, can't get a supplying dealer one as the supplying dealer was in Hamburg! But Sytner did the first service so that seems appropriate.
Two areas i wanted to ask some advice on are the sound system, I believe its the basic cheap upgrade to "HIFI Loudspeaker System" and frankly its the worst system I've had in a car. No Bass, very trebly and adjusting the levels makes the slightest bit of difference. I am aware from googling of a US company called BavSound who for about $500 sell a system to just swap all the OEM speakers, leaving the head unit alone and the reviews are very positive and it looks easy to fit. I detest aftermarket systems so this appeals, I don't want a different head unit or speakers that look any different, an AUX in would be nice rather than my tape player adapter so any advice here would be great.
Next area I mentioned earlier is exhaust, and to be possibly the most important bit now, It's far far too quiet. My old Elise had a Larini Club Sport and decat and sounded insane! Too loud really but a fantastic characterful noise. Most people are recommending the Hayward and Scott system with others saying it's the same result as a muffler delete, I think the muffler delete looks chavvy tbh. But it's the only one I've experienced in the flesh and it did sound good, just a little shouty at low rpm, also drove a Milltek one and it was far too quiet. I have always lusted over an Eisenmann Race system, the best option seems to be to combine it with a Supersprint X-Pipe, It's a lot more money but is it worth it? The videos on YouTube seem to show off a far more unique characterful sound, but how loud is it? How do the noise levels compare to the muffler delete? Next question has anyone got an Eisenmann on their M5 that I could come see, or indeed a Hayward & Scott? I'd like it to be loud, there will of course be some drone, as long as it isn't headache inducing like it was in the Lotus.
Besides the above, I intend to enjoy it! 540i is now with mechanic getting prepped for sale. My plan is to use some of the proceeds to fund a road trip into Norway in the M5.
Long update, so well done for making it this far. I'll get some more photos up here soon enough, that is when I can stop driving it just long enough to get a camera out!
The brake wobble is likely to be the thrust arm bushes. I'd replace both of the arms and have them fitted with Purple Polybushes from PowerFlex.
Why do think the back box delete looks chavvy? Lack of the rear boxes when viewed from the back? I dont think it is worth the difference between H&S boxes and a back box delete in money tbh.
Sign up to forum.bmw5.co.uk. There is a wealth of information on there and also a Supersprint X pipe for sale. Also join M5board.
The Audio I cant help much with other than to suggest an Intravee II box and an Alpine KCA-420. Those allow various integration's with the standard audio.
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