E39 BMW 530i Touring

[addsvrs]

Fault code read today, LCM showing a fault so sent off to a company who fixes them. Another week wasted trying to fault find this high beam problem.

[addsvrs]

Finally we have a MOT ! Headlight problem was the module which was sent to a company that fixes them. It passed Tuesday, so now taxed and on the road.
I did have a small issue after that with no hot air in the cabin. Checked all pipes under the bonnet and only 1 was hot, rest were cold so was looking at maybe water pump being borked which would have sent me over the edge. Realising i have only done about 8 miles with a vmax of about 40mph in the car since getting it, decided a 'italian' tune up was required. 20 mins of spirited driving we now have hot air and hot pipes ! Happy days.

Now feel like i can give it a proper clean

[Mr Tidy]

Great news!

[addsvrs]

Nice weather today so 2 new tyres, plate change, and a good exterior clean. Fixed a few interior bits that were loose, and made a mental list of what bits needs doing now its roadworthy

1. Aircon re gas
2. Wiper blades squeak which annoys me
3. Drivers rear inner tailgate light has a crack
4. Interior needs another good clean
5. Drive the damn thing

Yesterday I used it for the first time for work, managed to get 7 bumpers in it, could only ever get 5 in my previous Saab 9-5 so a good start to earning me money (rather than bleeding me dry)

[addsvrs]

So been using daily for the last couple of weeks, only short journeys just to iron out any problems as its been off the road for a year.

Slowly working through a small niggle list

4 wheel laser alignment done
Hydro carbon test done
Filled up the LPG, 45ltr tank cost £22.50 which was lovely

To do.

Rear wiper not always working
Volume dial on radio bit sensitive, either really loud or really quiet, steering wheel control works fine

So really happy overall, just need to put MTFU and take it for a long run, may go to Snowdon on sunday which is a 400 round trip

[addsvrs]

So thread has died abit so will finish it with some last pictures

Went to Snowdon yesterday, left at 4am, 4hrs there and 5 hrs back, 465 miles in total and didnt miss a beat. Looks like (touch wood) all the money Ive spent on it has been worth it.







Of course it lashed it down all bloody day so only got 2 'scenery' pictures.

Thanks for reading

[kiethton]

These cars are in their element on a long run, keep meaning to do another euro-trip in my E39 540i

You get out without ache or worry (beyond speeding tickets), enough power to "make progress" easily and even the 4.4 V8 will give 30mpg on a run

[addsvrs]

Its not 'fast' , its just relentless. Used the LPG for the first time and the tank lasted from home to the mountain, 210 miles, so it got me there for £22.50 which is rather pleasing

[Huff]

Lovely,
And 'relentless' is a good description of how they deliver. Here's to many years of enjoying it.

BTW if its a standard BMW radio then you can adjust the rate at which it ramps up volume with car speed - may help get over the 'sensitivity' issue. link: http://www.bmwsections.com/info/radio-settings.php

Edited by Huff on Monday 23 May 13:14

[pits]

Why do people insist on drilling a hole in the side of the car and putting a gopping lpg filler there? At least if you do it on the bumper you can change the bumper and get rid of the LPG system.

Looks good other than the LPG kit and grey leather, just started sorting all the niggles on my latest 39, planning on getting my green interior into the car, drop it a tiny bit, de colour code the rub strips and find a set of 176's

[addsvrs]

Maybe its a safety thing regarding the LPG, but i dont know as it was installed before i got it, either way it doesn't really bother me. The grey leather is a nice change from black / beige, and Im sure green leather looks better than it sounds, but like the wheels on yours, not my cup of tea !

[smudgerebt]

I am looking for one of these, doubt i will find one with lpg.

Inc buying whats the rough cost on it so far?

Would you buy another?

(I know you sell bmw bits which has helped)

[addsvrs]

Well it came as a non runner px against my car i was selling, my £600 budget to get it through MOT soon came and went. As it stands me at the moment is about £1200. But everything has been done mechanically, brakes / tyres / fluids / springs etc. What i have found on this engine is parts are not cheap. Typically the bits i had were cheap items, switches / stalks / filters.

Up until the weekend it was up for sale, price wise dealer ones like mine (but without LPG) range from £1500 upto £3000 depending on mileage. I couldn't find one with LPG when researching the price so did have it advertised fairly cheap. Lots and lots of watchers / offers so they can be a popular car to buy.

Now I have used the LPG system and know it works faultlessly and seen the savings i can make i would price it a bit higher than before if i decided to sell it.

[addsvrs]

Oh and would i buy another ? yes i would but would take more time looking over potential cars, making sure the history was good etc. I hadnt bonded with it until the weekend, but after nearly 500 miles in 1 day im really happy with it.