2001 BMW 525iA Sport Touring (E39)

[tobinen]

The nice man from Autoglass is here. He's using the new genuine moulding I bought as I can't return it, and the one he had was unbranded (nothing wrong with that per se ) but I may as well use what I have.

Despite having recent new wiper blades, he offered me some new ones as mine weren't clearing the screen smoothly, apparently. I guess he's just following orders. Nice bloke though.

[tobinen]

The air conditioning has stopped after an overnight stay, so there must be a major leak somewhere. Booked in Thursday.

[tobinen]

All clear on the air bag recall yesterday. It received a free wash so looks reasonably presentable.

Now I need four tyres. I was hoping to sell before paying out but now with a hefty dentist bill on the horizon, I may be stuck with this for longer than I want.

I did over 400 miles in it over the weekend past and it was fine, bar the air conditioning failing again.

Oil consumption seems to be 0.5 litre over the last 3,000 miles, so perfectly OK.

[Max M4X WW]

Tricky tyre sizes for these wheels, think its more the rears but can't remember.

I went for Michelin Pilot Sport 4's.

[tobinen]

235/45 R17 - but I can't find my handbook with the load rating. I think 94 but 97 seems far more common for replacements

I'll go all-season. If I can find them for £80 each then probably Vredestein Quadtrak 5

[d_a_n1979]

tobinen said:

235/45 R17 - but I can't find my handbook with the load rating. I think 94 but 97 seems far more common for replacements

I'll go all-season. If I can find them for £80 each then probably Vredestein Quadtrak 5

I'd go with: https://www.camskill.co.uk/m140b0s8024p145931/Unir...

OR:

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m140b0s8024p144816/Vred...

As you'd already mentioned. You just need to get them fitted

[Max M4X WW]

Oh yes! I forget touring are 'square'. Mine are wider on the back.

[tobinen]

d_a_n1979 said:

I'd go with: https://www.camskill.co.uk/m140b0s8024p145931/Unir...

I did check out those but V-groove pattern tyres put me off. I find them really noisy the more they wear.

[tobinen]

Finally the aircon is repaired and back to full strength. It was a leak in the evaporator to dryer line. The garage tried to repair it but they could not with the parts they sourced so luckily he found an NOS part, as it's NLS from BMW (part number 64538379720).

No charge for the failed repair or another 700g of gas but that will be £279.80 please today sir.

Crappy picture of failed line



I cannot find anyone to supply and fit the Vredesteins for £320. The best locally is £420 so I may choose something else.

I filled up and did a tank to tank mileage calculation: 66.21 litres over 427 miles is roughly 29 MPG.

I need to re-check the pad sensor wires and/or replace the front pads/discs as the warning light is on.

[d_a_n1979]

Just buy the Vred’s off Camskill and get them fitted by a local fitter; probably charge you £10-£15 per corner to fit and balance

[mattswan]

Love it, great colour combo. I was thinking of getting one of these too. Looks like a good find to be honest. May I ask what these go for these days?

You can bypass the CD shuttle with a blue tooth module off Amazon for 32 squid. I did on my E38’s and it’s great to be able to stream music off iPhone incl various radio stations.

[tobinen]

Finally swapped out the black grilles for the OE. Much better and I'll shift the black ones on FB. I took off the rear wheel and the brake pad wire is detached and essentially falling apart. I'll order a new one with the front pads and discs.

Yes, I need a new bonnet badge.

[tobinen]

I checked the Camskill site this morning and the Vredestein Quatrac 5 were down to £70 each delivered with a free smart speaker so I have ordered 4

I think I know a place which will fit them or around a tenner each so £320 fitted is fine with me.

[tobinen]

I replaced the front pads and discs over the weekend and a new rear pad sensor wire. I noticed an oil leak under the engine which was brought to my attention by the garage. It's a reasonable amount but not dripping and the engine oil level is fine. I may book it in for another check and also to check the transmission fluid.

Next month's insurance renewal from Direct Line was £510, called and said this was too much but all they could offer was £476. A quick search and Tesco Bank was chosen at £269 declaring the windscreen replacement.

[tobinen]

Tyres all done. I found a local tyre place (small industrial unit) which charges £15 per corner plus I gave them £10 beer/ice cream money so £70 all in

£350 for all four tyres. The Vredestein offer for a Google thing retailing at £40 as part of the deal I will eBay for whatever it makes so some offset to receive.

I've booked it in for a transmission oil and filter in two weeks.I'm off camping tomorrow so will be loading it up with stuff.

Oddly the brake pad warning light has gone off despite me disconnecting the front sensor (but I have renewed the rear).

[d_a_n1979]

All sounds like good work; good going on the tyres too

We;re hopefully away camping the last week of August; can't want to get the touring loaded up and getting away for a good few days Enjoy your trip, exactly what these cars are made for

[tobinen]

One think I may want is a bike rack. There are two of us going and we're taking the wheels off and putting them in the boot. With all the camping gear it's a bit squeezed

I have the factory rails longwise so I need two cross bars and some sort of bike affixer I think

[d_a_n1979]

tobinen said:

One think I may want is a bike rack. There are two of us going and we're taking the wheels off and putting them in the boot. With all the camping gear it's a bit squeezed

I have the factory rails longwise so I need two cross bars and some sort of bike affixer I think

AFAIA there are specific bars for the E39; see if Thule do them or see if anyone is selling theirs via eBay etc

[tobinen]

A nice weekend away. Car did well but my word it's gutless up hills fully laden.

[N111BJG]

Keep up the good work. I loved my E39 Tourings, I had 525i then 530i, both auto. There’s a lot of power difference but IIRC very little mpg between them but it’s some years since I sold the 530. According to the DVLA both are in BMW heaven now, but the 525 soldiered on to 220,000 miles, I sold it at about 135,000, so lots of life left in yours yet.