Finally back into an e39

[anonymous-user]

so after a long two years im back into pretty much the same car i sold to get a tiguan and then an s6 avant

well the s6 avant is still on the drive but that didnt stop me getting a low mile low keeper 525 sport touring with fsh. its poverty spec but its very straight and will now get fettled to sit alongside my e46 alpina

some of the jobs i need to tackle

- tailgate and boot struts
- headlamp adjuster
- radio

has anyone tackled the first two jobs with any success? im a little weary about dropping the rear section of the headlining and the headlamp adjuster fix is very very fiddly!

other than the above its in rude health and in many respects is so much better to drive than the s6 avant!

[bearman68]

I've done the headlamp adjusters. Pop them in the oven at 90 deg C for 30 mins.The sealant goes nice and soft, and the front lens can be removed, allowing access to the adjusters. After you've fitted them, run them up and down a few times to make sure they are easy to move, and then carefully grease them. Sometimes they go stiff after they've been in there a while.
Swapped my E39 for a V50. Not the greatest move ever I'm afraid.

[anonymous-user]

thanks for that... im trying to avoid the bake and cut approach and have seen some nifty work with long nose pliers but its v fiddly!!

i was also considering an early v70r awd

[Depthhoar]

Have a look at this for advice on changing the broken headlight adjusters:

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/114593-diy-easiest-w...


Is your radio broken, or are you looking to change it for a standard DIN fit radio/stereo?

[E-bmw]

I too did the adjusters the standard warm & peel apart way, it is SOOOO much easier that way. You don't need to cut anything though, don't know what you mean by that.

[anonymous-user]

Good link thanks for that. I've now ordered the long reach pliers so I can try the bulb holder method first before removing the lens.

As for the radio. My volume knob is not working as it should. Some contact cleaner provided temporary relief but looks like the potentiometer is failing so ill source a like for like replacement from quarry motors or ebay

What are you guys running in terms of rubber? It's got a set of Dunlop sportmaxx all round with good tread and they are all less than 3 years old but I would normally be a michelin or continental preference

[Depthhoar]

Radio. Try this guy (Baris) for repairs. He's very highly regarded on several BMW forums:

http://www.carphonics.co.uk/default.htm

Tyres. Running Continentals on my 530d during the summer and Avon winter tyres during the cold and snowy months.
Michelin Pilot Sports on the M5 at the moment. Read some good stuff about Vredestein Vortis and may give them a go at the next tyre change.

[sasquartch]

The radio volume knob is not a potentiometer

It's a switch that sends pulses - its working in a digital, not analog way

When I had my E39 I cured mine by spraying in some contact cleaner, seemed to work fine after that. Seems a common problem with the 'BMW Business' radio

[anonymous-user]

ive blasted a few times with the contact cleaner to no avail unfortunately

[bucksmanuk]

I know the headlamp adjusters can be done with the warm up and peel the fronts off, but I did it the other way taking the headlamp units out, and stripping them on the workbench. I also had to get all the moisture out too… an egg cup full in one headlamp.
If you do get the headlights assemblies out – be very careful with the seized screws in the u-nuts as these can crack the plastic they are located on – guess how I know…..
Liberally apply Plusgas as appropriate.