-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Adi's 2001 BMW E39 M5 -- Silverstone Metallic
- Thread starter AdiS
- Start date
Nishcat_M140i
///Member
AdiS
Well-known member
Skip back to Chapter 1 here
Chapter 2: Maintenance Round 1
Mileage: 102,917km
Service Booking Date: 23 Jun 2025
After weeks of research, ordering parts, waiting for delivery, waiting for labour quotes, ordering more parts, finalising the initial job scope, my M5 finally went to Garage808 for it's first big service. The initial goal was just to fix the most obvious stuff so that it will pass RWC, but of course being me, the scope inevitably grew.
A big consideration for some of the work is the lack of availability of parts. These days when I email the dealer for quotes, I also have to ask how many are left in Germany to get a sense of how close to being NLA they are. There are some alarming surprises. If parts are still available, it’s also a matter of when will the price double as supply begins to dwindle. Needless to say I am probably covering what would normally take me 3 years in about 3 months. Anyway, here we go:
The M5 was at Garage808 for a total of 12 working days which was much longer than expected, but I appreciated that they were being careful with an old and special car, and it was a lot of work.
A few parts, nicely organised per job, into boxes or bags with RealOEM printouts and part numbers highlighted to ensure no confusion.
Job 1: Inspection 2 Service
We start with a full service that includes the following:
- Oil (BMW 10W60) & Oil Filter
- Cabin Air Filters
- Air Filters
- Fuel Filter
- Spark Plugs
Note: Gearbox and Differential Fluid to be done at the next booking due to more logical pairing with other work that is scheduled.
Job 2: Replace Oil Level Sensor and Inspect Sump gaskets for leaks
Hella Oil Level sensors are unfortunately no longer available, so that means this is a dealer-only option, so may as well get it done now before the pricing gets worse (you'll notice a lot of this principle being applied in this project). There was no immediate evidence that either the upper or lower sump gaskets were leaking, but we still need to do more cleaning on the front of the engine to be sure.
Job 3: Replace all brake Hoses with Turner Motorsports braided hoses and flush brake fluid, including clutch line.
The brake lines in the engine bay are a known fire risk, so when I was in the US I picked up a permanent solution for this. Unfortunately it turns out that when you replace the brake lines at the ABS module and introduce air into that part of the system, it’s a giant pain to bleed the brakes properly. Ryan from E39source confirmed this to the the case every time he replaces these lines. So despite Colin’s best efforts of bleeding the system twice, I can feel there is still air in the system. No worries, the car is going back in 2 weeks time and I’ll give them the extra feedback.
These ones that connect to the ABS module in the engine bay are the fire risk, but the kit replaces all the brake lines.
Old and dirty
Cleaned up
Brake Fluid Reservoir properly cleaned out
Job 4: Replace Rear Anti-Roll Bar Brackets
A very common issue is for the rear anti-roll bar brackets to break off. The left side had done this, so I replaced both, including mounting hardware. Below you can see the photos of the left bracket that had broken off. BeastPower in the US make a permanent fix for this, but at some 800.00 USD, the OEM ones will do for now.
Old broken bracket
New OEM brackets installed
Job 5: Replace Left Rear Door Lock Actuator
I noticed that the left-rear door lock actuator on this door was getting rather lethargic, and not wanting it to fail in the locked position I figured it was best to get in front of this issue. As you can see from the pics below, the vapour barrier had also started to separate from the door which is completely normal for an E39 M5 at this age. Colin apparently took 2 hours to remove all teh old Butyl and beuatifully resealed it. At least the vapour barrier itself looks to be in good condition, which is not always the case!
Vapour Barrier separating from the door
Vapour barrier removed and old butyl being removed
Vapour barrier still in good condition
Fresh Butyl Applied
Vapour Barrier properly resealed
Job 6: Valve Cover Gaskets and Cam Position Sensors
The left bank valve cover showed signs of slight leaking and at this age and mileage, these need doing anyway so both got added to the job scope. At the same time, I had an error code for Bank 2 Exhaust Cam Sensor. Knowing that these sensors are quite common to fail, I decided the most prudent thing to keep this S62 running nicely was to do all four.
Colin was kind enough to clean the valve covers, something that I did not request but he couldn’t not do it, and I really love that!
Job 7: New Engine Mounts
These had not outright failed, but I've owned enough BMWs of this era to know the feel of when they are starting wear out. It mostly affects the ability to shift between gears smoothly as well as there being excess movement in the drivetrain when coming on and off power. At this age and mileage, they need doing. Gearbox mounts to be done in the next iteration of maintenance.
New engine mounts fitted
Chapter 2: Maintenance Round 1
Mileage: 102,917km
Service Booking Date: 23 Jun 2025
After weeks of research, ordering parts, waiting for delivery, waiting for labour quotes, ordering more parts, finalising the initial job scope, my M5 finally went to Garage808 for it's first big service. The initial goal was just to fix the most obvious stuff so that it will pass RWC, but of course being me, the scope inevitably grew.
A big consideration for some of the work is the lack of availability of parts. These days when I email the dealer for quotes, I also have to ask how many are left in Germany to get a sense of how close to being NLA they are. There are some alarming surprises. If parts are still available, it’s also a matter of when will the price double as supply begins to dwindle. Needless to say I am probably covering what would normally take me 3 years in about 3 months. Anyway, here we go:
The M5 was at Garage808 for a total of 12 working days which was much longer than expected, but I appreciated that they were being careful with an old and special car, and it was a lot of work.
A few parts, nicely organised per job, into boxes or bags with RealOEM printouts and part numbers highlighted to ensure no confusion.
Job 1: Inspection 2 Service
We start with a full service that includes the following:
- Oil (BMW 10W60) & Oil Filter
- Cabin Air Filters
- Air Filters
- Fuel Filter
- Spark Plugs
Note: Gearbox and Differential Fluid to be done at the next booking due to more logical pairing with other work that is scheduled.
Job 2: Replace Oil Level Sensor and Inspect Sump gaskets for leaks
Hella Oil Level sensors are unfortunately no longer available, so that means this is a dealer-only option, so may as well get it done now before the pricing gets worse (you'll notice a lot of this principle being applied in this project). There was no immediate evidence that either the upper or lower sump gaskets were leaking, but we still need to do more cleaning on the front of the engine to be sure.
Job 3: Replace all brake Hoses with Turner Motorsports braided hoses and flush brake fluid, including clutch line.
The brake lines in the engine bay are a known fire risk, so when I was in the US I picked up a permanent solution for this. Unfortunately it turns out that when you replace the brake lines at the ABS module and introduce air into that part of the system, it’s a giant pain to bleed the brakes properly. Ryan from E39source confirmed this to the the case every time he replaces these lines. So despite Colin’s best efforts of bleeding the system twice, I can feel there is still air in the system. No worries, the car is going back in 2 weeks time and I’ll give them the extra feedback.
These ones that connect to the ABS module in the engine bay are the fire risk, but the kit replaces all the brake lines.
Old and dirty
Cleaned up
Brake Fluid Reservoir properly cleaned out
Job 4: Replace Rear Anti-Roll Bar Brackets
A very common issue is for the rear anti-roll bar brackets to break off. The left side had done this, so I replaced both, including mounting hardware. Below you can see the photos of the left bracket that had broken off. BeastPower in the US make a permanent fix for this, but at some 800.00 USD, the OEM ones will do for now.
Old broken bracket
New OEM brackets installed
Job 5: Replace Left Rear Door Lock Actuator
I noticed that the left-rear door lock actuator on this door was getting rather lethargic, and not wanting it to fail in the locked position I figured it was best to get in front of this issue. As you can see from the pics below, the vapour barrier had also started to separate from the door which is completely normal for an E39 M5 at this age. Colin apparently took 2 hours to remove all teh old Butyl and beuatifully resealed it. At least the vapour barrier itself looks to be in good condition, which is not always the case!
Vapour Barrier separating from the door
Vapour barrier removed and old butyl being removed
Vapour barrier still in good condition
Fresh Butyl Applied
Vapour Barrier properly resealed
Job 6: Valve Cover Gaskets and Cam Position Sensors
The left bank valve cover showed signs of slight leaking and at this age and mileage, these need doing anyway so both got added to the job scope. At the same time, I had an error code for Bank 2 Exhaust Cam Sensor. Knowing that these sensors are quite common to fail, I decided the most prudent thing to keep this S62 running nicely was to do all four.
Colin was kind enough to clean the valve covers, something that I did not request but he couldn’t not do it, and I really love that!
Job 7: New Engine Mounts
These had not outright failed, but I've owned enough BMWs of this era to know the feel of when they are starting wear out. It mostly affects the ability to shift between gears smoothly as well as there being excess movement in the drivetrain when coming on and off power. At this age and mileage, they need doing. Gearbox mounts to be done in the next iteration of maintenance.
New engine mounts fitted
Last edited:
AdiS
Well-known member
Job 8: Replace all Power Steering Hoses
One of the most obvious issues was the one lower pressure power steering hose leaking badly. It also seemed that maybe the high pressure hose was leaking. I went back and forth about replacing just the two, and eventually caved and decided I didn't want to return to this issue so I ordered all 4 plus all the relevant clamps, bolts, etc. So all four are replaced, the power steering reservoir thoroughly cleaned and all put back together nicely. So hopefully this area of the car is sorted, but of course one never knows!
Power Steering reservoir properly cleaned out
Reinstalled with all new hoses
New High pressure hose that runs across the front of the sump
The eagle-eyed of you will notice that non-factory hose clamps were used below the reservoir. Colin prefers these as in his experience they last longer than the factory ones.
Job 9: New Wiper Blades
Because it needed them. Old wiper blades are a pet peeve of mine and i replace them by default and any new purchase.
Job 10: Replace Failed Oval Interior Rear View Mirror Glass
As is always the case with these lovely oval rear view mirrors, the fluid leaks out of them and mine is no different. I sourced replacement mirror glass from Mirror John in the UK. You can DIY this process, but I read the instructions and I just don’t have the time or patience to do this, and I saw that Colin had experience doing it, so onto the job card it went.
Job 11: Thermostat, Gasket and Coolant Temp Sensor
I noticed the engine was running cool (not the normal idiosyncratic slightly cool) and I was getting codes for Thermostat and Coolant Temp implausible, so these were replaced. The coolant system was pressured tested twice after this to make sure there were no other leaks or weak components, and all good there.
This is how the temp would sit on the highway - not the normal "temp gauge showing slightly cool" behaviour. Interestingly, in town it would find the center. But in any case, its sorted now.
Job 12: Replace Timing Chain Tensioner
This was somewhat of a preventative measure. There was a -slight- rattle for a second or two on cold start, and I just decided that given I am not going to do the notorious timing chain guides at this time, I'll just to the tensioner for now.
Job 13: Battery Test
There weren’t any signs of a bad battery, but it is from 2019. Garage808 tested it and luckily battery health shows 100%, it just needed a charge up. So all good there for now.
Conclusion
I have to say a big thank you to Garage808. I am kind of a pain to deal with in the sense that I am -very- particular and like to have a say about exactly what work is done, and how, etc etc, and they’ve really been great to deal with. I also know that several of the jobs took longer than expected and I’m glad they took their time with an old and delicate car.
You would not believe how delicate things like plastics are on these cars at this age, even if the car has spent its entire life in a garage! I also appreciate the extra attention to detail and cleaning here and there that most shops don’t bother to do. Colour me a fan of Colin, Danie, and Adele!
Here are the parts that were replaced in this first maintenance exercise.
The car goes back soon for more work scheduled so stay tuned for more updates soon! Right now, this exercise is skewed heavily on the side of money exiting my account, with almost no use of the car. But I am just choosing to believe it's worth it in the end. After all, what’s better than an E39 M5 in Silverstone Metallic?
Skip ahead to Chapter 3 here.
One of the most obvious issues was the one lower pressure power steering hose leaking badly. It also seemed that maybe the high pressure hose was leaking. I went back and forth about replacing just the two, and eventually caved and decided I didn't want to return to this issue so I ordered all 4 plus all the relevant clamps, bolts, etc. So all four are replaced, the power steering reservoir thoroughly cleaned and all put back together nicely. So hopefully this area of the car is sorted, but of course one never knows!
Power Steering reservoir properly cleaned out
Reinstalled with all new hoses
New High pressure hose that runs across the front of the sump
The eagle-eyed of you will notice that non-factory hose clamps were used below the reservoir. Colin prefers these as in his experience they last longer than the factory ones.
Job 9: New Wiper Blades
Because it needed them. Old wiper blades are a pet peeve of mine and i replace them by default and any new purchase.
Job 10: Replace Failed Oval Interior Rear View Mirror Glass
As is always the case with these lovely oval rear view mirrors, the fluid leaks out of them and mine is no different. I sourced replacement mirror glass from Mirror John in the UK. You can DIY this process, but I read the instructions and I just don’t have the time or patience to do this, and I saw that Colin had experience doing it, so onto the job card it went.
Job 11: Thermostat, Gasket and Coolant Temp Sensor
I noticed the engine was running cool (not the normal idiosyncratic slightly cool) and I was getting codes for Thermostat and Coolant Temp implausible, so these were replaced. The coolant system was pressured tested twice after this to make sure there were no other leaks or weak components, and all good there.
This is how the temp would sit on the highway - not the normal "temp gauge showing slightly cool" behaviour. Interestingly, in town it would find the center. But in any case, its sorted now.
Job 12: Replace Timing Chain Tensioner
This was somewhat of a preventative measure. There was a -slight- rattle for a second or two on cold start, and I just decided that given I am not going to do the notorious timing chain guides at this time, I'll just to the tensioner for now.
Job 13: Battery Test
There weren’t any signs of a bad battery, but it is from 2019. Garage808 tested it and luckily battery health shows 100%, it just needed a charge up. So all good there for now.
Conclusion
I have to say a big thank you to Garage808. I am kind of a pain to deal with in the sense that I am -very- particular and like to have a say about exactly what work is done, and how, etc etc, and they’ve really been great to deal with. I also know that several of the jobs took longer than expected and I’m glad they took their time with an old and delicate car.
You would not believe how delicate things like plastics are on these cars at this age, even if the car has spent its entire life in a garage! I also appreciate the extra attention to detail and cleaning here and there that most shops don’t bother to do. Colour me a fan of Colin, Danie, and Adele!
Here are the parts that were replaced in this first maintenance exercise.
| Quantity | Part Number | Part Description | Supplier |
| Job 1: Inspection 2 Service | |||
| Engine Oil (BMW 10W-60), Oil filter, Air Filters, Cabin Air Filters, Fuel Filter, Spark Plugs | Garage808 | ||
| Job 2: Oil Level Sensor | |||
| 1 | 12617508003 | Oil Level Sensor | BMW Century City |
| Job 3: Brake Hoses | |||
| 1 | - | Turner Motorsports Steel Brake Line Kit | E39Source, LLC |
| Brake Fluid | Garage808 | ||
| Job 4: Rear Anti-Roll Bar Brackets | |||
| 2 | 33552283159 | Rear Anti-roll Bar Brackets | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 33551092295 | Hex bolt with washer M8X20-8.8 | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 07119905374 | Self-locking collar nut M8-10 ZNS3 | BMW Century City |
| Job 5: Left-Rear Dock Lock Actuator | |||
| 1 | 67118352165 | Door Lock Actuator for Rear Door | BMW Century City |
| Job 6: Valve Cover Gaskets and Cam Position Sensors | |||
| 1 | 11120001269 | Cyl 1-4 Valve Cover Gasket | Garage808 |
| 1 | 11120001278 | Cyl 5-8 Valve Cover Gasket | Garage808 |
| 6 | 11121721879 | Valve Cover Bolt Seals | Garage808 |
| 20 | 11121437395 | Valve Cover Bolt Seals | Garage808 |
| 2 | 12147539173 | Intake Cam Sensors | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 13627796054 | Exhaust Cam Sensors | BMW Century City |
| Job 7: Engine Mounts | |||
| 1 | 22111092895 | Left Engine Mount | BMW Century City |
| 1 | 22111092896 | Right Engine Mount | BMW Century City |
| 4 | 07129904862 | Engine Mount Bottom Nuts | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 07129904865 | Engine Mount Top Nuts | BMW Century City |
| Job 8: Power Steering Hoses and Fluid Flush | |||
| 1 | 32412229217 | High Pressure Power Steering Hose RHD | BMW Century City |
| 1 | 32412228868 | Power Steering Return Pipe | BMW Century City |
| 1 | 16121180242 | Return Pipe Clamp | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 32416852469 | Banjo Bolt | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 32411093596 | Banjo bolt washers - Steering Gearbox | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 32411093597 | Banjo bolt washers - PS Pump | BMW Century City |
| 1 | 32412228873 | Power Steering Suction hose | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 32111131345 | Hose clamp | BMW Century City |
| 1 | 32412229218 | Power Steering Return pipe | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 17211742636 | O-ring | BMW Century City |
| 2 | 32411093597 | Gasket ring | BMW Century City |
| Job 9: New Wiper Blades | |||
| 1 | - | Front Wiper Blade Set | Garage808 |
| Job 10: Replace Oval Rear View Mirror Glass | |||
| 1 | - | E39/E46 Oval Mirror Glass (Mirror John) | Mirror John |
| Job 11: Replace Thermostat, Coolant Temp Sensor, Pressure Test System | |||
| 1 | 11537835558 | Thermostat | Garage808 |
| 1 | 11531312287 | Thermostat Gasket | Garage808 |
| 1 | 13621703993 | Coolant Temp Sensor | Garage808 |
| Job 12: Replace Timing Chain Tensioner | |||
| 1 | 11311406261 | Timing Chain Tensioner | Garage808 |
| 1 | 07119963355 | Timing Chain Tensioner Crush Washer | Garage808 |
The car goes back soon for more work scheduled so stay tuned for more updates soon! Right now, this exercise is skewed heavily on the side of money exiting my account, with almost no use of the car. But I am just choosing to believe it's worth it in the end. After all, what’s better than an E39 M5 in Silverstone Metallic?
Skip ahead to Chapter 3 here.
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AdiS
Well-known member
Thanks, Peter. I’ll monitor it going forward but it’s very mild for now.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
@AdiS nice write up. I agree with @Peter@AEW on the start up rattle. Not sure of how similar the S62 is to the M62tu but I had the startup rattle on the m62 and had to replace the non return valve behind the vanos solenoids and the rattle is gone even after 2 weeks standing. The non return valves themselves were fine but the O rings had gone square and flat.
AdiS
Well-known member
Thanks, Lungs! I'll keep that in mind. Right now I am not really concerned about this issue, as it's hardly noticeable. If the time comes where it becomes an issue, I will address it accordingly.
AdiS
Well-known member
I think you maybe have to take an overall view on the car, not just the engine.
Parts availability tends to be a problem mostly on things like interior trim, and stuff of that nature, but it can also be an issue with mechanical stuff. For example, rear shock mounts, alternator, and power steering pump are NLA on the M5, but to my knowledge, these items are still available for E46 M3 and E85/6 Z4 M.
An E46 M3 also shares many interior (and other parts) with normal E46 3-series which was made in much larger volumes than E39 and is a newer platform. I'd say that parts pricing and availability is a fair bit better on the M3, but i have not owned one in 5 years. The Z4 M on the other hand, has some part availaibiltiy issues, again on things like random interior parts.
Generally the core mechanical stuff isn't too bad, but everything on the M5 is just that much more expensive because the supply is dwindling and BMW don't seem all that interested in long term support any more.
In many cases, there are after market or "OE" options available, but a lot of these manufacturers (e.g. Lemforder) have moved a large proportion of their production to China and it shows in the quality. Sometimes even the Genuine BMW stuff isn't the same quality as it was originally 10-20 years ago.
Long story short: I'd posit that you'll have an easier and perhaps slightly cheaper time with an S54-based car than an E39 M5. Both are expensive exercises if you do it properly, though.
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Thank you for taking the time to explain that Adi. I was interested because i do know of an e39 that needs to be rescued but having learnt my lesson of spending copious amounts of money on an old M car, I am not sure if i should undertake this exercise again . My bank balance might be slightly healthier then when I was younger but my patience and willingness to diy alot of things has also dwindled.
For now, i shall live vicariously through your very elaborate ( as always ) posts and updates. Thank you
For now, i shall live vicariously through your very elaborate ( as always ) posts and updates. Thank you
AdiS
Well-known member
My best advice is never to go for an example that needs "rescuing". My M5 is actually a really good starting point, and while it may seem like it needs a lot of work, this is just what they need at 24 years / 100,000km. It was the same with my E46 M3 10 years ago.
You always want to start with the best possible example you can afford - that is always cheapest. In this case, I chose a car from a long term owner who I've known my whole life, and just in general, facelift E39 M5s that are unmolested are just so incredibly rare.
Anyhow, I hope you enjoy observing the project! I'll keep things updated as they happen
thanks for the write up man.. proper detailed, I am tackling very similar things on my M5 and agreed the NLA on parts is an issue.. I was looking for the battery box at BMW and its NLA.. I am following your theory of changing it while parts are still available. what I did notice is that the shocks are actually cheaper/ similar priced to aftermarket Bilstein B8, for me it was no brainer to get OEM's and lucky front shock mounts are available. I have the same rattle on cold start even after replacing the timing chain tensioner. I did discs and pads as well, and from the 530i and discussion it the OEM discs are the way to go. I need to address the power steering lines as well. I did the diff and transmission oil. good to know engine mounts are available, I need those.
Bernard///M3
BMW Car Club Member
Congrats and Many Happy Miles
Loving your work, great stuff
When did u buy this car?
Guess what I also bought a car from down there on 24 April 2025, also had a CFM numberplate but it’s a 2000 Le Mans Blue E39 M5.
The previous owner did a lot of work on the car, most of the bushings were done. And lots of preventative maintenance. I’m sure u know the water bottles go yellow, mine is nice and new and white 😜
Since buying it, it’s had an oil service eventhough it was done recently by previous owner, oil was definitely not 10w60.
Gearbox oil also changed
Had to replace the shocks luckily my racecar technician had an almost new set he removed from M5 racecar build, fitted them (luckily he has parts from this racecar build lying around)
Replaced diff bushing
Front bumper undercarriage covers, centre one was missing and the passenger side was broken, both replaced with new ones
Passenger rear wheel arch cover also damaged from what seems to be a blowout. Apparently that’s NLA but he had one lying around. So lucky me
Currently the car is in the wheel shop, and staying there for a week, while I’m away, the wheels had a slight polished lip which looks crap. So they being restored back to original. And new rubber being fitted and yes also Bridgestone Potenza Sport. They the only matching tyres you can find in the M5 sizes. The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 is another option. But “old tech” and is my tyre guy pointed out these cars came out in the Bridgestone era, not sure if that’s correct though. But let’s try them!
the original idea was to buy a car for the V8 Thunder Tour, and I don’t want to use my V8 M3 because who knows what shit we going to get up to and secondly I don’t want put mileage on it (my choice)
Originally I bought a E39 540i but I just didn’t enjoy it and then decided to up the budget for a E39 M5, I didn’t realise how great of a car it is & it fits in to my little collection!
I looked at 3 options and this one was by luck and I managed to twist the owners arm and acquired the car.
So it’s definitely going to be my “Tour” car for years to come, it’s not perfect like some of my other cars but perfect for what I want it for!
It’s also got a stupidly loud exhaust and I’m actually enjoying it like that, brings out the inner child Hooligan 😜😂
One other item I changed was the radio it that small square screen with the tape player. I found a retro fit radio (looks almost exactly like the bigger screened originally radio) but it has Apple car play / Bluetooth etc. perfect for all the road trips I plan to do!
Only items I need to sort out now is the rear section of the roof lining has sagged a little and the side mirrors are stuffed they all hazy and not very clear. I quoted a new set, glass only and I had to sit down when I saw the price.
Anyway looking forward to doing the Tour which starts 3rd of August from Zwartkops and ends 10 August in Knysna
Loving your work, great stuff
When did u buy this car?
Guess what I also bought a car from down there on 24 April 2025, also had a CFM numberplate but it’s a 2000 Le Mans Blue E39 M5.
The previous owner did a lot of work on the car, most of the bushings were done. And lots of preventative maintenance. I’m sure u know the water bottles go yellow, mine is nice and new and white 😜
Since buying it, it’s had an oil service eventhough it was done recently by previous owner, oil was definitely not 10w60.
Gearbox oil also changed
Had to replace the shocks luckily my racecar technician had an almost new set he removed from M5 racecar build, fitted them (luckily he has parts from this racecar build lying around)
Replaced diff bushing
Front bumper undercarriage covers, centre one was missing and the passenger side was broken, both replaced with new ones
Passenger rear wheel arch cover also damaged from what seems to be a blowout. Apparently that’s NLA but he had one lying around. So lucky me
Currently the car is in the wheel shop, and staying there for a week, while I’m away, the wheels had a slight polished lip which looks crap. So they being restored back to original. And new rubber being fitted and yes also Bridgestone Potenza Sport. They the only matching tyres you can find in the M5 sizes. The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 is another option. But “old tech” and is my tyre guy pointed out these cars came out in the Bridgestone era, not sure if that’s correct though. But let’s try them!
the original idea was to buy a car for the V8 Thunder Tour, and I don’t want to use my V8 M3 because who knows what shit we going to get up to and secondly I don’t want put mileage on it (my choice)
Originally I bought a E39 540i but I just didn’t enjoy it and then decided to up the budget for a E39 M5, I didn’t realise how great of a car it is & it fits in to my little collection!
I looked at 3 options and this one was by luck and I managed to twist the owners arm and acquired the car.
So it’s definitely going to be my “Tour” car for years to come, it’s not perfect like some of my other cars but perfect for what I want it for!
It’s also got a stupidly loud exhaust and I’m actually enjoying it like that, brings out the inner child Hooligan 😜😂
One other item I changed was the radio it that small square screen with the tape player. I found a retro fit radio (looks almost exactly like the bigger screened originally radio) but it has Apple car play / Bluetooth etc. perfect for all the road trips I plan to do!
Only items I need to sort out now is the rear section of the roof lining has sagged a little and the side mirrors are stuffed they all hazy and not very clear. I quoted a new set, glass only and I had to sit down when I saw the price.
Anyway looking forward to doing the Tour which starts 3rd of August from Zwartkops and ends 10 August in Knysna
Attachments
Benji
Well-known member
Fantastic amount of work done in a very short period, pity the bank account!
Good job on doing all the powersteering lines...I replaced just the one on the E46 as it was the only one leaking, but now 2 other pipes have used this precise moment to start leaking... Interestingly, the powersteering lines on a E46 M54 car are NLA, I am surprised the M5 ones are still available
Late now, but from past experience, if you have the vapor barrier off, it makes sense to clean out the window channels and grease things up a bit in there. It takes 5min extra and saves the ballache of a job replacing regulators. Dirt gets into the regulator and eventually chews it up.
Regarding quality of "OE" parts, I have found roughly 50% of Lemforder parts are not made in Germany anymore. The Turkey and Malaysia parts seem fine, but the Chinese parts are of visibly poorer quality and do not come with new fasteners.
Good job on doing all the powersteering lines...I replaced just the one on the E46 as it was the only one leaking, but now 2 other pipes have used this precise moment to start leaking... Interestingly, the powersteering lines on a E46 M54 car are NLA, I am surprised the M5 ones are still available
Late now, but from past experience, if you have the vapor barrier off, it makes sense to clean out the window channels and grease things up a bit in there. It takes 5min extra and saves the ballache of a job replacing regulators. Dirt gets into the regulator and eventually chews it up.
Regarding quality of "OE" parts, I have found roughly 50% of Lemforder parts are not made in Germany anymore. The Turkey and Malaysia parts seem fine, but the Chinese parts are of visibly poorer quality and do not come with new fasteners.
