MY2000 E39 ///M5 - Alpine White - Restoration Journey

[osiris]

That engine bay came out stunningly well, great work there. These cars hold a special place in my heart, it was a dream car of mine back in the day as I had the E39 525i facelift back then.

With regards to the oil, drain that oil and put in new 10w60 as per Peters advice, you really don't want to cook the bearings in that motor.

With regards to the Unichip, like others have said get it out the car, get the wiring all back to how it should be stock and that should already help alot. Right now it's like you have a jb4 that's been half installed and you're trying to diagnose problems which could very well be impossible as it sounds like some things are cut, strange fuses are blowing etc. Rather start from a nice clean slate and take it from there.

O2 sensors, I would just get brand new ones, also check the MAF, those can cause issues. Unplug it completely and see if the idle cleans up, if it does then MAF is also faulty.

 

[nirvash]

That engine bay came out stunningly well, great work there. These cars hold a special place in my heart, it was a dream car of mine back in the day as I had the E39 525i facelift back then.

With regards to the oil, drain that oil and put in new 10w60 as per Peters advice, you really don't want to cook the bearings in that motor.

With regards to the Unichip, like others have said get it out the car, get the wiring all back to how it should be stock and that should already help alot. Right now it's like you have a jb4 that's been half installed and you're trying to diagnose problems which could very well be impossible as it sounds like some things are cut, strange fuses are blowing etc. Rather start from a nice clean slate and take it from there.

O2 sensors, I would just get brand new ones, also check the MAF, those can cause issues. Unplug it completely and see if the idle cleans up, if it does then MAF is also faulty.

Thanks,

yeah, these cars are just special, full stop.

I have been neglecting the progress with the build, but I have done a few little things and will update soon.
I agree with getting it back to a blank slate and starting from there.

These cars aren't simple to work on by any means, which makes it tough. They come from a time of cramming a whole lot of "rudimentary" electronics and technology in.

MAFs both seem fine, and no errors on INPA.

I'm going to see how far I get, but may need to take it to a specialist to get it running smoothly due to the mentioned missing oxygen sensors and possible EGT sensor issue.

 

[MoeM2]

That engine bay came out stunningly well, great work there. These cars hold a special place in my heart, it was a dream car of mine back in the day as I had the E39 525i facelift back then.

With regards to the oil, drain that oil and put in new 10w60 as per Peters advice, you really don't want to cook the bearings in that motor.

With regards to the Unichip, like others have said get it out the car, get the wiring all back to how it should be stock and that should already help alot. Right now it's like you have a jb4 that's been half installed and you're trying to diagnose problems which could very well be impossible as it sounds like some things are cut, strange fuses are blowing etc. Rather start from a nice clean slate and take it from there.

O2 sensors, I would just get brand new ones, also check the MAF, those can cause issues. Unplug it completely and see if the idle cleans up, if it does then MAF is also faulty.

Concur with Osiris - engine bay looking stunning. Also on the same page on the oil. I have only been using 10w60 with ceratec on my E39 M5 (granted it’s pre facelift) but do think both take the same oil.

Agree that these cars are special and also wracking up some bills on mine. Busy at the moment with:
Valve stem seals
Vanos
Timing chains, tensioners and guides
Bushes at the rear by the diff (mine showing age and wear) - think it’s more age and the rubbers eventually don’t do their thing.

Also been trying to find brake discs for this car but only seem to be available at agents
Oh yes and my radio decided it’s not going to play, yet the pdc beeps and everything else works (tv plays but with no audio).

 

[nirvash]

Concur with Osiris - engine bay looking stunning. Also on the same page on the oil. I have only been using 10w60 with ceratec on my E39 M5 (granted it’s pre facelift) but do think both take the same oil.

Agree that these cars are special and also wracking up some bills on mine. Busy at the moment with:
Valve stem seals
Vanos
Timing chains, tensioners and guides
Bushes at the rear by the diff (mine showing age and wear) - think it’s more age and the rubbers eventually don’t do their thing.

Also been trying to find brake discs for this car but only seem to be available at agents
Oh yes and my radio decided it’s not going to play, yet the pdc beeps and everything else works (tv plays but with no audio).

I never responded, but I will be changing the oil to 10W-60!

I can't remember which way, but either the pre-fl or fl used 5W-30 then changed to 10W-60, one way or the other. But with the age and mileage etc, I agree, 10-60 is a safer choice.

Sounds like some serious maintenance you busy with there, well done!💪

 

[nirvash]

Hey all,
howsit,

I've decided to make some changes on my YouTube channel, so there's an announcement, with some BMW content of course.

Please like and subscribe if you are interested, and share with anyone who you think may be interested as well 🤝 🤝 🤝

Thanks,
Have a lekker weekend!

 

[Sibonelo]

proper content... quick one, what did you use to clean the throttle bodies and intake?