My new E39

[Tuffode]

Wasn't really looking for a new car, but this 530i popped up for sale on my friend's street for an absolute steal by an old couple. They never listed it Facebook Marketplace or anywhere else online or else I would have never gotten the chance to buy it.

Fairly loaded, has Park Distance Control, Navigation, heated seats, ski pass thru...and of course it's a manual or else I would not have purchased. On the VIN decoder there is some mention of "Individual" although I could not figure out what that referred to as everything on the car looks pretty standard. It drives so good and needs basically nothing (except maybe M-pars), excited to be back in an E39 after 3 years!

 

[Matski]

Well done Tuffode!

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

*Magneto Perfection gif*

 

[klier]

Sensational. Many congrats, it's perfect.

 

[Tuffode]

Appreciate the kind words everyone!

 

[Giannis]

Fcuk! What an amazing E39 and in top condition! Congratulations!

If you need anything about it, either retrofit ideas (you should start with the solid and illuminated E38 interior door handles), or diagnosing/ coding shoot me a message!

 

[rollo]

Great find, congratulations!

 

[Gianclaudio]

Congratulations, what a beautiful car you got!

Enjoy it safely!

 

[empower77]

Ugh! I’m a little jealous.. not going to lie! Enjoy in good health!!!

 

[Tuffode]

Thanks everyone. Been having fun with it, already put 350 miles on it in the past 3 days. Will get more photos once I polish the headlight lenses and give it a wash.

Fcuk! What an amazing E39 and in top condition! Congratulations!

If you need anything about it, either retrofit ideas (you should start with the solid and illuminated E38 interior door handles), or diagnosing/ coding shoot me a message!

Didn't know about that retrofit, will look in to that more. Definitely will reach out with some coding questions, I want to code it to roll up the windows with the key remote, and see what other cool stuff there is to do. Was thinking about getting this device called BlueBus, so I can get integrated Bluetooth integration.

 

[martinbo]

E39 is
Perfection. Congrats on your great purchase and many miles of smiles!

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

what is the paint color? was that a readily available color or is that the Individual option?

 

[Tuffode]

what is the paint color? was that a readily available color or is that the Individual option?

It's Moire Grau aka Anthracite which was a standard color I believe. I put the VIN in another decoder and that individual option did not show up, so maybe it doesn't have it I am not sure.

I thought maybe it was the wood at first just because it looks so nice, but I think it is just standard vavona wood.

 

[Giannis]

Didn't know about that retrofit, will look in to that more. Definitely will reach out with some coding questions, I want to code it to roll up the windows with the key remote, and see what other cool stuff there is to do. Was thinking about getting this device called BlueBus, so I can get integrated Bluetooth integration.

Bluebus is awesome! I've ordered one as well.

Mine came with the basic CD player and no navi. I've gathered everything to retrofit the navi with DSP (does yours have DSP?) and the M-Soundsystem from an M5.

You can also retrofit the original screen with a touch one and retrofit android auto and apple car play. Check carphonics.co.uk

I've already sent my BM54 for upgrades. He's awesome.

As far as the E38 door handles go, you'll also need the pre-LCI cables. I think the yellow ones are the LCI and the white the pre-LCI or vice versa. I'll need to go find my original ones. Regular E39s had chromed plastic door handles. M5 had solid metal door handles. E38 had solid with LED.

Also, I'd upgrade the suspension to M-Tech II. It's still very comfortable. Just keep in mind that the original Sachs shocks have been discontinued and finding new old stock can be tricky. Buy a set now that you can.

 

[Giannis]

Oh, and the most important thing. Get yourself an M3/ M5 LCI steering wheel. The smaller diameter makes a ton of difference, as does the shorter and weighed E46 ZHP (or F10 M5 if you want it illuminated) gear knob.

 

[Giannis]

For what it's worth, I bought mine for 4.000€ and I've spent a bit more than 12.000€ the last three years.

 

[Tuffode]

Bluebus is awesome! I've ordered one as well.

Mine came with the basic CD player and no navi. I've gathered everything to retrofit the navi with DSP (does yours have DSP?) and the M-Soundsystem from an M5.

You can also retrofit the original screen with a touch one and retrofit android auto and apple car play. Check carphonics.co.uk

I've already sent my BM54 for upgrades. He's awesome.

As far as the E38 door handles go, you'll also need the pre-LCI cables. I think the yellow ones are the LCI and the white the pre-LCI or vice versa. I'll need to go find my original ones. Regular E39s had chromed plastic door handles. M5 had solid metal door handles. E38 had solid with LED.

Also, I'd upgrade the suspension to M-Tech II. It's still very comfortable. Just keep in mind that the original Sachs shocks have been discontinued and finding new old stock can be tricky. Buy a set now that you can.

Nice! Post some pics of your car, I'd love to see it. I would love M-Tech 2 suspension, but like you said finding a new set for a good price will definitely be tricky right now!

Interesting, did not know M5 had different handles. I might look into getting those then. I'd love to have them be solid metal, but don't really need them to be lit up.

Oh, and the most important thing. Get yourself an M3/ M5 LCI steering wheel. The smaller diameter makes a ton of difference, as does the shorter and weighed E46 ZHP (or F10 M5 if you want it illuminated) gear knob.

Agreed, I have the ZHP knob in my E30 it really improves the feel. You are right about the steering wheel as well, but I absolutely love the current steering wheel design it has on right now as it just reminds me of the Transporter which is what got me into BMWs as a kid. I was actually thinking of getting a wood shift knob similar to the one in the Transporter, but I don't think it is OEM.