Bought an E39

[Simon]

Improved pictures..







And an interior shot, yes, brushed alu..

[Simon]

Trev, I already had a kit that I removed from my E36, but the bulbs for the E39 are H7's, so just bought a pair of bulbs. Went for 4300k.

You will also need to purchase some holders, I bought the wrong ones for OE angel eye lamps, doh.

Cool.

This looks a nice bit of kit but they only start at 6000k which I think is OTT.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/H7-SLIM-LINE-XENO ... 439d0d21d6

however, theres these as well with the 4300k bulbs

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-5-Series-e39- ... 3354ef4a8f

Trev, the kit from HIDS4U will be fine, definitely go for a 4300k for an original look. The angel eyes need a slight upgrade now though.

Don't forget the bulb holder...

[B7]

Trev, I already had a kit that I removed from my E36, but the bulbs for the E39 are H7's, so just bought a pair of bulbs. Went for 4300k.

You will also need to purchase some holders, I bought the wrong ones for OE angel eye lamps, doh.

Cool.

This looks a nice bit of kit but they only start at 6000k which I think is OTT.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/H7-SLIM-LINE-XENO ... 439d0d21d6

however, theres these as well with the 4300k bulbs

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-5-Series-e39- ... 3354ef4a8f

Trev, the kit from HIDS4U will be fine, definitely go for a 4300k for an original look. The angel eyes need a slight upgrade now though.

Don't forget the bulb holder...

I thought the holders may be included as they list 2, one post '00 and one pre '99.

[Simon]

Don't forget the bulb holder...

I thought the holders may be included as they list 2, one post '00 and one pre '99.

Reading through the ads, they don't mention the holders in the component list, there's also a reference section down the bottom of the page mentioning some cars may need extra parts to fit..

I think the reason for the 2 different kits is due to different bulbs between facelift and pre facelift.

Only one way to find out, e-mail the sellers and ask..

If you really want the install to look spot on, you can use the standard BMW ballast brackets, they hold them to the rear of the light unit.

[BMWxGOLF]

looks nice

[B7]

Don't forget the bulb holder...

I thought the holders may be included as they list 2, one post '00 and one pre '99.

Reading through the ads, they don't mention the holders in the component list, there's also a reference section down the bottom of the page mentioning some cars may need extra parts to fit..

I think the reason for the 2 different kits is due to different bulbs between facelift and pre facelift.

Only one way to find out, e-mail the sellers and ask..

If you really want the install to look spot on, you can use the standard BMW ballast brackets, they hold them to the rear of the light unit.

I mailed them and asked if I needed to buy the bulb holders if I went for this kit:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

And they replied:

Hi there yes you will need bulb holders but these will be provided in this kit

So considering the bulb holders are another £12, this looks like the ideal kit as they are included.

Whats your opinion before I click the buy it now???

[Simon]

Looks like a good quality kit, I have read that the slim ballasts have had some problems, but with a 2 year warranty, that shouldn't be a problem.

Bonus that they include the holders too.

[Simon]

Well, just an update. Still loving this car.

Had some money spent on it recently.

New brake discs and pads front and rear. The discs on these are bloody huge! The rears are probably twice the size of the fronts on the E30!
New pair of drop links on the front, one of them was majorly worn, looked like the originals. Also a pair of tyres on the front, stumbled upon a pair of part worn eagle F1's with 6mm on both tyres for £80, rude not to accept!

Looks like I'm going to need a bearing on the front soon, got a slight rumble, doesn't look too much of a ballache to replace, bit pricey though as it comes complete with the hub.

[Simon]

Update.

Autobox! Failed on me 3 weeks ago, lost reverse gear. After a bit of reading on the net, seems to be quite a common fault, especially in the US.

Had quotes in excess of 2k to rebuild so run a risk and bought a warranted 2nd hand box. All fitted and working again now.

At the same time I needed 2 new rear tyres, 235 35 18 ain't cheap, so had prepared myself for the £500+ bill, did an e-bay search and found a pair of eagle F1's for £200 BIN, brand new. Bargain!

[glenn]

good news on the box mate. where did you manage to get one from?

[Simon]

A breakers yard in Leeds. It all works ok!

[andyp]

car looks wicked Simon that is what ive always wanted but ended up getting my 530 sport, Trev any more news on the lights ?

p.s. not looking foward to buying tyres OUCH

[atlantis]

so changing the gearbox oil didnt make that much difference then???

[Simon]

so changing the gearbox oil didnt make that much difference then???

Changing the oil will make no difference to the 'loss of reverse' fault.

It's a common fault and ZF have recognised this and updated the drum that fails.

[pony]

I love the BMW E39 i think it looks STUNNING (referring to the facelift vehicles)