Rosc0's e39 ownership thread.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Before you buy any kit that links in, check what connections you have at the plugs. The early one is a 17 round pin and the later a ?? pin flat sorry can't remember how many.

I have deleted my 6 disc changer and linked a Connects 2 iPod module into it. Cheap as chips, works well (including the steering wheel controls) and iPods in the glovebox. The changers are notoriously unreliable when you get a few hours played through them.

OK no text on the dash to tell you what song is playing but A) I f***ing know what song it is and B) if I listen to the radio it don't do it either

If you don't have an iPod then they do kits to link in other types of kit as you've shown. Some of those look like a good bet Nath.

Looking around, I think it's a 17 pin effort as it's a pre 2000 car. Might be worth fixing my iPod as it gives me more options.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Connects2 was a good idea

http://www.connects2.co.uk/c2search.aspx?catID=52

[Rosc0PColtrane]

That's trade only, the chap pointed me here

http://www.nexxia.co.uk/

[Rosc0PColtrane]

http://www.nexxia.co.uk/product.asp?s=i ... TABMUSB007

[B7]

Been happy with mine Nath. It's a compromise but mine has always done the job. It was in my 2000 530i and is now in my 2002. The only thing to remember is that in the 2000 car, it didn't have the nav system and didn't have 6 disc. That allowed me to connect direct to the back of the single disc head unit.

The 02 car has widescreen nav and had 6 disc changer in the boot. So I've had to remove the changer, connect the box there, then by a 3 metre mini DIN lead to allow the iPod to go in the glovebox.

The only real compromise on the current set up is that I'm left with only a cassette option and no CD as only Cassette in dash. Barry offered me a CD in dash Sav set up but I couldn't warrent the extra money if I'm honest. iPod gives me what I need.


You'll hear people go on about the intravee and the Alpine iPod adaptor but it's a lot of money for what it's going in if you know what I mean?

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Exactly, I don't have a working iPod, CBA fixing it. Spending £60 on it seems ok, especially as that's what it would cost to physically replace the cd changer. The lid stays closed on the cassette anyway, besides, it brings the lulz when I show people.

Think I'll take the plunge on this. Miss having my own music in the car. Though I'll want to improve the speakers in the car. The lack of low frequency is annoying. perhaps a small sub is needed, though I don't fancy routing signal wires through the car.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

F*ck it. mp3 player ordered

[B7]

Oooooh get you, ya great big spender you!!!

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Was the most Jewy option.

[leeparkes]

Im still waiting to see some pics of this wafter, or are you doing a big finale?

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Ahh, ok. Will sort a couple pics. Just wait for the floods to fook off...

Fitted the mp3 player, piece of pi55. Though it occasionally doesn't switch on. Not sure if it's the head unit or the mp3 player. Ignition switches on, I'll get a no disc message if it doens't want to work. So turn off ignition, turn back on and it works. It's a bit slow as the head unit still thinks it's a CD changer, but a great alternative to the cd changer.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Here's a pic from the autotrader add:



Though it now has clear front lenses. It needs a good cut and polish as it's convered in lots of little scratches etc.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Fucking love my e39. Awesome car.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Are the fuel gauges all really dogshit on these cars, or is mine drinking petrol while I sleep?

[Brianmoooore]

Are the fuel gauges all really dogshit on these cars, or is mine drinking petrol while I sleep?

Gauge on mine seems to have a bit of a mind of its own on occasions, putting the light on for a day, then going off again for a week or so (LPG car, so don't use a lot of the expensive stuff).

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Sounds about right. Seems the incline that it's parked on will massively affect the guage.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Anyone updated the bulbs in their non-halogen e39 lights??? Any recommendations?

[Brianmoooore]

Awaiting delivery right now! Usual £20 Chinese stuff.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Just look for HIDs on the bay?

[Brianmoooore]

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=231534

[B7]

All mine the gauges have been fairly good but I find that the light is instant MPG related and not so muh what is left in the tank??? If that makes sense.

I can park it on the drive at night and the light will be off. However, the next morning (because I presume the engine is cold) the light is on. Drive it and as it warms up and the MPG obviously improves, the light will go out again. I've never known another marque do this.

HID upgrade is the way to go Nathan.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

You might have a point with the mpg. Would explain a lot. Have done a fair few cold trips in the car.

HID seems a good idea. Especially if the kits are like £10-£16!!! Does it replace both beams then I take it?

[Rosc0PColtrane]

H7 fitment?

[Brianmoooore]

9006 bulbs on mine, but IIRC, some E39 models use a different bulb.
HIDs are only suitable for dipped beams, since they cannot be switched on and off for short periods. Cars that use HID main beams have a motor or solenoid that modifies or re aims the beam.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Thanks Brian. Have found LED side lights too. Will put my hand in my pocket towards the end of next week and see how it goes.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Hmm. Rear tyres like to slowly deflate over the course of about 400 miles. Spoke to a chap when I had them balanced, reckoned it was to do with the lacquer flaking on the inside of the rim. The bad one he tried to sort by cleaning it up, changed the valve and it's a lot better but not perfect. The other side has royally kicked off now. Don't think it's a slow puncture, not on both sides. The fronts are nowhere near as bad. Any ideas? Tyres are Toyos

[bss325i]

Wire brush the bead rim and use bead sealer.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Thanks mate.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Confused over HID bulbs. Ebay suggests H7 fitment, which concurs with a quick search on the net, powerbulbs.co.uk is saying H4???? Any one confirm for me please??? Ta x

[Brianmoooore]

Won't be a H4 - that's the dual filament bulb used by the makers of lesser cars, which nly have one headlamp each side.
Mine uses 9006 (also known as HB4), but I think others may use H7.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

YEah, HB4 sounds right, my mistake. What's the difference betweem h7 and HB4?

[Brianmoooore]

The short answer is that one will fit your car and the other won't, but only you can answer which one.
The H7 looks like a conventional bulb, similar to the E30's H1, but with two pins rather than just one, whereas the HB4 is an elaborate packaging, complete with a plastic right angled socket, that looks like the bulb should pull out, at first sight.
My HB4's turned up from China today, so that's Saturday morning sorted for me.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Think I better dig out my handbook in that case then. Found HB4 or H7's for £21. Though I'm hoping the HB4 fits the unit with the orange indicator cluster (a) and the h7 the later cluster with the angel eyes and spot indicator with side reflector (b).

a:


b:

[Rosc0PColtrane]

lol, the link I got the pics from confirms my guess!!

http://www.allpartssouthwest.com/acatal ... __609.html

[Brianmoooore]

Top pic. looks like mine!