Bruce's 2001 540iT

[BCS_ZHP]

Hello, my name is Bruce & I have a problem (chorus/fellow members: hi, {insert addict's name here}). I have this problem that's hard to explain, stray & desirable BMWs keep following me home (chorus: yes, we understand).

So, the latest addition to the stable: 2001 540iT, steptronic, anthracite gray with black leather, sport package, steptronic, 66K miles, all the bells & whistles, MTech II front & rear bumpers, M5 wheels. Needs: valve cover gaskets, pixels in instrument cluster going bad, brakes probably in next 5K miles, and then some mods.

Tried to get to go see this car on Saturday but yardwork -- weeding too many darn flower beds, cutting the grass, spreading 50 bags of mulch -- got in the way. Called the PO about 5 pm and told him I was just too whipped, let's try for Sunday. He only lived a couple of miles away so he said he'd bring it by in half an hour if that was okay. I hit the shower and was waiting for himto arrive. I PPI's this car for almost 3 hours last night, jacked it up front & rear, put it on jack stands, took the belly pan off, took wheels off, looked at everything, the PO was not in a hurry and luckily was quite smitten by our ZHP fleet so he let me take my time with his car. And my wife was out to dinner with the girls so no pressure from that side. We negotiated but were a grand apart last night and both agreed to sleep on it. We talked this afternoon, stuck to my original offer and he accepted my offer subject to him getting to keep the OEM 17" wheels and me getting the car with the OEM 18" M5 wheels -- no brainer.79377938793979407941

[BCS_ZHP]

79427943794479457946

[BCS_ZHP]

79497948794779507951

[BCS_ZHP]

79527953795479557956

[Hornung418]

Love love love it!

[danewilson77]

Congrats Bruce. Beautiful find. Well done...

Now you've got plenty of room for your wheelchair.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[psells_zhp]

Sweet, Cant wait to be home and drive it.
Needs MOAR low, and I dont think stock exhaust and airbox are going to cut it. We may need to do some mod shopping when I get home in a few weeks.

[psells_zhp]

Congrats Bruce. Beautiful find. Well done...

Now you've got plenty of room for your wheelchair.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

HAHAHAHA. Hes not quite there yet, hes still at the walker/cane stage.

[Torxuvin]

Sexy sexy. I still think the e39 ranks among the most handsome cars ever made. :drool

[BCS_ZHP]

Dane,
Big enough for my wheelchair and your electric mobile cart. Plus the whole back end to carry extra Depends for you, lol.

[danewilson77]

Dane,
Big enough for my wheelchair and your electric mobile cart. Plus the whole back end to carry extra Depends for you, lol.

Nice...

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[Johal E32]

Looks good!

I am glad to see the population of touring enthusiast owners rising!

[Avetiso]

Look's great! Such a clean car, and don't see a single imperfection!

[Hermes]

oh my God, is this real life?

There are only something like 70 real E39 M-Sport Tourings. So happy for you!

[az3579]

Not surprised, Bruce. Not surprised. :)

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

[JupiterBMW]

Great pickup Bruce! Love everything about it!

[cakM3]

Very nice Bruce! Enjoy! :drool:drool

[Johnmadd]

Nice car... addiction at its finest.

[johnrando]

Congrats on the great pickup Bruce!

[illirep]

Nice Bruce - I would say my guess was close on the e39 touring, just picked the wrong one!

[brettbimmer]

She looks great Bruce! I am usually not a silver/gray guy, but it looks really nice on this E39. Perhaps you could open up an Enthusiast Auto East or something?!

G/L with the latest Roundel addition.

[midlandtech]

perfect.... I need one

[RITmusic2k]

That car is beast. Nice find!

[ELCID86]

You never did finish the story about the car you were looking at when I was there on Sat... Nice! Glad you got the mulch done too. Perhaps that will help keep you out of the dog house.

[derbo]

nice pickup! cargo cover is missing?

[fredo]

Congratulations ! 66k miles, that explains a lot of things.

[jayjay_dee]

Very clean Bruce, congrats...

I have the same addiction, only difference is I cant afford it, lol...

[Mtnman]

:drool

I love wagons

[BavarianZHP]

The E39 is such an underestimated bimmer. For those that haven't driven a 530 or 540 (forget the 525!), please do not pass up the chance! That car is just full of :thumbup Congrats on the awesome find!!!!

[JupiterBMW]

Perhaps you could open up an Enthusiast Auto East or something?!

Yeah, only with better prices! :biggrin

[ranger]

Very sexy! I bought an extremely clean 2003 525i Touring - so nice but so slow. Friend of mine's wife bought it from me when I bought my ZHP. Awesome catch!

[CERF04ZHP]

Sick! I was hell bent on getting an e39 Touring when I bought my ZHP. Then I came across a deal I couldn't refuse on an e53 so we bought that for my wife to fulfill necessary family duties, and a few months later I bought the ZHP. Would have been a win/win. Nice car.

via EVO.LTE

[BCS_ZHP]

She looks great Bruce! I am usually not a silver/gray guy, but it looks really nice on this E39. Perhaps you could open up an Enthusiast Auto East or something?!

G/L with the latest Roundel addition.

Brett, I think I already am Enthusiast Auto Virginia, look at how many have passed thru our driveway the last couple of years. And my prices are definitely better than the Ohio guys, lol.

[BCS_ZHP]

nice pickup! cargo cover is missing?

Who needs a cargo cover? Actually might try to look for a black one after I tend to other stuff. But I recall from that 323iT that the cargo cover rattles on rough roads

[cannan]

Awesome!! Bruce, how the hell do you always find the nicest 540i's (this and your 03).

[Stigissimo]

I have a thing for sport wagons. This is sick. Plus, I think the m5 wheels are some of the coolest looking wheels ever..

[Oli77]

I see your problem Bruce, and I like it!

Rather than recommending a gerontologist (as Dane would have us believe), I think you should continue enjoying life at its fullest, with a full garage, a full driveway and a full tanks of gas.

Rock on!

[BCS_ZHP]

When I bought it, I guessed the brakes needed to be done in the next 5K miles or so. The backs had less life than that, the fronts more but decided to replace both with slotted & drilled rotors along with ceramic pads & ss lines.

Here's the backs:
81698170817181728173

[BCS_ZHP]

And when I went to reassemble the fronts, discovered I didn't have the correct front rotors, some type of shipping error. You know how you're in the middle of a project, you get a monkey wrench tossed in like this, you cuss, biatche, yell, etc., then you figure out a way to get through. So reinstalled the old rotors and reassembled the front end. When the correct rotors arrive sometime this week, then will tear it back apart and do it correctly. Here's the front:
8175817481768177

[BCS_ZHP]

And thanks DW for being the calming presence on the receiving end of my ranting texts on Saturday, gosh was I pissed off.

Paint job - Dane recommended black, my son's thought Roundel blue, I was leaning toward OEM silver, so compromised and did the brackets in silver to blend in with the rotors while the black calipers don't draw too much attention to themselves. If I was younger, maybe more of a statement with the color but for an old man in a grandpa wagon, subdued was what I was after.

[BCS_ZHP]

And no pics but the weekend prior she got new valve cover gaskets and new spark plugs. I finished the brake job on Saturday but wanted to clean the inside barrel of the wheels very well so did that Sunday morning, then mounted the wheels and while it was on jack stands decided to change the oil too.

[BCS_ZHP]

Awesome!! Bruce, how the hell do you always find the nicest 540i's (this and your 03).

I am admittedly addicted, other than my kids' sports lives and work, I can make the time to play with & look for nice Bimmers.

[danewilson77]

Looks very clean Bruce. Nice job. Did you use G30?

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[BCS_ZHP]

Splain G30???

[danewilson77]

Splain G30???

Lol.... Ok.... G2.

http://www.g2usa.com/

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[BCS_ZHP]

No, the standard brake caliper paint at Advance Auto. Have also used high temp engine paint in the past, the yellow calipers on Preston's old car were just high temp engine. With any of it, need to spend about 2 hours cleaning the calipers and brackets very well, then Brakekleen everything, let dry, and start laying on light coats of paint. I usually do 4-5 coats until it shines like I want it to.

[330i ZHP]

let me know when you are ready to sell - I want to swap diff, 6spd and S62 from an M5. I have 4 BBS CH 19x10 et20 wheels ready to go on it too

[BCS_ZHP]

You're serious too, I know it, you'll want the M5 brakes too, the rear rotors on an e39 are smaller than a zhp. Damn Stuart, just trump my minor mod plans, might as well curb coilovers so you can do KW V3s.

But this car would be perfect for the wife to tote around your soon to arrive new baby.

[330i ZHP]

it would have to stay auto for her - she can drive stick but HATES it

[Johal E32]

it would have to stay auto for her - she can drive stick but HATES it

LOL. Sounds like my mom. She can drive stick really well but she doesn't like it. However, she likes my dad's E39 M5 because "it has a lot of power" :rofl

You could still do a s62 swap and keep it an auto, didn't the Alpina Z8 use an autp tranny?

[BCS_ZHP]

On a 6 spd swap, there is a BMW race prep shop in NC that has a proper e39 3 pedal donor car and gave me a very attractive quote for said swap. But, broached the idea with my wife and it was DOA.

[330i ZHP]

lol

[BCS_ZHP]

DOA is subjective, she's serving a life sentence with me (& vice versa) so I have some time to try to revive the topic...

[cakM3]

DOA is subjective, she's serving a life sentence with me (& vice versa) so I have some time to try to revive the topic...

That's the spirit Bruce! :thumbsup :)

[330i ZHP]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/922080_197941776996120_1123307258_o.jpg

[Redline61]

That's a sexy wagon man! Love that color.

[BCS_ZHP]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/922080_197941776996120_1123307258_o.jpg

^^ you're such a tease...

[danewilson77]

Stu...is that a current shot, or do you have spacers on it now?

[330i ZHP]

not my car - it is an E39

[330i ZHP]

mine - no spacers

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/smoulton0204/wagon/STU_4929_zps9361a2ce.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/user/smoulton0204/media/wagon/STU_4929_zps9361a2ce.jpg.html)

[danewilson77]

not my car - it is an E39

:rofl

I was looking at that car.....and it just didn't look like your's.

It isn't :shifty

Your car def does not need spacers. The e39 does imho though.

[Mtnman]

On a 6 spd swap, there is a BMW race prep shop in NC that has a proper e39 3 pedal donor car and gave me a very attractive quote for said swap. But, broached the idea with my wife and it was DOA.

What NC shop are you speaking of Bruce?

[BCS_ZHP]

He's just filling my head with big ideas, the kind mama doesn't like, lol.

Move over Sugar Bear (my faithful Labrador retriever), I may need a place to sleep.

[danewilson77]

Not a hair on your ass Marine!!!!

[330i ZHP]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?952419-The-UNOFFICIAL-E39-Touring-Thread!

http://mikec_mail.home.comcast.net/~mikec_mail/touring35.jpg

[BCS_ZHP]

Was thinking the tag should be "DOGNIT" cause this is Sugar Bear's ride, she's been in it twice...

[danewilson77]

Was thinking the tag should be "DOGNIT" cause this is Sugar Bear's ride, she's been in it twice...

:like

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[BCS_ZHP]

Well, every variation of that is taken. Same for "Sugar Shack" and every variation. A lack of ingenuity but "WAGONE2" is available, I think Stuart should get that one for his X5M.

[330i ZHP]

I will stick with BMW0957

[psells_zhp]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?952419-The-UNOFFICIAL-E39-Touring-Thread!

http://mikec_mail.home.comcast.net/~mikec_mail/touring35.jpg

Damn sweet pic Stuart. Cmon dad what are you waiting for. Your in desperate need of some coilovers and spacers.

[danewilson77]

That's what I'm talking about!

[cakM3]

Bruce,

Can't believe this week has come and gone already!!! I can't wait to come over Saturday morning to check out your rides :thumbsup Especially your touring :)

[330i ZHP]

What is the plan with RRT, etc

[GMATT]

Was thinking the tag should be "DOGNIT" cause this is Sugar Bear's ride, she's been in it twice...

My Business name! LOL


Gary

[BCS_ZHP]

What is the plan with RRT, etc

Stuart,
70% chance of rain Sat, not looking very favorable for a car show. My plan is to start Preston's brake job very early and if we get done quickly then head out to RRT, weather permitting. And if its a wash out, then after the brakes will try to tackle the diff swap.

Also finally received the correct front rotors for my touring so need to install those. And "Enemy" from Fredericksburg may stop by Sat for me to check his front suspension, my suspicion is bad FCABs, if he gets the new ones in on time will install those too.

[Hornung418]

Hey Doctor...make sure you inspect caliper carrier pins before major surgery.

:shifty

;)

From a GS3, this was sent.

[BCS_ZHP]

I know, I know, will never live that down.

[330i ZHP]

if it is raining - I will likely just come your way

[330i ZHP]

text me what time you are starting and what time Charlie et al will be there

[cakM3]

text me what time you are starting and what time Charlie et al will be there

Copy :thumbsup


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[JupiterBMW]

Copy :thumbsup


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

I wanna come out too!! Dammit, gotta wait Til next weekend... Have fun boys, see you all soon.

[cakM3]

Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure to stop over at Bruce's house for a visit on my way down to my best friend's over the weekend. Bruce has an awesome collection of BMW's!!!! Thanks for having me over yesterday!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/12/ma4ybajy.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/12/gagudybe.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/12/ataqubu9.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/12/9y3a2y7e.jpg

Bruce's and Preston's ZHP being worked on.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/12/hu6e5ypa.jpg

I'm wondering if Bruce had time to work in his awesome touring???


Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD using Tapatalk 2

[BCS_ZHP]

Got to the touring about 6 last night, should have done that one first because new front rotors only took about half an hour and gave me a great feeling of accomplishment in very short order, immediate satisfaction if you will. The brakes on the graphite coupe came out great, the blue looks amazing against that car, will post poc later. Preston's yellow brake set up is nice but the humid weather made the paint bubble and peel in some spots, I suspect we'll be doing it again sometime this summer. And the performance of the brakes on his car, holy crap they are so much better than the stock set up he had. Same for the graphite coupe, it's definitely a seatbelt test. I'm going to go bed the brakes on the wagon later this morning, yard to mow first.

Thanks for coming by Charlie, you're welcome anytime. I am kind of liking the look of that M3 in the stable, hmmmmmmm....

[cakM3]

Bruce, if you host a get together later this summer I will make plans to attend (this time for sure)! I agree....having an ///M in your stable would look awesome!!!!! ;)

Glad to hear everything turned out perfectly! Yeah, those blue calipers look so sweet!!!

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD using Tapatalk 2

[ELCID86]

Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure to stop over at Bruce's house for a visit on my way down to my best friend's over the weekend. Bruce has an awesome collection of BMW's!!!! Thanks for having me over yesterday!

Sorry I missed you guys yesterday. My 16 YO daughter woke with hives all over her face so I spent the a.m. at urgent care with her. Then had a bunch of pre-mom's day things to get done to include mowing and weed-eating. Followed by a graduation party...

sf

[cakM3]

Sorry I missed you guys yesterday. My 16 YO daughter woke with hives all over her face so I spent the a.m. at urgent care with her. Then had a bunch of pre-mom's day things to get done to include mowing and weed-eating. Followed by a graduation party...

sf

I heard about that.....it was completely understood....didn't want to be in your shoes.....

[BCS_ZHP]

So family beach week starts this weekend, Sugar Bear is riding with me and wanted to give her maximum room, thus bought a set of cross bars & pulled the 12 cu ft box from storage...
917891799180

[BCS_ZHP]

Mama & my daughter are going to a different beach for a soccer tourney this weekend, then driving down to meet up with us on Sunday evening or Monday. Girls need more stuff so her car is sporting the 18 cu ft box...

9181918291839184

[danewilson77]

Bauce look on the X5.

HTC DNA ON TT4 BETA, WILLIAMSBURG, VA

[BCS_ZHP]

By its omission, infers the 540iT look is chicken liver??? Function over format for this trip, I can pull the box & bars in 5 minutes once I get there to get the look back.

And anything looks boss on that X5 when the rear tires are 13" wide.

[cakM3]

Bruce,

Both look bauce in my opinion!!! :thumbsup Looks like you guys will be having an awesome time on vacation!!! Drive safe :)

[ryankokesh]

By its omission, infers the 540iT look is chicken liver??? Function over format for this trip, I can pull the box & bars in 5 minutes once I get there to get the look back.

And anything looks boss on that X5 when the rear tires are 13" wide.

I kinda like the box on the touring... :dunno

[BCS_ZHP]

Was just poking at DW, already know he's not a big e39 fan, my sophomoric sibling jab appears to have missed his funny bone...

[danewilson77]

I think the carrier looks great on the e39. I just think it looks bauce on the X5.

HTC DNA ON TT4 BETA, WILLIAMSBURG, VA

[BCS_ZHP]

Thanks bro!

[ryankokesh]

Dane has a funny bone? Guy looks pretty serious to me...

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/image.php?u=7&dateline=1371688776

[johnrando]

"Hit him in his funny bone, that's where they expect it least..."

BTW, nice shots Bruce.

[BCS_ZHP]

Back from vacation, lots of time to relax & think, decided I'm buying the new release 2014 GMC Sierra as my next DD. Thus, my wagon will be offered for sale as soon as this new truck is actually available (was supposed to debut during June). If anyone is interested in a very nice and well sorted e39 touring, hit me with a PM or phone call.
Bruce

[danewilson77]

Back from vacation, lots of time to relax & think, decided I'm buying the new release 2014 GMC Sierra as my next DD. Thus, my wagon will be offered for sale as soon as this new truck is actually available (was supposed to debut during June). If anyone is interested in a very nice and well sorted e39 touring, hit me with a PM or phone call.
Bruce

Bruce,

What is your asking price?

Good to have you back around.

[BCS_ZHP]

Need to add up my receipts, think I have about $15-16K in it, willing to sell it for whatever I have in it to a family member. If I go out to CL or AT, will follow the capitalistic approach and seek the most I can get. (Both Matthew & Stuart have already pondered this touring and decided to stick with their current fleets.)

[ELCID86]

How'd it ride on the way to South Cacalicki and back? MPG? I still love those wheels!

[BCS_ZHP]

Shawn,
The touring rode beautifully, 467 miles one-way, about 350 miles of I-95, the rest was SC back roads to avoid the normal beach traffic and it included some little farm towns. We averaged over 60 mph for both down & return legs, and it returned 21.4 mpg. I was amazed at that fuel economy given its a v8, the roof box messing up the aerodynamics and my right foot keeping it above 80 for much of the highway run.

Your wife needs this car, take it home and let her drive it a day or two.

[ELCID86]

Hmm, that's tempting :-)

[BCS_ZHP]

I'm not working Thurs or Fri, otherwise the car is right here on your way home tonight, tomorrow, or Wednesday.

[ranger]

I had an extremely clean E39 Touring for a short time but it was the 525. Wonderful vehicle but the 525 was underpowered. Sure the 540 version is the one to have. I sold the 525iT when I got my ZHP.

[danewilson77]

Bruce, GLWS. I've personally viewed this car and can testify, it's beautiful.

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[BCS_ZHP]

I had an extremely clean E39 Touring for a short time but it was the 525. Wonderful vehicle but the 525 was underpowered. Sure the 540 version is the one to have. I sold the 525iT when I got my ZHP.

Ranger,
Full disclosure, the car needs 4 things:
1. Instrument panel pixels are starting to burn out, common e39 problem, the fix is to remove & mail it off for repair at about $200-300, still very readable & doesn't bug me
2. About 6-8 body panel dings that can all be handled by PDR, guessing $200-300, I may do this as it bugs me, a lot
3. Front tires are nearly new tread at almost 3 years old due to PO never driving it, but they flat spotted and I can feel it, no one else does but me, it goes away after the first 3-5 miles when the tires heat up, about $400 for new front tires, I've been trying to just live with this until I wear the tires down some more
4. Needs a new owner before I invest the above grand and upset the marital bliss balance, you older car guys know exactly what I'm talking about

So added up receipts tonight and I'm not in it as deep as I thought, $14.5K with roof rack cross bars & Thule box, $14K without.

[webster]

wow you go through more bimmers than a used car lot! just curious why you want a honkin' truck instead of a svelte sporty wagon?

GLWS! hope it stays in the family.

[illirep]

Bruce - very tempting - is this thing drivable in the winter with the right tires, or is RWD and a V8 a no-go?

[Torxuvin]

Bruce - very tempting - is this thing drivable in the winter with the right tires, or is RWD and a V8 absurdly fun?

Fixed. :biggrin

Serious note: IMO most rwd cars are fine if you have a decent set of snow tires

[BCS_ZHP]

Should be fine in the snow, my wife drove her stick shift ZHP conv all thru winter 2011/2012 with a set of Michelin winter tires and had no issues. With the big glass house, the back end of this car is heavier than an e46 and that should aid in traction.

[BCS_ZHP]

Ranger,
Full disclosure, the car needs 4 things:
1. Instrument panel pixels are starting to burn out, common e39 problem, the fix is to remove & mail it off for repair at about $200-300, still very readable & doesn't bug me
2. About 6-8 body panel dings that can all be handled by PDR, guessing $200-300, I may do this as it bugs me, a lot - DONE
3. Front tires are nearly new tread at almost 3 years old due to PO never driving it, but they flat spotted and I can feel it, no one else does but me, it goes away after the first 3-5 miles when the tires heat up, about $400 for new front tires, I've been trying to just live with this until I wear the tires down some more
4. Needs a new owner before I invest the above grand and upset the marital bliss balance, you older car guys know exactly what I'm talking about

So added up receipts tonight and I'm not in it as deep as I thought, $14.5K with roof rack cross bars & Thule box, $14K without.

#2 has been taken care of, was about a dozen dings once the expert looked at it closely. And he even came out on a holiday to do it, $60 per panel, all 4 doors & one quarter panel had one or more dings. I'm 3 C notes lighter, but happier, Brian thanked me for my OCD.

[ELCID86]

Nice! Good price. Send his contact info.


Shawn in VA.
Via thumbs and Tapatalk.

[330i ZHP]

$14k great price. Retail is $14k but a retail car in this shape and mileage will not have all the M-sport body parts, wheels, etc, etc, etc....

Amazing how much pricier the touring is over the sedan

[BCS_ZHP]

Oil changed today @ 70,663 miles. And removal of those door dings makes me think it looks so much better now...

Still getting a truck, just maybe not as much in a hurry to do so

[BCS_ZHP]

Ranger,
Full disclosure, the car needs 4 things:
1. Instrument panel pixels are starting to burn out, common e39 problem, the fix is to remove & mail it off for repair at about $200-300, still very readable & doesn't bug me
2. About 6-8 body panel dings that can all be handled by PDR, guessing $200-300, I may do this as it bugs me, a lot
3. Front tires are nearly new tread at almost 3 years old due to PO never driving it, but they flat spotted and I can feel it, no one else does but me, it goes away after the first 3-5 miles when the tires heat up, about $400 for new front tires, I've been trying to just live with this until I wear the tires down some more
4. Needs a new owner before I invest the above grand and upset the marital bliss balance, you older car guys know exactly what I'm talking about

So added up receipts tonight and I'm not in it as deep as I thought, $14.5K with roof rack cross bars & Thule box, $14K without.


#1. To be taken care of next week. Contacted BMW USA, explained the dead pixels issue, noted my ownership of multiple Roundel cars and past continued history with them, asked for some assistance in resolving this problem. They called back today and said they will cover 100% of the part cost (about $550), I just need to cover the one hour of labor to program & install the new instrument panel cluster. BMW USA customer relations FTW!

[ELCID86]

^ nicely done!

[BCS_ZHP]

Now they're looking into my dry rotted window trim rubber issue, will update when they decide this 2nd issue.

[johnrando]

Nice Bruce.

[danewilson77]

#1. To be taken care of next week. Contacted BMW USA, explained the dead pixels issue, noted my ownership of multiple Roundel cars and past continued history with them, asked for some assistance in resolving this problem. They called back today and said they will cover 100% of the part cost (about $550), I just need to cover the one hour of labor to program & install the new instrument panel cluster. BMW USA customer relations FTW!

Surprising they do this but don't acknowledge ZKW burnt bowl issues.

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[BCS_ZHP]

My wagon is in the shop today, instrument panel cluster being replaced with the part 100% covered by BMW NA.

[BCS_ZHP]

Ranger,
Full disclosure, the car needs 4 things:
1. Instrument panel pixels are starting to burn out, common e39 problem, the fix is to remove & mail it off for repair at about $200-300, still very readable & doesn't bug me
2. About 6-8 body panel dings that can all be handled by PDR, guessing $200-300, I may do this as it bugs me, a lot
3. Front tires are nearly new tread at almost 3 years old due to PO never driving it, but they flat spotted and I can feel it, no one else does but me, it goes away after the first 3-5 miles when the tires heat up, about $400 for new front tires, I've been trying to just live with this until I wear the tires down some more
4. Needs a new owner before I invest the above grand and upset the marital bliss balance, you older car guys know exactly what I'm talking about

So added up receipts tonight and I'm not in it as deep as I thought, $14.5K with roof rack cross bars & Thule box, $14K without.

Update:
#1 being corrected today, July 18th
#2 completed on July 4th
#3 corrected; tire pressures were set for non-18" non-performance tires, raised TPs to M5 recommended range and the vibration is gone (face plant for not thinking of/checking this earlier)
#4 still looking for that next owner, PM me if you're interested

[330i ZHP]

It is cool that you were able to get them to cover any portion of the repair

[Johal E32]

My wagon is in the shop today, instrument panel cluster being replaced with the part 100% covered by BMW NA.

Hey Bruce, how'd you manage BMW NA to cover the instrument cluster repair? My Pops' E39 M5 has the dreaded pixel issue as well :/

[BCS_ZHP]

Hey Bruce, how'd you manage BMW NA to cover the instrument cluster repair? My Pops' E39 M5 has the dreaded pixel issue as well :/

Johal,
Called BMW NA Customer Relations (800-831-1117), explained the dying pixels issue, they're aware of it and assigned a person to me. That person called back, asked a few questions, asked me to send a copy of the vehicle's registration, then told me an internal committee would review my case and he'd call me back in 1-3 days. When he did call back, their offer was to pay for the $550 part, me pay the labor. (And dealer just called, its done and my labor tab is $195.). I was told up front that the committee made their decision based on length of ownership of the car (mine was short), existing relationship with local dealer (have a 5 year history), repeat customer/BMW ownership (that won it for me), and other intangibles. Think your dad is the original owner, they might cover parts & labor. Good luck with it.
Bruce

[Johal E32]

Dad isn't the original owner.. But he has been driving BMW's since 1994. So, that should help.

Thanks a bunch for the info!

[BCS_ZHP]

My e39 wagon now has a new caretaker, she left the roost about 2 hours ago. The new owner is a young recent college grad who is a drummer in a band, wanted something other than an SUV or van to carry his equipment in, plus wanted sporty and fun, said this 540iT scratched all his itches. He's new to BMWs so gave him an open invitation to call or come back anytime if he needs help with any maintenance or diagnosis of issues, I suspect I'll see the car again.

[cakM3]

Congrats on the sale Bruce! :thumbsup


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[330i ZHP]

sorry to see her go, but I am glad you were able to sell it

[BCS_ZHP]

I have a feeling this guy might want to join the Mafia, he asked me about the stickers on the window, I explained, he said he was going to check it out.

[danewilson77]

Congrats on the sale Bruce! :thumbsup


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+1

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[derbo]

Congrats on the sale Bruce :)

[Avetiso]

Congrats!

[johnrando]

sorry to see her go, but I am glad you were able to sell it

+1

[ELCID86]

I know it is with mixed feeling you let yet another one leave. Glad you found a happy buyer.