Blogs

BMW E39: Facelift Steering Wheel Upgrade

For 2001, BMW gave the E39 M5 the E46 M3 steering wheel. Before this, it had used the E36 M3’s wheel. The newer wheel looks a lot more modern and feels much more sporty due to it’s thicker girth, and more pronounced side bolsters. The E46 wheel also allows you to finally see both the top of the gauges and the cluster LCD display at the same time! Depending on when your E39 was made, this update process can be super easy, or damn near impossible. Let’s get to it.

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BMW E39: HVAC Panel Facelift

This is a minor item to facelift, but it was included in the E39 2001 model year refresh nonetheless. From 9/00 production, BMW replaced the REST button with a MAX AC button. But fear not, REST functionality is not lost! This article details how to properly retrofit the new HVAC panel and associated solar sensor.

Objective: Facelift HVAC panel to add MAX AC button and functionality.

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BMW E39: M52, M54 Spark Plug Replacement

Today I installed new spark plugs into my E39 525iA. The following is a quick tutorial on how to do the same to your E39!

Objective: Replace the spark plugs in your vehicle, helping it run better and more effeciently.

Applicable Vehicles: 1996-2003 BMW E39 5-series with 6 cylinder engines: 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i.

Parts Required: 6 OEM, Bosch, or NGK (What I used) spark plugs.

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BMW E39: Navigation System Upgrades: (Computer, Display, Software, Maps)

In this article, I discuss in detail the steps, hardware, and software required to upgrade your BMW’s navigation computer, display, software, and maps. The information in this article is only applicable to BMWs that speak the same electronics ‘language’. Many BMW models and series speak this same language, utilize the same connectors, and make use of the same hardware-software interface.

Applicable Vehicles:

1. E38 7-series (1994-2001) 

2. E46 3-series (1999-2006) 

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BMW E39: P0443/Evap Code Diagnosis

I just bought my 1998 BMW 540i two weeks ago, and I knew when I bought it that there was a check engine light on for an EVAP code. I pulled the code and it came up as P0443. I just wanted to outline a short diagnostic checklist of things to check when you experience this or any other EVAP code related to the purge valve.

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BMW E39: Shift Knob Replacement

The shifter is one of the most touched parts of the vehicle. If you own your 5-series long enough, you will probably want to replace it. What are the correct part numbers? Which one does your vehicle need? How do you change it?

Objective: This article will detail the replacement of the manual shift knob found in a BMW E39 5-series. A video of wiring an M5 shift knob is embedded at the bottom, as well as wiring an M shift knob into a non-M BMW.

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BMW E39: SIRIUS XM, Aux Input, BM53 Radio Retrofit

Welcome to what is going to be a very thorough and detailed article. I am going to break down exactly what you need to do to retrofit a BM53 Radio, Auxiliary Input, and SIRIUS XM radio into your BMW E39 5-series. All of the components used in this DIY are Genuine BMW. No Chinese aftermarket garbage head units here!

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

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BMW E39: Trunk Carpet Replacement

Today I installed very lightly used carpeting into the trunk of my 2001 BMW 540i/6. The carpeting that was in the vehicle was in very poor condition due to abuse and lack of knowledge by the previous owner.

Objective: Refresh the look of your trunk area.

Applicable Vehicles:

1996-2003 BMW E39 5-series: 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5.

Parts required: Replacement carpet panels.

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BMW E39: Trunk Escape Handle Retrofit

For the 2002 model year (from 9/1/2001 production), the BMW E39 came standard with an emergency trunk release handle. Six components need to be installed or replaced to bring this feature to older E39s. This article details the steps that must be completed in order to retrofit the emergency release handle. Please see the video at the bottom of this post as well.

Objective: Retrofit emergency trunk release handle to a BMW E39 5-series.

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BMW E39: Trunk Release Handle Replacement

Today I replaced the trunk release pushbutton in my 2001 540i/6. Here is how I did it.

Objective: Replace the trunk release pushbutton due to deteriorated rubber covering failing.

Applicable Vehicles:

1996-2003 BMW E39 5-series: 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5.

Parts required: Release Handle 51248168035

Cost: $85

Difficulty: Low

Time Required: 15 minutes.

Procedure: To see how to do this for yourself, watch the embedded video below!

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