E39-I6

Andres’ 2000 540i 6 Introduction

Hello E39 Source, my name is Andres and I’d like to introduce my 2000 540i/6. Here’s a little background information about how I found my car and what I’ve done to it. I’ve been a car guy for as long as I can remember; my grandpa’s a mechanic and my dad races vintage cars in SCCA. The day I turned fifteen and got my learner’s license, I was already looking into what my first car could possibly be.

Continue reading

BMW 16:9 Navigation Display Knobs

A weak point for an article, yes, but something nonetheless that we should address. As new, enthusiastic owners buy up BMWs, we often like to do a little maintenance. Replace some trim here, a shift knob there, et cetera. After years of use, the somewhat-cheap rubber knobs really deteriorate. They look scuffed, and feel slushy. Replacing them can improve the feel of your radio and navigation system! Objective: Refresh navigation display with fresh, new knobs.

Continue reading

BMW E39 Headliner Replacement DIY

I recently replaced the headliner in my E39 540i/6 with the Alcantara headliner exclusive to the E39 M5, and here is how I did it. Objective: Remove and reinstall the headliner. Applicable Vehicles: 1996-2003 BMW E39 5-series: 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5. Parts required: Replacement headliner, hardware inn color of choice. Cost: $100-$750 Difficulty: Moderate. Time Required: 4-6 hours. Procedure: To see how to do this for yourself, watch the embedded video below!

Continue reading

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. Tools Required:

Continue reading

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!

Continue reading

BMW M52 I6: Serpentine Belt DIY

A serpentine, or accessory belt, is a part shared by all internal combustion piston engines. Knowing how to replace one would be a valuable skill for anyone to have. This article walks the reader through each step required to replace either the serpentine or AC belt on the BMW M52 inline 6-cylinder engine. This post was submitted to E39Source by Brian M Objective: Replace serpentine belt and/or AC belt on M52 I6 powered BMW.

Continue reading