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Some after market ones I stumbled upon. My original head lights were very faded and I thought these looked neat
Almost all CD players in e39s from 09/02 to end of production have the option to connect an aux cable directly into the back of the unit.
The CD player itself needs to have a manufacturer date of 09/02 or later, so if your car has a build date around that time, you should double check what the bottom of the CD player says. It also needs to be software version 40 or 50, but not 42. If you have the wrong CD player, you can just swap in the right one from eBay. OP, your car should just be plug and play.
Do you have a scanner? If you don't I recommend getting a basic bluetooth one to start. Like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_EDBZRWH3102W79NC2EC2
The misfires is most likely spark plugs or one of your coil packs. If you get spark plugs make sure to get these ones because they are the best for m54s. Because they are very particular engines and fancy spark plugs can cause misfires https://www.ngk.com/ngk-3199-bkr6equp-multi-ground-spark-plug
My 530 didn't have dsp and the pixels were badly decayed on the radio so I purchased an xtrons. When it comes to your radio behaving strange; a lot of e39 doors leak very badly. I had to reseal all my doors. And so water will get in the floorboard and can damage your wiring that goes to the trunk. Hopefully that's not the case but it's happened to people before.
As for fuel treatment I've heard from most people on forums to stay away from that. But honestly I haven't looked into it that much. Maybe there is a specific fuel treatment that's good for these engines that I'm not aware of. But also like spark plugs these engines are finiky and specific.
When it comes to engine treatment and advice in general, I like to watch nathan's bmw garage, or bmw doctor. Then when it comes to repairs I like watching ShoplifeTv's or Mike's garage. They both have detailed videos of swapping parts.
If you have a cd changer, it’s straightforward, you unplug the data and power cables from the cd changer and plug them into something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0773MX7BG/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=ppx_yo_mob_b_track_package_o0_img
Then you pair your phone with it, and select the cd changer on the stereo interface.
Absolutely, the xenon bulbs are D2S. You can get upgraded units 5000, 6000, even 7000k.
Quick search on Amazon: OSRAM Xenarc Cool Blue Intense D2S
When it comes to keeping these old cars on the road it's just going to come down to your own determination to do so. You don't need an endless wallet just a few hundred bucks and some time to kill. They're just cars, not the space shuttle.
If you're willing to get your hands dirty the skies the limit.
I would suggest getting a good basic mechanics tool set like this one. With a few other odds and ends like a set of sockets that go up to 34mm, a 1/2" drive breaker bar, a set of prybars. And a jack and jackstands of course.
Idk your level of experience so if you're completely new look up videos on how to do simple stuff first like how to properly lift a car and put it on jack stands. Change brakes, do oil changes, etc. It'll help you get the general feel for what you'll be getting into.
Other than that all I can say is get after it. Take it slow. TAKE PICTURES as you pull things apart. The last bit, and this is one thing I cannot stress enough. Work in bite-sized chunks. Many people pop the hood of their car and freak out because they see wires, hoses, belts, pulleys,all manor of mechanical contrivance. Go "That looks really complicated" and decide not to mess with it. All you need to do is pick something you find manageable and easy to understand. That intake look easy to take off and get out of the way? Start with that. Take notes of any hoses, wires or lines that go into it. Set it aside. Great now your on your way. Now... What else looks easy that's in your way. Pull that off. Rinse. Repeat. Same principal goes for reassembly.
Best of luck if you decide to go the DIY route. If you get stuck on something you can always post here or DM almost anyone who posts to this sub regularly and we'd be happy to help.
This is what I did as well, but I used one of these pucks which also gives me hands free calling and the ability to skip or replay something.
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Just two-sided taped it next to the radio. Works great.
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Smoke machine: Amazon link
Close all openings of the intake system and introduce smoke. Leaking smoke indicates the leak (obviously).
Highly recommend buying a scanner. I have a cheap one - older version of this. Mine doesn't give all the info this one does, just the code and then I search the code online. I might even buy this one because it's so cheap!
I used something like this (different brand but looks exactly the same) Been on my car for 7 years or so and the color matches the xenons nicely.
I used one of these.
Ignore the price, they're like $2.99 at an auto parts store.
Break off the hook at the top, slide it up under the carpeted panel on the side of the console.
Works just like the Ultimate Cupholder, only way cheaper. Best part is the tan plastic almost perfectly matches the beige interior.
The same method works in an NA Mazda Miata.
Infuriatingly, E46's don't have an equivalent trim panel for it to work in those.
I used the same 3M kit as OP, but afterward I coated them with Sylvannia UV block clear coat. The coating made them even clearer. Should also keep them clear for longer.
I found I really didn't like the swing out cupholders. They're too close to the console for anything larger than a can and somewhat fragile. I added in these permanent ones, which were cheap, look great, and dead easy to install: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DOSEMV2/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You just want the Bosch refills- you’ll need to remove the old and trim the new to fit. Amazon has a pair for like $12 usd (not sure where you’re located). Pelican also has them for a couple bucks more (it made sense to tack onto an existing order in my case, but it doesn’t really matter) - https://www.amazon.com/BOSCH-Windshield-Wiper-Refill-3397033365/dp/B00BL7AOHU
Yeah , search for "rubber lip universal" or something, and you should get multiple varieties :)
Checking back in- I ordered a $25 tool on Amazon that did the trick. The shop near me is owned by assholes that would have probably asked $100 to do it. Airbag Scan/Reset Tool B800 for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q4JJYPV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Here's part 15, 16, 17 - more than OEM prices, but they're gettable. https://www.amazon.com/BMW-Eccentric-Camber-Bolt-Washer/dp/B08L71V567/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=33306760592&qid=1623715678&sr=8-1
It is a steering rack boot. Can be replaced without rebuilding the rack, costs a couple dollars. That subframe brace is from Ultra Racing and can be found on Amazon.
Entirely new after market headlights
Found these on Amazon and then happened upon them on a local web site
Literally plug-and-play, took me 30 minutes
You can also find them on amazon from a seller called RegulatorFix, I've used parts from the before to replace shitty OEM plastic that breaks, its kind of their specialty.
Got them from Amazon. Fitment was perfect, no issues whatsoever and they look great! They’re not flush from the sides though like OEM, instead are raised out like newer BMWs.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DOSEMV2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I bough this one few weeks ago as it was the cheapest at that time, but there is more on both amazon and ebay - some of them are in carbon fiber or wooden wraps. Just search for "e39 cupholder".
Not who you replied to but for removing the haze I can recommend the Sylvania kit but I'm not sure about the condensation amazon link
A lot of the restoration kits don't include clear coat so you end up repeating the process every few months since they will just cloud up again without some protection. I'm sure other kits work but you would also want to pick up a bottle of the clear coat.
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Get a ODB2 scanner or a windows xp laptop (or VM) with the BMW Scanner cable and software so that you can diagnose issues as they come up.
Also start building up a set of tools. I recommend Harbor Freight for a lot of the hand tools to keep costs low. I have been using their tools for the last 6 years pretty extensively and have no complaints, save for some of the more obviously cheap quality items. Ratchet, sockets, extensions, torx, screwdrivers, wrenches... all of these are a good deal and at least 50% cheaper than brand names. I have a few of their floor jacks, which are also a great deal. Floor jack and jack stands should be high on the list if you intend on doing your own work.
For impact gun, I recommend Milwaukee.
Got mine off of amazon for about 65 bucks. Your car takes 6.5 L so go for that or bigger unless you’re fine with dumping one out and finishing the rest.
Mityvac 7400 7.3 Liter Fluid Evacuator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JFJM14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_yT6v9cIQkA8RN
for any other owners
Any of these are a huge upgrade to the stock stupidity.
I used the 3M kit on my other car before, wasn't particularly happy with the outcome. I simply wet sanded the lights with only 800 grit and then covered them with a few coats of clear coat Spraymax 3680061 2K Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043B7UQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9GNbDb6FFTE99
I used the Sylvania Headlight kit and it took about an hour or so. Results were definitely worth it! I did slightly mess up the clear coat on the left lens and it left some streaks from not being even but it's not noticeable until crouching down to the lights. If your lights are hazed it's worth attempting and is much cheaper than new headlights.
Thank you very much for all of the help. I just ordered the Bosch Remanufactured since that was the consensus here. The cheapest place I found it was interestingly Amazon! ($272 after the $100 rebate)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067UC6RM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1_1_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
I also ordered the little gasket and a continental elite serpentine belt to go with it.
The life time warranty on FCP Euro definitely seems amazing! I didn't order through them this time because the price was somewhat higher. I'll make sure to use them later though.
Thank you once again.
Here is the one I used - worked good for me:
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G3700-Headlight-Lens-Correction/dp/B009OBW28E
You can get a low quality pain job a Macco - not ideal but it would be better than what you have if you plan on having it for a while.
There's an OEM aux connector, but it may require you to have a more current OBC/MID software version. The part number is 82 11 0 149 390 and here's an Amazon example.