E39 Updates

[James]

Background: I have a 1997 540/6 that has approximately 122k miles on it. The car has received a considerable amount of maintenance over the past two years that I've owned it, and I would like to get another 18 months out of it if I can. I'd like to do a few updates to the interior & exterior to help ease the pain of seeing newer model BMWs on the road.

Having said that, I am interested in doing the following:

• Replace or Paint Interior Trim: Currently I have the wood trim and really do not like the way it looks. The replacement trim from the dealer ranges from 650-800, and I think for this amount I would prefer to paint it. From my research I have seen various techniques used, and will likely try a variation of them involving sanding/painting/clearcoat (sealer).
  
  
• Steering Wheel Swap: The 4-Spoke wheel is as ugly (and thin) as it gets. Research turned up swap options that are fairly limited. I think I can only get the 3-spoke Sport wheel offered in 2000 M5s, 98.5-99 M3s, etc, with or without phone buttons. The newer E39 M5 Wheel (2001+) is not an option because it uses a dual stage airbag, whereas my early build uses a single stage. Pricing is around 800 for the new airbag and wheel from cheaper Dealers.
  
  
• Stereo/Navigation: My car is currently equipped with a poorly installed aftermarket speaker and amplifier setup. The headunit is a stock tape-deck with DSP and a 6-disc CD changer. There is a JL sub, Rockford Fosgate Amp, and some aftermarket speakers of unidentified origin.
  
  MKIV Navigation with 16:9 screen and bluetooth will likely run around 4k dollars. Not only is this too expensive, but requires the complete removal of my interior to run the navigation harness from the headunit to the trunk.
  
  My current plan is to select a headunit that communicates with the steering wheel controls (hopefully Alpine has something compatible). I also have a pair of Aura amplifiers (Parts Express Special -99 each), and a Nolte Audio Doubleshot subwoofer enclosure equipped with two Elemental Designs EU-700 woofers. In addition, I have a Garmin IQue 3600 Palm/Nav that was given as a gift a year ago.

I want to troubleshoot the wiring issues, install the new headunit, replace the amplifier and subwoofer, and permanently install a cradle for the navigation.

I would like to spend 1500 or less on this entire project. Anything more I feel would be lost money as I still have other areas I'd like to concentrate on, and I will likely get rid of the car in the next two years.

Has anyone done similar updates to their older 5-series that can give me some advice? I've seen most write-ups available around the web on these items, but if someone has a particularly good one they used successfully or can provide some advice I would greatly appreciate it.

Now that I've taken the time to write out this long thread, I am committed to the project. I will post updates as I complete each task.

[philsans5]

The interior trim is just plastic. wetsand with fine paper (1000-1500 grit) and spray plastic adhesion promotor (comes in an aerosol can) LET IT DRY!! I've botched things here due to impatience. Pick whatever color and gloss level you like and spray away! The rougher the sandpaper you go, the more likely it will be that you need to prime it. Have you thought about carbon fiber vinyl? Or any vinyl for that matter. You can always clear over the vinyl for protection and shine. I've been doing some "pimping" of my girl's E39, and that is on my list. Probably bring down resale though if I went carbon fiber. Oh wait, I got it at auction price.

You already know the answer to the steering wheel swap. pony up the big bucks. Ebay maybe? Breaker yards are an option too.

Forget navi. I was going to pull mine out of my 740i before I traded it in to put in the GFs car, but it is soooo much more complicated than it is worth. And different years have different parts.

[James]

I thought about vinyl, but ultimately went with paint as I was afraid I would not be able to smoothly cover the center console. I ordered a set of painting supplies today in arctic silver to color match my exterior. Once I figure out what works and what doesn't, I will post more specifics about what I purchased.

I also called a couple of junkyards and found the M-Tech 3-Spoke for around 150 bucks. The airbag I may purchase new as I don't trust a used one (even if it hasn't deployed).

There are some great powdercoaters in my area, so once the interior and exterior are finished I will switch my focus to under the hood.

[Alan]

If you're going to purchase the airbag new anyway (which comes with the whole center part of the wheel) getting a whole wheel with airbag shouldn't be much more money than a used wheel/new airbag combo. Plus you get the advantage of getting a new wheel.

With respect to the interior trim, I think priming is a VERY good idea. It will promote much better adhesion and result in a smoother surface if done right.

[James]

Originally Posted by Alan

If you're going to purchase the airbag new anyway (which comes with the whole center part of the wheel) getting a whole wheel with airbag shouldn't be much more money than a used wheel/new airbag combo. Plus you get the advantage of getting a new wheel.

With respect to the interior trim, I think priming is a VERY good idea. It will promote much better adhesion and result in a smoother surface if done right.

I priced out the new wheel & airbag combination at 1088 plus shipping from Circle BMW. CCA discount gets me 10% off, but I'm still looking at 1k (not terrible, but money could probably be better spent elsewhere).

In regards to the primer, I agree and have already ordered it. I intend to do a lot of research on the subject before tackling the job. YouTube has some really cool videos on how to apply paint if you haven't seen them before. Makes the process seem easy when in reality it takes years to perfect the technique. Luckily my interior trim should be pretty straightforward.

[philsans5]

I've been painting cars for 14 years. You'll wrinkle and lift if you're going at this with the wrong primer. Most of what they sell aerosol is "etch primer". It doesn't stick to anything. I've found one decent aerosol primer, but it has lifted more times than not. At the most I'd be going for sealer and a non prep activator. Thick as you want since it doesn't have to be reduced and sticks to anything. Adhesion promoter is a plastics best friend. If you're still going to prime, put a coat of adhesion promoter 1st.

[Dewey540i]

I just turned 133700 mi on my 97' she is getting up there but luckely doesn't look it. Keep us updated with pics as you go.

[ESP]

Our 97 is nearing 190K miles. just waiting for the Slushbox to go, then gotta make some decisions...

James, I would skip on the Factory Nav. My factory headunit died and I am weighing my options, I am thinking aftermarket Nav if I decide that the 5 is to remain past the 200K mark.

[James]

Thanks for all of the advice!

Here is the list of what I have on order:

1 12.5 oz. Basecoat Spray Can
1 12.5 oz. Clearcoat Spray Can
1 2 oz. Rubbing Compound Bottle
1 2 oz. Wax and Grease Remover
1 2 oz. Acrylic Lacquer Thinner
1 12 oz. Bulldog Adhesion Promoter (Spray Can)
1 Large 3M Dual Cartridge Respirator
1 12.5 oz. Rubberized Primer Spray Can

I am also going to get a variety of sandpaper in different grits.

In regards to the Navigation, I agree that everything OEM is terribly overpriced. Most kits are incomplete, and sourcing a complete kit requires a handbook.

[mtechnik]

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[philsans5]

what is rubberized primer?

[James]

Originally Posted by philsans5

what is rubberized primer?

LOL - your guess is as good as mine. We'll find out before the end of the week.

[philsans5]

I've heard of rubberized undercoat.

[Hellfire]

I might just have mine painted to look like aluminum brushed.. Any idea how to get the center console peice off?

[James]

If it's anything like the 5-series, you should carefully remove the boot to your shifter. There should be a series of screws holding the console in place. Remove the screws and slowly pry the console piece off.