Upgrading the 20-Year-Old Tech - BMW E39 530i Touring - Project Rottweil: P5

In this episode, we focus on the disgusting interior of the E39 530i Touring. This means that we start by replacing the rear subframe bushings, then attack the interior, retrofit Active function in E38 Contour seats, replace the rear door actuator, fuel pump, install BlueBus, and upgrade the sound system.
Ted, BlueBus, ultimate Bluetooth solution - www.bluebus.dev/
Felix, upholstery shop - www.sattlerei-flk.de/
Dave, audio systems (UK) - [e-mail]
BMW subframe tools - www.ebay.de/usr/haugers-werkz...
Ryan, E39source BlueBus - • BMW Bluetooth: BlueBus...
New Merch shop! - m539restorations.com/
You can support me on Patreon! - / m539restorations
Follow me on Instagram - / m539_restorations
Aqua (vapor) blasting cabinet 1215 - www.vaporblastingequipment.co...
Find Liqui Moly oil and additives for your car - www.liqui-moly.com/en/service...
BendPak lifts - www.bendpak.com/
Luuk, BendPak & Quickjack Europe - liftmotive.com/
Massive thanks to Radu from RT Design Studio for making new merch happen! - www.rt.md/
Email: [e-mail]

[@McMaster1500]

Best part about Sretens videos is you just don't want them to end.

[@astiyy]

Worst part is that they end :(

[@died4us590]

I agree, and you just want the next one to come out quicker to lol.

[@a8f235]

I come for the outro lol and today the outro played multiple times

[@thugboy1988]

i feel ya !!!

[@jaysteele1031]

They are worth savouring - like a fine wine, or Le Gruyère AOP surchoix cheese.

[@daveg1520]

Hey all :) Im super happy that Sreten is happy with his upgrade i really is an amazing piece of kit! and i appreciate the opportunity that he has given me by featuring my upgrades on his chanel :) just to let you all know i have recieved your emails and i will be working through them and replying ASAP :) please dont think ive forgoten anyone as there is many many emails :) again thankyou all and i look forward to reaching out to each of you :) thanks again Dave

[@BlueprintTV]

Do you have a instagram or facebook page for your business?

[@CrypterMKD]

Thumbs up for bluebus! These cars are the best for these kinds of mods - old enough to be simple to work on and reverse engineer things for improvements, but modern enough for things to be digital, electronic and modular!

[@legioner9]

Well said. So true.

[@burntnougat5341]

Tbh any aftermarket radio can do what the bluebus can and more. Bluebus is kinda overrated

[@bradenclark1560]

@@burntnougat5341 The benefit to the BlueBus is that it keeps all of the original computer functions of the head unit functional. And it also uses the original head unit, perfect for keeping the factory look (aftermarket head units just look tacky imo). The only thing most people need is a convenient way to connect their phones for bluetooth music, phone calls, and navigation. This is perfect for that

[@CrypterMKD]

@@burntnougat5341 Bluetooth audio is just one of the features of bluebus. It connects to the I-Bus (or K-bus, depending on car model), and plays together with all the existing modules in the car to add multiple functionalities in any of the car modules, just like you can see in the video. I know because I spent a month to make my own one based on arduino :)

[@burntnougat5341]

@@bradenclark1560 there are period correct aftermarket head units and many of the new Alpines and JVC are going with the understated look. You still keep factory wiring and retain steering wheel controls while gaining more advanced audio software from aftermarket units

[@The_Noticer.]

So great to see a man like Felix keep the old crafts alive.

[@yugo4576]

Another gem from Sreten! Let's also remember there is no need to skip through the middle of video to avoid baldness commercial or some other crap.

[@sorekuk]

I have been driving my 530i touring for past 10 years, bought it on 160k miles - now it's on 260k (418k km) miles and after doing proper maintenance I still can't find better car for daily than this one. I absolutely love them, they are worth every penny you spend on them and give you so much joy. Thank you for all tutorials you put up for us for free, they are great resource and with help of them I plan to drive my touring for next +10 years!

[@mrmusic1880]

BMW's like this you can really keep forever, my friend has an F30 320d, I know very different car but he is over 450000km and it's all original still, as long as you look after it it will last forever!

[@poplaurentiu4148]

Speed Academy (2 canadian car enthusiasts) also did a conversion putting an M5 engine into a 5 series touring resulting an ultimate touring car.. Here is they'r link if you want to see they project also very cool : kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmfbo4N9qZKol5o

[@MapOfEurasia]

I love my E39 Touring too ('02 525D with 274.000Km), such a comfortable car, that's definitely a masterpiece ❤️ It makes a long trip like a breeze

[@Iceeeen]

e39 is a wonderfull car although it's a bit to clumsy for my taste but compared to todays crap it the 7th wonder. It took mine 97 out of storage today since I needed to do some heavy hauling, been sitting since new years evee. Even though it has 250k km on the odo it feels 10 times better than the stupid brand new thing I have from work that I got under a month ago. When I turned the key everything started right up. Not the stupid 30s delay with a million annying beeps and bongs. On the road, the hydraulic steering just beats everything from todays world. Not a singel stupid annoying beep while driving, just perfect. Even more amazing, the work car is an EV but the e39 is more quiter in the cabin even at standstill. It's just so much better insluated and built but when you push the pedal you hear the perfect symphony of straight six induction sound😍

[@bernhard3794]

Der E 39 ist einer der schlechtesten die jemals gebaut wurden

[@Mirska1]

Hahaha that screw turning on the right bottom of the screen when the subwoofer is blasting :D

[@st3althyone]

I barely noticed it because of your mention, thanks for that little tidbit.😆😆

[@MKylander]

It's also the same knob as the coolant cap, which is quite funny.

[@st3althyone]

Time flies when you're having fun, and nowhere is it more evident than with Project Rottweil. It's good to see the side projects get some love after your much-deserved break. I can't wait to see you get back to business as usual, my friend, as it is always a joy watching you work. The E39 M5 is looking mighty spiffy and I can’t wait to see what the guys in Poland have done with the paint. So far it’s looking fantastic. I love to see you never cut corners, it's the one thing I love about your channel, please don't ever change that. Your motto of always doing the job right is always the right way. As always, stay safe, and we’ll see you on the next episode.

[@smithjohn2416]

This era of premium interior will always be my favourite. The wood-grain is class

[@totallybonkers]

The Bluetooth addition is sweet! With your restoration, it makes this basically a 2023 BMW E39.

[@Oxedizer]

Dave is that much of a legend, he will buy you a drink even if it's not his round. Absolute legend of a geeza.

[@danh2622]

Really like the upgrade to stock nav to Bluetooth, plug and play stuff really ticks all the boxes. Modernising older car without butchering them is key. Great video

[@MH_59]

Great to see the E39 M5 again! Looking forward to the Gyeon content!

[@kwstine1]

Bluebus is awesome and Ted rocks! His development and CS is amazing! So glad to see him getting some recognition!

[@kllrt]

Hah, after long time I've decided to bite the bullet and buy Bluebus instead of buiyng Android unit and today you release video where you install it, what a timing! Good for you that you had CD changer, I have only phone, so I have to fiddle with some custom wiring 😁😁

[@burntnougat5341]

Those android hu are pretty trash. They use low quality components. Stock head unit or any quality aftermarket is the way to go but stock has no bt

[@Alpejohn]

I got the bluebus on preorder, absolutely love it! Its the ONLY solution for the E39.

[@BlueXonar]

That BlueBox is really cool with how it integrates into the OEM menus etc. Very slick.

[@fuckdelasouledublues75]

This is extremely great to see as well how other handcraft colleagues work. This just shows how complex a car is and how these hidden heros keep our babys alive !

[@bobfrankish8883]

Great video again Streten. I was a professional audio engineer for all my working life. Don't worry too much about some of the comments, in-car audio installations are always a compromise in some way. Incidentally, you actually wired the subwoofer coils in parallel, not series as you said. The kit supplied by Dave looks pretty good to me, and yes, the subwoofer box is technically way too small, but who cares? I'm sure the system will be capable of way more bass spl than a sane person would like. Well done again.

[@FalloutGeeks]

One small detail that catch my attention. Long red cable for positive site of amplifier and a short black cable for "negative" site. When connecting an subwoofer amp, or any other amp in car, you only need to connect a positive "red" cable from battery to amp, but a short "black" cable need to be connected to a nearest ground point on a chassis. No need to run a cable to a negative site of battery. I thing that's a reason for black cable being to short. Can someone confirm that? Cheers!

[@MityLite]

@@FalloutGeeks That is correct, but a suitable ground spot is not always readily available and maybe thats why he chose to connect it to the battery. For myself I prefer having the least connections on the battery as possible.

[@rallyman1122]

I have zero interest in sound systems for cars unless Sreton is showing us how to complete an upgrade. Then it's fascinating to watch. Thanks for another great video!

[@boydsterling3193]

This is the nicest BMW sound install I think I’ve ever seen - the OEM Bluetooth integration looks absolutely superb, excellent choice of components, as neatly installed as you’d expect and I bet it sounds awesome, very very impressed and jealous!

[@bluej511]

It's good to see not going "ONLY OEM!!!" once in a while haha. Sound system looks really good, great work.

[@davidfitzpatrick4041]

You were me 50 years ago....no fear, hands on, try anything practical.... No matter what, we all must accept the decline in older age. I admire this Channel greatly Thank you.

[@evdal1]

I love that you always show the beautiful work that this artisans/artist make, in the seats, the leather the machining, the detailing. It really show how much these cars are appreciated and how you value their work.

[@died4us590]

I agree, he always finds talented people who do good work, and i hope they get more business from sreten showing the process, and how well the work is done.

[@tollefreyerson6710]

I’ve used my BlueBus for a couple of years on my e38. Absolutely love it!! Ted is the best.

[@bluebusbt]

Thanks, man!

[@DashDrones]

Man I love E39s, i bet you'll be in this touring more than any other car you own. PS. Great job on the M5, can't wait for the ppf and polish ❤

[@projecteuroau]

That Bluebox is a game changer. Wish It was around back in 2009 when I had my E39 525i and E53 X5 3.0D. Love the OEM plus setup you're going with in this video Sreten!

[@gillesdemaeght]

I just looove this touring! Looking forward to the M539 Gyeon detailing.🎉

[@StillShatter]

Best BMW repair/restoration content on all of youtube!!! I cannot be convinced otherwise!! Thanks for another great watch Sreten ❤

[@JDnBeastlet]

Hey Sreten, pretty cool to hear you found those seats in Baden-Baden; when I was a kid my Dad (and the rest of us) were stationed in Lahr from 1978 to 1982 as part of his career in the Canadian Army; his brother and family were Air Force and were in Baden-Baden around the same time - I visited many times. Happy memories!

[@JGV_IX]

So weird and yet so cool seeing the OEM King “pimping up” the sound system on a BMW😂 Great work as always! 😎👏🏻

[@ilijakocev6068]

Hands down one of the most educational and fun automotive channels on the platform, huge thumbs up!

[@DaveNagy]

Dude, the flow of your editing during the working sections has gotten so good. I find myself wishing other channel’s videos were this well cut, this is just fantastic. You are a gem.

[@nollekeuh]

The amount and detail of knowledge you have of all materials, parts and where to get it is just amazing.

[@jordyvoesten]

I love the bluebus as well! I think I was the first to run it in a European e39 touring since Ted sent me a different loom back then, when I had my 530i daily. It has since been moved to my E46 M3 after selling the wagon and love it in there as well. Amazing mod 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 Loved the audio install as well, great video once again 👍🏻

[@bluebusbt]

You have one of the first 500 for sure. I remember your name 🎉

[@jordyvoesten]

@@bluebusbt sweet, thanks for the response Ted. As you can see it's stil going strong 😊

[@korayerhan3520]

Your videos are therapy for me!

[@bolykkeberg]

So therapeutic an absolute pleasure to watch. Recently sold my 2008 E90 and is still processing the loss, it's impossible not to be emotional attached to these things.

[@amersaric8877]

I just bought my first e39 touring, 2000 528i, royalrot over grey Montana leather, so excited to start working on and modernizing the car! Love the videos!

[@xile321]

Yea!!! Glad you got the bluebus. I love mine!

[@omarcalakovic]

Little advice for backup fuel pump,put in gasoline while sitting.I had perfect used pump which i just throw in box and after 1 year was totally trash,almost no fuel pressure and loud pitch noise

[@M539Restorations]

Makes sense, but fuel will evaporate. Would have to be sealed off.

[@omarcalakovic]

@@M539Restorations Just find tegla for zimnica and fill it😂

[@ismailmoharram16]

You have no idea how much excitement I get when I get your posts notifications. One of my favourite channels. Please please please have a thought about making another channel for mercedeses and audis. Lots of icons there who need your brilliance. Keep up the great work

[@franklinmaurer8383]

It's so cool that upgrades like these are available. Well done.

[@patryk996]

Subframe bushings are massive improvements! The car will feel like it's brand new. All the rattle and rough ride over bumpy roads goes away. I cannot over-stress how amazing of an improvement it is for 80k+ mi vehicles.

[@MihaiDolganiuc]

What a great episode. As an E39 owner this brings me joy to see the care and atention that it is put in this car. Amazing.

[@alexmacdonald4270]

Wow, what difference, can’t wait to see the finished results 🎉

[@tonigon5767]

Great work, I love how you keep your cars so well maintained.

[@spaszek195362]

crazy that this video dropped while i’m waiting on my bluebus to arrive in the mail

[@TeunS133N]

That bluebus is so cool, great

[@orangegear8435]

Ive been trying to research a lot of what has been demonstrated in this video to install on my E38. Seeing you post detailed and easy to understand instructions made my day! Cant wait to do these retrofits on my car.

[@SuperCroc97]

Slightly OT comment since it's not necessarily about the video (which I obviously loved watching), but I still wanted to say this I recently joined the patreon after meeting you in Como at the concorso d'eleganza with Jason (I'm the guy that gave you the "polaroid" of your E60) and I just have to say that it was such a pleasure meeting you Sreten. You already appear humble in video, yet you seem even more in person! I was even scared of just going up to you for the second time to give you that picture but you seemed genuinely stoked about it, and I was very happy about that. So yeah, I guess this would be my introduction after joining the patreon gang, and I can assure you I'm not gonna leave anytime soon!

[@Mister006]

That is pristinely clean sound! Excellent work by Dave for tuning your system correctly, remotely! He is amazing!

[@jundialhaqiqa9907]

Always a pleasure to watch you do work.

[@DG-mi2mc]

'Without breaking the bank' the DSP alone is 600 euro 😂 Very enjoyable video as always!! Especially because i did almost the same upgrade on my car last week! Keep em coming buddy!

[@g.v.9298]

Discovered this channel a month ago and have already watched most of the videos. I really appreciate the attention to detail and how every new episode brings a new subproject. For example the seats here and the leather treatment cooooming up. Also really appreciate the featured people in the videos and that you or they themselves can showcase their crafts, tools and products. (Gonna be honest ... still daydreaming about that Gyeon treatment of the Alpina) These videos are a go-to for someone starting a new project like this. Sreten, keep up the amazing work! M539 - let's go! 🔧💪

[@Timrsnakess]

Thanks for the in depth retrofits as usual Sreten always picking up so much from each episode

[@nibz7255]

Just spent almost an hour watching and i still have this empty feeling inside wanting more😢

[@narnasqueneth]

Loved every second - thank you for such high quality, informative content.

[@blackknight530i]

Most often on the tourings, it's the front bushings that are quite torn and the rears don't usually look bad. As you noticed though, it really freshens up the rear end and rides so much better. I recently did the ones on my E39 M5 and while the bushings didn't look worn out, I finally got rid of a vibration I was having for the last 140k miles that I thought couldn't possibly be those bushings.

[@runner3033]

Yeah, shoot... has me wondering about the 20 year old bushings on my 540. Have they died slowly, so slowly I haven't noticed? Should I just change them out while they are still available? Being 20 years old now, starting to see parts drying up a bit - not as many choices, etc. and wondering a bit about the long term. Edit: On the other hand... if you can still order that bracket that the subwoofer screws into, maybe we don't have much to worry about just yet.

[@Rimmy1965]

Another outstanding episode Sreten, a real eye opener 👍🏻

[@aceace5457]

you really made that sound system incredible .

[@zacharytatum1421]

it's always nice watching geniuses work and how you guys can look at something and come up with a plan on the spot is always so cool. keep up the good work brother

[@carlosprat8857]

Boy, you never stop surprising me. You dare with everything, and you also rely on artisans like you to do the project. I look forward to another video and I congratulate you on your way of working. A big hug from Barcelona.

[@victorprietoiglesias2846]

Como te envidio tío,tú q sabes inglés te enteras de todo lo q dice sreten,yo solo pillo lo q puedo y me fastidia no entenderlo todo,tengo un m5 e39 como el de él y me ha ayudado mucho sus vídeos para hacerle mantenimiento al mío,un saludo Carlos,desde barcelona también 😊👍🏻

[@carlosprat8857]

@@victorprietoiglesias2846 Puedes poner subtítulos en español y así lo entiendes bien. También tiene otra web en español, M539 Restauraciones. Tiene algunos videos traducidos. Saludos paisano.

[@kevincorry5890]

Another brilliant video!!! The sound system is phenomenal along with the smoother ride. Looking forward to see Felix’s results.

[@Alexey_SPb_76]

Огромное уважение мастеру!

[@bjornwiking1054]

Great episode. Many different elements squeezed in to the oem+ segment, I like it!

[@graesslinsquad]

Finally! Your channel is the only one I subscribe to whose video playlist I regularly check in case I may have missed an upload! After the rough week I've had, this is the uplifting content the doctor ordered!

[@jaygrosse8365]

I am adding my own hearty recommendation for BluBus. The unit is well-engineered, looks professionally finished, is easy to install and works seamlessly. I put one in my 540i a couple of years ago and enjoy it every time I drive. It would be a bargain at twice the price. No affiliation, just a satisfied consumer.

[@bluebusbt]

I’m glad you’re still enjoying your unit :)

[@arbr1697]

Kudos to Felix, what a nice guy.

[@francishagen8508]

Thank you for making this day special 🎉

[@azashukri5322]

Great episode! That screw at the corner of the screen at the end of the video turning with the subwoofer beats was so funny. 😂

[@Jasonj___8]

Thank you Sreten,I cannot wait for the next episode!!!! 👍👍👍

[@Andrewjgh]

That M5 is just perfect.

[@Bcbarcode506]

Yes! Thank you! I was getting a little depressed and didnt know what to do tonight. But then you uploaded. You made my night!

[@JayMaverick]

Crazy how the improvement in sound quality over stock speakers was immediately apparent even over a camera mic. Great work!

[@mattfielding3313]

As a person who loves captions/subtitles on videos for general reading purposes you have the best auto generated captions. I’ve had English people speaking on videos who cannot get the auto captions to understand them properly 👍🏻 Love the videos and hope the M3 will roar into life soon

[@dannyb1979]

Another superb episode Sreten 👍🏼 hearing you start the car made me really miss my Jap import E39 530i Sport Touring... Such a great engine sound. Smooth and powerful 👌🏼

[@michaelhynds8035]

As always, fantastic and tremendously interesting content, really great. Thank you.

[@Legolas6911]

I like the new way of displaying torque specs. Man, this channel has grown so much. Thumbs up and keep up the good work.

[@GarageItYourself]

It's amazing what some people have figured out so that older vehicles can have modernised infotainment systems. Even on a video you could tell the difference in sound quality and that sub was definitely kicking hard!!! 😊

[@adammcallister2260]

Really enjoyed this episode, even more that I usually enjoy your stuff. This old bus will end up being your favourite, you watch!

[@nelsonwells1010]

Terrific as usual, Sreten. Can't believe what you're doing to this beautiful touring.

[@althing]

I like how to knob of the subwoofer box turns at every beat of the song. Dumph dumph dumph (turn, turn, turn)

[@oshangayanga7499]

Was getting worried and anxious about the delay. Always a delight to see you Sreten!

[@Mistak-de9bp]

Thanks for the blue bus idea. I’m going to be looking for a e39 or e46 when I move to Frankfurt in the next few months.

[@Wipsplash]

Great channel. Very informative and creative. Love that you do your own work and tackle everything.

[@w210source-uv5lc]

Thank you for uploading, you absolute legend!

[@died4us590]

It's always a good day when you put out a video my friend. I think those fellas in poland do a darn good job at matching paint, hope you show the detail process again, because those fellas do a darn good job to. I love how you do thing's right on any car that you work on, because that's how i like to do thing's. I'm working on an 05 ford ranger that was a north carolina truck with no rust, but i live in michigan. I got the truck from my dad after he died in 2020 from heart problems that caused his kidneys to fail, and it was just not how i pictured him going. I just decided to replace everything that you should replace on a vehicle this old. I needed a truck anyway because owning a house requires maintenance that a truck comes in handy for. I have had people ask me how it looks so good for being in michigan, but my dad was the second owner, and it only had 2 year's in the salt belt, but i don't drive it in the salt if i can avoid it. i am also happy it's a short box without the extended cab, and it's only got 128,000 miles on it. Thanks for doing these video's, and G-d bless you, your girlfriend, and the fury friend. From a girl in michigan.

[@S12Gaming]

I absolutely love the way you edit these videos, its so simple and yet so satisfying to watch. Svaka čast majstore!!🔥

[@waldyss19950318]

What can be better, when you come back home after work and you see M539 Restorations has posted new video! I'll enjoy watching as always. :)

[@golf94srm]

great video, keep on working and upgrading your workhorse!

[@DavidMorley]

So happy when Rottweiler is on. I have a 2003 touring 525i with factory sports suspension, bbs and manual. So good to see what I can do to improve and maintain it

[@DinoGrahovic]

Looking good 👍👍

[@Artagonet]

Nicely done audio overhaul, you were actually my insipration to do audio overhaul in my e39 too, tried fitting OEM dsp amp to car with basic radio + sound, ended rewiring entire harness and changing all speakers + adding original Nokia subwoofer and switching to 12 channel DSP, sound improvement is unbeliveable

[@carlwarnett2054]

One of my favorite episodes👍

[@_que]

I am missing me E39, did the door seal and fuel pump, fond memories

[@stephenhennessy2420]

Excellent, thanks

[@collinbenham9291]

I literally check KZbin every single day after work hoping I can sit down and enjoy a video from you. When I see that red dot next to your account I get so excited, currently my favorite content creator on KZbin and really the only creator that I enjoy keeping up with anymore. I wish you the best streten and also one of my neighbors just parked a e39 528i touringin their front yard with a for sale sign. I’m gonna go try and scoop it up!!!! I’ve had an e46 and I’m itching to get back into bmws. Keep up the amazing content and maybe I can take some notes from these wagon videos soon

[@drfeelgood6646]

Watching this project I came up with and idea I'll never sell my E39 Touring. I love this car and I want to bring it back to the condition like you did with yours. Even if it gonna take a year or two. Thanks a lot for inspiration Sreten, you're doing a great job. Greets fro Poland !

[@Tittez]

If you drive to Poland next time come to Posen drink beer with me, I am your fan for few years, you are my favorite KZbinr ❤

[@jerome1652]

Been looking forward for this! Thanks for uploading!