Top 50 Mods For BMW E39

I will add links to all the items in the video when it gets 2.5k likes!
Big shoutout to E39 Source for a lot of the photos in the video
Also shoutout to statiic_e39 on Instagram for the modlight video
#42 - LED Angel Eyes: amzn.to/3NEXdLm
or s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmJ...
#40 - LCI headlights: amzn.to/48wUpYA (for pre-facelift models)
Install guide: • How To Retrofit Faceli...
#31 - Weather stripping: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkC...
#11 - Auto-open trunk: • E39 auto open boot lid
#8 - Oil service reset trick: • How to reset service r...
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:21 - #50 - Hood and trunk emblem
0:55 - #49 - New grille
1:26 - #48 - Shadowline trim
1:50 - #47 - Upgraded turn signals
2:31 - #46 - Rebadge/debadge
2:51 - #45 - Upgraded shift knob
3:21 - #44 - Key badge
3:37 - #43 - Headlight adjusters
4:07 - #42 - LED Angel Eyes
4:26 - #41 - LED license plate lights
4:48 - #40 - LCI headlights
5:15 - #39 - Tail lights
5:40 - #38 - Passenger airbag sensor
6:12 - #37 - Check the lights
6:37 - #36 - Replace the battery
6:57 - #35 - Deep clean
7:18 - #34 - M-Tech package
7:34 - #33 - Trunk latch
7:53 - #32 - Fog light upgrade
8:12 - #31 - Weather stripping
8:39 - #30 - Headlight upgrade
9:04 - #29 - LED interior lights
9:21 - #28 - Swirl flap gaskets
9:56 - #27 - LCD display repair
10:27 - #26 - Wheel center caps
10:47 - #25 - LED side indicators
11:18 - #24 - Steering wheel
11:45 - #23 - Ducktail spoiler
12:07 - #22 - Trunk struts
12:35 - #21 - Cupholder replacement
12:54 - #20 - Floor mats
13:21 - #19 - Chip tune
13:44 - #18 - Springs and coilovers
14:12 - #17 - M5 rims
14:45 - #16 - Better tires
15:14 - #15 - Exhaust upgrade
15:45 - #14 - Seat heating
16:11 - #13 - Interior swap
16:34 - #12 - modLight2
17:05 - #11 - Auto-open trunk
17:28 - #10 - Trunk mat
17:49 - #9 - Wiper blades
18:05 - #8 - Reset service interval
18:39 - #7 - Aluminum pedals
18:58 - #6 - E38 door handle
19:24 - #5 - Trim swap
19:45 - #4 - Tool kit
20:03 - #4 (bonus) - Winter gear
20:17 - #3 - Limited slip differential
20:53 - #2 - Silver gauge rings
21:20 - #1 - Gauge light color mod
21:52 - Outro

[@market_car]

If you don't already have an E39 to modify - You can check out my video on 11 reasons to get one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2K8aGODqK2KgM0 By the way, I’m setting a goal for this channel to reach 5,000 subscribers by the end of this year. You know what to do to help! 😉 Thank you!! 😁

[@Freedom-Live]

I just purchased a 525i with 90k, and it came with some of the mods you listed, along with coilovers and springs. Upon inspection, the oil filter reservoir was not maintained, and spilled oil deep into the alternator. Once i replaced both of those, the gas cap, and valve cover (was slightly cracked) & gasket, it's been treating me very well. I was saddened to see your but based in the USA, as I wanted to meet up and get your opinion on some things in person. This was an excellent video, as you offered loads of excellent information, in a clear and swift manner, without wasting loads of time. You're a natural, keep it up!

[@alexanderblanton698]

I just got a 2003 E39 530i (automatic sadness) and this video is awesome showing me all the things that I can do just to give it that shine. Love all the lowkey not too crazy ideas.

[@market_car]

The automatic isn't that bad to have in the higher displacement models IMO. Thanks!

[@heineaugustjensen9819]

E46 rims do NOT fit on e39. God knows why bmw thought it was a good idea but its the only one with 74.1 mm center bore and e46/most/all bmws have a 72,6 mm bore. Use spacers, wheels that are 80 and a adaptor or swap to e60 hubs, or you have to stick to oem e39 rims. its easily the biggest downside to e39s

[@market_car]

You are right, the E39 and E46 only share 9 wheel styles. E39's use ET20 and E46's are ET47. Thanks for correcting me!

[@ussamatayub5794]

Good video, I have a 530d and these cars are so undervalued it's a joke

[@milossaponjic915]

bravo za video,samo napred🎉 gde da kupim ovakve patosnice 🤔

[@davidk.2517]

Its because the wheels arent made for higher weighing cars

[@martenluig5960]

You can put any rims there as long as they’re 5x120mm

[@_dontfxckwithme_19]

what a nice video, very informative but still fun to watch. this guy is going places. thanks a lot for these advices bro!

[@market_car]

Thanks a lot! Appreciate it.

[@theascendunt9960]

I'm getting an auto 525i soon. I just listed down a whole bunch of mods I'm planning to do. Thanks for the great video!

[@market_car]

Good luck, cheers

[@obrienwejuli4804]

This is one of the best information on how best to upgrade and update the bmw I have a bmw 540i 1998 and shall use your great information once again thanks O'Brien

[@market_car]

Thank you very much Mr. Wejuli! Hope you're enjoying your 540i.

[@denispuric5001]

Brate moj, amazing video man I will definitely look into some of these🙏

[@market_car]

Thanks Denis!

[@mrabsurdas6896]

I bought E39 and now I'm watching your videos and it makes me soo gratefull that I have chance to drive this car and its so dope!! And I'v got my car licences last week and this is my first car and so amazing feeling to drive it !!

[@market_car]

Another enthusiast born, enjoy it!

[@mrabsurdas6896]

@@market_car yee I love that car so much !!

[@Sergey53]

For 540i (M62B44tu engine, not sure about 535i) you can fit larger throttle body from N62 engine to get more power. There are upgrade kits, or you can just buy a throttle itself and repin the connector. Works better if chip-tuned. Great video!

[@market_car]

Thanks for the tip Sergey, and thanks for the comment

[@xcofcd]

Never heard that one before...

[@teodorasbliuvas3441]

Best mod for this model is proper maintenance with high quality parts :)

[@market_car]

I made the video under the assumption that your E39 is already in perfect condition like mine!

[@Stian2001]

Extra mods would be: webasto with app/ or controller, heated steering wheel, tint, vented and drilled brembo breaks discs/pads, 5.1 break fluid brembo or hella, eonon head unit and jl audio 5.25 speakers :) also you can replace the speaker wires with thicker once so you can add an 4 channel amp. Also adding jl audio tweeters if they exist

[@ripdawg]

#1 Mod: Bring all e39 maintainence up to date. #2 Mod: get a second or 3rd job to be able to get yourself out of debt bringing your e39 maintenance up to date. #3 Mod: too late for mods you are most likely knocking on deaths door after paying off your e39 ownership debt, now its time to save up for funeral costs. The end.

[@market_car]

You forgot mod #4: marry a rich person to help with ownership costs

[@bene8393]

I will def look into the new vids you Post❤

[@market_car]

Thanks Bene!!

[@dorklol2969]

Really good things on the list. 👍

[@market_car]

Appreciate it!

[@grandioseg]

this guy does not disappoint

[@market_car]

Thank you again!

[@JaredPaideia]

Holy shit man, talk about thorough. Amazing fucking video. Exactly what I needed. Exactly. Can’t like it enough. Keep up the content 👍🏻

[@JaredPaideia]

I’d like to add a few things. First, how to get bluetooth. I personally went with a BlueBus at first, but after extended time using it decided I may as well go all out and upgrade the headunit. Of the many options, XTRONS offers the best option. $510 for wireless CarPlay, a crisp full-size OLED screen, android style functionality, etc. Next, a phone mount. PanaVise made E39 M5 phone mounts. They’re hard to find, but they’re actually built into the vehicle’s dash, behind the trim. Super sleek. Super sturdy. Next, a Resler Module + IBUS software. This is specific to the E39 series vehicles, designed specifically for them. The lightshow you described? Does that… and so MUCH MORE. So much more. Please look into this one. What a gamechanger. The control and data you gain with it is remarkable. It installs behind the headunit, and they actually make a harness that fits right into the XTRONS headunits so it’s plug and play. Amazing upgrade. Next, the central rear view mirror. It auto dims. Auto dim breaks after years of use. There’s a business named Radar Mirror who will fix it for you for far cheaper than buying a new one. There’s a few more mods not mentioned in the video I didn’t mention in this comment, but these alone are worth looking into. Seriously. Great vid still!

[@market_car]

Thanks Jared!

[@morimoko]

so good i barely noticed what looks like some brutal rust on the rear jack point/ rocker and a terrible windshield crack lol.

[@captainLoknar]

Very informed list. I can already tell you're a true enthusiast. What a great car to work with - every minor fix and improvement is greatly rewarded. This car gives me so much happiness. I can't help but feel sorry for everyone else in their 2023 chinese EV which already looks used 200,000km after 5000km, with their dumb face trying to find the climate controls

[@kikiz0r730]

awesome video, mate. Is there any chance you can do a similar video about the x5 e53, please? I've been obsessed with this car for quite some time now and really debating selling my e90 facelift 330d to buy one. I saw you made videos about the e70 and was wondering if you can make one about the e53 as well 🤝

[@market_car]

Hope I will. Just need to find someone with it. The E53 is a seriously cool car these days and I was actually considering to upgrade to it from my E39.

[@lradeeca]

Mod 4 automatic. E46 hand shifter into e39 👍 Engine mod. Regrinded block of 2.0 and put everything from 3.0 or 2.5l. And my beloved chasis mod. GTR modeeeee....🥰

[@darrylford6844]

@ 1:15 Unless you get the one with the M stripes for your 520 Diesel 🤣🤣

[@market_car]

I hoped someone would find that funny. Thanks Mr. Ford!

[@audiorat1]

“Least straining on your eyes but we don’t really care about that” 😁😁😁

[@filipsormaz5614]

Great video, greetings from PlatesMania 👋😉 (sokille)!

[@market_car]

Thanks sokille!

[@ArieVisker]

Best Advice if you do upgrades. Ceep it OEM.

[@kasperwinterhag]

14:25 the e46 have a smaller center bore, and the wheels from that one dose not fit the e39!

[@market_car]

Yes sadly :l

[@byecam]

just got an 1997 5359 e39 at 18 just before christmas, will be using alot of the tips in this video. for the angel eyes/headlights lci's would you be able to link where to get them from pre facelift to new facelift (2000 prior to post 2000 year)

[@market_car]

What a great Christmas gift. I've added the links in the description for you! Enjoy!

[@byecam]

much love 🫶

[@byecam]

unfourtunately the one you have listed doesnt ship to australia :( @@market_car

[@market_car]

Doesn't matter, just look up one on the Australian Amazon. They are pretty much all the same

[@Thatcypriomapper]

Enjoy it I got a 2001 520i e39 very nice car

[@CuXaPuK]

Btw, if on budget, you can fix the missing pixels by shocking it with piezo from electric lighters. Just click it with wire connecting to screen in various places, and it will make pixels work for some time. Sometimes it fixes the issue for weeks/months, sometimes for days or less, depends on weather 🤣

[@market_car]

The replacement screen costs $2

[@CuXaPuK]

@@market_car oh just two bucks? okay i missed the price tag, that's pretty cheap, but you also need to consider time spend disassembling, re-soldering, etc... For me its easier to just give it a shock once in a while :D

[@market_car]

@@CuXaPuK I cannot recommend it. It fries the pixels permanently.

[@CuXaPuK]

@@market_car well yeah theres always risk, but if the pixels are somewhat gone, it wont live long anyways. At least it worked perfectly with radio unit, when pixels started to "leave the chat" :D Over time i just got fed up that i need to do it over and over just so that the pixels are working, so that i just bought "new" radio mid unit from local scrapyard. Worked perfectly untill i sold the car, so dont know whats up with them now :D

[@kohzey]

Is there a chance a chip tune ruins my engine

[@TKDBoy1987]

Teodore engleski ti je odlican. Video je sjajan. Ako moze informacija vezana za automatsko otvaranje gepeka, koje oprugice ide za to? Imas li specifikaciju? Hvala unaprijed.

[@market_car]

Hey Saša, thanks for the nice comment. I'll leave a link in the description for you of a video of a guy who did it. I haven't looked into it myself but springs are pretty cheap I'm sure you could figure it out from parts from a hardware store. See you!

[@rikwarren3999]

be careful glueing the new badge on your key. I got a little too much and basically glued all the controls making them not function. lol

[@market_car]

Unfortunate. But you live and learn!

[@milan9383]

gdje nestalo ono doug demuro "this"

[@market_car]

Rekli mi da moram nešto originalno da smislim

[@kllrt]

I think orange turn signal are also a thing for facelift - I have it like that

[@market_car]

Yeah, although white is cooler IMO

[@kllrt]

Heh, it's just subjective :D Orange give me more 90s, early 00s ear vibes and that's what I love about the car. @@market_car

[@hardtake.e39]

Dobar video,ja sam na mojoj E39 problem sa mrtvim pikselima rešio sa upaljačem,razbije se ceo upaljač i izvadi se deo koji baca varnicu (mora biti onaj upaljač na klik logično) samo se prinese žica na ekran i škljocne i pikseli ožive,to sam video negde na interneti i stvarno je radilo. Ali dobro eto ne mozemo svi znati sve 😊

[@market_car]

Pass

[@lukabankovic1703]

Prelep auto 😁 Gde uzimas sve te modove za auto koji sajt ?

[@market_car]

AliExpress / Amazon

[@lukabankovic1703]

@@market_car u redu hvala

[@captainLoknar]

interior LEDs will flicker when turning on or off I dont recommend it unless theres a way to code the car to not smoothly turn them on and off which doesnt work on leds

[@market_car]

I ended up installing them and they work fine. Would recommend!

[@captainLoknar]

@@market_car I was disappointed in 2012 on a 2007 e90 but LEDs may be better now? They light up and off progressively with incandescent bulbs so are you sure there's no flickering when turning on and off?

[@market_car]

@@captainLoknar No flickering here

[@jernejsink1040]

brate...nice video

[@market_car]

Thanks Mr. Šink!

[@xcofcd]

Original badges aren't that cheap anymore. Their part prices have doubled and tripled in the last two years. I payed over $60 for one badge and the two rubber parts...

[@market_car]

I got mine off of AliExpress and they cost me less than $7 shipped. Not only can I not tell the difference but it’s better than having chipped out ones nonetheless.

[@sh4rrppl4ys49]

Sve pohvale iz Bih komso imas sub. Nemam jos auto al u planu mi je E39 to mi je san al svi govore da znaju da understeer dosta ima li kakvih modifikacija sem guma da se popravi to.

[@market_car]

Hey Mr. Sharp! Much love to BH 🇧🇦. Stop listening to people who don't have what you want and go get your E39 ASAP. By the way, under/oversteer is definitely not a factor in 99% of the driving I'd done, but in the times it was: mine mostly oversteered - and I had a huge smile on my face every time it did. Good luck.

[@cuburabeograd]

Gde si našao weather strip na metar, molim te, to me izluđuje, al me više izluđuje njihova cena iz BMW hahaha Inače svaka čast za kanal, odličan si. I svaka čast za E39 ;)

[@market_car]

Just added the link to the description for you, thanks for the nice comment!!

[@cuburabeograd]

@@market_car Thanks a lot, Im gonna write in English from now on then, just wanted you to know where I was from ;)

[@market_car]

@@cuburabeograd Love ya loads man, thank you

[@Ameroukie]

Maan!! What did your mama feed you? Good job on the mods list !

[@market_car]

I thank my mom for all the protein she made me at 😁 Thanks for the comment!

[@Legend-lc9bv]

My dad is a mechanic and he yelled at me for wanting on of these said they are extremely unreliable

[@market_car]

Sounds like you need to change dads

[@mikisol]

You forgot the most important mod of them all... rear muffler delete so you can be not only be driving in style but also be obnoxious to neighbors at 2am kekw

[@market_car]

Sorry sir this is not a Honda Civic video

[@florinlepadatu5648]

50 - original ones only, the china ones will scream cheap 49 - double grills screams china, the simple black ones depends on taste and preferences however the fitment will be a concern, again original ones or original look at least 48 - shadow line trims - yes if you're after a sporty look and if you car is finished in a light color 47 - silver bulbs yes philips or osram are fine if you have the white tail light and white front headlamps otherwise with amber ones won't make any difference. China leds excluded 46 - agree 45 - change it if you really hate the original one however don't retrofit the e60 shift rod, will get you shorter gear changes but you lose the smoothness... 44 - agree 43 - not the china white ones, get the brown or black ones from usa 42 - neah 41 - if other original model fits yes the china ones will not last and often they are too bright 40 - the facelift model are in amber or white but both do have angeleyes 39 - facelift tail lights - again white or amber both have leds 38 - passenger presence sensor is in fact a net under the upholstery - the black box is the control module you trick - not the right way to fix the issue. If you not replace the net at least you can cancel the check by software coding not that crappy resistor 37 - replace bulbs doh.. 36 - before replace the battery check for power drain issues - there are some modules that can cause this huge problem so there's no point to blindly replace the battery. 35 - agree 34 - yes if sporty look is your thing sure but not forget about the front mud flaps guards aka porck chops 33 - sure, original only - check the gasket and look for rust underneath 32 - yeah original or depo or tic are fine they are the same as e46 for m sport bumper I believe 31 - if the windshield is still original can be done otherwise you should visit a shop for doing this right valid for front and back side. You will not get weather in your car whatsoever but you will get rust! 30 - The right way imho is to replace the cover lens if needed, projector asambly (hella evox-rv2 are plug&play), adjusters, D2S osram 4300k, original ballasts and retrofit intensive washer system. 29 - neah.. 28 - M47d20 engine on e39 does not have swirl flaps! the TU1 revision was mounted on e46 and others but not in e39, never, so this is a misleading information. The weak point on M47 of e39 is the vp44 pump as it does not have common rail injection system as well as the ABS 001 pump electronic part...No turbo issues if regular oil changes are done earlier as a preventive maintenance like every 8-10k km 27 - totally agree 26 - agree however those black ones neehh.. 25 - yeah 24 - I would not replace the heated steering wheel with the M one..well cover over the original broken leather? no way... 23 - not my thing but well yeah if is glued not drilled 22 - oe only 21 - agree 20 - agree 19 - no way! the 136hp variant does not hold up even stage1 for long term - the 150hp of the e46 is a different story - easily holds up 190hp stock internals but again NOT the 136hp one 18 - b4/6 struts eibach coils black/red 17 - m5 rims are the best looking but not so strong. Consider upgrading the brakes also, rotors calipers master cylinder and so on but on a 520d? not worth it... 16 - totally agree 15 - not worth it on this engine 14 - retrofitting the seat heating is not that easy so better get a car equipped from factory (is doable but not that easy) - replacing the broken heating element is a different story 12 - modlight2 module broke my hvac unit not working right and sometimes blocks the k-line signals - don't do it 11 - nop - retrofit the e38 hydraulic system or forget it 9 - replace only the rubber valeo last about 1year bosh 3 months - original ones few years 7- when is raining your foot will slip an alu pedals they look cook but not worth... 6 - yes! proper wiring required 3 - a propper lsd is very expensive not worh in a 520d... 2- yes original ones are alu finished but glossy chrome look loos as well... 1 - not one bulb there are several led's across the pcb - not recomended but doable still...

[@market_car]

I didn’t know that about the swirl flaps. Thanks for the information!

[@zenoooos]

W vid

[@market_car]

Thanks Zeno!!

[@fabisocol6670]

"just straight pipe it" What an advice hahahah But good video tho!

[@market_car]

Delete the exhaust completely - no headers. Let's go! Thanks!

[@vmqxdv]

Anyone know how much it will cost?

[@market_car]

My guess is $5,000 for a good used 520d in 5 years.

[@vmqxdv]

That seems reasonable, and if I wanted to apply all the mod that you suggested, how much I need to spend?@@market_car

[@market_car]

I don’t recommend doing them all. Pick the ones you like the most, and the price will depend on your preferences.

[@market_car]

I spent less than $500 on this one.

[@slam44]

Too many mods spoils the soup. But I like your videos.

[@market_car]

Thanks Mr. Slam! I think you gotta choose your favorites and only do the ones you like the most.

[@thetransporter7344]

i dont like black grille on e39´s

[@market_car]

To each their own, I think it looks more badass this way

[@bencrosbie]

weld the diff

[@market_car]

Hell yeah, great idea!

[@racedriver777]

nice video but OMG get that rust fixed on your car before those lift points are completely gone, right rear area is gone allready lol

[@market_car]

The right skirt is see-through at this point 😭

[@ericlessault8006]

Keep your e39 oem keep it classy don’t pop up original factory stock equipments by chinese equipments!!

[@market_car]

BMW needs to start making gloss black grilles for the E39 in that case

[@kasperwinterhag]

Fisrt 5 minutes may as well be sponserd by amazon xD

[@market_car]

And AliExpress!

[@GreenWarfare]

mod 51: change your windshield 😆

[@market_car]

The hardest mod of all!

[@julijapetkovic9683]

First❤

[@market_car]

As always! ❤️