Firstfives.org

Sounds like the LEDs worked out for you? Ideally, LEDs are the way to go, but direct substitution is a bit hit or miss. I tried LED substitution in my 2002 Dodge truck a few years back - result was blinkers blinked at twice the usual frequency. It was so annoying I went back to the usual halogens. I...

I currently have Bilstein HDs on the rear in my 530i. Springs remain compressed when jacked up.
I don't think spring compression is ever released without disassembly when using the stock springs and struts.
That statement stands for both front and rear.

Yes, on the 530i having the same box for reactor service reset. I bet the 3 cable setup is U.S. O2 and thermal reactors were emission equipment generally not on the Euro cars. Just checking under my Euro 528, there is no service box. The 2 cable setup is for Euro cars. Unfortunate that the parts ava...

No pre pump on the 77, so that must be your fuel level sensor. Three wires makes sense since it's basically
a potentiometer. One connection on each end of the resistor and the third connection provides partial resistance as the float moves across the entire resistor.

Your original pictures have far more extra bolt length that I'd expect when installing new. On the other hand, being over 1 cm too long exceeds what I've experienced too. Old rubber bushings will certainly be a little compressed. I often do a little cheat on install of new rubber using a balanced pa...

I replaced those not long ago. I guess they weren't NLA yet. However, these are sufficiently generic that I have a few sources you might try. https://www.mcmaster.com/rubber-isolators www.belmetric.com --> search for "rubber vibration isolator" Don't know if that helps you in Australia, but I've see...

Karl,
I don't think there is anything Mike W hasn't seen, but I also responded to your PM with my initial 2 cents.

You might search the archives here. IIRC, there is a subtle difference in the floor pan on the passenger
side. It might even be the 80-81 are like the E28, but the earlier E12s are different under the passenger seat.

Thanks for the feedback. Since I'll be doing all the seats, matching the original isn't technically as critical. I'm already deviating from the original since these seats are a mix of fabric and vinyl. The fabric is absolutely torched, while vinyl is in much better shape. Seems to suggest that the v...

I wouldn't say flooding, but as you attempt to start and are unsuccessful, the cold start mechanisms will be helping you less. For example, the thermotime switch is warming itself with cranking, IIRC, and will be giving less of a shot of gas through the cold start valve through successive start atte...

I've been shopping carpet a bit myself. I haven't done anything yet, but there's a nice selection of
German carpet swatches here that I've been browsing.

https://gahh.com/carpet-color-swatches

My Euro 528 restoration car is in bad need of new seat covers. I followed Ebay listings to this source and even received a collection of vinyl samples that look great. I've got a tan-colored interior, but I'm just not sure which color it is among all the earth tones. I think I've got Pearl Beige as ...

I've done this before on a 77 530i. Most of the wiring is already there for you. 1. Add fuses and relay in the fuse box according to the labels. Relay is just another 30A unit like the others. Use the same type of relay that you'd use for the high and low beams. 2. There should be an unused fully in...

Awesome! Thanks Tom. I thought about digging up some old pictures, but a confirmed swap is certainly priceless
knowledge before dropping $$, especially on a new one. It also helps explain the giant, unused, raised circular region
on the E12 part mold - it's a threaded hole on the E24 version.

I checked our parts interchange FAQ, but don't see this one. I believe the early E12-based E24 has the same coolant reservoir, except the E24 part has an extra port designed for a level sensor. Can anybody with both cars confirm? I consider that extra port an upgrade - extra gauge, extra sensor, plu...