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  4. Another daily driver thread: E34 525i

Another daily driver thread: E34 525i

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  • YoungCRY
    YoungCRY
    YoungCR
    wrote on last edited by
    #68

    Rock on! I’m guessing the static issues you had were from your phone as well. I know my 3.5mm is finicky depending on the cable. Also if you wanted to take this further, there are several options for usb powered/3.5mm aux Bluetooth receivers on Amazon from Anker for example.

    Chris Young
    BMWCCA #458972
    1986 528e/5  | 1994 530i/5 | 1995 540i/6 | 2013 X5 35d | 1998 C1500 Suburban | 1995 K2500 Suburban

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    • P_RoloffP
      P_RoloffP
      P_Roloff
      wrote on last edited by
      #69

      KaiserRolls said:

      Nice write up. Super slick way to keep the stock appearance and have the option to blast insane clown posse on demand. 

      Thanks! That’s what I was going for lol

      YoungCR said:

      Rock on! I’m guessing the static issues you had were from your phone as well. I know my 3.5mm is finicky depending on the cable. Also if you wanted to take this further, there are several options for usb powered/3.5mm aux Bluetooth receivers on Amazon from Anker for example. 

      Yeah, I was going to experiment with a few different cables to see if it made any difference. My phone is quite old (for a phone) so it could just be that engineered lifespan rearing its head. 
      Next on the list is likely Bluetooth integration, I was also considering using a small board and some relays to make a switching input to restore functionality to the CD changer. Having all three, while kinda unnecessary, would be pretty sweet IMO.

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      • straight6pwrS
        straight6pwrS
        straight6pwr
        wrote on last edited by
        #70

        awesome job! very detective, much sneaky.

        i wouldnt recommend putting a 3.5 jack in that plate blank, though. i had one and the side-to-side torque created by the cable causes that blank plate to pop out constantly. i had to super glue mine in place. however, you have to remove that blank to get that plastic console piece out of the car, so it was not a good solution in the end.

        Dan
        yajsYRL.jpg.e5f350b4dfe961d76ac8b32efce2e1a6.jpg

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        • P_RoloffP
          P_RoloffP
          P_Roloff
          wrote on last edited by
          #71

          straight6pwr said:

          awesome job! very detective, much sneaky.

          i wouldnt recommend putting a 3.5 jack in that plate blank, though. i had one and the side-to-side torque created by the cable causes that blank plate to pop out constantly. i had to super glue mine in place. however, you have to remove that blank to get that plastic console piece out of the car, so it was not a good solution in the end. 

          Too late, just installed it.

          completed (2).jpg

          I'm not too concerned, I have the exact same setup in the e30 for the auxiliary input and it works fine. In reality the cord doesn't get reoved enough to make it an issue, and I've never had issues with the plate popping out in normal use. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a different solution, though. Perhaps something with the OEM auxiliary input/usb charger for the newer cars? Not sure if it would fit, but would be cool to make work.

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          • m42b32M
            m42b32M
            m42b32
            wrote on last edited by
            #72

            Nice work!! I wish I would've seen that when I had my e36. I did the tape deck mod to the C43 that was in the car and it worked alright but had a lot of the same problems you describe.

            1991 318is, 1991 318i, 2022 Bronco

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            • straight6pwrS
              straight6pwrS
              straight6pwr
              wrote on last edited by
              #73

              P_Roloff said:

              Too late, just installed it.

              I'm not too concerned, I have the exact same setup in the e30 for the auxiliary input and it works fine. In reality the cord doesn't get reoved enough to make it an issue, and I've never had issues with the plate popping out in normal use. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a different solution, though. Perhaps something with the OEM auxiliary input/usb charger for the newer cars? Not sure if it would fit, but would be cool to make work.

              e30 blank does not equal e34 blank. the e30 one has tabs on 4 sides, the e34 has tabs only on top and bottom. I hope it works for you!

              Dan
              yajsYRL.jpg.e5f350b4dfe961d76ac8b32efce2e1a6.jpg

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              • P_RoloffP
                P_RoloffP
                P_Roloff
                wrote on last edited by
                #74

                straight6pwr said:

                e30 blank does not equal e34 blank. the e30 one has tabs on 4 sides, the e34 has tabs only on top and bottom. I hope it works for you! 

                You’re right, now that I think about it. Oh well, if it causes issues I’ll come up with something else I suppose.

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • B
                  B
                  B C
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #75

                  Very nicely done!

                  I added a headphone input to the M3. It really allows you to tolerate the limitations of the older stock head unit.

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                  • P_RoloffP
                    P_RoloffP
                    P_Roloff
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #76

                    Decided to go a different way on the wheel front! Going to run them as-is with the older tires on there for a little while. Haven't decided for sure whether I'm going to repaint the lips back to silver like they should be, but I really like that look. Either way, I'll be figuring out something for a BMW center cap like shown in the third photo.

                    Long shot, but has anyone heard whether the reproduction fiberglass throwing star covers seen on Ebay and various forums are any good at all? They're around $300 a set, I don't think I can bring myself to cough up the dough for the real ones. I'm normally not one for fake stuff, but man are those things pricey. 

                    m-system1.jpg

                    m-system2.jpg

                    m-system centercap.jpg

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                    • ChrisOC
                      ChrisOC
                      ChrisO
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #77

                      I have oem e34 m5 bumpers and skirts 👀

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      1
                      • P_RoloffP
                        P_RoloffP
                        P_Roloff
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #78

                        ChrisO said:

                        I have oem e34 m5 bumpers and skirts 👀

                        I thought you were going to keep them for a future project?

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                        • m42b32M
                          m42b32M
                          m42b32
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #79

                          Realized I never commented on this... M-systems are probably in my top 3 favorite OEM wheels, nice find! those are going to look fantastic! I actually really like the no-cover look you posted with a center cap

                          1991 318is, 1991 318i, 2022 Bronco

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                          • P_RoloffP
                            P_RoloffP
                            P_Roloff
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #80

                            m42b32 said:

                            Realized I never commented on this... M-systems are probably in my top 3 favorite OEM wheels, nice find! those are going to look fantastic! I actually really like the no-cover look you posted with a center cap

                            Thanks, I do too! Dresses it up just enough for a relatively stock car.

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                            • RekpointR
                              RekpointR
                              Rekpoint
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #81

                              These seem to be your best bet for replacement throwing stars. As they are not made from fiberglass.

                              https://www.classiceuroparts.com/product/bmw-e31-e34-m5-m-system-throwing-star-cover-style-21-wheel-cap-set-of-4-pcs/

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                              • P_RoloffP
                                P_RoloffP
                                P_Roloff
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #82

                                I haven’t been very good about updates, but a few things have happened since the last post, thought I might as well update for record keeping purposes.

                                Finally took care of the rear license plate mounting situation, the P.O. had it attached using two mismatched self-tapping screws, one of which had been overtightened and stripped the plastic grommet out. Ordered four new grommets and screws from FCP, and voila, no more annoying rattle when closing the trunk. It’s the little things.

                                I also got the m-systems bolted up and took some pictures, even with old tires the increase in handling sharpness and overall grip was miles better than before. Unfortunately, the car also developed a tendency to tramline that I wasn’t really expecting. Tightening the steering column nut helped some, but I think some adjustment of the steering box or replacement of some parts may be necessary to get rid of the problem, or at least reduce it. Input from other e34 owners would be greatly appreciated on this one. 
                                E47B1916-D49C-463E-B867-79D641046A54.jpeg
                                AD5C3968-D7C5-4301-A603-58A16383AF44.jpeg

                                A19B84DC-5255-4E8F-A630-CDD1BF9DA0B7.jpeg

                                52F4A635-9316-4EA6-A676-891EFBD96C59.jpeg

                                The lower profile tires also exacerbated a noise that I believe to be caused by the sway bar links, those will be replaced as soon as the parts show up.

                                Also want to give a shoutout to @Jdesign for his help dismounting the tires and ensuring the wheels are true, they’re now ready for refinishing and I’m happy to report they’re as straight as an arrow. I’m finishing up a prototype design for a 3D printed center cap as I type this, and will share results after I test it. 

                                I was also lucky enough to spend 5 days in northern Minnesota just after school ended with some family, I’ll probably post some more photos but this was one of the fish my dad caught on the second night, a 27” walleye. The wild part was that wasn’t even the biggest one caught that day in our group, it was quite an experience. 
                                F7BBD3D7-4376-42FE-B535-ED756D2F39DF.jpeg

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                                • m42b32M
                                  m42b32M
                                  m42b32
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #83

                                  Looks great!

                                  Tires can have a big effect on tramlining as well

                                  1991 318is, 1991 318i, 2022 Bronco

                                  1 Reply Last reply
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                                  • P_RoloffP
                                    P_RoloffP
                                    P_Roloff
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #84

                                    m42b32 said:

                                    Looks great!

                                    Tires can have a big effect on tramlining as well

                                    Yeah, I did read that. Slightly narrower (225/45r17) pilot super sports are going on to replace the old Yokohama’s, I’m hoping that makes a difference too.

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                                    • patsbimmer1P
                                      patsbimmer1P
                                      patsbimmer1
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #85

                                      Wow that's a great looking walleye!

                                      2011 e90 M3 - DCT, Borla exhaust, BMW Performance Black Grille, ECS Painted Corners, Ziza Angel Eyes

                                      07 335i Stella - sport package, BMS DCI, zhp knob, TMS cf parking brake lever, VRSF downpipes, MHD tune, H&R race springs, other stuff *SOLD*

                                      97 328i Lola - sport package, m50 intake manifold, m50 manifold.com install kit, custom CAI, K&N filter, Borla exhaust, FK silverline coilovers, 25.5mm front sway bar, Powerflex front sway bushings, Turner Radiator, fan delete *sold*
                                      95 325is *sold*
                                      93 nissan 240sx KA-T *sold*

                                      BMWCCA #473306

                                      Instagram @patsbimmer1

                                      AKA- HALLWAY PAT

                                      "burnouts bring babes and babes dont have time for bushings" - Kaiser Rolls

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                                      • m42b32M
                                        m42b32M
                                        m42b32
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #86

                                        P_Roloff said:

                                        52F4A635-9316-4EA6-A676-891EFBD96C59.jpeg

                                        Tires on backwards by chance? Hard to tell for sure from the picture but that could have an effect on tramlining too

                                        1991 318is, 1991 318i, 2022 Bronco

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • straight6pwrS
                                          straight6pwrS
                                          straight6pwr
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #87

                                          P_Roloff said:

                                          Input from other e34 owners would be greatly appreciated on this one.

                                          give up now? lol I replaced basically every component in the e34 steering (besides the steering box, itself) and it still wasnt perfect. always chased my tail on that.

                                          tramlining, specifically, is caused by something loose, i.e. worn ball joint or bushing. the wheel is allowed to move out of alignment from the rut in the road, even with the steering wheel held in place. anything in the front suspension with a joint is in question.

                                          also, nice eye! sounds like a great fishing trip.

                                          Dan
                                          yajsYRL.jpg.e5f350b4dfe961d76ac8b32efce2e1a6.jpg

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