Another daily driver thread: E34 525i
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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
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. -
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
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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.
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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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
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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.
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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.
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I have oem e34 m5 bumpers and skirts
I thought you were going to keep them for a future project?
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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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These seem to be your best bet for replacement throwing stars. As they are not made from fiberglass.
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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.
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.
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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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Wow that's a great looking walleye!
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Tires on backwards by chance? Hard to tell for sure from the picture but that could have an effect on tramlining too
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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
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Tires on backwards by chance? Hard to tell for sure from the picture but that could have an effect on tramlining too
Backwards tire could cause noise or potentially improper or accelerated wear but couldn't cause a wander like he's describing.
I'd suggest taking the tires to someone with a road force balancer and have them straight track the tires. This will diagnose a tire issue if it exists and they'll be able to tell you which position to mount them in to avoid and minimize pull or wandering. If that comes back good then @straight6pwr is most likely correct that it's a loose suspension part. Strut, balljoint, tie rod, etc. You pick and it can cause this concern.
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