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Do It Yourself (DIY) Guidepost

302K views 199 replies 110 participants last post by  Tiron Alex 
#1 · (Edited)
Introduction

I would like to take a fresh look at reorganizing the Do-It-Yourself threads here, by:
1) finding/identifying the best ones
2) providing a dedicated thread for nominations of newer/better ones
3) adding rudimentary keyword tags above each link (which may not be in the title)

If you know about a post that is superior/complementary to one already listed, or if you know about a new one, please post here with:
- the link
- some keywords for reference

Better yet, if you are motivated to create a better-written / more-accurate version of a DIY here, please do so, and let this thread know about it.

Gustav has added a "DIY" prefix which you can apply at the time you post your new DIY thread.

Thanks for the help.
 
#2 · (Edited)
When to do it?

Note: The following intervals are meant only as very general guidelines, and may not be suitable for your car or your driving style.

Again, I’m seeding this with information I have cataloged for my own purposes, based on observations made about when owners addressed them. That starting point may or may not be correct. Please post replies with errors and additions.

General:
Air filter – every 15k miles / 25k km
Brake fluid – every 2 years, or less
Coolant – every 3 years, or less

Think about at 50k miles / 80k km, if not already done:
Belts
Transmission fluid
Pre-cat oxygen sensors

Think about at 70k miles / 110k km, if not already done:
Fuel filter
Thrust arm bushings
Power steering fluid
Wheel bearings

Think about at 90k miles / 145k km, if not already done:
Fan clutch, radiator
Fuel pump

Think about at 100k miles / 160k km, if not already done:
Rod bearings
 
#14 ·
When to do it?

The following intervals are meant only as very general guidelines, and may not be suitable for your car or your driving style.

Again, I’m seeding this with information I have cataloged for my own purposes, based on observations made about when owners addressed them. That starting point may or may not be correct. Please post replies with errors and additions.

General:
Air filter – every 15k miles
Brake fluid – every 2 years, or less
Coolant – every 3 years, or less

Think about at 50k miles, if not already done:
Belts
Transmission fluid

Think about at 70k miles, if not already done:
Fuel filter
Thrust arm bushings
Power steering fluid
Wheel bearings

Think about at 90k miles, if not already done:
Fan clutch, radiator
Fuel pump

Think about at 100k miles, if not already done:
Rod bearings
Is it possible to have this in miles and km please ? :biggrin:
 
#3 · (Edited)
How to do it?

Note: Be advised that these DIYs are mostly written by non-professionals. The help you seek may be worth exactly what you paid for it here: nothing.

ABS sensor
ABS sensor replacement front DIY (vantaam5)

Air conditioning recharge
Recharge Air Condition - DIY (jlusby)

Alternator
DIY: - Alternator DIY (jshep)

Audio bluetooth A2DP via Aux
DIY: - Bluetooth Streaming Audio (on the cheap) (emfunf)

Aux audio input
DIY: - Retro-Fit Auxiliary Audio Input Harness (AGM5)

Aux fan
DIY: - Aux Fan - Replacement Steps (Detailed + Pics) (D-RodM5)

A/V Dynavin Avin
Dynavin
My Dynavin all in one thread (Tho///a5)
DIY: - Avin Android Head Unit Install (plus new amp) (Ikazuchi)

Battery drain diagnosis
Got Battery Drain Problems? Check Here (StreetDragster)

Belts, serpentine (alternator/waterpump), AC
Fan clutch, aux fan, pusher
DIY - S62 V-belts replacement and fan clutch replacement. (J Irwan)
DIY: Fan clutch replacement PICS (Torquey5)

Blower motor HVAC
Replaced Blower Motor ( 64118385558 ) (tbalon)
DIY: - Blower motor replacement (video)

Brake booster
DIY: Brake Booster Replacement (Nabio)

Brake fluid flush
DIY brake flush w/Motive Power Bleeder (chowdah)
Brake/Clutch Bleed w/ATE Super Blue (phid_bombadier)
help with front brake air lock please (eljockvis)
www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/319289-brake-bleeding-dis-5-7-a.html

Brake kit, BMW Performance retrofit
DIY: - How To Fit The BMW Performance Brake Kit to an E39 M5 (StreetDragster)

Brake line, hose
Changed a rear brake line (video) (Jetpilot718)

Brake overhaul, caliper rebuild, hoses, bedding
www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/286497-did-full-brake-overhaul-beast.html (Jetpilot718, Vector57)
DIY: - Brake Caliper Rebuild (bimmerule)

Brake pads
DIY: - Replacing Brake Pads (w/ video) (zed.inc)

Bumper removal, front
How to Remove the Front M5 Bumper (pureretro)

Camshaft Position Sensor, general
Tech DIY: Replacing USA Driver Side Intake CPS (shammy)
Camshaft Position Sensor, intake, bank 1
Replacing the left-hand side intake camshaft position... (DavidS)
Camshaft Position Sensor, intake, bank 2
DIY: - Whews...Finally replace CPS intake - Bank 2 (Cyl 5-8) (J Irwan)
Camshaft Position Sensor, exhaust, bank 2
Whews...Finally replace CPS exhaust - Bank 2 (Cyl 5-8) (J Irwan)

Camshaft timing
Cam timing DIY (vantaam5)

Catalytic converter (CATS) testing
DIY: - How to test the cats (68FB)

Chain tensioner
Chain tensioner change DIY with pics (vantaam5)

Coolant flush
advice on draining coolant for stat change. (jamiepeers)
Coolant Flush Procedure? (NogginM5Beast)

Coolant temp sensor, lower
DIY: Lower coolant temp sensor replacement (MPowrd)

Clutch
Rear main seal
Rear Main Seal / Cluch / Transmission removal &amp... (Terabass)
Clutch change DIY with pics (vantaam5)
My Clutch Change Video (Jetpilot718)
Replacing the E39 M5 Clutch and Flywheel with Original... (OldRanger)

Clutch line
Clutch line replacement DIY (vantaam5)

Compression, leakdown test
TECH: How to accurately compression test an S62 engine (DavidS)
Compression and Leak-Down Results (jfdturbo)

Differential, general
Rear Diff - Visual condition? (Tin)
Differential, input shaft
Differential input shaft sealing DIY (vantaam5)
DIY Rear Differential Side Axle Seal Replacement with pics (tripevans)
Differential, rebuilt
Differential rebuild with some pics (vantaam5)

Differential oil
Transmission oil
Changed Transmission and Differential Fluid today [Pictures] (timmay77)
Anyone know where to get the tool for changing the...

DME, euro software to address jerky throttle and AA carbon buildup
DIY: - Flashing DME with Euro SW to correct throttle... (nightkrawler)

Door edge seal squeak (door side)
DIY: - Replace front/rear worn and 'creaking&#039... (TMcNasty)

Door edge seal (body side)
DIY: - Rear Body Door Seal Replacement (swingwing)

Door lock actuator
DIY: - Doors Locking Problem (TheAvenger)

Door stuck locked actuator dead
DIY: - How to open (passenger) door stuck in double lock (Spiller)

Door vapor barrier leaking, gasket, insulation, water
Door seal/gasket/insulation DIY, to prevent water leaks (chowdah)
Fixed leaking rear door vapor barriers (pics) (timmay77)

Ebox fan motor
DIY - Replacing the Actual Fan Motor Itself for the... (Bosoxfan)

Engine motor mounts
DIY: - Replacing Motor / Engine Mounts with Pics (Inverno)

Escort
Valentine1
HOW TO: Hardwiring a Radar Detector - Escort 9500ix (Diny)

Firewall covers (body work engine compartment)
DIY: - E39 - Replacement of the Left and Right Firewall... (AGM5)

Folding mirror
Folding mirror repair kits..... (estreetgt)
Fixes for your side mirror actuators (Ibmotoren)
DIY: E39 M5 mirror mechanism repair (many photos) (Terabass)

Fog light refinishing
DIY: Fog Light Sanding/Refinishing with Pics (Mfreakin5)

Fog light replacement
Fog Light Bulb Replacement for E39 M5 w/ Pics (D-RodM5)

Fuel diagnostics
DIY: - Suddenly stranded? Testing your fuel tank levels... (JoeFromPA)

Fuel filler door lock actuator
Gas Filler Flap Lock Actuator DIY (Phyber0ptik)

Fuel filter
Fuel Filter install DIY, observations and tips (rdm190)
Changed your FUEL FILTER Lately? (filter cut open pic) (SehrSchnell)
Fuel Filter Replacement (phid_bombadier)
DIY: - Video: BMW M5 E39 Fuel Filter (Terabass)

Fuel injectors
DIY: - Fuel injector removal (curtissp321)

Fuel Pump
Complete Fuel Pump DIY with pics! (doc$holliday)
DIY: Video: BMW M5 E39 Fuel Pump (Terabass)
Fuel pump replacement - prevent "the 1/4 tank problem" (hooter_brown)

Fuel tank breather valve
Replacing Fuel Tank Breather Valve DIY (Peake code E8) (J Irwan)
Replaced my fuel tank breather valve, pictures of the job.. (rdm190)

Headlight, automatic retrofit w/LCM & RLS
DIY: - Retrofit Automatic Headlights (Rontgen)

Headlight, sealed, replacing lenses/adjusters
DIY: - Replacing Headlamp Lenses and Adjusters on... (jamiepeers)

Hood / bonnet release bowden cables
How to change bowden cables for bonnet(hood) locks.. (vantaam5)

Homelink, garage door programming
DIY: - HomeLink Garage Door Opening Instructions (1mpowerme)

IATS intake temp sensor relocation
DIY: - Intake Air Temperature Sensor Relocation (roverguy10)
DIY: IAT Relocation from MAF wires (///m62e39)

Ignition coil testing
DINAN IGNITION COILS FOR S62.... AND MORE! (StephenVA)

Instrument cluster bulb
DIY: - Removing The gauge cluster, and replacing bulbs! (Avante)

Instrument cluster reprogram/coding for mileage/VIN
DIY: How to reprogram a used cluster to match your... (blackknight530i)

Key fob
DIY: - Dead key fob battery troubleshooting (alfanator)

Laser intecerptor
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...y-front-li-laser-interceptor-install-e39.html (chowdah)

LCM (light control module) PCB cleaning
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...fix-repair-misbehaving-lcm3-cleaning-pcb.html (thegorilla)

Leather re-dye, caramel
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/182605-caramel-leather-re-dye.html (skeelo34)

Lower Engine Compartment Cover (pork chop, 51712498989, 51712498990, 51712694832, 51712694899) DIY
How to repair a broken pork chop (pic heavy)

Lower Control Arm (LCA)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...416017-lower-control-arm-replacement-lca.html (RideM5)

Oil change
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/28410-diy-oil-change-instructions.html (Naka)

Oil pan drain plug stripped, timesert
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...5-diy-repair-stripped-oil-pan-drain-plug.html (TMcNasty)

Oil temp level sensor
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e.../192647-oil-temp-level-sensor-diy-w-pics.html (D-RodM5)

Oxygen sensor, pre-cat, post-cat
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/109770-o2-oxygen-sensor-test-how.html (nathanielbrown)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/153658-diy-o2-sensor-change.html (TMcNasty)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...on/59612-howto-replace-o2-sensors-w-pics.html (aaronmiles)

Paint correction
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/161427-paint-correction-noob.html (5thGen)

Parking brake adjustment, hand brake, loose
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...n/102274-adjusting-handbrake-whats-notch.html (TheAvenger)

Parking brake shoes replacement, handbrake
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/206331-handbrake-shoes-replacement.html (bimmerule)

Pixels, dashboard display
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...on/173729-diy-pixel-repair-lots-pictures.html (Burnout_187)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...n/75943-missing-pixels-dashboard-display.html

Power steering fluid
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...wer-steering-flush-reservoir-replacement.html (getbent)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/161197-p-s-flush-diy-pics-added.html (Lancefitzgiben)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/98990-change-power-steering-fluid.html (SeattleM5)

Power steering hose
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...9929-replaced-power-steering-hoses-today.html (ECB)

Power steering pump, troubleshooting
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...-replace-my-power-steering-pump-assembly.html

Propshaft center bearing
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...150088-propshaft-center-bearing-diy-pics.html (vantaam5)

Radiator
https://www.m5board.com/threads/radiator-replacement.470985/ (swingwing)
https://www.m5board.com/threads/radiator-replacement.366034/ (katzmandu)

Rear Balljoint
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...balljoint-replacement-make-your-own-tool.html (jamiepeers)

Rear Main Seal, Clutch, Transmission shaft / seal
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...ear-main-seal-clutch-driveshaft-diy-pics.html (tripevans)

Rear Main Seal, shortcut
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...-rms-rear-main-seal-replacement-shortcut.html (M5convert)

Rod bearings
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...8697-rod-bearing-chain-guide-replacement.html (jamiepeers)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/144569-rod-bearing-diy-pics-inside.html (vantaam5)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/192328-rod-bearing-change.html (ger)

Seat belt (rear retractor)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...or-shoulder-belt-replacement.html#post4111201 (moveson)

Seats twisted
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e.../159724-complete-diy-twisted-seat-repair.html (doc$holliday)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...video-twisted-seat-repair-fix-super-easy.html (Terabass)

Shift knob, illuminated, F10
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/218833-f10-shifter-knob-boot-install.html (mattmor)

Short shifter, e60
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...04-e60-545i-short-shifter-install-review.html (M55555)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...on/105018-e60-545i-short-shifter-install.html (xr4tic)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...ots-ebrake-handle-diy-w-pics.html#post2124353 (OsinO)

Sirius, satellite, radio, BM53, retrofit
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...12981-e39-bm53-bmw-sirius-radio-retrofit.html (AGM5)

Sound system, radio, audio
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...how-add-amps-w-out-cleansweep-dsp-system.html (DouglasABaker)

Spark plugs
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...41-diy-spark-plugs-requested-pics-inside.html (rdm190)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/m5-e39-e60-tips-tricks/58768-tips-changing-spark-plugs-e39-m5.html (jaj)

Steering idler control arm bushing
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...35-how-change-steering-idler-arm-bushing.html (vantaam5)

Steering wheel
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...61-2001-steering-wheel-retrofit-complete.html (billrM5)

Suspension, coilover
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/m...spension-coil-over-install-long-detailed.html (jaj)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/m...spension-coil-over-install-long-detailed.html (jaj)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/m...39m5-rear-deck-removal-diy-long-detailed.html (jaj)

Thermostat
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...irdest-themostat-ever-how-does-even-work.html (jfman)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...id-thermostat-replacement-today-lot-pics.html (timmay77)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/199108-alternative-thermostats.html (russap5)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e.../367970-diy-making-hybrid-82c-thermostat.html (jamiepeers)

Throttle actuator
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/456506-replaced-throttle-actuator.html (godaemon)

Throttle pedal retrofit
https://www.m5board.com/threads/diy-updated-throttle-pedal-retrofit.608281/#post-7601758 (roarf)

Throttle position sensor, TPS
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/167754-tps-diy.html (Jetpilot718)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...n/173164-tps-replacement-pictures-inside.html (mmzcee)
How to test (Sailor24)

Throttle sync
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/470490-throttle-sync-process.html (jf0517)

Thrust arm bushings, X5
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/177656-x5-bushings-insertion.html (deleted! can anyone remember the author?)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...71454-diy-m5-thrust-arm-bushings-install.html (ACHTUNGM5)

Tie rod
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/168710-tie-rod-diy.html (deleted! can anyone remember the author?)

Timing chain, cover removal, cam tensioner
[see jamiepeers' post on Rod Bearings]
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...do-yourself-diy-guidepost-11.html#post4257993 (zed.inc)

Trunk lock actuator / trunk lid won't stay shut (broken latch spring)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...8520-diy-trunk-lock-actuator-replacement.html (MrCrashRR)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...ed-e39-trunk-actuator-spring-cost-0-89-a.html (andrew911)

Vacuum line, throttle body
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...or-throttle-body-vacuum-line-replacement.html (Mike S.)

Valve cover, general, grommets, oil
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e.../95705-where-do-valve-cover-gaskets-leak.html
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/155478-leaking-oil-cap.html

Valve cover gaskets
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/107593-replacing-valve-cover-gaskets.html (CWY_M5)

Vanos board
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/530393-vanos-boards-removal.html

Vanos solenoid
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...96-vanos-solenoid-rough-idle-fix-success.html (Don Incognito)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/144368-how-remove-solenoids-video.html (vantaam5)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/191986-vanos-solenoid-repair.html (gzig5)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/196949-diy-cleaning-vanos.html (TommeH)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...01120-vanos-cover-set-screw-modification.html (wilhit10)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...2759-vanos-solenoid-maintenance_full-diy.html (bdsmitty88)

Vanos spring plate
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...on/201209-diy-vanos-spring-plate-renewal.html (jamiepeers)

Water pump
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...0-water-pump-replacement-diy.html#post1790248 (vantaam5)

Washer fluid reservoir leak, intensive
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e.../155518-intensive-fluid-cleaner-leak-diy.html (CarbonCopy)

Washing claying waxing
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/d...g/150684-washing-my-bmw-m-what-do-i-need.html (Tiauguinho)
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...aying-waxing-e39-m5-tutorial-tips-tricks.html (Tiauguinho)

Wheel bearing, rear
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/261881-diy-rear-wheel-bearing.html (jamiepeers)

Window regulator, front
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...front-window-regulator-replacement-video.html (zed.inc)

Windshield gasket seal
https://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e...01045-windshield-rubber-seal-replacement.html (billrM5 & mjohnson)
 
#7 ·
subscribed extremely useful
 
#8 ·
Thank you for spending time to put this together.
 
#9 ·
Absolutely, many thanks for this. I reckon a lot of members on here hold the DIY's in very high regard and they are extremely useful, they must be saving us £1k's in labour costs.

Great idea to sort them out a bit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BATMAN7KNIGHT
#13 ·
#22 ·
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Reactions: chowdah
#25 ·
Subscribed!
 
#35 ·
Can you clean up the thread though so it only contains actual DIY's or useful information and not "subscribed" threads?
If anyone, who wrote a "subscribed" post here, would like me to delete their post, please drop a Thanks or Like to this post.

FYI, an alternative to posting simply to subscribe, is to use the "Thread Tools" link atop each page in the thread.
 
#34 ·
I would have thought the items in post #2 might be good for new owners to get an idea of timescales in the cars life for these jobs. I'm sure it's intended to be an approximation, and not a schedule as such.

Happy to be corrected though :)
 
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