BarryM

Dunno what the foam is but I’ve had this on my to-do list for a while: https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/Torch/Index.htm

Standard E39 has 3.6 turns lock to lock, the only E39 with less is the M5 with 2.9 turns, doesn’t sound much but makes a big difference apparently. Pre-facelift also had a bus sized wheel whereas the sport wheel is smaller and does make a slight difference. This always bugs me when driving in a multi story car park!

Only £1! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-e39-sport-raspberry-pink-leather-interior/143738960440?hash=item2177827a38:g:n9QAAOSwlJhfYP9H

The E38 link I posted above includes the full process documented by ZF so perfect if you’re brave/foolhardy enough to diy....

Just re-read your post and you mention pre 09/98 and post 09/98 so they are both pre-facelift so would both be rectangle. I just read pre and post and immediately thought you were talking pre/post facelift but facelift arrived in 2001. AFAIK there’s only one type of rectangle shaped so should be straight forward!

Nice work, this is on the wife’s to do list but I’m not keen as I think the tiles, shower tray and doors need replacing

I thought pre-facelift were rectangle shaped and facelift oval, with the sport bumper using the same as the M5 which are a third design....

This

Found some old info from when I was planning this in 2012......and although my box is the 5HP24 box I was recommended to use Esso LT 71141 by ZF and that is the stuff BMW sell in their own branded bottles, Opie oils are always good on price so I'd go with that and order the filter direct once you can find the right one. Although this links to E38.org and relates to the 5HP24 box it also includes info on oil filling procedure on page 4 so might be helpful to you: http://www.e38.org/ZF_5HP24_Spare_Parts.pdf

Start here but be prepared to click a few links to find your local specialist as the site has so much info: https://aftermarket.zf.com/go/en/aftermarket-portal/passenger-cars-and-lcv/spare-parts-and-products/transmissions/ I found a local transmission expert prepared to change my oil and filter but insisted on providing the stuff which I ordered direct from one of the ZF agents after verifying the gearbox I had in the car

The ZF website lists registered workshops which will ensure you get genuine parts, makes sense given the importance of getting this right.

Now fitted under the driver seat, it's invisible even with the thigh support fully in:

I think the way the headlight washer works is a mystery to most people - from the owner's manual:

Deepest Yorkshire, just round the corner from the Woolpack!

TBH I’m gonna buy 10 bottles myself as you use this stuff neat so 500ml won’t last forever if you use it often, just thought I’d put it out there to see if there’s any interest. Neat regular screen wash might work just as well so I’m not suggesting this stuff is any better but as I’ve found it so cheap thought I’d post