is recon E39 JAPAN spec or UK spec is better?

[dave2020]

hi guysi m looking to buy earlier batch of E39but i read on a post stated that UK spec doesn't has some accessories, and Jap will have more accessories , but y still UK spec pricier than JAP spec ?also does all UK spec come with multi-function steerlig? also if i wanna upgrade from std steerling to multi-function steerling, is it possible to do this on like 97's 520/523? if do, how much does it usually cost(wanna get a used one)?thanksDave

 

[dvng]

why uk cost more..firstly the british pounds fluctuates like mad..hence the exchange rate are pegged at a higher spread..secondly freight charges and insurance cost more...the uk specs are abt rm10k higher than the jap spec..

 

[daan]

As far as which is better is a matter of the orginal owner. it's like asking if british girl or japanese girl better.

 

[BeemerSTER]

as for the multi function steering, you gotta get the right airbag(with multi function buttons) and its wiring harness kit, which depends on the year of model of car. Assuming it is a 4 spoke. This is the part number for it:


6112 0 028 154 Manufactured From September 98--March 99
6112 0 022 875 Manufactured From March 99--September 01

Sourcing for the parts is one thing. Getting the person to install is another. There were mechanics who told me they know how to do it, but aint gonna do it coz too tedious to remove E39 dashboard...oh well, what can i say?

good luck!

 

[bimmer73]

From what i heard before i got my 39, Jap spec is 523i they don't have 525i. UK spec is 525i thats the difference. They only way to find outis the chasis no. The ones with the chasis no. WBADTXXXXXXX is the 525i and WBADM is 523i.

 

[dvng]

From what i heard before i got my 39, Jap spec is 523i they don't have 525i. UK spec is 525i thats the difference. They only way to find outis the chasis no. The ones with the chasis no. WBADTXXXXXXX is the 525i and WBADM is 523i.

thats why the local dealer rebadged the Jap spec 523i with the 525i..please ask for VIN number and do a check..

 

[bohtak]

From what i heard before i got my 39, Jap spec is 523i they don't have 525i. UK spec is 525i thats the difference. They only way to find outis the chasis no. The ones with the chasis no. WBADTXXXXXXX is the 525i and WBADM is 523i.

2002 onwards for jap spec 525i's is the real thing with the 192 bhp engine. b4 2001 is the rebadged 523i to 525i with the 177 bhp engine.

 

[bohtak]

thats why the local dealer rebadged the Jap spec 523i with the 525i..please ask for VIN number and do a check..

nope.. the local dealer didnt rebadge the cars. as stated on the Japanese grant & bmw japan, the 523 is a 525i. so the 523 in japan is a 525.

like what i said, the 2002 onwards 525i's from japan is the one with the 192bhp.

 

[E36Turbo]

Check the chasis... for 525 japan spec, M54 engine its (WBADTXXXXXXX) 190Hp..
tats it.

 

[bimmer73]

nope.. the local dealer didnt rebadge the cars. as stated on the Japanese grant & bmw japan, the 523 is a 525i. so the 523 in japan is a 525.

like what i said, the 2002 onwards 525i's from japan is the one with the 192bhp.

yes before 2001 bmw japan considers the 523i as the 525i. They are only same on paper but not on the road.