My German Autobahn Mile Muncher - Le Mans Blue e39 M5

[Sreten]

As some of you already know, I recently moved to Germany from California and started a new job in Berlin.

After being forced to sell my ZHP, I really wanted another 330Ci, but I couldn't find one that wasn't a rust box for a decent price.
I wasn't planning on getting an M5, but the price and the car were right. I had long negotiations with the owner until we struck a deal and I took ownership of the car last weekend.

I found it in a small village close to Nürburgring. Bought it from a farmer. :biggrin Car was on seasonal plates and only driven in summer, so no rust issues which was important to me. Inside is very dusty and filthy, but that will clean up.

With the car, I got 4 keys and typical German/European service book that contains no details, just basic stuff.

It's a 03/2000 pre-facelift model in Le Mans Blue color. Under the hood resides S62 engine, 4.9L V8 that makes 400hp, enough to propel the car from 0 to 60 in about 5.3 seconds.

This is how it sits now.

https://s12.postimg.org/w0eqm1fgp/20170624_143536.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/w0eqm1fgp/) https://s12.postimg.org/e05jhnn9l/20170624_143517.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e05jhnn9l/) https://s12.postimg.org/bub8n5jt5/20170624_143549.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/bub8n5jt5/) https://s12.postimg.org/yo46we8i1/20170624_143558.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/yo46we8i1/)

Pick up day at the Nürburgring gas station.

https://s12.postimg.org/diae1sxop/20170624_130237.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/diae1sxop/) https://s12.postimg.org/8kwtgovpl/20170624_130630.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8kwtgovpl/) https://s12.postimg.org/ylkb9k4uh/20170624_131353.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ylkb9k4uh/)

Drive home to Berlin was around 430 miles. My first experience on the Autobahn and in the M5, it was phenomenal.
I drove fast cars and slow cars, but nothing like the M5. It has so much torque and power in each gear, combine that with the V8 sound and every time you put the pedal down it brings a big stupid smile on my face. I just couldn't stop smiling.

Right now, it's parked with expired temporary plates that Germans call 5 day plates, but actually expire in 4 days.
Whenever I had to deal with German bureaucracy, I had to wait forever to get something done. They are everything but efficient.
Same thing with registration and license plates, earliest possible appointment I could get is in 4 weeks! There are only two Kfz offices (similar to DMV) in whole Berlin. In the mean time, I can't move the car which really sucks.

I did manage to get new rubber on. Dunlop Sport maxx RT2, $650 out of door.

https://s11.postimg.org/w9u3cxvn3/20170626_191913.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/w9u3cxvn3/) https://s11.postimg.org/zfa3peovj/20170626_191907.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/zfa3peovj/)

First thing for the car will be to eliminate hideous pre-facelift headlights and taillights.

Scored a set of brand new taillights, original Hella Celis facelift conversion kit for only $130! Couldn't believe it until I saw them. They are $600 new in US and around $400-500 in Europe from other places.

https://s12.postimg.org/bldnx870p/20170626_195106.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/bldnx870p/) https://s12.postimg.org/n0a51ujd5/20170626_195239.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/n0a51ujd5/)

I also got a set of used Hella headlights that I am rebuilding with new projectors and covers before they go onto the car.
Bunch of other parts, tools and detailing stuff since I have nothing. Not even a screw driver. :biggrin

More soon.

[fredo]

Congrats, man ! Wow, 400 HP. :drool

[anandoc]

This is going to be an awesome thread!

[BMWCurves]

Simply gorgeous. My all time favorite M5 generation and my favorite BMW blue.

[derbo]

Congrats!!!

[slater]

congrats, love it! great color and the E39 is my favorite 5er... of course, with the E46 being my favorite 3er, i guess that only stands to reason. :)

[danewilson77]

Excellent

Sent from my S8+

[Sreten]

Thank you guys!

Le Mans Blue was one of the reasons I went for this M5. It's just a beautiful color. When I slap on FL headlights and taillights it will look million times better. 😊

Peter, I can say the same!

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[KevinC]

Dane, to quote a thread over at vwvortex.com: "Photobucket can suck it"

[AZBP2]

M5 on the autobahn... match made in heaven. Enjoy!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[704sw]

400hp? Damn I thought it was ~365hp. Ugh, now I want one even more.

Those celis tails will look awesome. The technology is subtle but beautiful at night. It's just one of the countless reasons why the E39 is my favorite 5er. For the 2nd or 3rd time, congratulations!

[danewilson77]

Dane, to quote a thread over at vwvortex.com: "Photobucket can suck it"
+1

Sent from my S8+

[Sreten]

Thank you! 394 hp to be precise or 400 PS in Deutsch.

Can't wait to put them on. Mounting is a little tricky cause I have to drill 2 new holes in the body for each taillight, but it's definitely worth it.

What about Photobucket? I used postimage, are the pics not showing?

One cool feature. When you start it cold rpm limit is at 4.5k, once the engine is warmed up lights go out and 7k rpm is open for business. [emoji2] (ignore the dust)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170702/d9644e5964222ca608490faf0b0f72ae.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170702/f19c97333a7ada0b3bdba73500189707.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Wow, that's interesting. I've never seen an E39 M5 cluster with black gauge faces before; I've only ever seen grey ones. Must be a pre-facelift thing.

[704sw]

Wow, that's interesting. I've never seen an E39 M5 cluster with black gauge faces before; I've only ever seen grey ones. Must be a pre-facelift thing.

Might it be a European thing? I remember seeing some black M3 gauge faces for sale on M3f being described as "European," if I recall correctly.

[az3579]

Might it be a European thing? I remember seeing some black M3 gauge faces for sale on M3f being described as "European," if I recall correctly.
Nope. I found pics of black MPH and KPH clusters, as well as both flavors of the grey faced one.

I wonder if it s a super early build vs later build thing, like how the E46 came out and less than 2 years later changed everything about it.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

It is a pre-facelift thing. Same for Europe and US market. I did see few 1998-99 models here with grey cluster but they were most likely changed under warranty due to dead pixels.

Some people prefer black over grey or other way around. I'm fine with black.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[KevinC]

Spectacular M5! Must be so awesome to drive such an iconic machine on the Autobahn.

I loathed the grey faced gauges in my M5. The contrast is horrible and they are completely illegible in about 80% of daytime lighting situations. Had I kept the car any longer I was seriously considering "upgrading" to the pre-facelift black faced gauges.

The other wacky thing in E46 M3 and E39 M5 gauges is the backlighting is yellow rather than orange. There's a dude that rebuilds M5 clusters and offers a choice of black faces and/or standard non-M orange backlighting. I like the black-over-orange much better than grey-over-yellow.

[johnrando]

Very cool!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Spectacular M5! Must be so awesome to drive such an iconic machine on the Autobahn.

I loathed the grey faced gauges in my M5. The contrast is horrible and they are completely illegible in about 80% of daytime lighting situations. Had I kept the car any longer I was seriously considering "upgrading" to the pre-facelift black faced gauges.

The other wacky thing in E46 M3 and E39 M5 gauges is the backlighting is yellow rather than orange. There's a dude that rebuilds M5 clusters and offers a choice of black faces and/or standard non-M orange backlighting. I like the black-over-orange much better than grey-over-yellow.

Was reading the same thing on M5board and many people are in favor of a black cluster because of this.

I'm going crazy with not being able to drive the damn thing.

Keeping myself busy in the mean time. I mentioned that I got facelift headlights, but I got screwed over in the process since I bought them online unseen. Prior to buying them, I asked the guy if the headlights have any damage, I'm rebuilding them anyways so as long as the housing doesn't have any damage. He said no.

Package arrived and naturally right headlight had 2 big cracks. The dude of course didn't want to take them back.

https://s2.postimg.org/6xsovt455/20170625_223221.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/43pjid1yt/)

https://s11.postimg.org/f1ubhqmv7/20170625_223247.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/vpltk8hmn/)

I was thinking about repairing it, but realized it was beyond repair so I bought another right headlight.

Started working on the left one just to find it was most likely from a 2003 model (he said it came off 2001 model) which are glued shut and non bakeable. That involves much more work and the only way to open them is by cutting them.

Not having the proper tools for the job, I improvised and broke out my $1 cutter, $1 pliers, 1$ flat head and a $20 heat gun.
Was a bit of a struggle, but got the job done after cutting the crap out of it. I started heating up the headlight lens around the edges just to make it soft enough so that my mighty cutter can slice it open.

https://s14.postimg.org/svqnsarmp/20170628_213126.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6wk953asd/)

https://s14.postimg.org/peolpbskh/20170628_213516.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/gwf5kzm1p/)

Old projector on the left and a new Hella G4 bi-xenon projector on the right. Fits like a glove.

https://s14.postimg.org/trn57r1b5/20170628_231648.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/tevr1kj19/)

https://s14.postimg.org/urdg3gggx/20170628_234608.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/mlve5as7x/)

https://s14.postimg.org/ker5hdmxt/20170628_234612.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8pn5tevz1/)

Everything put together with a new headlight cover and adjusters. Should go on the car in the next few days.
Don't know why, but love doing stupid sh*t like this.

https://s14.postimg.org/basqgxlcx/20170629_194724.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/al9y4kkt9/)

https://s14.postimg.org/tgaa8qa8x/20170629_212527.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6etp2zal9/)

https://s14.postimg.org/63c8q7u5d/20170629_214450.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/eyd30qixp/)

[anandoc]

Nice work dude...and awesome pictures! Would love to see some before/after light output pics if you have any.

[Sreten]

Thanks man!

Did a test fitment. Not the best comparison, but on the left is the new one vs the old one on the right.
I had these on my old 530i and it was one of my favorite upgrades. They blow the OEM projectors out of the water in every way.

https://s1.postimg.org/jd63ajfdr/20170705_222324.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/obtlp2j6j/)

https://s1.postimg.org/glmtjxgv3/20170705_222336.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/xyx3ysc63/)

https://s1.postimg.org/gkcvqif1b/20170705_223416.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/wvczmtriz/)

[704sw]

Damn, son. The difference in cutoff sharpness is night and day.

[anandoc]

Wow...those do look awesome!

[Sreten]

Really starting to hate Germany and all bureaucracy bs.
Got a sticker on my windshield from Polizei for having unregistered car parked on the street, which I can understand.

https://s18.postimg.org/jehu335op/20170705_214047.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/l6asxzp1h/)

They don't specify and nobody can tell me how much time I have to move it, only that the next time they show up, they will slap me a ticket. After that they take your car away, recycle it and send you the bill. What I don't understand is that it takes a whole month to register your stupid car, but in the mean time they'll swing by and put shitty yellow stickers on your car that takes forever to take off! Called them and started explaining my situation, their response is "Das ist Deutschland" and move your beast asap.

Got lucky and found a garage today, after a month of searching. Not really close to my apartment, but can't be picky at this point. Moved it immediately so that's resolved for now. I will certainly sleep better knowing it's safely locked up after hearing so many scary stories. Finding your car with broken windows and without steering wheel, navigation and even the headlights is not uncommon. Although, would love to see them trying to brake double glazed glass on the M5.

Anyway, the M5 is already looking meaner with one new headlight. Tomorrow I should get the right one mounted as well.
I'm off for the next 3 days and will hopefully get more work done.

https://s9.postimg.org/40sqtxrlr/20170706_205037.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/lqufez56j/)

https://s9.postimg.org/hvr1cem0v/20170706_211725.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/n75xx483f/)

[ZacharyMikel]

Light retrofits are the best. Gorgeous M5, it looks incredible so far.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Love doing lights. Thanks, but I I'm just starting haha.

Project FL lights all around is now complete!

https://s10.postimg.org/cic52ejqd/20170707_165044.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/cic52ejqd/) https://s10.postimg.org/rtly30h2d/20170707_165056.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/rtly30h2d/) https://s10.postimg.org/xt9p6o1ut/20170707_165106.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/xt9p6o1ut/) https://s10.postimg.org/m6pl5jejp/20170707_174400.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/m6pl5jejp/)

Light output. I wired bi-xenon projectors with high beams so it has quad high beams. Phenomenal thing to have at night.

https://s12.postimg.org/zc9s07mqh/20170707_183931.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/zc9s07mqh/) https://s12.postimg.org/nlvuitty1/20170707_183923.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/nlvuitty1/)

Rear taillights required little work to be done on the body of the car. Had to drill 2 new holes and file bit of metal on one existing opening. On top of that, lower left part needed to be hammered in a bit. Not pretty, but necessary in order to get perfect fitment. Final touch was rust protection on the new holes and touching up with factory color.

https://s4.postimg.org/qoja0lwdl/20170707_154644.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/qoja0lwdl/) https://s4.postimg.org/jb3w1ncbt/20170707_174343.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/jb3w1ncbt/) https://s4.postimg.org/s7eo5l2y1/20170707_174323.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/s7eo5l2y1/) https://s4.postimg.org/44xuapmax/20170707_174309.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/44xuapmax/) https://s4.postimg.org/y5shftlwp/20170707_184033.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/y5shftlwp/)

Very happy how everything turned out. Looks million times better.

[RedAtom]

Wow. Super jelly

That car is on my wish list.

Can you tell us how it feels compared to a ZHP?

At some point it will be a choice between the E39 M5 and the E90 M3

[Sreten]

Monte Carlo Blue E92 M3 is my dream car that will happen sooner or later. :biggrin

Honestly, I haven't put enough miles on the M5 to give a proper opinion. What I can tell you is that I had over 20 BMW's and not one felt like this M5.
I had 4 ZHP's and I loved them all, both manual and automatic. ZHP is a nimble, quick car that's so easy and so much fun to drive.
In the M5 at the touch of the throttle you can feel how much power it actually has. Torque is a beautiful thing and something that M5 has plenty of. It will pull you away in any gear at any speed while hearing that glorious V8 sound.
Also double glazed windows makes for great isolation and the doors heavy which gives you a nice deep sound when closing them. Small things like that makes a car for me.

I haven't tackled it mechanically, but have a feeling like I can work on the M54 with a spoon whereas S62, not really hah. M54 is still my favorite engine for daily driving.

All day today I was cleaning up the interior. The car was sitting for a while in country side and dust, dirt just accumulated everywhere.
Part of the deal I made when I bought it was that I will take care of the interior. I know a sane person won't go to the extent I will.

Vacuumed a ton of dirt. Scrubbed every carpet, plastic, holes and cracks I could find in the interior.

When it comes to leather treatment, I usually go with Lexol or Gliptone leather care, but this is Germany so I wanted to try something else.
Found a saddle soap on German Amazon with great reviews and at $12 decided to try it.

Got some before/after shots.
Driver seat before treatment.

https://s21.postimg.org/lzgdjsxlf/20170708_151511.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/lzgdjsxlf/) https://s21.postimg.org/sr6smnmkz/20170708_151518.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/sr6smnmkz/) https://s13.postimg.org/jv5l02koj/20170708_153343.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/jv5l02koj/)

After one pass with a brush, soap and water.

https://s13.postimg.org/4l14f4zsj/20170708_154358.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4l14f4zsj/) https://s13.postimg.org/78v638i7n/20170708_153043.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/78v638i7n/) https://s13.postimg.org/eat3pfltf/20170708_154351.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/eat3pfltf/) https://s13.postimg.org/9iep091rn/20170708_152641.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9iep091rn/) https://s13.postimg.org/3mpcqlbub/20170708_152645.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/3mpcqlbub/)

Passenger seat.

https://s22.postimg.org/uy55ezd7x/20170708_154814.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/uy55ezd7x/) https://s22.postimg.org/x05mt8b71/20170708_161117.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/x05mt8b71/) https://s22.postimg.org/f2gbbomnh/20170708_154809.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/f2gbbomnh/) https://s22.postimg.org/6vobk3wkt/20170708_161110.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6vobk3wkt/)

For the conditioner I didn't want to experiment too much and went with Lexol deep leather conditioner. I hate products that leave leather shiny and sticky, Lexol leaves the leather with soft and matte finish.

https://s2.postimg.org/579xlnqed/20170708_173314.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/579xlnqed/)

To give you a better picture how bad the interior was, I took these pictures on the day i bought.

https://s4.postimg.org/qzu3vukeh/20170625_144543.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/qzu3vukeh/) https://s4.postimg.org/51xn225e1/20170625_144552.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/51xn225e1/)

End product. Now I don't need a hazmat suit to sit in the car.

https://s3.postimg.org/pfc004l8v/20170708_172233.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/pfc004l8v/) https://s17.postimg.org/yy8uwthij/20170708_174643.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/yy8uwthij/) https://s3.postimg.org/phvvmyowf/20170708_172439.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/phvvmyowf/) https://s3.postimg.org/kpqnp9jm7/20170708_172445.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/kpqnp9jm7/) https://s3.postimg.org/pglxtjn2n/20170708_172506.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/pglxtjn2n/)

https://s3.postimg.org/s0m61e00f/20170708_172534.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/s0m61e00f/) https://s3.postimg.org/8wsul1n67/20170708_172557.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8wsul1n67/) https://s3.postimg.org/j857dpevj/20170708_172606.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/j857dpevj/) https://s3.postimg.org/eq2wllytr/20170708_172616.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/eq2wllytr/) https://s3.postimg.org/a6qo03gy7/20170708_172657.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/a6qo03gy7/)

https://s3.postimg.org/ftn0xkjgv/20170708_172716.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ftn0xkjgv/) https://s3.postimg.org/iqa1xupan/20170708_172725.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/iqa1xupan/) https://s3.postimg.org/nsvz6dnyn/20170708_172748.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/nsvz6dnyn/) https://s3.postimg.org/qlp6qeob3/20170708_172820.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/qlp6qeob3/) https://s3.postimg.org/izc81irgv/20170708_172847.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/izc81irgv/)

https://s3.postimg.org/knbdg65cf/20170708_172856.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/knbdg65cf/) https://s3.postimg.org/esrdm6rv3/20170708_172952.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/esrdm6rv3/) https://s3.postimg.org/pr2n4dggf/20170708_172946.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/pr2n4dggf/) https://s3.postimg.org/ask89y1e7/20170708_173012.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ask89y1e7/)

Tomorrow I was planning to change the oil but the oil drain container didn't arrive in time so that won't happen. I'll replace spark plugs and give it a much needed wash on the outside.

Cold beer after a long working day. Cheers!

https://s12.postimg.org/byh6pj40p/20170708_204244.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/byh6pj40p/)

[anandoc]

Great work dude! You deserve a few cold ones after all that work.

[nextelbuddy]

dude that car is awesome. killer job cleaning her up right. are those rear door shades manual or power? love those options.

[Pilot05]

As some of you already know, I recently moved to Germany from California and started a new job in Berlin.

After being forced to sell my ZHP, I really wanted another 330Ci, but I couldn't find one that wasn't a rust box for a decent price.
I wasn't planning on getting an M5, but the price and the car were right. I had long negotiations with the owner until we struck a deal and I took ownership of the car last weekend.

I found it in a small village close to Nürburgring..

Hey Sreten, This is great. But I am curious what is the 2000-2006 used BMW market like in Germany? Is it anything like the states - which I think has a wide selection and good prices if you are willing to travel and/or do your own work ?

How is selection in the German used BMW car market? How are prices?

I am under some belief that Germany got a bunch of older cars of the roads in the last few years with their own cash for clunkers program.
I also believe that most BMW's are / were ordered by customers with specific requests. Is there a wide range of how they are equipped?

Thanks

[Sreten]

I had few cold ones, indeed. :)

Nextel, they are manual, the rear window one is power. I had these in e38 740's, it's a very cool option.
M5 also has factory equipped tow hitch so you can haul ass with a trailer.

Pilot05, many think that the Germany is a car land, to me that's California with its cheap gas, rust free cars and deals that can be found anywhere.
Here I was hoping to find good deals on older BMW's since gas is so expensive, but that's not the case.

On German roads you'll mostly see newer cars, AMG Mercs that fart a lot and Audi wagons. Most of the cars are diesels since diesel is more economical and it's cheaper than petrol.

Generally cars are more expensive compared to the States. BMW's from 2000-2006 are overpriced in most cases and hard to find a good one, rust free one almost impossible.

There is no rule when it comes to equipment, some cars have individual equipment, but then there are some that have really pathetic equipment.
Like manual air condition controls in e46, M sport steering wheel without multifunction controls, steel wheels...

Look at this one - https://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=247174602&categories=Limousine&categories=SportsCar&damageUnrepaired=NO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&fuels=PETROL&isSearchRequest=true&makeModelVariant1.makeId=3500&makeModelVariant1.modelId=15&maxFirstRegistrationDate=2006-12-31&minFirstRegistrationDate=2003-01-01&pageNumber=1&scopeId=C&sortOption.sortBy=creationTime&sortOption.sortOrder=DESCENDING&transmissions=MANUAL_GEAR&fnai=prev

Some sort of special edition but has oven controls for A/C.

Base equipment is definitely better in the States. Look at e46 and e39 models for example. All of them came with leather, electric seats, alloy wheels and automatic A/C as standard.

[az3579]

Germany's BMWs are mostly a la carte. In the States, they tend to offer stuff in packages, so most of the cars here are better equipped. In Germany, it's a huge mish-mash of options. I don't think they package stuff together quite as much. It's nice if you want a certain option without ordering the whole package, but not-so-nice when you want all the options that would normally be in a package because it's more expensive individually.

[Sreten]

I agree!

Done few small things. New engine air filter, M3 oil cap, timing chain tensioner.
Was missing adapter for torque wrench to replace spark plugs. Still have to do an oil change, replace cabin air filters, power steering cap and seal, front and rear sway bar links & bushings, clean the engine bay. Then poke around underneath and see what else needs fixing before I take it in for TÜV!

https://s14.postimg.org/u7abj6iel/20170708_175100.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/u7abj6iel/) https://s14.postimg.org/vq5po5oz1/20170708_175818.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/vq5po5oz1/) https://s14.postimg.org/bszsf763x/20170708_181242.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/bszsf763x/) https://s14.postimg.org/q0ph3uist/20170708_182559.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/q0ph3uist/)

Gave it a basic wash just to remove all the dirt.

https://s10.postimg.org/uhvsno0et/20170709_154212.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/uhvsno0et/) https://s10.postimg.org/44gwom905/20170709_154217.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/44gwom905/) https://s10.postimg.org/ua85r5pg5/20170709_154226.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ua85r5pg5/) https://s10.postimg.org/ulpm3x5w5/20170709_154233.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ulpm3x5w5/)

https://s10.postimg.org/s1tz9tic5/20170709_154238.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/s1tz9tic5/) https://s10.postimg.org/clgezjdp1/20170709_154303.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/clgezjdp1/) https://s10.postimg.org/e9fke6rkl/20170709_154314.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e9fke6rkl/) https://s10.postimg.org/3k6gzo55h/20170709_154319.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/3k6gzo55h/)

https://s10.postimg.org/jsi3veolx/20170709_154330.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/jsi3veolx/) https://s10.postimg.org/q4x958ro5/20170709_154340.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/q4x958ro5/) https://s10.postimg.org/xngedvj11/20170709_154348.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/xngedvj11/)

[Pilot05]

Thanks for info on used BMW market in Germany..pretty interesting

[holyc0w]

Look at this one - https://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=247174602&categories=Limousine&categories=SportsCar&damageUnrepaired=NO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&fuels=PETROL&isSearchRequest=true&makeModelVariant1.makeId=3500&makeModelVariant1.modelId=15&maxFirstRegistrationDate=2006-12-31&minFirstRegistrationDate=2003-01-01&pageNumber=1&scopeId=C&sortOption.sortBy=creationTime&sortOption.sortOrder=DESCENDING&transmissions=MANUAL_GEAR&fnai=prev

Some sort of special edition but has oven controls for A/C.


Those are some pretty cool options, though I prefer the ZHP cloth seats. And I don't mind the manual controls. I usually have to tweak the settings anyway.

[Sreten]

Knocked out some minor stuff.

https://s17.postimg.org/dbg5lebff/20170714_180013.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dbg5lebff/) https://s17.postimg.org/q5e7eqouz/20170714_183817.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/q5e7eqouz/)

Cleaned up the engine bay a bit. Power washing the engine is a big no in my book so I used some sort of spray cleaner, brush and water in spray bottle. Decent results, just need to treat the plastic with something.

https://s17.postimg.org/tdiorsb4r/20170715_155514.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/tdiorsb4r/) https://s17.postimg.org/e28vr6dsr/20170715_155507.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e28vr6dsr/)

[anandoc]

Great job cleaning the engine bay. Here is a great video of how to properly clean and detail your engine bay incase you are interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSoRkM8GcM

[Sreten]

Thanks for the tip!

I didn't go in such details like that guy did, but similar method without hosing down the engine bay.
I'm happy with the results and it should be even better once I treat the plastic.

[Sreten]

Finally changed the oil and used that opportunity to fix minor oil leak.

https://s11.postimg.org/mhmov8jnz/20170714_175213.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/mhmov8jnz/)

Leak was coming from the upper oil pan solenoid valve which is used to switch the scavenging pumps during high G turns, if my research is correct.

This is how it looks.

https://s24.postimg.org/arhrortf5/20170717_170204.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/arhrortf5/)

It has 3 O-rings all different size and one smaller that's wedged in the groove on upper oil pan. That one was in worst condition, hard and brittle.
The smallest O-ring was trickiest to get out, but overall not a difficult job. $24 for 4 O-rings vs $1,390 for a new solenoid valve.

Drove it a bit across the backyard parking lot and seems this solved it, no more leaks! Fingers crossed it stays like that.

Oil change with my favorite brand, LM 10W60 Race Tech GT1. Engine takes exactly 6.5 liters.

https://s24.postimg.org/575ae4uk1/20170717_185421.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/575ae4uk1/)

Love Liqui Moly, engine immediately works smoother and Vanos is quieter. Drained BMW TwinPower 10W60 which is what was used so far.

Day before I replaced rear sway bar links and bushings, something that often gets overlooked.

https://s24.postimg.org/bm4bat19t/20170717_190701.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/bm4bat19t/)

Now more or less car should be ready for TÜV.

[Sockethead]

Knocked out some minor stuff.



Cleaned up the engine bay a bit. Power washing the engine is a big no in my book so I used some sort of spray cleaner, brush and water in spray bottle. Decent results, just need to treat the plastic with something.



This product is incredible for the engine bay. Makes plastic look brand new. I originally used on my motorcycle but it works great on everything.
I Demo'd it at a couple of the early mafia reunions. On one car I did even clean the bay first. Hopefully you can find it over there... Or maybe the Internet

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170718/b9351f31c654cc4f468f6dc65020543e.jpg

[Sreten]

I actually did find it on Amazon. Thanks! I'll give it a try.

[Sreten]

Finally finished registration and got license plates!

Detailed the exterior with Meguiar's products. It's not 100% like it would've been with a DA polisher, but buying a polisher just to use it one time didn't make sense. Still got pretty good results.

https://s24.postimg.org/5wdd8uyfp/20170719_182229.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6lw5l7yz5/)

I must say, I love Le Mans Blue!

https://s24.postimg.org/wb6sf2h1x/20170721_121334.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/yfr5g5ioh/)

https://s24.postimg.org/45uc7dgwl/20170721_121339.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ip1h8sa1d/)

https://s24.postimg.org/hb9udhas5/20170721_121510.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/td587mk0h/)

https://s24.postimg.org/kksuxoo9h/20170721_121514.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/uuv9wxe4x/)

https://s24.postimg.org/3zl8i0x5h/20170721_121631.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/3zl8i0x5d/)

https://s24.postimg.org/bbm39tpzp/20170721_121638.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dg6gawrm9/)

https://s24.postimg.org/v2iwtfp3p/20170721_121747.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/vfaazm7dd/)

https://s24.postimg.org/bi4dqnoid/20170721_122049.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/q1bis2hn5/)

https://s24.postimg.org/59j1x2qxh/20170721_122054.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5z1u9frgx/)

https://s24.postimg.org/j75tg4edx/20170721_122356.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/uw9t435ch/)

https://s24.postimg.org/qfcuro1qt/20170721_121923.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/f3099vt1t/)

https://s24.postimg.org/o34uu2p5h/20170721_122408.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/xax3arw7l/)

https://s24.postimg.org/4qdynszit/20170721_122154.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/wqi2832z5/)

https://s24.postimg.org/3t7jexo0l/20170721_122228.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/p2v5ps4b5/)

https://s24.postimg.org/mcqf6bx05/20170721_122454.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6r93mdl1t/)

[az3579]

WOW. That came out stunning.

[BMWCurves]

http://i.imgur.com/4dBz2MA.gif

[holyc0w]

So shiny

[danewilson77]

Nice work Sreten.

I endorse the Silkolene Pro Prep as Rob indicated above.

Sent from my S8+

[Sreten]

Thank you fellas! I was hoping for this kind of response. :)

I took the car to a local shop for pre-inspection where they said everything is good and gave me a few nice words about the car.
On Monday morning I'm taking it there again and the dude from TÜV will come to check the car in detail.

Short video of how it sounds (background noise is terrible). I'm thinking that Eisenmann exhaust would be a well worth upgrade just to get a bit more sound.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMLzlGvZtXY

[ZHPizza]

Holy shit.

150mph road trip, anyone?

[704sw]

Damn she cleaned up nicely. No way I'll ever love another midsize sedan the way I love the E39 M5.

[BMWCurves]

Eisenmann sounds quite good. Or go custom:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWyZsHYokEQ

[san]

E39 M5 sounds good with a muffler delete I think. Pretty cheap to get it done too...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Holy shit.

150mph road trip, anyone?

Come to Deutschland for a 185 mph ride on the Autobahn!


Damn she cleaned up nicely. No way I'll ever love another midsize sedan the way I love the E39 M5.

Old girl did clean up rather nicely. Lines on this M5 are just perfect.


Eisenmann sounds quite good. Or go custom:



Very cool video, William. I think Eisenmann is the way to go, it is very pricey though.


E39 M5 sounds good with a muffler delete I think. Pretty cheap to get it done too...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It does sound pretty good, but I had muffler delete on 740iL and while it sounded great, the drone on the highway was unbearable.
Also, it will probably be illegal in Germany. Few days ago I was observing Polizei checkpoint on the street.
They were pulling over sports cars and looking inside, under the hood, measuring clearance between wheels and fenders...
They pulled over a guy in AMG Merc and that was the first I saw a police officer laying on the middle of the street and hitting his exhaust with something. I shit you not.

[anandoc]

Holy f*@k your ride looks amazeballs! LeMans blue looks so damn cool!!

[Sreten]

Danke. :)

Went this evening to a nearby e39 car meet. Figured it would be a nice way to meet some car guys since I didn't know any.

There were around 20 e39's and to my surprise I was the only one with a M5. One automatic B10 Alpina wrapped in hideous olive green wrap, few 540's, 528/530i and one diesel. Only 3 cars were manual and almost none stock! I say this cause I'm a huge OEM guy and like things original.

Anyway, I was pleasantly welcomed despite my terrible German skills. We went for a 30 minute blast on die Autobahn where M5 shines.
There's just nothing like overtaking a group of BMW's at 170mph. After that we crashed a Japanese car meet and drove right through the middle of it in our bimmers which was kinda cool.

Unfortunately, I didn't take any decent pictures, though there was a girl taking photos of the cars. I'll check if I can get some pictures.

M5 attracted nice crowd and meet some nice folks.

Edit: Slightly better pictures.

https://s10.postimg.org/j8djvfn61/20228425_692400857621751_2046618221520325275_n.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/g1j0bt2px/)

https://s10.postimg.org/lfhsjcsg9/20246478_692400914288412_6481070631441805255_n.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/jnotog939/)

https://s10.postimg.org/4doyh9dl5/20245353_692401007621736_1711023739354511517_n.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5sqj5zeo5/)

https://s10.postimg.org/xin46x3ih/20258084_1578424085553503_6621562370438670771_n.jp g (https://postimg.org/image/5vaestibp/)

[Cadeez]

Seriously beautiful car, and great progress!! Nice little project thread so far. I think I'm with you and most other guys on here that we'd all love to have an E39 M5. You gotta hit those quad pipes with some steel wool or an SOS pad though, it's killing me haha! It's the little touches. Keep up the good work! Thread = subscribed

In related news, that drab green 5er with the gold wheels is awful looking. But to each their own

[Sreten]

Thanks man! You are not the first one pointing that out haha. I'll try harder over the weekend.

I'm with you on the green 5er, I hate wraps and I think he ruined a nice looking Alpina.

Car passed the notorious TÜV on Monday with flying colors. They were really thorough and inspection took 45 minutes.
They looked at the tires, breaks, suspension, body damage and rust, leaks, lights, even the freaking wipers (which l just replaced) and lastly revved the shit out of it for the emission test. Now I'm all set for the next 2 years.

Over the weekend I'm planning to do little preventive maintenance and service the Vanos solenoids. They do work fine, even though the passenger side is a bit nosier, it's a good thing to do at 100k miles since they are probably original and seals will be rubbish.
I'm kinda skeptical about it because if something goes wrong the new board with solenoids is $1100 per side. :ninja

[BMWCurves]

Thanks man! You are not the first one pointing that out haha. I'll try harder over the weekend.

I'm with you on the green 5er, I hate wraps and I think he ruined a nice looking Alpina.

Car passed the notorious TÜV on Monday with flying colors. They were really thorough and inspection took 45 minutes.
They looked at the tires, breaks, suspension, body damage and rust, leaks, lights, even the freaking wipers (which l just replaced) and lastly revved the shit out of it for the emission test. Now I'm all set for the next 2 years.

Over the weekend I'm planning to do little preventive maintenance and service the Vanos solenoids. They do work fine, even though the passenger side is a bit nosier, it's a good thing to do at 100k miles since they are probably original and seals will be rubbish.
I'm kinda skeptical about it because if something goes wrong the new board with solenoids is $1100 per side. :ninja

I wish they were this thorough here sometimes. Some of the cars I have seen on the road are not just a hazard to the driver but everyone around them.

Glad to hear your car is good to go though, it seems like you bought it and then weren't allowed to do anything with it for a month

[Sreten]

I know what you mean. I always found California smog test funny. Doesn't matter if you have wires sticking out of your tires or no breaks, but if you have check engine light you can't drive.

Yup, registration took 1 month and I couldn't drive it without license plates. Inspection wasn't due for another month but I wanted to get it out of the way.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[az3579]

I wish they were this thorough here sometimes. Some of the cars I have seen on the road are not just a hazard to the driver but everyone around them.

This. There is a special place car hell for the people I see on a regular basis who drive around with completely blown, bouncy shocks.

[san]

This. There is a special place car hell for the people I see on a regular basis who drive around with completely blown, bouncy shocks.

The thing that scares me the most is looking at cars doing 70-80mph with a space saver donut tire...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slater]

Detailed the exterior with Meguiar's products. It's not 100% like it would've been with a DA polisher, but buying a polisher just to use it one time didn't make sense. Still got pretty good results.

https://s24.postimg.org/mcqf6bx05/20170721_122454.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6r93mdl1t/)

whoa! that looks amazing, especially considering the 'before' pics! now i want to try that meguiars stuff - i don't have a polisher, but i want those results. :)



Damn she cleaned up nicely. No way I'll ever love another midsize sedan the way I love the E39 M5.

agreed. E39 M5 is the only sedan i really would love to own, aside from maybe an F80 M3.



E39 M5 sounds good with a muffler delete I think. Pretty cheap to get it done too...

having driven an E39 M5 with a muffler delete, i can attest to this. it sounds REALLY good. not loud at all at cruise, and incredible on WOT.



Few days ago I was observing Polizei checkpoint on the street.
They were pulling over sports cars and looking inside, under the hood, measuring clearance between wheels and fenders...
They pulled over a guy in AMG Merc and that was the first I saw a police officer laying on the middle of the street and hitting his exhaust with something. I shit you not.

I wish they were this thorough here sometimes. Some of the cars I have seen on the road are not just a hazard to the driver but everyone around them.

agreed - they are very strict here in ontario now. when buying a new (used) car, you need to have it 'safetied' before you can get plates. the safety test costs $200 and they go so far as to measure rotor and pad thickness - even handbrake shoe thickness! it's crazy - but it's a good thing. the unfortunate bit is that the test only happens when you buy the car - not annual or semi-annual, so there can definitely be some jalopies on the road. but for the most part, stuff is in good shape here.

[san]

agreed. E39 M5 is the only sedan i really would love to own, aside from maybe an F80 M3.


No love for the E90M3?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Thanks Peter!

I've asked about muffler delete and they said it's illegal. It wouldn't pass inspection and I can get pulled over.
Only other option to get more sound is to go with some aftermarket exhaust and there are no pocket friendly options for M5.
Eisenmann Exhaust is around $1,800. :rofl

Some people cut open their stock mufflers and take all of the crap out. Weld it back together and everything looks stock, but you get more sound.
I guess that's why the police officer was smacking the exhaust on that AMG Merc.

I've tried various stuff in the past and found that Meguiar's ultimate compound always works best for me.
You can apply it by hand, but if you want some seriously good results you need to use a polisher.

Quick before/after pic of Jet Black e38.

https://s2.postimg.org/vxwz2f2vt/20160918_104533.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/d5l3yu6hh/)

[slater]

No love for the E90M3?

ha. i love the way it looks... i love it on paper... but after driving my dad's E90, i don't know if i could own one. it just feels cheap compared to the E46.



I've tried various stuff in the past and found that Meguiar's ultimate compound always works best for me.
You can apply it by hand, but if you want some seriously good results you need to use a polisher.

Quick before/after pic of Jet Black e38.

https://s2.postimg.org/vxwz2f2vt/20160918_104533.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/d5l3yu6hh/)

wow - was that with a polisher?

[Sreten]

Yup, DA polisher. That's just after one pass with ultimate compound.

First cleaned the paint using clay bar and did paint correction with ultimate compound. Followed up with M205 Ultra Finishing Polish and sealed with Meguiar's M21 Synthetic Sealant 2.0.

Did few cars like that and got amazing results. It's actually pretty easy, just takes a lot of time.

https://s16.postimg.org/y15xcblyt/20161201_145843.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/d49p7nnxt/)

https://s12.postimg.org/rzlhsjz99/20160922_151145_HDR.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e5x53i6nt/)

[slater]

good stuff... i wish i had the time and patience to do that (and a polisher ;)). someday!

[anandoc]

No love for the E90M3?



+1

Would love to own a E90 M3 sedan some day. Would be super awesome if I manage to snag a Lemans Blue but I know those are super rare.

OP, your car looks brilliant! I wish one you paint correction/polishing geeks lived close by so that I could show up :)

[Sreten]

I think I said it already, but e92 M3 is on my bucket list for a long time now.

Thank you! Would gladly do the same to your car. That big ocean between us might be a problem though. :biggrin

Serviced Vanos solenoids today. They say that around 100k miles is time to do them. My M5 has 106k miles and didn't show any of the usual signs. Some common problems are check engine light and Vanos related codes, rough idle and noticeable loss of performance.

As some may know, M5 has 2 Vanos units and 4 solenoids per Vanos (8 in total).

https://s3.postimg.org/mc7pquzsz/20170729_183454.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9xkxqj8an/)

I thoroughly cleaned each solenoid, removed old soldering and re-soldered all of the joints (cold joints are common cause of problems), replaced O-rings with Viton O-rings manufactured by some company here in Germany and using a 9V battery tested each solenoid to make sure everything is in order before putting it back on the car.

https://s3.postimg.org/6pbuzqwn7/20170729_160645.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5n1oh7dtr/)

https://s3.postimg.org/cu7yqte4j/20170729_182600.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/j7x1u2j0f/)

https://s3.postimg.org/3l5sgp58j/20170729_182632.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8wkp1erb3/)

Assembled everything and went on a long test drive. Even at 11pm on Saturday there was traffic in Berlin so I had to drive 50 minutes from my home and Berlin to find some nice backroads.

It really is an incredible machine in sport mode. It brings me so much joy when I get behind the steering wheel and drive it like a hooligan.
In the middle of nowhere I found a piece of stretch that had no speed limit where I could finally use all of its power!

If there's one car you should drive before you die, I think e39 M5 is the one.

[anandoc]

If there's one car you should drive before you die, I think e39 M5 is the one.

Amen bro! I have all my vacation left from this year, will start looking for tickets to Berlin ;)

[Sreten]

This past weekend and Monday I did a long awaited road trip in the M5.

Went from Berlin to Siegen where my girlfriend lives to help her with moving, then on Monday to Frankfurt for a job interview and back to Siegen.
Packed up everything and with a trunk and rear seat full of crap headed back home to Berlin. Total of 940 miles and a massacre of insects at the front.

https://s1.postimg.org/7jmkfjitb/20170808_155554.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/d7sv6fn5n/)

https://s1.postimg.org/w2olwun7j/20170808_155609.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/wfg0315h7/)

Driving the M5 on the Autobahn is the most fun I had behind the wheel. Max I was able to get it up was 175 mph.
I really wanted to max it at 185 but there was a lot of traffic and the roads were wet from rain and that kind of speed is no joke.
All M5's are electronically limited to 155 mph and trick is to hit the limiter in 5th gear then change to 6th and it will keep going.

I recorded few accelerating videos when the best traffic sign in the world comes up.
This is driving south towards Frankfurt which is a shitty part of Autobahn compared to the rest. Narrow, bumpy and lot of traffic.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gofUGORa7dU

[704sw]

Really nice killshot at 1m11s of the video.

[anandoc]

Driving the M5 on the Autobahn is the most fun I had behind the wheel. Max I was able to get it up was 175 mph.


Jeez...175 mph!! Dude, don't kill yourself yet - I am not done living my dream life through your experiences!

Awesome video!!


Really nice killshot at 1m11s of the video.

You da real MVP here.

[ELCID86]

I sure wish Americans would learn to drive like that (getting to the right when not passing...)


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous E46 fanatic

[anandoc]

I found your car's twin here in Canada: a 2003 LeMans Blue M5. 138,000 Miles and listed at CAD $16,000

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/STURGEON+COUNTY/Alberta/19_10283160_/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=5_15_76

[Sockethead]

Really nice killshot at 1m11s of the video.
Like a nasty booger :)


I sure wish Americans would learn to drive like that (getting to the right when not passing...)

I daydream of the Autobahn a lot when I'm driving with all the idiots here in South Kakalacki...

That M5 sounds sweet...Must of been intoxicating...

[Sreten]

Really nice killshot at 1m11s of the video.

That poor sucker really blew up. It's one way to kill bugs I guess. :)

Windshield was a battlefield. Had to clean it constantly.

https://s2.postimg.org/3osk7ia9l/20170808_152415.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/t7kwkitth/)


Jeez...175 mph!! Dude, don't kill yourself yet - I am not done living my dream life through your experiences!

Awesome video!!

Thanks! I'll try not to haha, but dude you have no idea how good it feels when you know you can use the car for what it was designed for and drive as fast as you dare and not end up in jail like you would in US. :biggrin


I sure wish Americans would learn to drive like that (getting to the right when not passing...)

Yup! One of the most annoying problems in American traffic.
If there's one thing you can count on from Germans, it's the discipline. Haven't encountered anyone hogging up the left lane yet. Rules are pretty simple and everybody respects them which is why the no speed limit thing works.


I found your car's twin here in Canada: a 2003 LeMans Blue M5. 138,000 Miles and listed at CAD $16,000

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/STURGEON+COUNTY/Alberta/19_10283160_/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=5_15_76

That's pretty decent price for facelift actually. Wish you can find deals like that in Europe.

Definitely like Euro clear corners better though!



I daydream of the Autobahn a lot when I'm driving with all the idiots here in South Kakalacki...

That M5 sounds sweet...Must of been intoxicating...

Autobahn is no. 1 thing that I like the most in German (along with beer ;) ).

Intoxicating is the right word, every chance I get I would downshift just so I can go through the gears and listen to that fabulous V8.

[Sreten]

As it tends to happen with me, I have a bit of a big news.

The M5 will most likely get a new owner this Saturday if everything goes accordingly.
I got a very good offer from a random collector and I will actually come out with a decent profit even after everything invested.

I gave this some thought, and it's either cash in the chips now and come out ahead or keep it and continue to throw money at it.
If I don't sell it, I want to get Koni FSD's and overhaul annoyingly noisy pre-facelift Vanos and those are big investments.

I wish I got more time to spend with the M5, but it's not all bad news and I'm sure this isn't my last M5. This way I have more funds to start looking for a facelift one as some engine improvements are very noticeable with facelift.

On the other side, I really miss my old ZHP that I even got in touch with the current owner to see if he's willing to let it go, but no such luck.

I got few candidates so far, but as it proves to be a thing with Germans, they are seriously overpricing their cars.
Nothing that pops out with e39 M5, but couple of interesting E46's.

'05 330Ci Sparkling graphite with individual nappa leather and 110k miles. He started with a whooping $19k and after some time came down to "reasonable" 15k.

30805

30804

30806

'03 Silver grey 330i with 90k miles. I much prefer coupe body style, but this one looks clean and it's much cheaper.

30807

30808

30809

[ZHPizza]

1. Hate to see the M5 go, but if the e46 is still calling to you, then it sounds like it's for the best.

2. Love love love that SGM coupe but yeah...it's priced for a collector, not a driver.

3. Have you spent some quality time in a sedan? I also prefer the look of the coupe, but the driving position/visibility that comes with the sedan's extra headroom is so nice. Ingress/egress/rear doors are also nice.

[BMWCurves]

1. Hate to see the M5 go, but if the e46 is still calling to you, then it sounds like it's for the best.

30810


2. Love love love that SGM coupe but yeah...it's priced for a collector, not a driver.

Sparkling Graphite Metallic is one of my favorite E46 colors, but that's ridiculous money for a 110k mile non-M.


3. Have you spent some quality time in a sedan? I also prefer the look of the coupe, but the driving position/visibility that comes with the sedan's extra headroom is so nice. Ingress/egress/rear doors are also nice.

I must concede that the sedan has more utility over the coupe and the Long Island doors of the coupe don't make getting in and out easy. However, I actually prefer the coupe's visibility with the B pillar further back than the sedan. Again I agree, the height issue for the coupe is definitely true, although my M3 seats have helped fix that problem (for me). There are merits to both.

That said, that sedan looks pretty well-spec'ed from the pics with what looks like PDC, Alcantara, heated seats, Premium Package-type items (a la the shark fin). I'd definitely be happy with it.

[Sreten]

I hate it too. Le mans blue on silverstone interior is my favorite combo and will be tough to find it again.
I had a very short time with it, but probably the most memorable time I had driving a certain car.

On the plus side my bank account will recover and I'll have a better budget for a new car.
Driving a beast like this one in Germany is everything but pocket friendly.

Right now, I'm only looking to get another e39 M5 (hopefully facelift) or e46 330i/Ci.

SGM coupe is awesome, but probably won't happen unless he comes down on the price. Like you said, I want to drive it and not keep it locked up.

I had 2 ZHP sedans and 3 regular sport 330's. More practical no doubt and still a very pretty car that's uber fun to drive, but I just love the look of a coupe with it's LED taillights and pretty facelift headlights. I actually prefer the long doors and no frame windows. We all have our own taste I guess.

This sedan is very nice indeed. 2nd owner (family owned) and guy who drives it is a mechanic. Original paint with the exception of the left fender and no rust according to him.
Has all of the options you said and yet doesn't have HK sound system. He is not an enthusiast and it will need usual stuff like cooling system, suspension stuff etc... Oh, and rims are in terrible condition as they were repainted and now are flaking off. He wants around $10k which isn't too bad.

[az3579]

Dude, I'd be looking for an Estoril touring if I were you. :drool

[slater]

Dude, I'd be looking for an Estoril touring if I were you. :drool

heck yeah!

i've actually found avery dennison makes a 'gloss metallic bright blue' vinyl wrap that is almost exactly estoril blue.... the idea of doing that to my Touring sounds pretty good. :)

[Sreten]

I rarely haul stuff (moving being the exception) and it's mostly me and my girlfriend in the car so I don't really have a need for a touring.

I think Peter would love it here. :biggrin In Germany and generally whole Europe, tourings are the most common and cheapest models to buy with M package followed by sedan and coupe being the most rarest and most expensive body style. Same with e46 and e9x or any other platform.

Speaking of Estoril Blue, I test drove this 330Ci M club sport and I was pretty disappointed.

Might be the effect coming from the torquey M5 but also with this particular example. Pre-facelift so it's a 5 speed, clutch was high and on it's way out, some stupid short shift kit which made gear changes impossible, coilovers which made it too hard for my taste and it just didn't have that feel and get up and go like you would find in a ZHP. That didn't stop him to ask nearly $13k.

30814

[slater]

I think Peter would love it here. :biggrin In Germany and generally whole Europe, tourings are the most common and cheapest models to buy with M package followed by sedan and coupe being the most rarest and most expensive body style. Same with e46 and e9x or any other platform.

hmmmm..... i may hire you to find me a Touring to import. :) estoril blue, 6-speed, cold weather pack, H/K audio, xenons, RWD. i'd prefer a 10/2004+ build date, but i think i'd have to wait until 10/2019 to import that here to canada.



Speaking of Estoril Blue, I test drove this 330Ci M club sport and I was pretty disappointed.

Might be the effect coming from the torquey M5 but also with this particular example. Pre-facelift so it's a 5 speed, clutch was high and on it's way out, some stupid short shift kit which made gear changes impossible, coilovers which made it too hard for my taste and it just didn't have that feel and get up and go like you would find in a ZHP. That didn't stop him to ask nearly $13k.

bummer about the estoril car... it's not hard to ruin a great car.

that sparking graphite one you posted above looks really nice. if the coupes hold their value then that might be worth pursuing!

[704sw]

Man, I am not feeling the M Clubsport's spoiler.

[Sreten]

hmmmm..... i may hire you to find me a Touring to import. :) estoril blue, 6-speed, cold weather pack, H/K audio, xenons, RWD. i'd prefer a 10/2004+ build date, but i think i'd have to wait until 10/2019 to import that here to canada.

bummer about the estoril car... it's not hard to ruin a great car.

that sparking graphite one you posted above looks really nice. if the coupes hold their value then that might be worth pursuing!

haha, I'll definitely keep my eyes open. That's pretty rare even here, but I did see few estoril blue sedans pop up so you never know. Though, I hope not to be here that long.


Man, I am not feeling the M Clubsport's spoiler.

It's so fugly, that and the front splitters. I know it rolled out of the factory like that, but it would be the first thing to go. Looks out of place and simply doesn't belong there.

[Sreten]

Boys, am I crazy for totally flipping out about this time machine? :roundel

https://s28.postimg.org/4qsr6qnyl/rot_e31_850_italy.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/7xnaqd8eh/)

https://s28.postimg.org/k9q73uw99/0324914627003.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/7ic0xcmh5/)

https://s28.postimg.org/i6frw6wgd/0324914627005.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/3n8mus3bd/)

[704sw]

No, no you are not.

Any idea what year it is? The powered steering column isn't something I'd expect to find in an E31.

[Sreten]

This one is 06/1991, at least the first registration was made at that time.

E31 was really high tech for it's age. Power seats with memory, cell phone, powered steering column like you mentioned, rear sun blind, stability and traction control, EDC suspension...

I'm waiting to get more pictures and details about the car to see if it's worth traveling. I always loved the design and just the thought of V12 and 6 speed gives me thrilling sensations.

[az3579]

This one is 06/1991, at least the first registration was made at that time.

E31 was really high tech for it's age. Power seats with memory, cell phone, powered steering column like you mentioned, rear sun blind, stability and traction control, EDC suspension...

I'm waiting to get more pictures and details about the car to see if it's worth traveling. I always loved the design and just the thought of V12 and 6 speed gives me thrilling sensations.
Just be sure you know what you're getting into. An old BMW is just that: an old BMW. E31's are complicated beasts.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Don't know them that well like e39 and e46 models, but I did some research. e39 M5 wasn't the simplest beast either. :)

M70 is a bulletproof engine, but everything surrounding it can cause headaches. There's the old EDC suspension that can be very expensive to fix, electronics is also not the best and generally all the parts are expensive given the rarity and age.

Though, I wouldn't keep it that long, this one would be strictly for resale. Starting price is okay and the manual ones are very rare, but the car needs to check out in all other areas. It's in Italy so not exactly close either.

To give the update regarding the M5, it officially got a new owner. Bummed that I didn't get more time with it, but there will be more opportunities down the road.

In none car related news, I got a lot better job offer in Frankfurt which I'm probably going to accept which means moving again.
Lately, I really started to hate and getting frustrated with my current employer in Berlin and can't wait to give them 2 weeks notice next week.

What I would like the most is to come back to the States, but not that simple at the moment.

Anyway, here are the last few pictures of the legend.
P.S. camera on S7 edge really sucks.

https://s28.postimg.org/ds7b26yvx/20170816_172007.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/59xuxusd5/)

https://s28.postimg.org/ne0vihq1p/20170817_184239.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ot2g77r4p/)

https://s28.postimg.org/vxoutznrx/20170817_182915.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4n3jm2kux/)

[704sw]

Reaction to the job offer:
30857

Reaction to selling the beast:
30858

[anandoc]

I hate to see the LeMans Blue M5 go. I was living the M5 lyfe through your experiences - so thanks for that :(

Great news on the job offer! Whatever car you end up owning next, it will be that much easier for me to book a YYZ -> FRA flight to come check it out ;)

[Sreten]

Reaction to the job offer:
30857

Reaction to selling the beast:
30858

Haha, thanks! Wasn't even looking for one, but good thing they found me as I would've gone crazy with the current company.



I hate to see the LeMans Blue M5 go. I was living the M5 lyfe through your experiences - so thanks for that :(

Great news on the job offer! Whatever car you end up owning next, it will be that much easier for me to book a YYZ -> FRA flight to come check it out ;)

Haha, yes, and max it on the Autobahn! I'll be having my own place with my gf so the guests are always welcome.
Frankfurt is the main connection with North America and flights can be found pretty cheap too.

Still waiting on more details about e31. I've been daydreaming about it for days now. Reading up and watching videos, pretty impressive machine.

It's still far from being realistic, but at this point I just want to go to Italy, buy whatever and on my way back hit up Stelvio Pass like Top Gear boys did years ago.

https://s30.postimg.org/9xz6wfofl/Stelvio-_Pass7.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://s30.postimg.org/c3thqxrw1/Stelvio-_Pass-740x690.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[704sw]

.It's still far from being realistic, but at this point I just want to go to Italy, buy whatever and on my way back hit up Stelvio Pass like Top Gear boys did years ago.

https://s30.postimg.org/9xz6wfofl/Stelvio-_Pass7.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://s30.postimg.org/c3thqxrw1/Stelvio-_Pass-740x690.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

http://media.tumblr.com/152296d82b24e27dfb034096bc68c7b5/tumblr_inline_mr02r3ru7U1qz4rgp.gif

[anandoc]

Still waiting on more details about e31. I've been daydreaming about it for days now. Reading up and watching videos, pretty impressive machine.


There is one parked in my condo garage for many months now. Its not even plated so the owner just bought it and stashed it.

http://i.imgur.com/fEPsdDD.jpg

[BMWCurves]

There is one parked in my condo garage for many months now. Its not even plated so the owner just bought it and stashed it.

http://i.imgur.com/fEPsdDD.jpg

Dat panel gap doe(?)

[anandoc]

Dat panel gap doe(?)

Yeah no idea. I can snap some more close-ups today to figure out what that is all about.

[Sreten]

I think it's just the way it's designed at the front. They all have gaps.

I went to a classic car dealer today to look at 850CSi. I want one badly.
It's so freaking nice on the inside, everything is nice and soft, especially the leather.
Driving position is great and that 6 speed feels so good.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?2784-Post-your-daily-ZHP-BMW-MINI-pics!&p=539995#post539995

[Sreten]

Some small news.

I officially handed in the letter of resignation today. Felt somewhat satisfying.

On Sunday I'm heading to Turin in Italy to look at e31 850i that I found. Not the red one that I posted.
This one is also 1991 6 speed in Mauritius blue. Little but rougher around the edges and not as nice on the inside like the red one, but it has CSi package, two-tone leather, BBS RC302 wheels, aftermarket exhaust and apparently 68k miles which are probably not true. In any case, the price is really good and if it checks out in person, could be a cool project car.

I'm little skeptical about it and don't know what to expect, but at least I'll get to see Milan and Turin for a bit.

https://s26.postimg.org/ojj3elk7d/Whats_App_Image_2017-08-23_at_13.12.21.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9nkk708sl/)

https://s26.postimg.org/klvtp6xe1/Whats_App_Image_2017-08-23_at_13.12.02.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/k94fj0f45/)

https://s26.postimg.org/jm5ithi89/Whats_App_Image_2017-08-23_at_13.12.10.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/rrnkrn6h1/)

https://s26.postimg.org/m4r7u63yh/Whats_App_Image_2017-08-23_at_13.12.23.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8nu9batmt/)

[BMWCurves]

http://i.imgur.com/0bDRNBt.gif

[704sw]

Forgive me for asking what might be a stupid question, but where's the rear view mirror?

[Sreten]

Haha, damn, I didn't even notice that. Good catch. It should be there.

I saw that the alarm light is missing around the shift knob, headliner is sagging, panel with sunroof controls is also missing and it has a very ugly aftermarket steering wheel. Radio is there, it's just weird looking. God knows what else will I find when I get there.

He sent me few videos as well and engine seems to run fine. It's 26 years old so it doesn't have to be perfect as this is more of project car that I will eventually try to flip. I saw much worse examples going for lot more in Germany. But, if it ends up being a total shitbox, I'll walk away. I also got a line on a nice Carbon Black M5.

[704sw]

Since you like looking for unicorns, I'm looking for an E9 on a shoestring budget. Let me know what you find [emoji6]

[az3579]

I also got a line on a nice Carbon Black M5.


You just had an M5... what gives???

[704sw]

You just had an M5... what gives???

He needs to see how color impacts speed.

[az3579]

He needs to see how color impacts speed.

But everyone knows black is the slowest color...


... because you have to stop every 5 minutes to clean it, then spend 10 minutes staring at it because it's so pretty, realizing that it's due for another cleaning. :rofl

[Sreten]

E9 would be a fun one for sure. I'll have to look it up. ;)

Well, I will be living in a smaller city now where I don't have to drive 50 minutes away just to find some nice back roads.
Also, my pay will be slightly bigger with bonuses so M5 is back in the game, and Nürburgring is just 2 hours away.

When it comes to M5, I could live with any color other than black, but Carbon black is more dark blue than it is black so it is kinda interesting. :biggrin

https://s26.postimg.org/hsyxu65jd/5973356536_8be62fb492_b.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[BMWCurves]

E9 would be a fun one for sure. I'll have to look it up. ;)

Well, I will be living in a smaller city now where I don't have to drive 50 minutes away just to find some nice back roads.
Also, my pay will be slightly bigger with bonuses so M5 is back in the game, and Nürburgring is just 2 hours away.

When it comes to M5, I could live with any color other than black, but Carbon black is more dark blue than it is black so it is kinda interesting. :biggrin

https://s26.postimg.org/hsyxu65jd/5973356536_8be62fb492_b.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Am I blind or is that blue?

[Sreten]

That's Carbon Black in direct sun. It's still a black car, but it gets that nice deep blue tone when exposed to light.

This is the one that I found. It's sittting on KW V1 coilovers.

https://s26.postimg.org/vuxwcfs09/Whats_App_Image_2017-08-30_at_14.18.15_1.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6c5jzf8g5/)

This is just some random pic.

https://s26.postimg.org/pva58s77t/DSCN1102.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/zftrvnwjp/)

[704sw]

Am I blind or is that blue?

I had the exact same reaction when I opened the box with my Carbon mirrors. I thought my eyes were deceiving me.


That's Carbon Black in direct sun. It's still a black car, but it gets that nice deep blue tone when exposed to light.

This is the one that I found. It's sittting on KW V1 coilovers.

https://s26.postimg.org/vuxwcfs09/Whats_App_Image_2017-08-30_at_14.18.15_1.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6c5jzf8g5/)

This is just some random pic.

https://s26.postimg.org/pva58s77t/DSCN1102.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/zftrvnwjp/)

God I love the E39. I miss seeing them as often as I used to.

[Sockethead]

God I love the E39. I miss seeing them as often as I used to.
They're all over the place here in Charleston. I've even seen several M5

[Sreten]

They are pretty rare here. I have yet to see one on the road.

[anandoc]

Some small news.

I officially handed in the letter of resignation today. Felt somewhat satisfying.



Congrats! I also handed mine in last week - felt exactly the same way for me as well.

Good luck on your next BMW search!!

[Sreten]

Congrats! I also handed mine in last week - felt exactly the same way for me as well.

Good luck on your next BMW search!!

Thank you! While it felt good, this transition from one company to another and work permit stuff is stressing me out, but hopefully it will work out fine.

Buongiorno a tutti!

I arrived in Italy. Went exploring Milan for the better part of the day and then arrived in Turin to see the car.

All I can say, it runs and drives. These past 26 years have taken its toll on this car.

On the outside it's actually in pretty decent shape, it was recently repainted and having seen some spray can paint jobs that came from the Italy, this isn't bad at all. Just good polish/wax and it will look much better. Interior needs work - pillars, headliner and some bits of plastic, good cleaning... leather is in good condition which is a big plus since it's hard to find good replacement seats.

Mechanically is where it will need a lot of work. First good stuff, it pulls smooth with good amount of power, clutch feels good and gear changes are also good.
It doesn't blow smoke and oil color looks good. All of the windows function good including the the sunroof. Pop up headlights work great and all of the lights, minus the left turning signal.

Suspension will need some work as there is some slop in the steering wheel.
It idles good but I can feel it has a slight misfire, probably needs a good tune up (spark plugs, cables and I found cracked hose on the intake).
Rotors and brake pads look good all around, but breaking itself is not good. When you first press it nothing happens, press it little harder and all of the braking happens. I'm thinking new break fluid, flush and system bleed, but could be something more complicated than that of course. A/C doesn't work.
Few leaks all around and both batteries are dead.

Normally I would walk away since it's such an old car and bottomless money pit, but I offered very low for it and got it for a crazy stupid price.
For sure the cheapest running and driving 850i 6 speed in Europe.

Tomorrow I'm going to try and finish the paperwork for export which is much easier said than done.
Plan is to transport it to Germany on a truck. I can't drive it on its own wheels because Italy doesn't have export plates, and even if I could, I wouldn't do it.
Would love to restore it, but it will take sooo much time and effort, so I might try to sell it as is. We'll see.

Here are few better pictures.

https://s26.postimg.org/tt7odwwxl/Untitled.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/cfxdz21md/)

https://s26.postimg.org/9kkas6xmh/20170903_180448.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ralzd8b79/)

https://s26.postimg.org/y3mc9i20p/20170903_180455.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6t111kz3p/)

https://s26.postimg.org/uy1qjajeh/20170903_180547.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/bsyh9j4qd/)

[John in VA]

God bless you for taking on a V-12. I hope it doesn't bite you on the a$$!

[BMWCurves]

God bless you for taking on a V-12. I hope it doesn't bite you on the a$$!

+1

Whatever happens, it'll be an experience.

[slater]

dang.

you're crazier than i am!

can't wait to hear more details. ;)

[Sockethead]

Sounds like the beginning of a "wheeler Dealer" episode... hopefully it turns out just as good at the end...

[704sw]

Sounds like the beginning of a "wheeler Dealer" episode... hopefully it turns out just as good at the end...

"Join us next time. Ta-Lah!"

[RedAtom]

So sad to see the M5 go.

Good luck with that 12 banger

[Sreten]

Just got back few hours ago and straight to a night shift at work. I'm exhausted.

Thanks everybody for positive words! Overall it was a good trip. Got to explore Milan and Turin, and bought a car.

Biggest part now is to organize transportation for the car. I have a German guy who is a car dealer in Berlin helping me out with that, but the dude is so difficult to work with. Like all of the Germans complicating things that shouldn't be complicated and can't give a straight answer when asked a simple question. So this is my biggest worry now. Hopefully I'll see the car some time next week before I go to vacation.

Experience has been and will be for sure, and like John said, hopefully it won't bite me in the ass. :fingerscrossed


Sounds like the beginning of a "wheeler Dealer" episode... hopefully it turns out just as good at the end...

I do get little motivation and inspiration from them. Minus the "hold out yeeer hand" and buying "crackers" part :biggrin


So sad to see the M5 go.

Good luck with that 12 banger

Thank you and I'm already wanting and planning for another one. :o

When I get some rest, I'll write up more about my Italian car buying experience and their driving culture. I'll just say this, Germans and Italians two different worlds when it comes to driving and selling cars. ;)

[John in VA]

Be sure to check out http://e31.org/ and http://www.8coupe.com/. I'm sure there's a decent forum for these - will check with a buddy with a pair of them.

This site has everything an E31 owners should know - http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E31/Index.htm
He also suggested Bimmerforums [https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?55-8-Series-(E31)], as well as a Facebook group called BMW 850 World Owners Association.

[Sreten]

Thanks so much for the links John! I checked most of them except the Facebook group which I will look up.

E31 was finally loaded on the truck today and on it's way to Berlin.

Accompanied by Porsche 911, E92 335i, '99 Avus Blue E39 M5 and E34 M5 3.8 Daytona Violet Nürburgring edition.
Wish the last 2 were mine too. Trio E31, E34 and E39 are all under 70k miles.

https://s26.postimg.org/f8h6ztew9/Whats_App_Image_2017-09-12_at_09.53.33.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8us3wka05/)

[704sw]

Honestly I think the Avus E39 M5 is my "realistic" dream garage queen.

[Sreten]

Avus only comes on pre-facelift M5's, you want facelift M5 in Le Mans blue. :biggrin Though Avus is more blue and slightly lighter.

You should grab one while they are still somewhat affordable. Would be a match in heaven with Estoril ZHP. :)

[Sreten]

I drove it about 15 miles from the unloading point to my garage and I love it! Driving position is great and the long hood is ridiculous.

Now it's safely tucked into the garage.

31015

31014

[Whammy]

Nice!!

[Sockethead]

Sweet! I've never seen one of those up close...

[Sreten]

Thanks guys!

Old girl cleaned up pretty good. Quick hand wash, applied Carnuba wax and cleaned up the interior. Looks much better now.

Tomorrow I'm off to a holiday in Greece for one week so the 8er will stay parked in the garage with disconnected batteries for now.

A lot more up close pictures. :biggrin

31016

31017

31018

31019

31020

31021

31022

31023

31024

31025

31026

31027

31028

31029

31030

31031

31032

31033

31034

31035

31036

31037

31038

31039

31040

31041

[Sockethead]

Very cool! I like the dash layout of that era

[BMWCurves]

Gorgeous!

How long is it going to take you to register this thing this time?


Very cool! I like the dash layout of that era

+1

[az3579]

Time for a new thread.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Very cool! I like the dash layout of that era

Yeah, I dig it too. It's very oriented towards the driver.


Gorgeous!

How long is it going to take you to register this thing this time?


Good question haha. Probably even longer this time because the car has to go through Dekra for complete inspection and I'm pretty sure it won't pass in current condition. Biggest problem would be aftermarket exhaust and rims. All of that needs to be checked over and written into registration papers of the car. It will take a lot of time and cost a lot of money because Germany. :biggrin


Time for a new thread.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Sorry, you are right it is, but I don't want to start another thread because I'm not sure how long will it be with me.
I'll know for sure once I get back from vacation. In case it sticks longer with me, I will definitely start a new thread.

[Sreten]

Got back from vacation last night and sold the E31 this morning. :blushing

I've put up the ad online before I left for Greece and got swamped with calls and emails. I probably got more than 30 inquiries just in the first few days.

I am kinda sad because this E31 had perfect basis for mild restoration and would've been a fun project, but the fact is it needed a lot of work just to pass TÜV and being that this car was in Euro 1 emission group, yearly registration is around $900-1,000.
This way I made some very nice quick profit and moving on to something else.

It went to Czech Republic. Guy didn't speak word of English or German. He looked at it for whole 5 minutes without driving it, mumbled something, payed the asking price and took it away. If only all of the buyers were like him hah.

This concludes my adventure with the 8 series and I'm in search of something else interesting. :biggrin

Once more on a trailer. Hopefully it will be back on the road soon.

31120

[san]

Got back from vacation last night and sold the E31 this morning. :blushing

I've put up the ad online before I left for Greece and got swamped with calls and emails. I probably got more than 30 inquiries just in the first few days.

I am kinda sad because this E31 had perfect basis for mild restoration and would've been a fun project, but the fact is it needed a lot of work just to pass TÜV and being that this car was in Euro 1 emission group, yearly registration is around $900-1,000.
This way I made some very nice quick profit and moving on to something else.

It went to Czech Republic. Guy didn't speak word of English or German. He looked at it for whole 5 minutes without driving it, mumbled something, payed the asking price and took it away. If only all of the buyers were like him hah.

This concludes my adventure with the 8 series and I'm in search of something else interesting. :biggrin

Once more on a trailer. Hopefully it will be back on the road soon.

31120

Congrats on the quick sale lol

What's next?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fredo]

Congrats on the easy sale. Wow, two Smart cars in the same pic. Are they very popular over there ? :dunno

[BMWCurves]

Well. That lasted a while. What's next? An Isetta you have for 12 minutes?

[ZHPizza]

How long is the process for you to get your dealers license? Might want to get started on that paperwork...

[704sw]

Well. That lasted a while. What's next? An Isetta you have for 12 minutes?

I think he needs to perform a proper 190e vs. E30 comparison.

[Sreten]

Congrats on the quick sale lol

What's next?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you! We'll see, I really want another M5, but I'm also looking at M3's and few others. :)


Congrats on the easy sale. Wow, two Smart cars in the same pic. Are they very popular over there ? :dunno

Thank you!

Yup, they sure are. Berlin is a crowded city and parking is a nightmare for everybody so a lot of people use that pile of misery.

There's also an app from Mercedes called car2Go where you can rent Smart cars and others per minute, so the whole city is full of them. I think it's around 0,25 euros per every minute.
I used it few times and it's not bad when you have to get somewhere in a hurry. I believe there is a same app in some bigger US cities as well.

[Sreten]

Well. That lasted a while. What's next? An Isetta you have for 12 minutes?

Yup, it was a short ride. Nah, not the fan of small cars. :biggrin


How long is the process for you to get your dealers license? Might want to get started on that paperwork...

I am actually looking into it, but this being Germany nothing is easy. I have to fulfill certain requirements and then begs the question if it is worth it for someone like me who would be possibly dealing occasionally with just a few cars.
I would have to rent a place to store the cars, pay insurance for dealer plates and of course pay a lot of tax. Legally I can have up to 5-6 cars per year like in US. I'll do some more digging and then put math to work.

But, honestly this interest me much more then my current jobs in IT hah.


I think he needs to perform a proper 190e vs. E30 comparison.

Who wouldn't want that? One day hopefully. :)

[BMWCurves]

Yup, they sure are. Berlin is a crowded city and parking is a nightmare for everybody so a lot of people use that pile of misery.

There's also an app from Mercedes called car2Go where you can rent Smart cars and others per minute, so the whole city is full of them. I think it's around 0,25 euros per every minute.
I used it few times and it's not bad when you have to get somewhere in a hurry. I believe there is a same app in some bigger US cities as well.

Portland has this, as well as Reach. Both decent services.