Road trip story & Project thread: 2001 Titanium Silver e39 M5

[Sreten]

I'm proud to say that another M5 has found its home with me.

I thought I'd share my whole buying experience since it was rather an interesting journey. :roundel

It all started with me scouring car websites all over the Europe for M5's when I stumbled upon this listing in Italy.
The car was listed on the Italian website that's similar to craigslist and it's not very big on car listings like Autoscout is.

Listing looked like this.

https://s7.postimg.cc/tou8rqabf/Capture.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/e3cx7ryd3/)

Very little details, just approximate kilometers, year and that the car is bellissima. Not even a phone number.
I used google translate and sent an email to the owner and got a very short response and on my next email, he didn't even respond.
I then noticed that he had another ad where he was selling a couch and for that he left a contact number. Makes sense, right?
With that info, I then established communication with him on WhatsApp. It took few days to actually get pictures of the car. I didn't even know what color was it, he just kept saying it was light gray.

Production date is 07/2001.Original facelift and it's a slicktop!

https://s7.postimg.cc/qovrui82j/111111111111.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ldgv9w963/33333333333.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/fcj6ctu9n/2222222222222222.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)

Once I received pictures and VIN, I knew it was a real deal and started planning the trip with my girlfriend.
The car was in a small town near Ancona called Sirolo. Booked a flight to Milan and took the train to Ancona where the seller was waiting for us.
I don't speak Italian, and I asked him if he speaks English and he said little, which turned out to be nothing so dealing with a language barrier was fun.

I'm going to start off by posting pictures of the beautiful town of Sirolo.

https://s8.postimg.cc/uhpwh532t/20171018_143217.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/617qmo2c1/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/juw3bqi2t/20171018_143225.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/an3uv1b0h/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/49errslk5/20171018_143412.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/u4yiazndt/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/d4fm2bi2d/20171018_184141.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6qqiz2d69/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/f8zz3eret/20171018_184155.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/k7nhhxv7l/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/ravcxkg2t/20171019_104638.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cro7w5mxt/)

We spent the night there and really enjoyed the scenery and food.
Even though it's a tourist town during summer, we couldn't find a single person that was speaking English.
Ordering dinner also proved to be challenging, but it's tough to go wrong with Italian food. ;)

Tiramisu was phenomenal!

https://s8.postimg.cc/w3568znlh/tiramisu.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4fsguw2ep/)

Now, back to the car.

First thing I noticed on the car was a check engine light and that the left side Vanos was ticking quite a bit, which he didn't mention.
You could tell that the car was little neglected, but otherwise pretty decent and in original condition which was key.

Single family owned since new, 4 keys, service book and few records. Other than the lower right skirt (there was a small dent which can be seen in the picture he sent me) and front bumper that was repainted due some scratches, paint was original all around. Best of all, it had only 45k miles on the clock!

https://s7.postimg.cc/wp5j4jje3/20171018_172245.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/i5ye34q93/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/lcsxmsda3/20171019_125106.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nu4ou1x6f/)

It was obvious that the car will need some work, but that's just what I love to do and I was more than happy to nurture this beast to the condition it deserves. We settled on the price and next day completed the paperwork in the town hall in Ancona and the car was mine!
The car had to stay with the owner until I found the transportation to Germany, so we shook hands with the owner and continued with our trip back to the north of Italy.

We decided to make a mini holiday out of this trip and we stayed two nights in Treviso and planned to visit Venice.

Few shots of a very charming city of Treviso. It has a very interesting city center with narrow streets and cobblestone roads.

https://s7.postimg.cc/wwxrenejv/20171020_112433.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8gflk6dt3/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/8gflk7o3v/20171020_113016.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5z3ucy47b/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/59l20lj3f/20171021_121437.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oeobacxrb/)

And very good pizza. :o

https://s7.postimg.cc/cxcjwi9ob/20171019_213054.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gtpvshunr/)

We spent the entire next day exploring Venice, my first time and it was a great fun! Lots of beautiful and interesting things to see.

https://s7.postimg.cc/3qyun044b/20171020_125005.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rhy8544bb/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/yxxhqzkbv/20171020_125619.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/krhqvr9gn/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/4ghmzfp97/20171020_130520.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ltrxeakk7/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/92dr7tssr/20171020_130548.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gv4ezsyrr/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/zaovx7sbv/20171020_131254.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/eqk1yqckn/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/pq59abva3/20171020_132121.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8pmd1ni8n/)

Spaghetti bolognese for lunch and 'shrum pizza for my non-meat eating gf.

https://s7.postimg.cc/xk5uvisqj/20171020_151924.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4506mio6v/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/n8ti3a8vf/20171020_133828.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/keqcpu6p3/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/b6y4944rv/20171020_133841.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rupmblzjb/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/wglqjz87v/20171020_134324.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/68alulo47/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/fg2ub6d57/20171020_134932.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/do9vg9ts7/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/k38wcm0ej/20171020_141155.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/u0jx5o807/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/bkzg8a9bf/20171020_141948.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mkknjvzqf/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/mkknk0hrv/20171020_171352.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/avgnw1qt3/)

After a very nice trip, it was time to head back to Frankfurt and start looking for a transport.

It was 2 long weeks before I saw the car again. In the meantime, the parts pile was growing.

https://s7.postimg.cc/h318o1957/20171104_133425.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ch54fonlz/)

Found a very reliable guy for transport and the car arrived safe and sound.

https://s7.postimg.cc/yqeg813u3/20171104_092233.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lz0a1iu1z/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/y0vnvslbv/20171104_095209.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/boxv2em7r/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/v6siic3q3/20171104_095226.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hd45tab4n/)

Noticed that the original Running-in instructions were still present on the windshield. It was hanging on by a thread so I removed it and put it in the service book to remain as part of cars documentation.

https://s7.postimg.cc/3w77amb5n/20171105_123842.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/60rkbpcs7/)

I didn't waste any time and put those new parts to use.
Out with the nasty old filters and worn out wipers.

https://s7.postimg.cc/4yhdt5m97/20171105_135807.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xo49psq93/)

Oil separator vent hoses were very icky and it was time for a new pair.

https://s7.postimg.cc/atfmbiv1n/20171105_153351.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5i0pqt8yv/)

I'm a big Liqui Moly fan, but I figured I try that BMW's magic fluid made by Shell, even says that on the back label.

https://s7.postimg.cc/w338ms3qz/20171105_155131.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vdkgaf37b/)

Also picked up a BMW oil bag for the trunk to keep things tidy and clean.

https://s7.postimg.cc/a3wtzla23/20171105_155313.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9ee1n89if/)

Bumper trims have done their job of protecting the bumper so I got a fresh pair of new trim for both sides.

https://s7.postimg.cc/g4uiwoz97/20171105_155650.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/joggmi1yv/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/obminq763/20171105_155908.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hxxfkh29z/)

Now it was time to tackle that check engine light. I scanned the car back in Italy with PA Soft and it was throwing codes for exhaust camshaft sensors on both banks. There are total of 4 camshaft sensors, one intake and one exhaust per bank.

They are conveniently located at the back of the engine right next to the firewall.

When removing the cabin air filter box, I was pleasantly surprised how everything was intact, all of the plastic tabs were still there and even the glue that holds air filter tube was still present. It honestly looked like it was never removed before.

Anyway, this is the location.

https://s7.postimg.cc/3mn47l1ln/20171107_195954.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8lamm45ef/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/8y20s8iij/20171107_195941.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wp1eacipj/)

Passenger side wasn't that bad and it was fairly accessible. Drivers side sensor, I had to attack from under the car. There was no way I could reach it from the top.

https://s7.postimg.cc/3rvgug0p7/20171107_212642.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ooroz3ypz/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/920fmbdej/20171107_212605.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ffpipkiaf/)

Both sensors were original with a date stamp from 02.07.2001. On top of that, they are old design, the fatter sensor on the right is new updated design. I assume that intake sensors are original and old design as well so I plan to replace them too.

After buttoning up everything, clearing codes and starting the car, the difference was astonishing.
The engine idled much smoother and Vanos wasn't making any weird sounds anymore. Amazing how these small sensors made such a big difference.

I didn't take pictures of this part, but the car had tint all around which I had to take off because it would be instant fail at the inspection.
In Germany it is not allowed to have any type of foil on the front windows and for the rear, you need some types of certificates so I decide to take everything off.
One of the worst jobs I had to do. I tried using a heat gun before taking the foil, but it still left a huge amount of glue on the windows.
Lots of elbow grease and acetone, I was able to remove all of the glue from the side windows. I'm left to deal with the back window, but I'm afraid to use acetone as I know that the rear heaters are sensitive and I don't want to damage them. If anybody has a suggestion, I'm all ears.

At this point, I decided to take the car to Dekra for inspection and see with what they come up. I didn't perform full inspection so I was curious.

https://s7.postimg.cc/5ijlgvykb/image.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)

Got a call later that day from the inspection dude who told me that the car didn't pass and that he will show me the problems when I come to pick it up.

He found the following issues that stopped it from being roadworthy in Germany:

- Front tires excessively worn and not safe for road use. (I was aware of this since the front tires were from 2004 and the rear ones from 2009, an example of Italian old school maintenance, drive them until they expolde.
- Front headlights not aimed correctly. (broken adjusters in the left headlight, common e39 problem).
- Rear sway bar bushing bracket sheared off
- Rear upper control arms had cracked rubber on the ball joints and the grease was starting to coming out
- Missing first aid kit and safety west

I'm happy to report that since then I addressed all of the issues and the car passed inspection without any additional problems.

The very next day I had it registered and I was finally able to stretch its legs on the Autobahn!

https://s7.postimg.cc/jk06gbh97/20171118_133153.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xdoj5d9uf/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/kz1r53v7v/20171118_133203.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/i4ylrnt1j/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/cgsb0r99n/20171119_151423.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/50t1eylk7/)

I think this is more than enough for the first post. More updates coming up :biggrin

[Karl Lazlo]

Wow! Awesome writeup and adventure.

For all you reading at home, this is how you buy a car!

[BMWCurves]

Wow! Awesome writeup and adventure.

For all you reading at home, this is how you buy a car!

+1

Great story, glad you're giving that beautiful M5 a loving home.

[fredo]

Good find ! Glad to see the progress. :thumbup

[anandoc]

What an amazing thread! Even sent it to the wife and said "Ignore the car pics...just check out Italy" ;)

[slater]

love it!! great adventure, especially with your girlfriend - that makes it even better. nicely done. :cheers

[Whammy]

Nice pickup!!!

[Sreten]

Wow! Awesome writeup and adventure.

For all you reading at home, this is how you buy a car!

Thank you! I bought many cars, but this one was one of the nicest buying experiences.


+1

Great story, glad you're giving that beautiful M5 a loving home.

Thanks, Will! M5 is indeed getting a lot of love.


Good find ! Glad to see the progress. [emoji106]

Thanks! Progress is well under the way. :)


What an amazing thread! Even sent it to the wife and said "Ignore the car pics...just check out Italy" ;)

Haha, nice one. Hope she liked it. My gf hates my passion for cars and how much time I spend with them, but when it came to a road trip in Italy, there were no complaints! :biggrin


love it!! great adventure, especially with your girlfriend - that makes it even better. nicely done. : cheers

Thanks, Peter! Given that everything was short notice, it turned out very nice for both of us. Even the weather was great. :biggrin


Nice pickup!!!

Thank you! :o

To pick up where I left off, post inspection.

I started with upgrading the headlights. 3rd time I'm doing this on e39.

https://s7.postimg.cc/y6flawtej/20171112_114100.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/afg7sst7b/)

New headlight adjusters, old ones were literally falling apart as I was removing them.

https://s7.postimg.cc/ebtjot1cb/20171112_115156.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/b4z056gw7/)

New Hella G4 Bi-Xenon projectors on the right.

https://s7.postimg.cc/5tk3kh2jf/20171112_115740.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ua29ey39z/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ua29eyipn/20171112_115736.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/66bhqo08n/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/yj6zh4e97/20171112_121714.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/w1v89uucn/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/541b84wuz/20171112_122400.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4r9x1yel3/)

Put an extra layer of butyl to keep the moisture out.

https://s7.postimg.cc/o94khwj8r/20171112_123710.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4eiivs413/)

Everything buttoned up and later installed on the car. I'll get some shots of the cut-off soon.

https://s7.postimg.cc/mhblmzkgb/20171112_140900.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6j2vwuq87/)

Then the battery crapped out since that too was from 2009. The beast needs a good power supply so I got her a brand new Exide 100Ah.

https://s7.postimg.cc/y7pj4ad7v/20171114_184359.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/55b91gqxz/)

Next on the list was rear upper control arms. Yellow markings are from the inspection dude.

https://s7.postimg.cc/jd0xqayjv/20171114_195324.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/68vddm6hz/)

Got a set from Lemforder. Even though the rubber was cracked, the ball joint was still fine.
It would fail inevitably so it's a good thing I got that sorted. One of the easiest DIY's I've done.

https://s7.postimg.cc/wtxw96w0r/20171114_195541.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kfb48v4if/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/mwmvg53uj/20171115_192833.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hxzd1m01j/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/xw82rq74b/20171114_195535.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/pqq0tkivb/)

This is a snapped rear sway bar bracket. I was very surprised by this, but after a quick search on M5board this turned out to be quite common as the brackets are made of aluminum and are prone to cracking. Replacement bracket from BMW is ridiculously priced at $70 each.
M5board proved to be a phenomenal source of information for the M5 once again and someone had found that the bracket from e36 M3 will also fit. That one is made of steel and bares a price tag of $4.

https://s31.postimg.cc/lwkvppld7/20171115_203145.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/b9r2kad7r/)

They are not 100% identical, but it did the trick.
Also replaced both sway bar bushings while I was in there.

https://s7.postimg.cc/l63ue3wfv/20171115_203622.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ml5f2txiv/)

Fan clutch was failing and revving the car sounded like there was a jet engine under the hood.
Got a replacement part from the dealer. Manufacture was BEHR same as the one I removed.

https://s7.postimg.cc/rz47aqi7v/20171116_192551.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/yctadzn3r/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/nd832ez9n/20171116_193114.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/irbyu2dqf/)

With the help of cheap Chinese tools, this was a very easy task.

https://s7.postimg.cc/6pgkzy72z/20171116_193603.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/y01w7v9zr/)

Got some fresh spark plugs too.

https://s7.postimg.cc/6fdnu0pgr/20171117_204538.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5puvhnox3/)

Two wheel center caps were missing so I went for a new set with updated design which looks much better than the old one.

https://s7.postimg.cc/7uf8irlez/20171118_102031.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5puvhojs7/)

This pretty much brings us up to speed.

I'm now waiting for parts for the thermostat replacement and over the weekend I'm hoping to replace power steering fluid and a couple of leaking lines.

Then I'm also dealing with a very annoying electrical issue where the radio just cuts off every time I start the car.

M5 also awarded me with another CEL for pre-cat O2 sensor so I have replacement parts coming for that too.

[slater]

I'm now waiting for parts for the thermostat replacement and over the weekend I'm hoping to replace power steering fluid and a couple of leaking lines.

great work, man! love the quick progress.

for the PS fluid, i've yet to actually do a flush on a BMW; what's your procedure?

[Sreten]

Thanks, Peter!

I don't have a very special approach to be honest. I bought few liters of ATF and I just sucked out the old fluid from the reservoir.
I did that 3 times so far and topped it off with fresh fluid. Now I plan to detach and replace lines that go to the PS pump and PS cooler, and hopefully I will replace most of it that way. If it still ends up looking like coffee, I'll repeat the process.

I guess the best way to be sure you flushed all of the old PS fluid would be if you do it like in this DIY - http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/163480-power-steering-flush-reservoir-replacement.html
Remove the reservoir, attach a bucket with fresh fluid to the suction hose, start the car and just catch the old fluid from the return line.

My working space and tools are limited, so I have to go with the easiest route. I couldn't find a normal single garage so I'm renting a space in the underground garage and doing all of the work there since outside is too cold and rains most of the time. It sucks.

[danewilson77]

So jealous. Thanks for sharing.

Sent from my S8+

[Vas]

Killing it will the maintenance

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[holyc0w]

Bellissima

[johnrando]

Great story!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

So jealous. Thanks for sharing.

Sent from my S8+

Thanks for reading, Dane!


Killing it will the maintenance

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I'm just getting started, the car needs it. :biggrin


Bellissima

Grazie. :)


Great story!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Thank you, John!


Then I'm also dealing with a very annoying electrical issue where the radio just cuts off every time I start the car.

This turned out to be a problem with the amp. The famous Becker BM24 amp, I tried to fix mine by resoldering few dry joints which didn't help.
Couldn't waste any more time on it so I bought a used one which resolved the issue.

Over the weekend I replaced PS lines, reservoir and completely flushed the system.

Leaky PS lines and reservoir were making a mess in otherwise oil free engine bay.

https://s7.postimg.cc/qu8azxkl7/20171124_211543.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/eflizlt2v/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/mxuz3x4qj/20171124_211538.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/aj873ld87/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/b8qzfyt7f/20171124_213324.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7p51q5qhj/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/udu8pr2qj/20171124_221011.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/udu8pr2qf/)

Used a lot of brake cleaner and got everything nice and clean. Installed new lines that I got from the dealer and new reservoir that's actually from e90 series, but identical to the one for M5, just cheaper.

https://s7.postimg.cc/snb7o4vgb/20171124_221127.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oe6hlys6v/)


for the PS fluid, I've yet to actually do a flush on a BMW; what's your procedure?


Now I plan to detach and replace lines that go to the PS pump and PS cooler, and hopefully I will replace most of it that way. If it still ends up looking like coffee, I'll repeat the process.

That didn't really work out. Once I detached the lines, the amount of fluid that came out was minimal and there was still a lot of old fluid stuck in the system. When I put back everything together, refilled the reservoir and started the car, old fluid from the steering box was pushed and it still very much looked like coffee and had that burnt smell.

I had to get all of that crap out so I did something simple but very effective.

I disconnected the return hose from the reservoir (on the M5, that's the smaller one of the two) and put the plug on the reservoir.

https://s7.postimg.cc/70w774k17/20171125_104452.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/95gk87lnr/)

I then put the return hose into empty bottle, tapped it secure, refilled the reservoir to the brim with ATF and cranked the car for a couple seconds.
I repeated this procedure for a total of 4 times until the fluid started coming out clean and nice red color.
PS fluid capacity on the M5 is 1.9 L and I exchanged about 2 L this way.
Albeit, starting the car like that isn't very good for the engine, so I had it warmed up before I started doing this.

https://s7.postimg.cc/5938c88e3/20171125_104608.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/pt82apo53/)

Then I refilled it for the last time and bled the system. I used Liqui Moly 1100 ATF fluid.

https://s7.postimg.cc/drcogkmmj/20171125_110034.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mz4wx9ton/)

I could immediately feel improvement. The steering response is better and the PS pump stopped whining.

In the spirit of preventive maintenance, I used Sunday afternoon to knock out Vanos solenoids from the list.

Removed both boards from the car.

https://s7.postimg.cc/78t0uy9pn/20171126_142214.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/q14vyj63r/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/4epvhkcp7/20171126_211020.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5trg6ads7/)

Another sign of the low mileage is the that the little net on the mesh filter was still present and was just starting to degrade and would end up in solenoids and clog them up, so I was just in time. On the blue M5 with 100k miles the mesh filter was completely gone.

https://s7.postimg.cc/pbm3m7fuz/20171126_170538.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rsxutgzrb/)

Then I thoroughly cleaned them with brake cleaner, resoldered the contact points and test them with a 9V battery. Slapped new O-rings and installed them back on the car along with the new Vanos gasket.

https://s7.postimg.cc/afnkelwqj/20171126_202334.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/90lzpvvnb/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/7ybt7c54b/20171126_202323.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/g3tv5htd3/)

Servicing Vanos solenoids is a good way to get back that lost lower end power, car now feels more alive in lower rpms.
I got the same effect when I did this on my old blue M5. Very happy with the outcome!

[slater]

That didn't really work out. Once I detached the lines, the amount of fluid that came out was minimal and there was still a lot of old fluid stuck in the system. When I put back everything together, refilled the reservoir and started the car, old fluid from the steering box was pushed and it still very much looked like coffee and had that burnt smell.

I had to get all of that crap out so I did something simple but very effective.

I disconnected the return hose from the reservoir (on the M5, that's the smaller one of the two) and put the plug on the reservoir.

I then put the return hose into empty bottle, tapped it secure, refilled the reservoir to the brim with ATF and cranked the car for a couple seconds.
I repeated this procedure for a total of 4 times until the fluid started coming out clean and nice red color.
PS fluid capacity on the M5 is 1.9 L and I exchanged about 2 L this way.
Albeit, starting the car like that isn't very good for the engine, so I had it warmed up before I started doing this.

very cool - i have done it this way on audis before. i think i'll do the same method you used, it seems easy enough and minimal fluid loss. thanks very much for the details and the pics! i feel a lot more confident about it now. :cheers

[Sreten]

very cool - i have done it this way on audis before. i think i'll do the same method you used, it seems easy enough and minimal fluid loss. thanks very much for the details and the pics! i feel a lot more confident about it now. :cheers

You're welcome.
I was skeptical about doing this at first because I was afraid I would make a mess or starve the PS pump from fluid, but it's actually pretty straightforward.
Just when you do this, either get a 2nd person to start the car for you so you can watch over the fluid level or if you're doing it alone like I did, don't run the car for more than 1-2 seconds. It sucks the entire reservoir pretty quick.

[Sreten]

Been busy yesterday.

It was occasionally throwing a CEL light for pre-cat O2 sensors. That was sorted out easily and quickly.
I used OEM Bosch sensor. Very easy job, I didn't even have to remove any undercarriage protection.

https://s17.postimg.cc/9wk3j20kf/20171124_200944.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/y0av7cj17/)

https://s17.postimg.cc/xas2uxdbz/20171124_202117.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ev7lxiz7f/)

https://s17.postimg.cc/osimqltyn/20171124_202702.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rzd6a8eej/)

Next was the very fiddly job of replacing the thermostat.

The winters in Germany are relatively cold and whenever I found myself on the open road, the needle for the temperature would take a big drop.
We all know that it's not good for the engine to work constantly cold and I wanted to remedy that asap.

The thermostat housing on the M5 is located on the top of the water pump and there are few things that need to be removed in order to get to it. Mostly vanos lines.

https://s17.postimg.cc/diui9eeb3/20171202_130856.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/y2zc7vu23/)

This is with everything removed and ready to pull out the thermostat housing which has 3 pipes connected to the engine.

https://s17.postimg.cc/wb6dd5xwf/20171202_133846.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/z59iqm02j/)

It was a royal pain to get it out. The pipes were really stuck on there and only after I sprayed a dab of WD-40 on the O-rings I was able to pull it out from the engine.

These are the 3 pipes I'm talking about and that are seated in the engine.

https://s17.postimg.cc/6456h7ncf/20171202_135644.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/uxeqhv6cr/)

https://s17.postimg.cc/4ntnz2zv3/20171202_135633.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/d6343f6dn/)

Old tstat removed, surface cleaned and installed the new one. I went with good old Behr tstat.

https://s7.postimg.cc/ds3tvadnf/20171202_141654.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/npeuocl93/)

I replaced all of the while in there items, O-rings on the connecting pipes, temp sensor, aux fan switch, upper radiator hose, radiator drain plug, vanos crush washers...

I wanted to replace the lower radiator hose as well, but for the life of me I couldn't disconnect it from the radiator, so I left it alone.
I'm coming back for that sucker later with some bigass plumber pliers.

https://s7.postimg.cc/47k78h16z/20171202_152208.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/idzy3pc1z/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/utwnxdsij/20171202_145808.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/if9vx2107/)

Now the hardest part of this job is to assemble everything correctly. It's very easy to tear the O-rings and end up with leaks.
I really didn't want to do this job again so I got everything clean and then lubed up the O-rings and seating positions with technische vaseline. I also put a dab of gasket maker on the mating surface of the tstat and water pump to be extra safe and gingerly assembled everything.

https://s7.postimg.cc/5mlrx84uz/20171202_160014.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/q6qlvpklz/)

Green coolant was present in the system, so I flushed the radiator and the block few times, and refilled with proper blue BMW coolant.

https://s7.postimg.cc/7r64yabmj/20171202_172940.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mn4o5vn13/)

Nice thing about the M5 is that the system is essentially self-bleeding. There is no bleed screw, just turn on the ignition, set the temp to max and blower to low setting. Start filling up and that's it.

I let everything settle down and went to the Christmas market for some Bratwurst and Glühwein.

https://s7.postimg.cc/7yyd88m63/20171202_201730.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/frp107s53/)

It was nice chilly 3 °C degrees so perfect time for a late night test drive.

Went to the Autobahn and got some nice readings. The temp needle stayed right in the middle and there are no apparent leaks. Success!

https://s7.postimg.cc/sbaywqosr/20171202_221034.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gyydeyg3r/)

[BMWCurves]

Nice work! That thermostat does not look like much fun to do, especially compared with the ease of the M54 thermostat. I am envious of the self-bleed system...where does the excess air escape to?

[Sreten]

Thanks!

It's certainly much more involved. I do miss the simplicity of the M54.

I followed TIS bleeding procedure that I described and there's no additional info on that. Just that the air finds its way out through the expansion tank.

[nextelbuddy]

did you mention anywhere how much you picked it up for?

also whats your story? are you traveling over seas? military? private contractor? permanently moved to Europe but used to live here in the states?

[Sreten]

Don't know how I missed your post. :biggrin

I picked it up for about $18k which was a really good deal, in Germany for similar miles and facelift model, I would've paid twice as much and then some.
Though I am already $5-6k in it and I'm not slowing down.

Actually, neither. I'm European, born and raised in Serbia, Belgrade. I spent about 3 and a half years living and working in Santa Barbara, CA aka paradise for me. I honestly can't wait to move back to the States. For now I'm here becuase of my girlfriend, but I'm hoping to move back to CA. I'm an IT guy by profession so there are always opportunities wherever I go.

Few wet pictures. It was so filthy that I just had to quickly wash off the dirt.

https://s2.postimg.cc/lsv8ki3pl/20171207_185156.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/epnd4vy9x/)

https://s2.postimg.cc/553qhztih/20171207_185035.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6k5b6pulh/)

https://s2.postimg.cc/4sccbtye1/20171207_185109.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4fky5ng45/)

[BMWCurves]

Awesome background! It's fortunate that you have an IT background. Like you say, there will always be a demand for that pretty much anywhere you go.

[Sreten]

Thanks, Will! I had a job that I loved very much back in California, but not the case here.

Germany has been good to me and I landed on my feet fairly quick, I'm just not very happy with my current work situation. So we'll what happens in the future.

[Sreten]

I tackled something that pretty much every E38/E39/E53 suffers from. Dead pixels.

https://s7.postimg.cc/u6sc8fbzf/20171210_171831.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hs5k83kh3/)

My problem was intermittent, when the cabin was cold display would be barely readable, when warmed up all of the pixels were present as you can see from my previous pictures.

I ordered new ribbon cable and needle removal tool from PixelFix.

Cluster ready for surgery.

https://s7.postimg.cc/vbmedg3hn/20171211_193029.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bh0crbo9z/)

The cluster was sealed and never opened before, which really makes me wonder how did this insect manage to get itself trapped inside.

https://s7.postimg.cc/yigxx9qkb/20171211_193046.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xsy5kwq0n/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/n64cfhpl7/20171211_193121.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oxxbae8xz/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/8mx7e3463/20171211_200812.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/s4ruu113r/)

Front cover taken off and removed 8 screws that hold the back cover.

https://s7.postimg.cc/4qjviae3f/20171211_194111.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xsy5l40d3/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ik887cm4b/20171211_202341.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/d8tbmn01j/)

Back cover removed. These are the tabs on the connectors that need to be pressed in, in order to release the back cover.

https://s7.postimg.cc/shj90f1fv/20171211_202405.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8a5t843yf/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/hhy1otqgb/20171211_202430.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c6j5444dj/)

Now comes the part where the LCD needs to be removed. There are 4 screws that hold it to the board located behind the face of the cluster.
Two ways to get to them, either remove the needles and the front panel or drill 4 holes through the white panel.

My initial approach was to remove the needles since I bought the needle removal tool, but after some thinking and researching I decide not to do that and went for drilling.
I was afraid that once I remove the needles I won't be able to put them back in their exact spot and end up with false readings. There's some tension to them and I wasn't confident that I can calibrate them like the factory did.

So drilled the 4 holes and removed the LCD from the board. Drilling is done under the grey surface which separates from the white panel and therefore cannot be seen once everything is put back together.
Once you see where the screws come out on the back, it's tough to drill in the wrong place.

https://s7.postimg.cc/6kwpzulmj/20171211_213112.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xiqn1l69j/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/4t3r4z4uj/20171211_213119.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4gccysmkn/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ve6a0jexn/20171211_213946.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lgv97h7br/)

Removed the old ribbon cable and cleaned the LCD and board with q tips and acetone.

https://s7.postimg.cc/yxs7qe7dn/20171211_214638.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/p0h6xbzrr/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/zajlwls8b/20171211_215946.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/w3p2cz7s7/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/edndrxerv/20171211_220304.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rhsy4m6tj/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/b6su8b21n/20171211_221730.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/w3p2cz02f/)

Next is to cut the little pieces of the postcard and put them under the 3 red silicone strips so that there is enough pressure on the ribbon cable.

https://s7.postimg.cc/685btv5zf/20171211_224213.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/e0vzlubyf/)

New ribbon cable lined up carefully and held in place with scotch tape.

https://s7.postimg.cc/aha1w1gyj/20171211_230028.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/yxs7qihp3/)

I made sure that the ribbon cable was lined up perfectly and mounted back the LCD. Installed the back cover and 8 torx screws that hold it.

https://s7.postimg.cc/k33mbw5ez/20171212_000312.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nzgy7vqef/)

Cleaned up everything with a microfibre cloth to my satisfaction and assembled the cluster.

https://s7.postimg.cc/4udoy4jgb/20171212_001621.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oc8ce2gdz/)

Now the moment of truth.

https://s7.postimg.cc/u0en4ysgb/20171213_213534.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vfg7totjb/)

Job well done. :biggrin

I might've made it look easy with the remove/reinstall pictures and few comments, but I can totally understand why some people don't want to touch this.
It's a very time consuming and sensitive task.
Luckily, there are plenty of DIY threads and you get detailed instructions and videos with the ribbon cable. Now that I've done it for the first time, next time it would be much easier and faster.

Upcoming weekend project.

https://s7.postimg.cc/6im145wmz/20171213_232923.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/i7q0s4nlj/)

Cheers for now!

https://s7.postimg.cc/5gbum5vzf/20171214_003534.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9cp6i5gyv/)

[BMWCurves]

Nice! I did not realize dead pixels in the E39 were due to the ribbon cable and not the display itself.

[danewilson77]

:respect

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

wonderful work, i love doing things like this. its therapeutic and gives you something to do with your hands.

[Sreten]

Nice! I did not realize dead pixels in the E39 were due to the ribbon cable and not the display itself.

Thanks! Yeah, it's always the ribbon cable. Many BMW's from this era have this problem. The glue or whatever it is that holds the ribbon cable dries up and you get missing pixels due to bad contact. My e39 530i actually had the cluster replaced under warranty.

Fortunately, e46 never had this stupid problem.


:respect

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Danke, Dane. :)


wonderful work, i love doing things like this. its therapeutic and gives you something to do with your hands.

Thanks, Shawn! Couldn't agree more. I'm not expert when it comes to electronics, but I'm fond of doing things like this that require precision and patience.

I followed your work on retrofitting e46 M3 power folding mirrors, rear sunshade, heated seats... and that's some impressive stuff. You probably need nerves of steal for that.

[anandoc]

This is some master level work - great job!! My E46 cluster has a missing segment or 2 in the LCD on a very cold day...but it fixes itself as the car warms up.

[Sreten]

Thanks man! Mine was similar but much worse as you saw. I didn't know e46 had these issues. Probably not as common as with e39.

I refreshed belts and pulleys over the weekend.

I went with Ruville parts which had INA engraved on them.

Water Pump / Alternator / Power Steering Belt - 11281710045 x2
AC Compressor Belt - 531076010 x1
And Continental belts.

Fairly easy and quick job to do. Drove the car onto the ramps, removed the fan clutch and underbody panel and that gives you enough space to work with.

https://s8.postimg.cc/xan0rpxf9/20171217_160109.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/phwczqrg1/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/tr131xa51/20171217_170916.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r9pbunq8h/)

All 3 pulleys were shot and spinning freely, but surprisingly didn't make that much noise.
AC belt was replaced at some point and was still good, while the serpentine had cracks.

https://s8.postimg.cc/6ct3pzzxh/20171217_171006.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jtq28va8x/)

Glad to have done this. The parts are not expensive and it's good maintenance.

And now the upcoming major update.

I decided to replace the clutch. When I test drove the car in Italy it wasn't that bad and felt like an old original clutch.
Now that I've been driving it more, I can feel that it's showing symptoms of a failing clutch.

For example, the clutch pedal is very stiff and catches I would say kinda high.
If I'm not careful with the gear changes and my foot isn't entirely off the clutch, it will slip. If it's leaned just a bit on top of the clutch pedal, it will start to slip.
When I push it hard and just go through the gears, it will never slip and I can probably get a lot more miles out of this clutch, but it's not very enjoyable to drive and since this is probably the original clutch it makes sense to change it before it gets worse and I burn the flywheel completely. Hopefully, I can get away without replacing the flywheel this time, but I won't know that until the transmission is out.

So I made a pretty decent parts list for this job which I will post later down the road. There is a lot of useful information on the board regarding this topic which helped a lot.

Unfortunately, this isn't something I can do myself on the floor of my garage and I found what appears to be a very good shop that will do the work for me.
They are not far from me and they specialize in M models from this era. I paid them a visit last week and had a nice chat with them. They are also BMW enthusiast who daily drive E36 M3, E46 M3 and X5 M. I was told that they do everything by the book and won't rush the job which is important to me.

They were actually working on another E39 M5 that day. '02 Le Mans blue M5 with 100k miles that was getting around $7.000 worth of work. New guides, vanos, bearings... Kinda scary to hear and see this. His opinion is that this example was seriously neglected and was just nasty when they opened it up.

https://s8.postimg.cc/7a44cs0v9/20171215_081230.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gunqznq75/)

My M5 should go under the knife on Wednesday so stay tuned.

[slater]

love your attention to detail! what kind of clutch are you going to use? also... maybe a good idea while you're in there to replace the DMF with an SMF? i was really impressed with the valeo steel SMF i used for my car, it's the same weight as the stock DMF.

[Vas]

Yay to clutch jobs...

[BMWCurves]

Yay to clutch jobs...

Said no one with enthusiasm, ever.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slater]

Said no one with enthusiasm, ever.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

getting the trans off on these cars is not fun - the top passenger side bolt is nigh-impossible to both remove and install, and the amount of clearance in the trans tunnel to actually get the trans out/in whilst trying to gently slide it off/on the input shaft is...... well, very little.

enjoy, vas!! :)

[Vas]

getting the trans off on these cars is not fun - the top passenger side bolt is nigh-impossible to both remove and install, and the amount of clearance in the trans tunnel to actually get the trans out/in whilst trying to gently slide it off/on the input shaft is...... well, very little.

enjoy, vas!! :)

Come on down and help out :)

[slater]

Come on down and help out :)

that would be super fun! but after the time-sucking project i just went through... my wife would kill me. ;)

[Sreten]

love your attention to detail! what kind of clutch are you going to use? also... maybe a good idea while you're in there to replace the DMF with an SMF? i was really impressed with the valeo steel SMF i used for my car, it's the same weight as the stock DMF.

Thanks, Peter! I love working on it and I try to document along the way as best as I can.

I'm using OEM LUK Clutch kit that I bought while Cyber Monday was going on for $200 shipped which I think was a good deal.
Didn't want to experiment too much there and OEM always works out the best.

Given the low mileage of the car, I'm guessing the clutch is original and I'm hoping to dodge that bullet this time around and not change it.
Normally I wouldn't take that risk and just order a new one, but that will set me back another $700 and I already sunk a ton of money in the car, plus I placed an order for Eisenmann exhaust which should be produced and available to buy in late January. :biggrin I've been dying to get more sound out of this V8.

But, if the flywheel ends up being heavily burned and has a lot of play, I will of course have to replace it.

Do you get any chatter with the single flywheel now? I know I was getting a decent amount of rattle with the stock DMF on my old ZHP.


Yay to clutch jobs...


Said no one with enthusiasm, ever.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Exactly, not an easy job. Although, I did ask them if there was a chance that I could participate in this as it would be interesting for me and good experience, but that's understandably not possible due insurance reasons and generally not having somebody who will be pain in the butt and ask million questions. :biggrin


getting the trans off on these cars is not fun - the top passenger side bolt is nigh-impossible to both remove and install, and the amount of clearance in the trans tunnel to actually get the trans out/in whilst trying to gently slide it off/on the input shaft is...... well, very little.

enjoy, vas!! :)

Besides that, I think on the M5 the most painful part could be the giant exhaust that weighs half a ton and needs to come out in one piece.

https://s33.postimg.cc/3lujdo7jj/24zi4bm.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)

[holyc0w]

Besides that, I think on the M5 the most painful part could be the giant exhaust that weighs half a ton and needs to come out in one piece.


Damn, look at those cans.

[johnrando]

Good stuff. GL w the rest of the work.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[slater]

Do you get any chatter with the single flywheel now? I know I was getting a decent amount of rattle with the stock DMF on my old ZHP.

no chatter, it's actually more civilized than the stock DMF!




Besides that, I think on the M5 the most painful part could be the giant exhaust that weighs half a ton and needs to come out in one piece.

https://s33.postimg.org/3lujdo7jj/24zi4bm.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

oof! i know lots of people just replace those massive cans with straight pipes.... cheaper than an eisenmann! :) and surprisingly, not that loud... i've driven an M5 that had that done and it sounded PERFECT.

[Sreten]

Damn, look at those cans.

Yup, you need like 4 people to remove it.


Good stuff. GL w the rest of the work.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Thanks, John!


no chatter, it's actually more civilized than the stock DMF!

That's good to know and I like that. Pretty much all of the ZHP manuals that I've tried had some chatter. Even the one with brand new OEM clutch and DMF.

For the M5 I believe there isn't a bolt on option for a single flywheel. I read that the flywheel from 850CSi V12 will bolt to the crank, but the crank position trigger is different. Companies like JBR and UUC rework those flywheels so that it fits the S62 clutch setup but comes at the price.


oof! i know lots of people just replace those massive cans with straight pipes.... cheaper than an eisenmann! :) and surprisingly, not that loud... i've driven an M5 that had that done and it sounded PERFECT.

Dude, muffler delete sounds fantastic and it's much more pocket friendly. Just don't forget where I live, that would never fly in Germany.
I would get in so much trouble with Polizei and slapped with many tickets. They can even impound your car on the spot if I have aftermarket exhaust without TÜV approval.

And that leaves me with just 2 options. Eisenmann Sport and Supersprint Magnum/Performance. Both are very expensive, and I decided to go with Eisenmann cause SS magnum is not that much louder than stock, plus Eisenmann gave me a very nice discount. Ideally, I would want Eisenmann Race cans cause the price is the same, but that too is too loud for the Germans. :biggrin

[slater]

Dude, muffler delete sounds fantastic and it's much more pocket friendly. Just don't forget where I live, that would never fly in Germany.
I would get in so much trouble with Polizei and slapped with many tickets. They can even impound your car on the spot if I have aftermarket exhaust without TÜV approval.

And that leaves me with just 2 options. Eisenmann Sport and Supersprint Magnum/Performance. Both are very expensive, and I decided to go with Eisenmann cause SS magnum is not that much louder than stock, plus Eisenmann gave a very nice discount. Ideally, I would want Eisenmann Race cans cause the price is the same, but that too is too loud for the Germans. :biggrin

ahhh, right! i forgot about how strict they are... that makes sense. so i'm assuming the eisenmann is TUV-approved?

[Sreten]

ahhh, right! i forgot about how strict they are... that makes sense. so i'm assuming the eisenmann is TUV-approved?

Eisenmann makes two versions for the M5, Sport and Race. Sport version is more civilized and has TUV approvals, Race being Race is too loud and not TUV approved. Both cost the same 1.600€ / $1.900. It's stupid money, but I'm getting member discount thourgh the M-Flight club.
That club is pretty much US military guys stationed in Germany who are M fanatics.
They can also get them even cheaper because they have VAT-free-forms and don't have to pay 19% VAT which I have to.
For me after discount it comes to around 1.150€ / $1.360 shipped which I must admit is still a very nice deduction.

I recently found out about a guy who's reworking the original cans. He basically guts one of the cans and replaces the inside with a straight pipe, puts a flap at the end of it, which opens and shuts remotely, so it can be quiet or loud when you want to.
Not sure if I would go this route, but it looks very interesting and the price is not bad - $650 with the flaps if I supply my exhaust to him. :biggrin


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgrvpOJ5MHg

[Sreten]

Left the car at the shop this morning and I was getting updates all day.

Good thing about a car from Italy is that the undercarriage is rust free and things were going smoothly according to him.

The exhaust really is gigantic.

https://s13.postimg.cc/anxfx45xj/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_16.19.35.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tt0p6vklf/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/hedx6l3dz/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_16.19.42.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7tuajpe1v/)

I had a diff leak at the input shaft seal so they knocked out that as well. The rest of the diff is dry. Had the same leak on my old M5 from there.

https://s13.postimg.cc/6espuyxjb/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.40.42.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xpe12w0g3/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/m0a1ewu1z/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.33.17.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/n2k7xgcv7/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/3xgynoqhj/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.33.08.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sqqioc9hv/)

Cracked driveshaft center bearing.

https://s13.postimg.cc/kxzuweljb/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.52.03.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/j66w1i26b/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/tt0p6xi1j/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.52.12.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4mzr03gr7/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/u5s3d4ngn/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.58.46.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bq7mfq9c3/)

Guibo was still good, but replaced with a new one anyway following the good old logic of while in there.

https://s13.postimg.cc/98vv8hkav/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.59.21.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c2z0lxmgz/)

And my suspicions about the clutch were correct. Clutch disc and pressure plate are toast.

https://s13.postimg.cc/4a8ctxdx3/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.58.21.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/n2k7xiab7/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/mzvqwxwpj/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.59.38.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/47jvtd0b7/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/6fp6mvnlb/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.59.49.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hfadyhe0b/)

The previous owner was a proper douchebag in the whole buying process and now I know he shouldn't be allowed to operate a kick scooter let alone a clutch in a car with 400 PS. Though, granted it's not mission impossible to burn the clutch in this car quickly.

According to the shop the flywheel is still good which is a relief to hear.

I should pick up the car tomorrow. Very excited!

https://s13.postimg.cc/e7jdmyqnr/Whats_App_Image_2017-12-20_at_17.33.22.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jiya7ocqb/)

[BMWCurves]

Damn, that clutch is fugly. Glad the turn around time is quick though!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Fugly clutch is spot on. Turn around was fairly impressive, the car was actually supposed to be done yesterday but they had a late start.

They finished it this morning so I picked it up after work and we are back in business!

What a refreshment this is compared to the old clutch. The clutch pedal is buttery smooth and gear shifts are clean and crisp.

To recap, this is the parts list that I used. I didn't want to go too wild with while in there parts and I got what I thought was essential.

OEM LUK clutch kit - 21217515146

https://s10.postimg.cc/3tno411g9/20171128_180218.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/o113wbyxh/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/pesqrwt4p/20171128_180108.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ymkz8m06t/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/jdv1uw3yh/20171128_180119.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/e2g5a6hvp/)

This is the original M5 pivot pin made of plastic.

https://s10.postimg.cc/bz5q2bfg9/20171219_195709.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bmebw4x6d/)

I went with a steel one from 850CSi - 21511223281

https://s10.postimg.cc/j2dlhy815/20171220_080446.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/x8tcd6iw5/)

Transmission mounts x2 - 22316771221
Guibo/Flex disc - 26112228781
(Even though original parts were still good)

https://s10.postimg.cc/ryodlj3op/20171219_194918.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ncs9d6i5h/)

Pressure plate bolts x6 - 07119906045
Clutch fork - 21511223302
Spring clip - 21517570284
Drive shaft center bearing - 26122228917
Exhaust pipe gasket x2 - 18301728734 (not in the picture)
Rear main seal gasket - 11141736521
Differential cover gasket - 33108305033 (wasn't necessary, it had no leaks there)
Differential input shaft seal - 33121213949
Differential drain plug gasket - 07119963355
Drive flange washer - 33121205138

https://s10.postimg.cc/gmbs3sd09/20171219_195453.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/euit8vtn9/)

Brake fluid - ATE Typ 200 (they said that the old brake fluid was nasty)
Transmission fluid - Liqui Moly 75W-80 (this too came out nasty)
Differential fluid - Liqui Moly 75W-140 (this wasn't that bad)

https://s10.postimg.cc/bno9p7jh5/20171219_194646.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wkkhtvhhx/)

I believe I have everything accounted for.

Shop also did a courtesy check of the car. They run a vanos test and the results were great!
They checked for leaks around the engine and everything is dry. Brakes, controls, bushings... all good and tight!

They only advised that there might be little play in the front strut mounts. These are known to develop cracks in the rubber over the time so I will be replacing that in the near future. These are cheap and can be replaced without taking the sturt off the car. I also have Meyle HD sway bar links coming in so that will be refreshed as well.

Now I just have to take it easy over the next 600 km or so and break in the clutch properly. BMW break-in procedure states that I shouldn't go in high rpm or do high power shifts and that I should shoot for 800-1000 gear shifts. I lost count at 3.

Shop charged me 550€/$650 for the labor which I think is fair given the amount of work.
My bank account sure has suffered but now I'm one happy M5 driver!

Bis später! :o

[Sockethead]

I was going to use those exhaust flaps on our e53 4.8is but we sold it before I got the chance...

Great progress! Looks like you found a good honest shop. $650 seems really fair for all that work. I'll be doing a clutch in a couple of months but I'll be laying on the floor cursing a lot...

[Sreten]

Danke. The flaps do look interesting, but I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble and I don't want to butcher my original cans. Though would love to see them in action.

I got few lower quotes, but I had a good connection with the owner of this shop when we talked in person. You can tell that he's an enthusiast and knows these cars which is what made me decide to trust them with it. Plus he was one of the rare ones that was speaking English. They also have a very nice website with detailed work and pictures for M models.

Man, I can't tell you how much I wanted to tackle this myself or at least participate, but I simply didn't have good conditions for it and it would probably take me 10 times longer. Definitely not an easy job and a lot of crucial steps to follow, but not the hardest one either. Good luck with it and try to post some pictures and details!

[Sreten]

Finally gave the M5 a proper hand wash and followed up with Meguiar's Carnauba wax. Planning to detail it completely in spring, but I'm very happy with the condition of the paint. Could just sit back and stare at it for hours, looks beautiful from every angle. I love it!

https://s13.postimg.cc/hi5hluvx3/20171223_141451_3.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c6ql159ub/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/pc636xqrr/20171223_141620.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8bn6y9dqb/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/6wlm9opjr/20171223_141720.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gh58wkevn/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/68crqkbcn/20171223_142301.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r58zv89df/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/e13fiezaf/20171223_141924.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mw49sxo2r/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/sx1yqeno7/20171223_141934.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wtfame8nn/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/tnuovvkt3/20171223_142357.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ef4ri3r4j/)

[Sockethead]

It looks great... Such a sexy, classic body style.
One of Kristen's friend's husband owns BMW shop and offered his shop and help to do the clutch. That will be a big help!

[Newjack]

Car looks great man, the e39 M5 is my favorite M5.

How heavy is the clutch in comparison to the ZHP clutch? I've always wondered what it would be like to daily an e39 M5.

[Vas]

Paint looks fresh for how old it is

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

It looks great... Such a sexy, classic body style.
One of Kristen's friend's husband owns BMW shop and offered his shop and help to do the clutch. That will be a big help!

Thanks! I'm appreciating the body style and lines of E39M more and more.

That's awesome! Especially if you can participate. If you don't have access to a lift, this job can be very difficult.


Car looks great man, the e39 M5 is my favorite M5.

How heavy is the clutch in comparison to the ZHP clutch? I've always wondered what it would be like to daily an e39 M5.

Thank you! Not heavy at all. E39 M5 is one of the easiest M cars to drive, almost impossible to stall. It used to be stiff with the old clutch, but the clutch pedal is very soft now.
Compared to the ZHP and terms of stiffness, I would say about the same. The only thing that comes to mind is that the clutch pedal travel is little longer with the ZHP. A lot of people daily drive e39 M5 and you can take your pick over there unlike Europe. :)


Paint looks fresh for how old it is

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Thanks! It does. Low mileage and the fact that it spent most of its time in a garage will do that. There's hardly any rock chips at the front as well. :)

[Sreten]

Few more updates that I managed to knock out before I went home for the holidays.

Did an early oil change because I wanted to switch to Liqui Moly and send a sample to Blackstone for analysis.

https://s14.postimg.org/uty01j9e9/20171223_150428.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/60og0vqdp/)

Some difference that I immediately noticed is that the oil comes up to the temperature slower compared to BMW's Shell and engine definitely works smoother and quieter on idle with LM. Cold starts stayed the same without any startup rattle.

At the end of the day, both are great oils and it's just the matter of preference. I personally love LM products and have been using them in all of my bimmers and plan to use it in the M5 as well.

Hood struts were getting weaker so I refreshed them with a new pair from Stabilus. Lifting up the hood feels much better and sturdier now.

https://s14.postimg.cc/tewfct0ld/20171223_145918.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bouqrrn0d/)

I had a tear in driver's door rubber seal which wasn't pretty to look at. I bought a new one from the dealer when I got the car and finally got around installing it.

https://s14.postimg.cc/b0qhmpiv5/20171223_151058.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5pbl1zwsd/)

Took me 3 tries to line up the new rubber perfectly.

https://s14.postimg.cc/6eudee7mp/20171223_153325.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/86nc9aqzh/)

Then came the turn to replace the interior trim, something that I wanted to do since I first laid my eyes on the car.

Bruyere Club wood trim just wasn't working for me and I think it made the interior look old.
I got a set of technical graphite trim which was in very nice shape. Just had to clean them, buff out the surface scratches and throw some protection before putting them into the car.

https://s14.postimg.cc/5qliv6tep/20171225_140123.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6g4b7jty5/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/sfaputfy9/20171225_135907.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oixdytuyl/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/63cx1g3zl/20171225_140009.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/512qiwl65/)

To complete the swap, I had to replace the handbrake lever too. I scored a used leather handbrake lever for $20 that looks practically brand new.

https://s14.postimg.cc/mr4f43jdd/20171225_140824.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/j7iheagnh/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/9a7gl9jch/20171225_140828.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6svpdzzfx/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/n3vtabz35/20171225_140831.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sfapv1l5p/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/63cx1n6m9/20171225_140842.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sfapv15q5/)

I received the entire handbrake assembly, but I really didn't want to replace the whole thing. The leather lever was glued in place and after some twisting and pulling, it came off relatively easy.

https://s14.postimg.cc/9myurnz41/20171225_153030.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3ysk0rurh/)

However, the one in the M5 put up a fight and just wouldn't come off.
So I lost my cool and like a neanderthal grabbed a pair of pliers and destroyed the damn thing.
I then realized why it wouldn't come off, it was held in place with a pop rivet. Could've probably removed it without destroying it if I just tried to pry out the wood piece (learn from my stupidity), but didn't really care since I don't plan to ever reuse it. The leather lever is so much nicer.

https://s14.postimg.cc/i58avsnkh/20171225_153544.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dw3ktmkb1/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/pxyyns8z5/20171225_154043.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/woffx7w4t/)

Now, fitting the trim. It's normally a straightforward job but I run into a few bumps mainly with the center console part.

The central console piece that came with technical graphite trim had one broken plastic tab (circled red on the picture) and I thought no biggie, it's just one plastic tab, how important can it be.
But after fitting everything into the car, turns out that tab is very important because by fastening down that part puts pressure on the lower part of the armrest that holds the magnet. Thus not having enough pressure there made the opening and closing of the armrest feel very sloppy.

I then decided to use my old center piece. Bruyere wood trim was held in place with a few screws and was easy to remove. Technical graphite was glued in place so I had to separate it by cutting the glue and then transferred the trim to my original center piece. I also used glue which I left overnight to dry after putting some pressure on it.

https://s14.postimg.cc/hon398a29/20171228_195141.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ehsjplpm5/)

The second problem that I had is a very common for e39. There are 2 screw locations in front of the gear knob that fastens down the center console trim and the front storage tray. The plastic hole where the screw goes in disintegrated as soon as I touched it and after googling for ideas on how to fix it, I came up with a simple but effective solution.

I fabricated a C bracket from thick metal, slipped a C clip nut on one end and run a self tapping screw through the carpet. It worked out great!

https://s14.postimg.cc/u39v9k9a9/20171228_203604.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5zj3l9qt9/)

A normal person would probably never notice these 2 small things and just left it alone, but I hate when something feels loose in the cabin and I wanted to do this right. I also got a new ZHP shift knob and leather boot. Here's the finished product. Pictures really don't do it justice, it looks much better in person.

https://s14.postimg.cc/6ldmlpbfl/20171226_113636.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/g5x98l0rh/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/a69i4iva9/20171226_113640.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nn6gne5lp/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/xx8vmny29/20171226_113735.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/avsagwyel/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/f4x0j2eip/20171226_113834.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9ti3ycsfx/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/4uulju42p/20171226_114221.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7c6cr3nz1/)

Few more photos of a small gathering of the M Flight members in Kaiserslautern. Car club that I recently joined, mostly military guys stationed in Germany with some really cool toys that they get to rip on the Autobahn and eventually take them back to the US.

It's funny seeing how much E39M doesn't fit in styling-wise with its younger siblings.

https://s14.postimg.cc/s43f03z0h/26024214_1874838349196246_5800662269928574242_o.jp g (https://postimages.cc/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/pzj1z153l/26063676_1874838015862946_1920551193589811409_o.jp g (https://postimages.cc/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/grqtibilt/26060376_1874837915862956_8035580981804366224_o.jp g (https://postimages.cc/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/t6dlin2e9/25734415_1874838102529604_4304118055938275037_o.jp g (https://postimages.cc/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/4d41i0lyp/26170137_1874838062529608_7453100931468986227_o.jp g (https://postimages.org/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/yujw9iz0x/25734298_1874838145862933_5509128784254796375_o.jp g (https://postimages.cc/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/en6gh9jk1/26170754_1874838005862947_5020668089978617183_o.jp g (https://postimages.cc/)

Have a great New Year fellas! :biggrin

https://s14.postimg.cc/3skf1glb5/20171224_170007.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dpvfuiswt/)

[ZHPizza]

Awesome awesome awesome update. Great work on the beast!

[BMWCurves]

:drool

Nice work! Is the technical graphite almost blue?

[Sockethead]

That looks SO much better!

[John in VA]

Nice update! I have the same interior trim to put into my Titanium silver / black E39 to replace the wood, but need to figure out the CD changer cover portion - no NAV in mine. Just need to wait until we get some warmer weather (April, May?)!

[Sreten]

Awesome awesome awesome update. Great work on the beast!

Thanks, dude! There's always something to be done. :biggrin


:drool

Nice work! Is the technical graphite almost blue?

Thanks! Yeah, it's definitely on the blue side. The weather has been so dreary that my camera phone couldn't capture it in true colors.


That looks SO much better!

Thanks, Robert! I totally agree. It hit the spot in the interior wonderfully.


Nice update! I have the same interior trim to put into my Titanium silver / black E39 to replace the wood, but need to figure out the CD changer cover portion - no NAV in mine. Just need to wait until we get some warmer weather (April, May?)!

Thanks, John! Well, you're in luck. I'll have to double check the box, but I'm pretty sure I received the CD cover trim with this set. I have no need for it so I can just send it to you.

[Sreten]

More updates.

I installed Meyle HD front & rear sway bar links.

Replacing rear links was pretty much a waste of time and money. The original ones were still like new and fully functional, but anyway it was cheap to replace them and now I have shiny bits there.
The front ones were not perfect, but they weren't bad either, though it does feel little tighter at the front now.

https://s10.postimg.cc/4oyabfjfd/20180109_202508.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mezywgx05/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/ive16pzg9/20180110_201353.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ojkbxm3sl/)

I was missing the flashlight from the glovebox so I added a new one.
I also bought the plastic compartment for the first aid kit, just waiting on the bracket to mount it under the passenger seat. It's the little things that complete the car.

https://s10.postimg.cc/mrrd2xpnd/20180113_122444.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/i5v8ul445/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/gqto5wdbt/20180113_122515.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mezywsho5/)

And some modern technology in the old girl.

I wanted the ability to stream music via Bluetooth in the car. I ended up getting this - Anycar AL-1080B for BMW. It can be found on German Amazon or eBay, it's around $100. It's also possible to get this for e46 if anyone becomes interested in something like this.

Plug & play gadget that connects to the back of the amp. This one comes with cables for BM24 amp, you can also get it with the connectors for BM54. It has Bluetooth, mic, SD slot, USB and AUX.

Sound quality is very good, the only complaint would be the static that is coming from the speakers when in Bluetooth mode.
The static can only be heard when the song is not playing so I can live with it for now. Beats listening to German commercials.

https://s10.postimg.cc/7llbbswzt/20180113_123146.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ggm5mbls5/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/nju11x42h/20180113_123137.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/x4dnosted/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/oyvlqnkl5/20180113_130327.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/o9cteak1h/)

Now the notorious M lower fender liner aka pork chops.

BMW prices them new ridiculously at 250 euro per side and I simply don't want to spend that much dough on a piece of plastic that will inevitably break again. I would rather spend that money on a weekend in Budapest which is in fact what I'm doing.

So, that means I went for the eBay cheapos made from recycled yogurt cups.

You can currently find 2 kinds on German eBay. The most common one on the left and the greyish one with a different texture in the middle of the picture. You can see what's left of my original on the right.

https://s10.postimg.cc/za7yjludl/20180114_130111.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ke9fc0iyt/)

I ordered the left one two times in the row because to me it looked better in the pictures and both times it arrived poorly packaged and already broken in the corners like this. Luckily I got my money back from the seller.

https://s10.postimg.cc/44j992aux/20171130_204008.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qt8g8ms8l/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/44j993l5l/20171215_182158.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tnblm44ph/)

I decided to try the one with a different finish and at just $15 shipped it was even cheaper than the other one.
This one might not look better but it is. The finish is slightly better and the plastic is more flexible while the previous one feels like it made of eggshells and will break at the slightest pressure.

https://s10.postimg.cc/3qhx9myix/20180114_130118.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/g54p9yq11/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/67togvva1/20180114_130129.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/one5ea9ed/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/67togwq55/20180114_130145.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qf7497nmd/)

I was also missing screws that secure the pork chop to the bumper (part # 07119916966 - the one in the middle) but I picked up longer ones from a local hardware store because it helps to grab the bumper better.

https://s10.postimg.cc/ghw3g4svd/20180114_141534.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/za7yjpp9h/)

I transferred the rubber from the leftovers of the old pork chop.

https://s10.postimg.cc/4ss3s69mh/20180114_141020.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9rfm6pdf9/)

Here it is fitted.

https://s10.postimg.cc/v138hibpl/20180114_143015.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/edbqf0gxx/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/jihj9yykp/20180114_143057.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/fyvlk5vut/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/z3yutxpyh/20180114_143114.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/isyqxmdgl/)

The fitment is bound not to be perfect, but at a fraction of the price of the original one, this will do the trick until I can find a good used OEM pork chop.
At least it looks better than having nothing there and it will keep the crap out of engine undertray.

This brings us to the most anticipated mod for me. Found this at my doorstep today!

https://s10.postimg.cc/mf4ka9z9l/20180115_182938.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/uxe0em5s5/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/y48jy8xy1/20180115_183233.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/n4ncmn7it/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/ticfpvp9l/20180115_183000.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3msp6onfp/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/ojoxbavqh/20180115_182629.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cukxnc4rp/)

Eisenmann has delivered! I went for a Sport version with TÜV and 83mm tips.

I must give a shoutout to Sven Johann from Eisenmann that was great to deal with it and hooking me up with a great price.
Provided service and response time was spot on and they even delivered before the promised deadline.

Should go on the car this Saturday. I simply can't wait.

[RUS_ZHP]

Waiting to hear a beautiful soundtrack from Eisenmann.
Just for curiosity, why did you chose Meyle over Lemforder links?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

Waiting to hear a beautiful soundtrack from Eisenmann.
+1 !

[Sreten]

Me too. Been waiting long to hear it.

I always go with Lemforder when it comes to suspension part, but I find Meyle sway bar links to be somewhat more robust. I installed Lemforder sway bar links on my old e39 530i and they failed after 6 months and 11k miles. I bought them from FCP Euro and they replaced them without a problem for Meyle HD. Since then, I'm kinda leaning towards Meyle HD when it comes to sway bar links. Could be just bad luck and I still like and prefer Lemforder for everything else.

[Sockethead]

I've had the opposite luck with Meyle... at least with their lower control arm bushings and rear shock mounts...

[Sreten]

For everything else, I would go with Lemforder. Sway bar links are anyway cheap and easy to replace should they fail.

I had a great experience with Lemforder controls arms and strut mounts on 530i. I overhauled the complete suspension with them at roughly the same time and the sway bar links were the only thing that failed after 11k miles. It wasn't catastrophic fail either just the ball joints would come back to center when pushed to the side. Control arms were still rock solid after 20k miles.

[Sockethead]

Yea, my front control arms and bushings are Lemforder

[RUS_ZHP]

I've been using Lemforder all the time. But I've seen that many people are using Meyle HD bushing and control arms. I just want to hear you experince.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Got the exhaust fitted!

But before getting to that part, I must jump back to the transmission oil. When I did the clutch job I used Liqui Moly 75W-80 GL 3+ which is not a bad oil, but it was simply unbearable when the car was cold. First 3 gears and especially the 2nd was really difficult to shift. After the car is warmed up, all of the gears were buttery smooth so I decided to try something different.

After doing some research, I found that Royal Purple Synchromax is amongst popular oils with the M5 crowd, but that stuff isn't very easy to find here.

I got in touch with Motul and at their recommendation, I bought 2L of Motul DCTF. Mainly used in dual-clutch gearboxes but it's also applicable in conventional gearboxes. Most importantly it fulfills proper specification - SEA 75W and BMW MTF LT-1 & 2 specifications.

The data sheet can be found here - https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/motul-production2/images/product_descriptions/technical_data_sheets/57372/PB_Multi_DCTF_10_2017.pdf?1508420965

While the car was up in the air for the exhaust install, I used that opportunity and changed the tranny oil.

https://s18.postimg.cc/57u2ymtnd/20180117_194158.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5xcvazu6t/)

https://s18.postimg.cc/ymzr7o8hl/20180120_153032.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qu93fp2id/)

https://s18.postimg.cc/tbkumyep5/20180120_162959.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/947eunh7p/)

This morning I had a nice cold start and it's already much better! I can shift in the first 3 gears without much effort while before I had to work to slot into the 2nd gear. Of course, it's still not fully warmed up smooth, but it's a vast improvement from before. This oil is definitely a better choice for cold shifting.

Now back to the exhaust. I had a nearby shop to help me with this as I was lacking proper tools and didn't want to try this on my garage floor.

While the finish quality is great, the fitment could be better.

It was a pain to get everything aligned properly. Once we mounted the Eisenmann mufflers, the right one was sitting too close to the diffuser and left one was actually touching it. So after much adjustments we got it to clear the diffuser, but I think for how expensive the exhaust is the fitment should've been better. Eisenmann does tell you that the diffuser needs to be trimmed down but I wasn't willing to do that. After learning a couple of new swears in German, it all worked out well. ��

https://s18.postimg.cc/kfenwol5l/20180120_152433.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/56oqiwrh1/)

https://s18.postimg.cc/tafi7d9zt/20180120_155727.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rimjcgqmt/)

https://s18.postimg.cc/6mvnndhvt/20180120_235800.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mxvrjoudh/)

https://s18.postimg.cc/ior1hjlzd/20180121_133012_1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qu93fpa85/)

https://s18.postimg.cc/xwbmfrdjd/20180121_133043.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8qao8xc91/)

I'm still gathering impressions, but the M5 is now definitely making all of the right noises!

On idle and lower rpms it's very much the same to stock but when you push it, it's where the Eisenmann earns its money and reputation. It's just a glorious exhaust note.

Though I must admit I wish it was a little louder and I'm hoping that will change once the exhaust is fully broken in as I drive it more.

I will try to get a nice video soon. It'll take some getting used to those big guns in the back now. ��

[Sockethead]

Sucks about all the issues getting it to fit but Damn that looks bad-ass!

[Sreten]

Thanks, Robert! I spent a bit more time last night tinkering with the left side muffler. I literally couldn't sleep because it was misaligned with the right side so I had to fix it. Looks much better now. :biggrin

[Sockethead]

It seems that this site is full of people with extreme OCD :eyetwitch

[danewilson77]

It seems that this site is full of people with extreme OCD :eyetwitch:waldo

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Those of you with sharp eyes for details have probably noticed a small ding on the trunk lid - left from the license plates.
I got that taken care of on Friday along with another tiny ding on the rear left door. Those were the only dings on the car.

Paintless dent removal of course - I'm super happy with the results, they removed 100% of both dings and there's no trace that something was there.

https://s13.postimg.cc/cs5oc6g07/20180202_080058.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6r7zf3tdv/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/9y2iyqljr/20180202_173223.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dhogojo9f/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/60anw4z87/20180202_080039.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xnnda8ker/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/bpvhtncmf/20180202_173211.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ro47js6ub/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/anlbb4gyf/20180202_173215.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wmrpybxsj/)

Added first aid kit compartment that was missing. Refreshed the content with the kit I bought few months ago for TÜV.

https://s13.postimg.cc/4mnmehpbr/20180204_140631.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qylf7vofn/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/wa0bsm5dj/20180204_141518.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tsoklclgz/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/ou126t9yf/20180204_141629.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/laf4h078j/)

The weather has been kinda shitty to do anything else so I took the opportunity when it wasn't raining and gave it a nice hand wash.

Gotta keep those jambs clean!

https://s13.postimg.cc/i10paelo7/20180203_152406.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9vinc8xf7/)https://s13.postimg.cc/sb349o6ev/20180203_152446.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tq4oye7hv/)

Eisenmann guns are looking really good.

https://s13.postimg.cc/3ukyf7l3r/20180203_152527.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6oo3snn9v/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/rybq3jtav/20180204_132942.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/snuifwtub/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/ufnhaqslz/20180203_152701.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ma5fcl4cz/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/ho9b47nyv/20180204_132917.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kicghnq4z/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/glz4lq2lj/20180203_152638.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/u2w34lcwz/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/8gh2ngjgn/20180203_152156.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/fjoy32ow3/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/eherkmljb/20180203_152815.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4k3qrkdxf/)

https://s13.postimg.cc/r8sxr6dbr/20180204_133123.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4wv4xse7n/)

[san]

:drool


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Great work. Do the first aid kits interfere with thigh bolster adjustability?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[RUS_ZHP]

OMG! E39 body us so good looking!!! And your is very clean and sexy.
Paintless dent removal is very cool. I did that back in the summer on my doors and queter panel. Results - fantastic! I didn't expect such a great results.
Your jams are so clean! I need to clean mine badly! They are in very bad shape and kind of shame to keep them in such a terrible condition.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Great work. Do the first aid kits interfere with thigh bolster adjustability?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Thanks! Not at all. It's a factory option, bolts to the seat right under them.

I think this was an extra option on US-spec cars and should be standard on Euro-spec M5's. Not sure why mine didn't have it.
It should be the same story with US-spec e46, it's possible to mount the first aid kit under the passenger seat.


OMG! E39 body us so good looking!!! And your is very clean and sexy.
Paintless dent removal is very cool. I did that back in the summer on my doors and queter panel. Results - fantastic! I didn't expect such a great results.
Your jams are so clean! I need to clean mine badly! They are in very bad shape and kind of shame to keep them in such a terrible condition.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Thank you! Whenever possible, paintless dent removal is always a good option.

Soak them in shampoo and just rinse them out. Jambs are often overlooked, but it's the small things. :biggrin

[Sockethead]

I love the back of your car... The exhaust tips are perfect.

I had a huge dent in the hood from a giant Jersey acorn. After PDR, I can't tell where it was anymore...

[RUS_ZHP]

Thanks! Not at all. It's a factory option, bolts to the seat right under them.

I think this was an extra option on US-spec cars and should be standard on Euro-spec M5's. Not sure why mine didn't have it.
It should be the same story with US-spec e46, it's possible to mount the first aid kit under the passenger seat.



Thank you! Whenever possible, paintless dent removal is always a good option.

Soak them in shampoo and just rinse them out. Jambs are often overlooked, but it's the small things. :biggrinThanks, I'll give it a try

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

A couple of small updates.

M5 currently sits at 48.250 miles.

I decided to proactively replace front strut mounts and upper bearings as that was one the only thing mentioned by the indy shop that did the clutch job.
Not a terribly difficult job and parts for this are cheap so why not.

I completed this task like Edd China did on a Wheeler Dealer episode with the M5. Disconnected the sway bar link from the strut and compressed the spring without removing the strut from the car. Removed the top nut and lowered the strut to the side which gave me easy access to the strut mount and upper bearing.

This is actually more complicated than it seems as working space is limited and I had to buy 3 different spring compressor until I found the one that could fit safely.
But after sorting out one side, the other one went much smoother.

https://s14.postimg.cc/88ubccb5d/20180210_110854.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vn2ao9t2l/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/649yb69ht/20180218_151535.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5rik4zr7x/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/nubmwb2j5/20180218_151550.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4p8dmjnv1/)

While the rubber mounts were intact and free of cracks, the yellow bearings were shot. Grease has run out and it was spinning hard and noisy.

I've been down with flue in the meantime and haven't had a chance to properly test drive the car and see if I'll notice any difference.

A while back I cleaned up the interior and treated the leather with Gliptone care. I wanted to try Leatherique but that works best in combination with sun and heat, and given that its middle of winter it probably wouldn't be as effective as it would in the summer.

I've used Gliptone before with good results. I do have to say that it doesn't reinstate the smell of finest quality leather, it's more of a chemical smell if anything. But the smell is gone pretty quickly and results are great. After applying the conditioner the leather appears shiny and it's best to rub it in and leave it to sit overnight. Then the leather becomes matte and soft.

https://s14.postimg.cc/sirmrerox/20180204_142013.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6wcmadt4d/)

Apart from a couple of scratches on the bottom part of the passenger seat from PO and slight wear on the drivers side bolster, the interior is in very nice shape.

https://s14.postimg.cc/4hkqplhwx/image.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/69dpki19p/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/tauaqc8o1/image.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/upvvf29r1/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/p1pko3d3l/image.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/u0d32mgwd/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/5jux85nvl/image.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mkdtgu0wt/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/5jux89qhd/20180212_142047.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dcll08wgd/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/5xw97wsld/20180210_115300.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/f5oholznh/)

On March 3rd I'll be recreationally hitting up Hockenheimring - a race track not far away with the M Flight crew. I'm very excited about that. :biggrin

[John in VA]

I love seeing all the new parts! Can't wait to get my interior trim changed over to the set like yours & ditch the woodgrain. Thanks for the CD cover piece!

[slater]

great work, man! that interior looks super fresh! :cheers

love the leather on the center console...

[Sreten]

I love seeing all the new parts! Can't wait to get my interior trim changed over to the set like yours & ditch the woodgrain. Thanks for the CD cover piece!

Thanks John and you're welcome. Glad it arrived safely.

Technical graphite really gives a nice modern touch to the interior.


great work, man! that interior looks super fresh! :cheers

love the leather on the center console...

Thanks, Peterman!

Yeah, the leather center console is nice. My M5 doesn't have it, but the extended leather was a cool option which included full leather dashboard and I think alcantara headliner. :o

[slater]

Thanks, Peterman!

Yeah, the leather center console is nice. My M5 doesn't have it, but the extended leather was a cool option which included full leather dashboard and I think alcantara headliner. :o

yeah, that sounds right - i remember reading about that package. definitely a whole level above the ZHP/M Sport interior trim. ;)

[ZHPizza]

great work, man! that interior looks super fresh! :cheers

love the leather on the center console...

+1 i wanna take a nap in there

[Sockethead]

Looks fantastic!

[Sreten]

Thanks guys :biggrin

[Sreten]

Track day that I mentioned earlier never happened, it got canceled due to bad weather. Waiting on the next opportunity.

Got few minor updates though.

Homemade clutch stop which shortens the dead pedal travel and makes for easier and smoother quicking shifting.

https://s18.postimg.cc/jr30ntkmh/20180304_151444.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/45lp3v8o5/)

https://s18.postimg.cc/7p7mtoqtl/20180304_151454.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6zouhbq9x/)

https://s18.postimg.cc/3suaxo395/20180304_150514.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/iosu59enp/)

I originally ordered the "shorty" clutch stop from the guy on eBay, but after waiting for one month it never got delivered.
I then paid a visit to a local hardware store and found a suitable candidate for my application. It already had a big round head and all I had to do is cut the bolt to 25mm length and it was a perfect fit.

Great little mod. The guy on eBay also sells clutch stops for the e46 platform if anyone is interested in trying this. They are like $12.

Replaced the windshield rubber seal. The old rubber seal was starting to degrade and showing cracks. Perfect time for a new one.

https://s10.postimg.cc/d2e36rcm1/20180310_145731.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/al2bzhsph/)

Ripped the old one out which showed how much grime accumulated over the years.

https://s10.postimg.cc/f6yg7ulyh/20180310_150334.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6op03iffp/)

Thoroughly cleaned the channels and gingerly installed the new seal.

https://s10.postimg.cc/72qc30k2x/20180311_131337.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/850ilk2w5/) https://s10.postimg.org/hcsr29ho9/20180311_131349.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/c1duhjvlh/)

Looking nice and fresh.

https://s10.postimg.cc/gaikjq6kp/20180311_133200.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/97ap44151/)

Then I started the tedious process of cleaning the engine bay. I'm pretty sure it was never cleaned before and it wasn't an appealing look at what should be a nice looking engine bay.

https://s10.postimg.cc/9wthgmu0p/20180311_135148.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c1duhpvn9/)

I'm against pressure washing the engine and went for more longer but safer route. Grabbed Liqui Moly engine compartment cleaner, a German version of Windex, water spray bottle and couple of brushes.

https://s10.postimg.cc/timjq5lp5/20180311_162605.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/76oqwrml1/)

Started with cabin filter housing. I used 303 aerospace protectant to treat the plastic.

https://s10.postimg.cc/vafil07m1/20180311_141236.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rqtkv74w5/)

https://s10.postimg.cc/p9htny0fd/20180311_153135.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8lqblg5np/)

Finished the left side of the engine bay before running out of daylight. Picking up where I left off next weekend. It is somewhat satisfying work.

https://s10.postimg.cc/x3if990hl/20180311_161921.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/q0ajtmv1x/)

[ZHPizza]

Nice job on the clutch stop! Always makes the car more enjoyable to drive.

Are OE BMW parts (like the windshield seal) cheaper over there than the US? I know the Euro conversion makes it more expensive, but as a ratio to everything else, I guess?

[Sockethead]

Try Silkolene Pro prep to finish off the engine compartment. I promise you won't be disappointed... makes plastic, rubber, etc look brand new. I discovered it years ago when I was doing motocross. Made the beat up scratched plastic on my bike look new again and it puts a protective film on everything. Started using it on everything... even interior plastic. You can spray it on and leave it or wipe it down

[Sreten]

Nice job on the clutch stop! Always makes the car more enjoyable to drive.

Are OE BMW parts (like the windshield seal) cheaper over there than the US? I know the Euro conversion makes it more expensive, but as a ratio to everything else, I guess?

Danke, Pizza. Love the clutch stop!

The difference is really negligible, I paid around $30 for this rubber seal from the dealer here and that's about the same what would you pay in the US.
I'm always comparing parts prices to the US and there were maybe few instances where OE parts were cheaper here by a small margin.

Most of the OEM parts are actually cheaper in the US. An example that comes to mind is the flywheel for M5, you can get OEM LUK flywheel from Rockauto for around $370 or eBay for $470. The cheapest price for LUK flywheel that I found in Germany is $655.
You actually save money by buying it across the pond and shipping it to Germany. Same goes for tstats, power steering hoses, etc..


Try Silkolene Pro prep to finish off the engine compartment. I promise you won't be disappointed... makes plastic, rubber, etc look brand new. I discovered it years ago when I was doing motocross. Made the beat up scratched plastic on my bike look new again and it puts a protective film on everything. Started using it on everything... even interior plastic. You can spray it on and leave it or wipe it down

I remember when you suggested me that in my previous project thread and I actually wanted to give it a try now but couldn't find it in Germany.
It used to be available with free shipping on German Amazon and eBay when I looked for it the first time, but now just shipping is like $20 and takes 3-4 weeks to get it delivered so I gave up on it. I'll defently give it a try sooner or later.

303 aerospace protectant is actually pretty good and I think works in a similar way.
I use it on the interior plastic as well. It repels dust and gives a nice fresh look without being too greasy and shiny.

[Sockethead]

That's surprising... Fuchs, it's parent company, is German... It's for motorcycles... maybe a motorcycle dealer would have it?

[Sreten]

Could be that I didn't dig deep enough, I looked at the usual places like eBay & Amazon. Didn't look at the specialist shops, I'm still wrestling with my Deutsch. Google translator is my best friend right now. :biggrin

[Sockethead]

yea that's gotta be tough...

[Sreten]

The weekend before this one it was off with the dreadful winter tires and got summer shoes on - Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 which I bought before winter started and got a pretty good deal on them.

I had them on my old M5 and I was very happy with them. They are Y rated which means I can test the top speed limits of the M5. :roundel

https://s9.postimg.cc/oob5mkodr/20180317_092012.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/y8us9gdpn/)

There was no unusual wear on the winter tires but got 3D wheel alignment anyways and the M is all set for the summer.

https://s9.postimg.cc/vermw0j9b/20180321_081558.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/l4p7wrtdn/)

This weekend we had a lovely outing to France visiting the city of Strasbourg and the medieval town of Colmar.

Strasbourg is around 2 and a half hours away from Frankfurt and I took a bit longer but more scenic route.

French roads are outstandingly smooth with barely any traffic. Recipe for a true automotive perfection in the M5.

https://s9.postimg.cc/u3jvnhxxb/20180325_173100.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5aabmuewr/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/te13b5kj3/20180325_173857.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/a8xu1e5uz/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/tqshhcpy7/20180325_173905.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/q76jrjn8b/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/vvcuifzan/20180325_174634.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vvcuifzaj/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/48054cltr/20180325_174818.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ugb9tq5x7/)

French, of course, have a speed limit on the highway which meant I was able to get a bit normal fuel figures for the first time in a while.
Around 20 mpg while cruising at 80 mph, albeit nothing to shout about but given that I always drive flat out on the Autobahn this was a nice improvement.

I thought I'd share few pictures from sightseeing gorgeous Strasbourg where we spent the night. The weather was perfect both days.

https://s9.postimg.cc/yteeq1wdr/20180324_123048.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r0nqy2qej/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/hg44b78sf/20180324_123407.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7vkhobjgb/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/3mfrm5nwv/20180324_123430.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4opy4p6q3/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/i5mwnkwhb/20180324_124502.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c4p7qi9uz/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/x1lfv72r3/20180324_124644.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/51hcawzaj/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/y3vmdqdun/20180324_124750.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/i5mwnljmj/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/651gmc1rz/20180324_125658.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/w0l75j3ln/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/mhbicfqhr/20180324_130639.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/eokukgkij/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/b3oz0vdan/20180324_125849.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8z4lzsbnv/)

Lots of cheese.

https://s9.postimg.cc/kzq212gnz/20180324_132626.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/u7iahrnq3/)

Strasbourg Cathedral built from 1015 to 1439.

https://s9.postimg.cc/tuqwblslr/20180324_144617.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/chglwqxaj/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/tuqwblkvz/20180324_144959.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6giwzo2yj/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/nv357fkin/20180324_152126.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r1xor24yj/)

https://s9.postimg.org/g2chfgm9b/20180324_162247.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/l0zztzq23/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/9onec6esf/20180324_184957.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/h4mnxz2hn/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/52ra3u8ov/20180324_185210.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gf3vlmhdn/)

And now Colmar, one of the most exquisite towns I visited.

https://s9.postimg.cc/x5juooabj/20180325_120614.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ru4y3yo8r/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/ffi63lu5r/20180325_121031.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5i75ajmjv/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/oaj0e5t8v/20180325_124225.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7ziwhugqz/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/ffi63mp0v/20180325_124422.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/h7b4yj8dn/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/qf3df9xgf/20180325_124520.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bj4u7om1n/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/6khbt5aj3/20180325_124639.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5uyjgs9zf/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/agunp4g33/20180325_125329.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6khbt4v3f/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/5i75aljzz/20180325_125357.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7mribolmj/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/jbvhzphr3/20180325_130100.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/67pxn0pp7/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/4fwys4e27/20180325_130201.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nxrm82azv/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/55fr4i1r3/20180325_130416.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8p1oub4gr/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/v0zhnpban/20180325_161522.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/l3ogun3or/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/xv2n14367/20180325_162157.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/e0gleznyj/)

Obligatory pics of the M soaking up the sunlight.

https://s9.postimg.cc/bhuweqpi7/20180325_103824.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/asc42doyj/)

https://s9.postimg.org/66fzu1b5b/20180325_103858.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6j7e07tez/)

My girlfriend says hello. She flipped me off for taking so many pictures of the car.

https://s9.postimg.cc/ixu60jsn3/20180325_103910.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/o992l9epn/)

All in all, great road trip for the books in the M5.

[joeybananaz18]

Beautiful photos. I would definitely enjoy getting lost in a small village like that. Thanks for sharing!

[san]

Nice! Thanks for sharing


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ZHPizza]

This is awesome. The wife and I will be over that way in early June for a wedding and this makes me want to add a night or two in Strasbourg between Paris and Stuttgart.

Shit look straight outta Beauty and the Beast.

[RUS_ZHP]

Europe is so pretty, but it's nothing compare to your M5.
Can't wait to to hear an update about high speed testing.
I should be in Germany in the end of May. I've read somewhere that A5 near Karlsruhe is a great place to go fast.
I'll send you PM and maybe you can recommend some good roads.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[SaltyNC]

Beautiful pics. Thanks for sharing those. My son is at Freiburg University for six months. I don't think he wants to come back.

[slater]

My girlfriend says hello. She flipped me off for taking so many pictures of the car.

LOL. my wife would've done the same thing.

thanks for the pics - looks like an awesome time.... i need to get my family over there.



Shit look straight outta Beauty and the Beast.

eloquent.



and i concur. :)

[Sreten]

Beautiful photos. I would definitely enjoy getting lost in a small village like that. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Joey! Definitely a nice place to spend some quality time with your loved ones.


Nice! Thanks for sharing

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Merci, San! ;)


This is awesome. The wife and I will be over that way in early June for a wedding and this makes me want to add a night or two in Strasbourg between Paris and Stuttgart.

Shit look straight outta Beauty and the Beast.

Haha, real life fairytale place dude!

I've been to Stuttgart and my recommendation is that you try to squeeze in Strasbourg for a day or two. Stuttgart is nice but more things to see and enjoy in Strasbourg.

Are you landing in Munich or Frankfurt?


Europe is so pretty, but it's nothing compare to your M5.
Can't wait to to hear an update about high speed testing.
I should be in Germany in the end of May. I've read somewhere that A5 near Karlsruhe is a great place to go fast.
I'll send you PM and maybe you can recommend some good roads.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Thanks, Rus!

I took A5 on the way back from France and I was able to get it up to 155 mph. Good stretch of road but always heavy with traffic and people often just jump out to the left lane. But it's always nice to see other cars just running away in the right lane when they spot you in the rear view mirror. :biggrin

I want to try and max out the M5, but weather, traffic and road conditions really need to be perfect cause that kind of speed ain't no joke.

PM me when and where are you coming. We can even meet up and take the M5 for the ride. :)


Beautiful pics. Thanks for sharing those. My son is at Freiburg University for six months. I don't think he wants to come back.

Danke, Salty! We drove past Freiburg but didn't have time to stop and visit, but it's on our list.

I've heard only nice things about it from friends. It's the sunniest and warmest city in Germany, I can understand why he likes it. :)


LOL. my wife would've done the same thing.

thanks for the pics - looks like an awesome time.... i need to get my family over there.

and i concur. :)

Haha, can't blame them. I always get eye-rolling once the car talk starts. :D

Maybe plan a nice Euro trip in the future, can't really go wrong with it.

Glad everyone liked the pics!

[danewilson77]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[webster]

nice pics. i spent a few days in Strasbourg on a summer trip in college. loved it. also got to visit Colmar, beautiful town! i believe they have the smaller statue of liberty when you enter the town right?

also, lovely M5!

[BMWCurves]

Those are some great pictures! It’s amazing how long that cathedral took to build. Think about commissioning its construction and knowing you, your kids, your kids’ kids, and likely your kids’ kids’ kids won’t even see it completed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Thanks and you're welcome, Dane!


nice pics. i spent a few days in Strasbourg on a summer trip in college. loved it. also got to visit Colmar, beautiful town! i believe they have the smaller statue of liberty when you enter the town right?

also, lovely M5!

Good memory man. Colmar is the hometown of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the designer of Statue of Liberty.
There's a smaller Statue of Liberty when entering the town which was rather surprising until we learned the whole story.


Those are some great pictures! It’s amazing how long that cathedral took to build. Think about commissioning its construction and knowing you, your kids, your kids’ kids, and likely your kids’ kids’ kids won’t even see it completed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, Will! Yeah, pretty astonishing accomplishment when you think about it. It was the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874 and today it's the 6th tallest church.

[san]

So I’ve heard the Nurburgring is open again [emoji6]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Yessir! The season kicked off recently and I do have plans to visit, it's only 2 hours away from me.

There's an event on May 5th with the M Flight club that will be hosted by Apex Nürburg, should be really fun with lots of M cars participating. Looking forward to that.

[Sockethead]

Lots going on over there in EU, glad you are getting to tour a lot... keeps life interesting.

[ZHPizza]

Haha, real life fairytale place dude!

I've been to Stuttgart and my recommendation is that you try to squeeze in Strasbourg for a day or two. Stuttgart is nice but more things to see and enjoy in Strasbourg.

Are you landing in Munich or Frankfurt?


Yeah your pictures convinced me to squeeze it in. We're flying into Munich and doing a whirlwind tour:

Charlotte > Munich overnight
Salzburg for 2 nights
Innsbruck for 2 nights
St Moritz for 1 night
Glacier Express across Switzerland
Stuttgart for 2 nights to stay with friends and reset
Strasbourg for 2 nights
Paris for 3 nights as our late honeymoon
Stuttgart for 2 more nights for said friends' wedding
Munich for 1 hungover night
back to Charlotte and back to work :(

Next time we'll bring Spenser and meet you at the Nurburgring!

[Sreten]

Lots going on over there in EU, glad you are getting to tour a lot... keeps life interesting.

Indeed it does. Hoping to do more of these tours with the car through Europe.

Pretty much everyone in Germany stores their cars during winter so summer is when the car activities come to life. Should be a nice summer.


Yeah your pictures convinced me to squeeze it in. We're flying into Munich and doing a whirlwind tour:

Charlotte > Munich overnight
Salzburg for 2 nights
Innsbruck for 2 nights
St Moritz for 1 night
Glacier Express across Switzerland
Stuttgart for 2 nights to stay with friends and reset
Strasbourg for 2 nights
Paris for 3 nights as our late honeymoon
Stuttgart for 2 more nights for said friends' wedding
Munich for 1 hungover night
back to Charlotte and back to work :(


Dude, that's a tight schedule, but I'm glad you squeezed in Strasbourg. You'll have a proper Eurotrip.


Next time we'll bring Spenser and meet you at the Nurburgring!

If you had more time, we could've met somewhere, we also have friends in Stuttgart that we visit often, but I'll be waiting for you guys next time!

[Sreten]

Finally got around to finish cleaning the engine bay.

It went from this...

https://s9.postimg.cc/6v7q2l9lr/20180311_135158.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/we02flt5n/)

To this.

https://s9.postimg.cc/6v7q2n71r/20180401_140549.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ikbpqly0b/)

And this...

https://s9.postimg.cc/oiypsb0vj/20180311_135214.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vyxze3okr/)

To dis.

https://s9.postimg.cc/gg0jgwvov/20180401_161hjuki.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/h5jbt9w8b/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/6u6z0qmkf/20180401_161509.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4pmlznkxn/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/a11ikep0v/20180401_161544.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qc1mgq1ij/)

https://s9.postimg.cc/p9rfy8g5b/20180401_161854.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4pmlzr0e3/)

I previously mentioned my cleaning method of using Liqui Moly engine compartment cleaner, a German version of Windex, water spray bottle and couple of brushes - no pressure washing. And 303 aerospace protectant to finish off the plastic. Pretty happy how it turned out.

[danewilson77]

Beautiful

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

That cleaned up nice! I like a clean engine bay...

[fredo]

:like

[Sreten]

Thank you, fellas! I'm loving the clean engine bay too.

No updates, just the weather was awesome this weekend so I washed and waxed the M5 and took it for a nice drive. TiAg looks good in the sun.

https://s14.postimg.cc/52lou06vl/20180407_112521.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/52lou06vh/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/gg884swpd/20180407_112949.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/umnz017kd/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/u9wku8mu9/20180407_113305.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8aq6715zx/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/mnsswnpa9/20180407_113101.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dg0kfyi7x/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/i9b4ti001/20180407_114209.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dnf0l5egt/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/67fqza669/20180407_114636.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vq83capq5/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/4gwpxtyxt/20180407_114130.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/445brngnx/)

[Sreten]

I think it's safe to say that Eisenmann exhaust is fully broken in by now.

It's my favorite mod on the car. Hitting the gas pedal and hearing glorious V8 note makes everything better.

The video doesn't do it justice, but here's a little taste.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnEj3Rcin9o

[BMWCurves]

That simply sounds delicious. Like the devil describing osso bucco to me.

[ZHPizza]

heilige Scheiße.

[Sreten]

That simply sounds delicious. Like the devil describing osso bucco to me.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txlSf-KuMGc


heilige Scheiße.

Tatsächlich. Next time make a pit stop in Frankfurt!

[Whammy]

I think it's safe to say that Eisenmann exhaust is fully broken in by now.

It's my favorite mod on the car. Hitting the gas pedal and hearing glorious V8 note makes everything better.

The video doesn't do it justice, but here's a little taste.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnEj3Rcin9o

Goddamn!! I want an E39 M5!

[John in VA]

Goddamn!! I want an E39 M5!
You'd better hurry - prices are going up!

[Sreten]

Um, there's been a slight development...

https://s18.postimg.cc/6q7xp8r49/2018.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/72zbvf9dx/)

[BMWCurves]

Um, there's been a slight development...

https://s18.postimg.cc/6q7xp8r49/2018.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/72zbvf9dx/)

Save some E39 M5s for the rest of us! LeMans Blue?

[Sreten]

Si signore!

Facelift Le Mans blue M5 on black sport leather interior and titan line trim.

It's packing some goodies too.

Just got back from another crazy Italian road trip. Full report coming soon.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180506/da185ab8687469c33c237f2e354e69ba.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180506/70db38584a0cd6f0b94e03bf926df244.jpg

https://s18.postimg.cc/hv6jky4zt/Whats_App_Image_2018-04-09_at_22.49.02.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8neb48xxh/)

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[holyc0w]

:shifty

[Whammy]

:drool

[Sreten]

Lots going on lately. Juggling with work, cars and now unexpectedly have to change the apartment.

The biggest news, and rather depressing one, is that I am no longer the owner of my beautiful silver beast since about 2 weeks ago.
Like it usually goes with these things, it all happened fast and unexcepted.

I wasn't planning on selling but I needed a financial injection and I had a lot of money invested in this car. On the other hand, I really didn't want to sell it simply because it was too damn nice so I told myself I would consider letting it go only for a price that couldn't be refused.

Surely, that offer came along. A 54 year old German doctor showed up to see the car and was simply blown away by the condition and everything I've done with the car. He test drove one of these back when they were new and wanted to buy the nicest example out there and was ready to pay top dollar.

He made sure that the paint was original and we counted a total of 4 rock chips on the hood, it was that perfect! For 17 years and nearly 50k miles, that's pretty remarkable.

Bought with 45k miles and sold with almost 50k, it was the cleanest car I ever owned. I'm happy that I got a chance to work on such a nice M5 and bring it back to the condition it deserves. I enjoyed every minute wrenching on it and driving it. I already miss it dearly and I know the next owner will take care of it, he actually wanted to come and get it with the closed trailer in case it was raining.

Another reason I sorta felt I was ready for a new project is simply because this M5 was a collector's car. I wanted something that I could drive more, take it to a track and don't worry about it. I like to drive my cars and I'm not the one to have a garage queen. When I was driving this M5 through the winter, albeit mild winter, Zee Germans were looking at me like I was crazy, but I'm of an opinion that these cars are meant to be driven.

Here are the last few pictures of this beautiful machine. I should also mention that the car was sold with the stock mufflers and I kept the Eisenmann. ;)

https://s7.postimg.cc/8h2cj7hiz/20180417_182823.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/q74148v3r/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/j3w5oq54r/20180417_182944.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wkt47lfg7/)

At the same time this was unraveling, I had my eyes on 2 potential replacement M5s in Italy as I wanted to jump into something else immediately.
One was in the middle of nowhere on an island next to Naples, and the other one was in Rome. Always wanted to visit Rome and this was a perfect excuse.

Traveling and chasing BMWs - two of my favorite things. So buckle up for another Italian road trip. :roundel
Like the last time, I planned out the trip with my girlfriend and set off for Italy.

The journey starts with some duct tape and armrest on an airplane seat. As we all know, duct tape can fix anything, even Alitalia airplane seats.

https://s7.postimg.cc/7y1unluwr/20180501_084654.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/leyt6h587/)

The first M5 was located on an island of Ischia, which is close to Naples. I was 95% sure I wasn't going to buy this one, the car like a turd on pictures and that usually means it will look even worse in person. But we had a cheap flight to Naples so what a hell.

The view of the island of Ischia.

https://s7.postimg.cc/zcgzbvirf/20180501_125737.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5xbb2ve7r/)

And a view of the tightly packed city of Naples.

https://s7.postimg.cc/v4m72u6yj/20180501_130221.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tpkme45vb/)

From the airport, it was a 25 minute ride to the port in what must've been the sketchiest taxi ride of my life in a beat-up Fiat Multipla.
You can see the guy driving in a straight line while leisurely holding the steering wheel 45 degrees off center.

https://s7.postimg.cc/84fjqr97f/20180501_134352.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c0svmqu6v/)

Then we hopped on a ferry for a 50 minute ride to the island.

https://s7.postimg.cc/oxfegjy23/20180501_140157.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cvk0meotj/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/iwhpjo6cr/20180501_142251.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wq628pyxz/)

Cannoli siciliani - delicious pastry filled with ricotta and famous for the Sicily region.

https://s7.postimg.cc/z7htg0lff/20180501_141807.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/l122ksak7/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/5guou42yz/20180501_144705.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lrusqffgn/)

First glance of the island.

https://s7.postimg.cc/w375izjzv/20180501_152906.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sjl7t6h9z/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/6ket675nf/20180501_153420.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mvex2ii53/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ghptz95jf/20180501_153608.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vdod6ugxz/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/xv04e4nzv/20180501_153751.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ru2fh21dj/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/4sluba6uz/20180501_154030.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ppi2fy4vr/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/8oz67aezv/20180501_154333.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/g4yft32p3/)

The hotel wasn't too shabby either.

https://s14.postimg.cc/otaxoevup/20180501_162537.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3wepjqxtp/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/c1wrhx1i9/20180501_162555.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gnsvq9n19/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/ql3wjazs1/20180501_162426.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ramovo0bh/)

Now to the M5 in question. Slicktop 05/2001 Carbon black on Caramel leather interior. One owner car (father & son) and just 60k miles.
This was a fine specimen back in the day but this poor car was never loved and the current state is simply sad.

https://s14.postimg.cc/ll6gb19hd/20180501_170249.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/q72kjdv0d/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/mngmtsxi9/20180501_170306.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/47w5wejdp/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/w809gouk1/20180501_172459.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/aycn5ue99/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/ir3axv9yp/20180501_172507.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kiw9srtbh/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/j3up41zy9/20180501_172517.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/eupz1vwot/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/bnvfi9roh/20180501_172524.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8h0vyn78d/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/k64vmmdmp/20180501_172541.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ir3axwcjh/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/cq5m0txn5/20180501_172548.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bb41c3wjx/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/j3up43poh/20180501_172555.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5a6cf1x31/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/3v4rqcykx/20180501_172601.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vihh4gjrh/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/7eqpg6og1/20180501_172611.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/yckmhx931/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/aycn611gh/20180501_172627.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/w809gvhr1/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/q72kjtia9/20180501_172746.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/849hslmfh/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/lxxuhnmqp/20180501_172749.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8tsa4yuot/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/96job5se9/20180501_172948.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4xey8zp4t/)

Mechanically, the car was a disaster and looked like it was never serviced but I could live with that since most of the things I could fix myself.

But the worst part of the car is the body. I asked the guy 3 times before coming if the car had any accidents and he said absolutely none, just that the car was keyed few years ago, and it got new paint at BMW. Well, not true. The car was also hit in the rear end and there were obvious signs of repair on the rear left quarter panel and the whole trunk area was misaligned with weird gaps.

https://s14.postimg.cc/o90hz44r5/20180501_165908.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kcn634jrh/)

My paint thickness gauge went berserk. Orginal paint should read around 110-120 um, this one went over 1 mm.

https://s14.postimg.cc/ae27h47wh/20180501_165708.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/89hug169p/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/fph41tm9d/20180501_165728.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/aqtlnaigd/)

On top of that, the paint job was dreadful. It's like somebody resprayed it blindfolded using a brush. The car was relatively cheap, but accident combined with a bad paint job is where I draw the line.
This is a good example why you should never take the sellers word for granted and inspect the car before purchase. I would rather travel and spend some time and money then to buy it sight unseen and get a nasty surprise.

That's it as far as this M5 goes. We moved on to exploring beautiful Ischia and had a lovely evening in town.

https://s14.postimg.cc/esaosj2wx/20180501_182836.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8ellp9y0t/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/6msmue9j5/20180501_183813.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/avxcwkcsd/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/t5ed7ixdn/20180501_184939.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/foheonn1z/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/vmq4et4ff/20180501_190055.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vmq4et4fb/)

Some Italian crushed pepper - we be putting this shit on everything

https://s7.postimg.cc/j83cei02j/20180501_190246.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/em7865ejb/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/b2lagcyyz/20180501_190921.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ow9n5erk7/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/bfcomjoyj/20180501_191301.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/z6c24np5j/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/tpj5tf5tt/20180501_192001.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7qcr67ozh/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/4w9lsshoh/20180501_192028.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6o2knp119/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/p3n1l37g1/20180501_192044.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sn8zawa5p/)

https://s14.postimg.cc/a7oidiym9/20180501_192819.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qiom9ub3x/)

Best bruschetta we tasted so far.

https://s14.postimg.cc/ax7apwmb5/20180501_195437.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/egt8fpp0t/)

And of course pasta.

https://s14.postimg.cc/46qtgh6v5/20180501_201741.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rkysseosd/)

The highlight of our trip to Ischia was the next day and the visit to stunning Aragonese Castle, an impressive historical monument built in 474 BC.

https://s7.postimg.cc/6gp67n31n/20180502_103136.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8l9j8q4o7/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/4ow7cr6u3/20180502_131223.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ux7c24qxj/)

Some stunning scenery.

https://s7.postimg.cc/vgq7glrmj/20180502_104357.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/zd3jclclz/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/3tdi2rtnv/20180502_122937_1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/m8xz067s7/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/haaglg92j/20180502_104749.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5xxv3o0dj/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ktweb7m23/20180502_113658.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hzt8xrjvr/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/464w8q6q3/20180502_114008.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r7lheh6dj/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/e3fx1wgxn/20180502_115602.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/464w8u9br/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/byvk0skfv/20180502_115834.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tc5ufnfqv/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/awldi99cb/20180502_115852.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nb85il0uf/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/g80a305pn/20180502_115917.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/58f2refaf/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ma7wt86xn/20180502_120154.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/83s5xzw2f/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/oq9q7bwsr/20180502_120631.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ueg0y8153/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/x8j6bplbv/20180502_120800.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oq9q7det3/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/hzt8xy72z/20180502_121155_1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/58f2rfxav/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/4iwaf4mhn/20180502_122945.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ynkr0hrkn/)

From there we hopped in a taxi to the port, then on a ferry back to Naples and by train to hit the next destination - Rome.

https://s7.postimg.cc/xlakhyvwr/20180502_131736.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/esypedzif/)

The real reason behind this travel was this beautiful slicktop Le Mans Blue e39 M5. The car was located in a village near Tivoli which is about 45 minutes outside of Rome.

This has to be one of the first facelift M5s as the build date reads 2000-08-31 and according to the service book, it hit the showroom floor of BMW in Milan on 18th September 2000.
It is a 2 owner car being that the 2nd owner/family had it since 2006. Currently reads 104k miles, it has pretty complete service history, 4 keys and all books.
Apart from the front bumper and front left fender, it's all original paint and being that it's an Italian car, without any rust! Very happy about that.

https://s7.postimg.cc/44zjszhej/20180503_111150.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/preka0fyv/)

(yup, the M5 badge is in a wrong place and that'll be one of the first things I'm going to remedy)

https://s7.postimg.cc/preka25p7/20180503_111227.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ymfekkuhj/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/h9545q6wb/20180503_111235.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/uq22olh7r/)

The car has been very well taken care off with good recent maintenance like new fuel pump, new tires, intake cam sensor... and its packing some nice upgrades too.

- D2 Racing BBK 356x32mm

https://s7.postimg.cc/baravfirv/Whats_App_Image_2017-08-17_at_20.43.33.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/71mkt9fif/)

- ZF Sachs reinforced Clutch Kit & Flywheel by CCCMotorsport from Germany

https://s18.postimg.cc/hv6jky4zt/Whats_App_Image_2018-04-09_at_22.49.02.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8neb48xxh/)

- Supersprint Magnum exhaust

https://s7.postimg.cc/47jfft5mj/Whats_App_Image_2017-08-17_at_20.42.49.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/idz6b1ghj/)

I carefully inspected the car and it ticked all of the boxes. There are few minor problems and room for improvement but overall, the condition of the car is very good.

[Sreten]

More on the car later, it was time to explore Rome which has been on our bucket list for a long time.

There's so much to see in this remarkable city and we naturally kicked off with Colosseum.

https://s7.postimg.cc/jyiqy97gr/20180503_145251.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jlrcs2p6v/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/nuw2ubkrf/20180503_145531.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/u8l5xkpnb/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ox69cuvuz/20180503_150316.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xffph72dj/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/gewt8jzmz/20180503_150901.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4d1feeqef/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ldkbn58ln/20180503_154844.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ox69cybbb/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/9boxt072z/20180503_155328.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cijhcmriv/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/774kry0bf/20180503_160025.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5fblx1gyf/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/4d1feilaj/20180503_160527.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/p9xnj6jbb/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/3nin25sgr/20180503_160629.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rei0k9snr/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/4ebd7r7mz/20180504_204706.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vowofoajr/)

Stunning Roman Forum.

https://s7.postimg.cc/l8gkd8gnf/20180504_120946.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qjvgxy2pz/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/softz26xn/20180504_122830.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/viizci93r/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/5mz8tbezv/20180504_125145.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5mz8tbezr/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/c0obwleqz/20180504_125556.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6ci15paef/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/r9e9advkr/20180504_130627.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c0obwm1w7/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/kixs0ynuj/20180504_130737.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r9e9aeb07/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/5zqmzk2ff/20180504_130844.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kvp675dtz/)

Fontana di Trevi.

https://s7.postimg.cc/5zqmzqpmj/20180504_142713.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/720tia8fr/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/kixs15qh7/20180504_142743.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gmkg565hj/)

Former Roman temple - Pantheon.

https://s7.postimg.cc/spud6gqi3/20180503_183330.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6qnyj99nr/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/6f6i5yirv/20180503_183504.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3xuqyoyvb/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/kkcb8czp7/20180503_183605.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/85pj8186v/)

Altare della Patria also known as Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II.

https://s7.postimg.cc/agnlbt5zf/20180503_170949.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kdym4vdl3/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ozuqd8m9n/20180505_135029.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tyi8rrq2f/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/s6p9wvtuz/20180505_135854.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vqb7mowkn/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/7zbu4ljiz/20180505_145006.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wsle592jb/)

Spanish steps.

https://s7.postimg.cc/apl61q3cb/20180504_145649.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mrgjvvckn/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/xead1b05n/20180504_150515.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sse8syemf/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/6ggfzkn8b/20180504_152114.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/x1iyv4plj/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/apl61qy7f/20180504_153859.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hg1nb6ld3/)

Food shots.

https://s7.postimg.cc/v9q009o97/20180504_192006.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5qxnn94p3/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ka4soosp7/20180504_194013.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9ajld329z/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/448g2d0gr/20180504_172306.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oblvunxxz/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/5ja0r3gzf/20180504_170530.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/e1jgvfnhz/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/6t7u5u5iz/20180505_143755.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8l0t0qovr/)

I have a lot more photos, but I'm already afraid I'll crash the forum if I keep posting them :D
Rome is a fascinating city and if anyone has a chance to go there, I highly recommend it.

Coming back to the car, this quickly turned into the most complicated car buy I ever had. First, it took 2 days to agree on the price and I ended up paying a bit more than I wanted, but I did like the car.
Once we agreed on the price, it was Saturday and banks and registration offices were closed which meant I couldn't get the documents in order and they couldn't check the money. Our flight was on Sunday morning and staying until Monday was not an option since I had to be back at work.

So on Saturday night, we went to their house where I met 3 brothers, their father, and mother who was the owner of the car, and dog Max. After spending 2 hours being yelled at in Italian, my girlfriend and girlfriend of one of the brothers found a language in common to be Spanish. Eventually, we figured out what to do and they cooked us a lovely dinner and next morning we were on our way back to Frankfurt.

But that's not the end of that story. I won't bore with the details, but I did what they asked which backfired and resulted in me having to go back to Rome last Saturday to sort out some issues which they caused. It's hard enough when you have to deal with one seller, but five of them with their own attitude is a nightmare.

Anywho, we ended up with another splendid tour de Italy while M5 shopping. :) At the moment the car is still in Italy, and some paperwork still needs to be sorted out. I'm also trying to figure out the logistics and get it to Germany which might take a while.

Stay tuned.

https://s7.postimg.cc/hrsaft6ej/20180505_223709.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/n3770ish3/)

[ZHPizza]

Dude I absolutely love your car buying trips. Thank you so much for sharing. I had no plans to see Rome, but your pictures of the Colosseum just put it on my list for next year.

And my god. I cannot imagine trying to make a deal with 5 Italians. Your patience for these things is amazing.

[BMWCurves]

Dude I absolutely love your car buying trips. Thank you so much for sharing. I had no plans to see Rome, but your pictures of the Colosseum just put it on my list for next year.

And my god. I cannot imagine trying to make a deal with 5 Italians. Your patience for these things is amazing.

+1

*shakes hands vigorously in Italian*


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Dude I absolutely love your car buying trips. Thank you so much for sharing. I had no plans to see Rome, but your pictures of the Colosseum just put it on my list for next year.


Thank man! Glad you enjoyed the read. Rome is incredible, even if you take a wrong turn somewhere and get lost you'll end up seeing something fascinating. Plan at least few days for it.


And my god. I cannot imagine trying to make a deal with 5 Italians. Your patience for these things is amazing.

Dude, you have no idea. It was one of the weirdest nights in my life that I'll always remember. I wish I had it on a video, they don't speak a word of English and the older lady would look at me and yell in Italian followed with hand gestures. It was hysterical.

Italians are great people, but for doing any kind of business you just want to pull your hair out.
They care about nothing, and deadlines and promises have no real meaning there.


+1

*shakes hands vigorously in Italian*


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, Will!:biggrin

[ZHPizza]

They care about nothing, and deadlines and promises have no real meaning there.


Add "traffic laws" to the list and you've summed up every Italian that I've interacted with as well. Such an amazing country but such a headache to travel in. I definitely would have been to Rome by now if it wasn't in Italy.

[slater]

Traveling and chasing BMWs - two of my favorite things. So buckle up for another Italian road trip.
Like the last time, I planned out the trip with my girlfriend and set off for Italy.

first off, thanks so much for posting about your adventures. traveling and chasing cars.... and food, are definitely three of my favorite things! i love that you post pictures of the food too. :) and it's awesome how you can turn it into a trip for you and your girlfriend. my wife is not as patient, but if i dangled italy in front of her... she'd go along. ;)

congrats on the new M5 - and despite the headaches, i think you made a wise choice! :cheers

[Sockethead]

I Like your story presentations... so fascinating, I see why you are eager to share. Congrats on the newest M5 I'm sure it will end up just as good as the one you sold. i like the color too

[Hornung418]

Spent five days in Rome last summer. It was fantastic! You visited pretty much everything I did and it brought back some awesome family memories. That is a sweet ride for sure. Hope it turns out okay in the end!

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Add "traffic laws" to the list and you've summed up every Italian that I've interacted with as well. Such an amazing country but such a headache to travel in. I definitely would have been to Rome by now if it wasn't in Italy.

Haha, yes. They basically have no traffic laws. They drove us from hotel to their house and the guy run through 4 red lights like it was nothing.
When I was test driving the car, I stopped at the crosswalk to let the pedestrian cross and they were like We don't do that in Italy.
95% cars you'll see in Rome will have scratches and dents all over. Bumping into other cars and objects is a normal occurrence there.


first off, thanks so much for posting about your adventures. traveling and chasing cars.... and food, are definitely three of my favorite things! i love that you post pictures of the food too. :) and it's awesome how you can turn it into a trip for you and your girlfriend. my wife is not as patient, but if i dangled italy in front of her... she'd go along. ;)

congrats on the new M5 - and despite the headaches, i think you made a wise choice! :cheers

You're welcome, Peterman. And thanks! Food has to be part of it, we love trying out local cuisine wherever we end up going. :biggrin
She has no interest in cars at all, but we love to travel together so she can suffer through few hours of me looking at the car. I think you would be able to convince your wife with Italy too :D

Thanks. It's a well maintained M5 with nice upgrades and for me desirable color combo. I think it was a right move, I bought it for exactly half of what I sold my minty TiAg M5. Which gives me a nice budget for upgrades, I can see Koni yellows in very near future. :biggrin


I Like your story presentations... so fascinating, I see why you are eager to share. Congrats on the newest M5 I'm sure it will end up just as good as the one you sold. i like the color too

Thanks, Robert! Glad to be able to share the story and that you enjoyed it. It'll be nicely sorted M5 once I get my hands on it. :)



Spent five days in Rome last summer. It was fantastic! You visited pretty much everything I did and it brought back some awesome family memories. That is a sweet ride for sure. Hope it turns out okay in the end!

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Thanks! It's a great destination for your family and loved ones for sure. Always nice to have those memories. :)
5 days sounds about right for Rome, we were there for 3 full days and felt like there was a lot more to see.

[webster]

this is my favorite thread on the board. thanks for sharing, and congrats on the newest ///M!

i love that this thread exists on a ZHP board lol

[Sreten]

this is my favorite thread on the board. thanks for sharing, and congrats on the newest ///M!

i love that this thread exists on a ZHP board lol

Thanks, Wes! ZHP brought me here but this quickly became my favorite car community by far. Dane created something marvelous :cheers

I didn't have many options when it came to transporting the car to Germany and I ended up with a dreadful Italian company which meant dealing with more Italians - yey.

The communication was horrible with constant delays. The deal was that they deliver the car last week to Frankfurt which of course didn't happen and they picked up the car this Tuesday in the middle of the night. Then they couldn't specify the delivery date. Even though I asked to be notified at least few hours prior, out of nowhere I got the call from the truck driver that he will be arriving in 30 minutes so I had to race across the city to my garage. I have no idea how the guy got here, he doesn't speak any German or English and then wanted me to direct him to his next delivery location.

But after so many complications along the way, the M5 is finally in Frankfurt! Appears to have arrived in one piece so I'm grateful for that.

https://s7.postimg.cc/l3x7e1ukb/20180525_130133.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/y82rqqmlz/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/jc48j5ix7/20180525_130203.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/w3iepnsp3/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/yxlk34pqj/20180525_130222.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8cj17knd3/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/s752tppq3/20180525_131048.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9et7q4tbr/)

https://s7.postimg.cc/ah3e8orkr/20180525_131100.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/pptbmgl93/)

I had a rocky start with this car but hopefully it gets better from now on. I already have a bunch of new parts coming and the goal now is to perform an inspection and get it ready for TÜV. I just can't wait to hit the Autobahn again. :biggrin

[nextelbuddy]

so whats the deal here? you sold the silver M5 or now you have 2 m5s? its so hard to keep up since the beginning of the thread where you had another M5 i think to start off with . from beginning to end, how many m5s have you had so far? are you buying and selling in search of your ultimate M5? or do you just like buying them?

[Sreten]

On page 13 you can read what happened with the silver M5, but to cut it short - it's sold. Now I only have this one which is my 3rd M5 in total.
Ultimate M5 for me would be an Estoril blue one so that would be nice someday. I enjoy in every bit of it, searching, traveling, buying, then fixing and driving it, and the selling part sometimes. It's how I stay on top of it. I do wish to have a small BMW dealership one day just because I love doing all of that more than my current profession so it is getting out of hand.

This M5 should stick around for a while as I have plans for it but I might get something else on the side to get my fix.

[Sockethead]

My dream is restoring cars in retirement... if my body still works by then :)

[BMWCurves]

Fuck me, even in it's open-air transported state, it's a gorgeous car. I look forward to all the stuff you do to make this beautiful, classic M5 that I'll drool over.

[Sreten]

My dream is restoring cars in retirement... if my body still works by then :)

Exactly. :) I could definitely see myself doing this long term. Hope your dream comes true, Rob!


Fuck me, even in it's open-air transported state, it's a gorgeous car. I look forward to all the stuff you do to make this beautiful, classic M5 that I'll drool over.

Danke, Will! Should be a fun project. It is absolutely filthy now and it won't get a proper wash until I get tags.

I did a visual inspection over the weekend and it's pretty much what I expected - typical M5 stuff.

Front thrust arm bushings are shot and control arms appear to be original so I have a complete Lemforder kit coming to refresh the suspension.
The ball joint on rear lower control arm is shot, power steering lines are leaking all over and made a big oily mess. I was expecting diff to be seeping oil because is super common but it's dry.

Rear sway bar link failed spectacularly.

https://s15.postimg.cc/mecso05ff/20180526_193957.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/t4t9xfsl3/)

Then I discovered why are the cold starts loud and why Supersprint Magnum is louder than Eisenmann Sport mufflers which shouldn't be the case.

The car also has a Supersprint X-pipe. Somehow I missed this in Italy and normally I wouldn't mind this because it sounds awesome but this is a no-go for German TÜV. It's an instant fail at the inspection and now I'm trying to source original resonators. But, I might take it to the local inspection station and hope that the inspection guy is not familiar with these cars and overlooks this but I doubt that will work. They are usually thorough.

Supersprint mufflers have been on this car for roughly 15 years since production date reads 2003.

https://s15.postimg.cc/n6fgnbrnv/20180526_134258.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/paztoetaf/)

The parts list keeps getting bigger but hopefully first round arrives this week and the refreshment treatment of this M can be under way.

[san]

Didn’t you keep the eisenmann exhaust? Why don’t you just swap that?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Yes, I still have the Eisenmann exhaust, but I wanted to run Supersprint mufflers for a while just to get a better feel for them and make a comparison to Eisenmann and decide which one I like better for the long run.

Anyway, Supersprint Magnum mufflers are not the problem as they have necessary TUV approvals engraved on them so they will pass the inspection. Problem is the X-pipe which I'll have to swap out for stock resonators.

[Sreten]

Last weekend my girlfriend was out of town and the M5 got my full attention.

Started off with the easy stuff.
New wiper blades and cabin filters.

https://s15.postimg.cc/r7o078xln/20180531_140237.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/u1r5kozrr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/icn5wr3ob/20180531_140522.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/f5smd4j87/)

The car came with some sort of K&N air filters and one of them was actually falling apart. I don't have experience with them and didn't feel like experimenting so I chucked them away and went with good old MANN.

https://s15.postimg.cc/8hw0qbpdn/20180603_153342.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lysz96zp3/)

New timing chain tensioner.

https://s15.postimg.cc/lbynx9n0b/20180531_144534.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4o75urs8n/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/638qjhlm3/20180531_144529.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qam6bsj3b/)

New oil separator hoses. Old ones were so sticky and soft that you could stretch them like a gum.

https://s15.postimg.cc/4bfrot7gr/20180531_141449.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jk5p2l153/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/wbjv93y2j/20180531_141502.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/b1w8y9hrr/)

New oil cap and trunk struts since the original struts were so weak.

https://s15.postimg.cc/qndkiijiz/20180531_143012.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tu84253yv/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ems4h7rdn/20180603_110505.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3n6x5m0yf/)

Fresh spark plugs.

https://s15.postimg.cc/4cppi76pn/20180603_153013.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/s3p30b6wn/)

Rear sway bar links and bushings.

https://s15.postimg.cc/we3qvzc0r/20180531_155715.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/suht669av/)

The ball joints on the rear upper control arms and guide links are toast.

https://s15.postimg.cc/7pxy4rv3v/20180603_120811.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/o0y2137lj/)

Replaced the upper control arms and still waiting for the guide links to arrive.

https://s15.postimg.cc/dqvn2azuz/20180603_121643.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/et5tkuio7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/cbu2dllx7/20180603_121700.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/zdanjclkn/)

Now the big job that I did on Saturday. I diagnosed that the thrust arm bushings were shot with everything else appearing to be original to the car. I decided that the best course of action is to replace everything.

Bought complete Lemforder kit and Meyle HD sway bar links.

https://s15.postimg.cc/pwpfq4r0b/20180602_110745.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/q9gtwb99z/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/klaj5i4yj/20180602_110800.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/pwpfq7r13/)

Back when I did the overhaul job of the front suspension on my old 530i with a friend, the biggest issue we had was with the sleeve coming out with the ball joint. We wasted so much time on that crap.

This time I wanted to be sure I have the proper tools for the job and I bought off Amazon this ball joint separator.

https://s15.postimg.cc/t63uwncjv/20180602_195530.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qc0pj7adj/)

Which is the same tool as this one, just branded as KS Tools in my case- https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/ball-joint-removal-tool-20-80mm/008958sch01a~sch/

This nifty tool saved me and worked great with one little modification. The bolt kept sliding so I drilled a hole in the swing arm to keep it place.

https://s15.postimg.cc/htr9evbkr/20180602_195542.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bg26bm6on/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/mxij33hjv/20180602_120503.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gwku60uxj/)

Apart from getting 3 complaints for working in the backyard of the place where I'm renting my garage, everything went swimmingly.
Once the ball joint lets go, it's like being shot at and scared the piss out of me. Though it is a satisfying bang. :biggrin

Lower control arms were okayish but everything else was toast.

https://s15.postimg.cc/fpbyaqnxn/20180602_135431.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/m311dzstj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/grm4te1mz/20180602_165456.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/yhnteff7r/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/4r0osvrq3/20180602_180031.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/yixr82ejb/)

Using my trusty torque wrench, torqued all of the ball joints to specification, finger tight for the bushings and then lowered the car - drove back & forth and onto the ramps for the final torque under the load.

This is a good website with torque specs for the suspensions which I cross-referenced with TIS - https://www.how2fixvideos.com/BMW_suspension_torque_specs.html

https://s15.postimg.cc/jo95tsa2j/20180602_171144.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gu60gc7w7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/a3pj6wd0r/20180602_171131.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5ukt4q9rb/)

This was a hell of a job to do in one day. It was a pretty good workout that left me sore and took me about 45 minutes to wash all the filth away that I brought home.

Following this - on Monday I took the car to TUV to see what will they find and how big is my homework going to be.

https://s15.postimg.cc/l101nbeln/20180604_081313.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5sa49jkx3/)

The car failed the inspection but to my surprise not because of the X-pipe! The list was pretty short and embarrassingly enough the car failed the handbrake test and there was an excessive play in the right rear wheel.

The handbrake was sorta working in the past few days but I did feel it was on the weak side. This was a quick and easy fix by removing the rear wheels and adjusting the little gears for the parking brake shoes and readjusting the cable.

TUV guy wasn't precise with the play in the rear wheel and just wrote it off as a wheel bearing which I thought was unlikely. At first, I thought it might be the upper guide links but after double checking, the play is coming from the lower ball joint. The rubber on the ball joint is intact from the outside but if I hold the wheel at 12 & 6 o'clock there's so much play that I can move the whole wheel just by pushing with my thumb.
This isn't a quick and simple fix but I'll get it sorted next week, I have the parts and the ball joint tool on order and waiting for the delivery.

When I go back to TUV, they'll be looking only into these two things and hopefully that should be it. After seeing the roads in Italy on which this car was driven, it comes as no surprise that the complete suspension is shot. I'll be doing an alignment after I complete the work and probably later down the road I'll replace the struts and shocks, just gotta decide if I want to go with Koni yellows or pony up for the OE parts.

I did get to talk to the TUV guy when I went to pick up the car and he was a really nice guy. He's also a BMW enthusiast who owns E30 M3 and E34 M5 and gave me compliments about my M5. I didn't want to say anything, but there's no way that he missed the X-pipe. My guess is that there was some comradery between car guys and he turned a blind eye on it and I'm super happy that I don't have to swap it out. He himself said that the car sounds fantastic.

This is where I am at the moment and priority stays the same - pass the TUV and get it registered.
Future plans are Vanos maintenance and more general maintenance, refurbish the headlights with Hella G4 projectors, upgrade the Vanos accumulator - the start-up rattle when warm is simply unbearable, etc.

[Sockethead]

Wow! that's a helluva lot of work to be doing on the ground! Suspension work isn't all that complicated but it"s a PITA.
That's cool you found a decent TUV guy... I imagine some of them are dicks.

[slater]

nice work, man!! that's a good day's work.

that torque wrench looks sweet. i want one.

[BMWCurves]

Wow, you knocked a ton of stuff out over a weekend, great work! You really don't skimp on getting a car into great shape.

+1 on a nice inspections guy. Always great to have. Should ask what days he works...

[san]

Nice job. Hope you pass the TUV next time round.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Wow! that's a helluva lot of work to be doing on the ground! Suspension work isn't all that complicated but it"s a PITA.
That's cool you found a decent TUV guy... I imagine some of them are dicks.

Working on the ground with the piece of cardboard under my butt and wrestling with suspension absolutely sucks. It's pretty straightforward job but it's hard work getting those ball joints off.

I was expecting some grumpy German who didn't speak English but this was a nice change.


nice work, man!! that's a good day's work.

that torque wrench looks sweet. i want one.

Thanks, Peterman! That torque wrench is the only tool I brought with me from the US. :biggrin I had a lot of nice tools there that I had to give up but I love this thing and had to pack it in the suitcase. You can find them pretty cheap on Amazon.


Wow, you knocked a ton of stuff out over a weekend, great work! You really don't skimp on getting a car into great shape.

+1 on a nice inspections guy. Always great to have. Should ask what days he works...

Thanks, Will! As all of us on here, I'm big on preventive maintenance and while in there logic. Getting it into tip-top shape is always the end goal. I want to enjoy my time with this car and have a proper driving experience.

The way it works is that I could take it directly to TUV or Dekra station like I did with my previous M5 where they just perform inspections all day long and nothing else. Those places are usually more strict.

The other route which I took now is to take the car to a random shop. In this case it was the closest tire shop to my garage where they have one TUV guy who they call every time the car comes in for the inspection. TUV guy comes in do his thing and they charge you the standard price of $120. Next time I go in it should be the same guy hopefully.


Nice job. Hope you pass the TUV next time round.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, San. I really hope so, I'm not a patient man and can't wait to finally drive it.

[ZHPizza]

Man it's amazing how much you can knock out in a single day with no lift and limited tools. Also super impressed with how thorough the TUV guys are. I know it's annoying, but I like it! Nice to know that all of the cars on the autobahn are in good mechanical shape.

Speaking of die autobahn...I spent some time on it last week and cruising around 220 kph in my friends AMG. It was a weird feeling, but of course that car was perfectly stable at speed. Then I got on an ICE train to France that liked to roll through the fields at 320 kph and that was so smooth it was...dizzying. I got sick to my stomach watching the trees/landscape go by at what seemed to be life in fast forward. Oddest feeling ever and my tummy is turning thinking back to it now.

[Sreten]

Thanks, Pizzaman!

TUV guys are indeed thorough and they take around an hour to complete the inspection. It is a bit annoying for some stuff like if you have aftermarket parts on your car but other than that, I love how they make sure that the car is mechanically roadworthy. It's a nice peace of mind. TUV guy also told me that especially with cars like M5 that are capable of achiving great speeds, it simply has to be in perfect condition.

That's the speed I usually cruise on die Autobahn. The car just doesn't feel it and you feel perfectly comfortable driving at that speed.
ICE is amazing, it can be pretty expensive if you don't buy your ticket on time but it's the best way to travel if you want to get somewhere quickly. That'll be some memorable train experience. Glad you had a nice time in Europe.

I replaced the rear right ball joint and fixed the handbrake, then took it back to TUV yesterday and this time it passed!
Went to get it registered this morning and after waiting for one hour in line, hit another obstacle and couldn't register the car. There's a problem with documents and certificate of ownership so I'm back in the ring with Italians.

[Sreten]

Took about 5-6 emails with Italian ACI (like DMV) to fix their mistake. Luckily, it was easily corrected and I managed to register the car 2 days after that!

https://s8.postimg.cc/o3stspef9/20180614_133914.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3jnzu7yo1/)

Customizing plates in Germany is very limited since you have to have 1 to 2 letters and 1 to 4 numbers in that order. I wanted to get M539 but it was already taken and not having enough inspiration at the moment, just added another M. :biggrin

Changing the rear ball joints was tricky but the press tool I bought made it super easy. It took no effort to remove the old ball joint and press in the new one.
The tension in the swing arm is pretty strong so I loosened the 2 rear bolts to make it easier to maneuver and avoid putting stress on the bushings. I did so much work on the suspension that alignment is a must in any case.

The tool that I used: Asta A-9055 - https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00IJD8YBW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://s8.postimg.cc/igwgv2but/20180616_124408.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/m0iekvekh/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/xcv02pkph/20180616_124426.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6f130z029/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/mejqki191/20180610_175112.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wburdk8up/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/6t2f0l7b9/20180610_180959.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7vclj4q4h/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/tuj06fu51/20180616_130856.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/thrm09bv5/)

Both ball joints looked intact from the outside, but the right one was totally toast and it was the same with the left one, only that one didn't show any play in the wheel. Always a smart move to replace everything in pair when it comes to suspension.

Got the new rear guide links too. The rubber on ball joints was gone but they were still fully functional.

https://s8.postimg.cc/64tkhrb79/20180616_134700.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/b3h2waf01/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/jlqj0mt8l/20180616_134719.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/64tkhriwx/)

In the midst of that, I killed the 4 year old BMW battery with short drives. I could've probably recharged it and got more use out of it but having a good battery puts my mind to ease so I replaced it with trusted Exide 100Ah.

https://s8.postimg.cc/umlo5c0th/20180610_190840.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8nf9i4jz5/)

Next was sorting out the horrible shifting. I decided to try BMW MTF-LT-2 fluid which I got from my local dealer for $25 per liter.

https://s8.postimg.cc/qdgy3fks5/20180616_163645.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/i7yw59wj5/)

I have no idea what they put in that poor gearbox but that stuff was just nasty. It came out all dark and smelling like death. Not to mention that it was overfilled and oil started coming out as soon as I removed the fill plug. This all made for one incredibly crunchy and sloppy shifting.

With the new fluid, crisp and precise shifting is thankfully back and now it feels like a proper BMW. Even the cold shifting is pretty good.

Next on the maintenance list were power steering lines. They were replaced at some point but from the looks of it, they used some custom made lines. It wasn't too bad but they were leaking at the PS pump and PS cooler.

https://s22.postimg.cc/xruinpbe9/20180617_133618.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ms9bc3kz1/)

Installed proper BMW lines, new reservoir and completely flushed the system.

https://s22.postimg.cc/admjbre1d/20180617_131102.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ezink3zkd/)

Then some cosmetic touches.

New wheel center caps.

https://s22.postimg.cc/yhdb0ez6p/20180617_145554.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bfwpunzj1/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/ms9bcgfxt/20180617_145718.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/emr9earot/)

New hood roundel.

https://s22.postimg.cc/t78c8vuap/20180617_145936.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oy3m6pr19/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/5t0cwyk35/20180617_150440.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kc7hydd7x/)

Removed the M5 badge from the interior trim which PO installed for the reasons I can't understand.

https://s22.postimg.cc/yin8ts3kh/20180616_172045.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/y5vunllal/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/jmopm77ld/20180616_172834.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/shpjwpwdp/)

Having an M5 badge in a wrong place was really bugging me. Off it went and I used the badge I previously removed from the interior since it looked more fresh.

https://s22.postimg.cc/671owfm5d/20180616_171801.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/n7kl53z6l/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/biglh5fxt/20180616_173630.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5uaaq9bl9/)

Secured in place with double-sided tape.

https://s22.postimg.cc/9qnmmqp0h/20180616_212634.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/fetxdmtct/)

ZHP shift knob.

https://s22.postimg.cc/uc2ee8e6p/20180617_171432.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sk9fjbutp/)

The famous rear view mirror leak didn't miss this M5. I ordered a replacement glass from X8R from the UK and did the repair on my own. They claim this is a permanent solution that will not leak again. It's fairly easy to replace and they have a youtube video for the whole process.

https://s22.postimg.cc/4517i8tc1/20180617_153057.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/avhoroghp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/5wu6d5kep/20180617_155521.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5wu6d5kel/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/rj96u6qox/20180617_162927.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qtqehtq59/)

It worked out great and the mirror is fully functional again. Cost of the glass was $135 shipped.

I treated the car with much needed hand wash and went for a blast down the Autobahn. Man it feels good to be back behind the wheel of the beast.

I smashed the camera on my phone and the pictures are coming out weird, sorry guys for that.

https://s22.postimg.cc/d2lxg23wx/20180618_204716.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3utozcwul/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/858cuerht/20180620_111639.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kjv4uqizx/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/4lmf4lh29/20180620_111714.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nqpoecvq5/)

I have to get an alignment done this week and I decided to replace the struts & shocks which will complete the suspension overhaul.
Original struts do feel tired and the rear ones have leaked at some point as there is oily stuff all over them.

Ideally, I would want to go with OEM shocks but they are only available from the dealer and cost stupid money. Koni yellows are half the price and I have been wanting to try them. I find adjustability unnecessary for my use to be honest so I haven't made my mind up which route I wanna go.

[san]

Nice work as usual.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

Damn, you get a lot of stuff done at once... that's a lot of work.
The Koni yellows are nice shocks even if you never adjust them. I installed mine a few years ago on full soft and haven't touched them since. Good call on replacing them, any time fluid is leaking out, they are most likely sucking air back in. Neither is good

[BMWCurves]

Nice work as usual.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

+1

I am consistently impressed by not only the quality of the work you do, but the volume at the same time. Well done.

I still lust after your M5 now more than ever. I cannot get over my favorite BMW blue.

[ZHPizza]

Man your updates are awesome. Impressive work, as usual. Was there ever an LED tail light option for the e39, similar to what the e46 coupes got later in life? I remember seeing some, but I think it was a guy opening the OE tail lights that you have and putting in LED panels. Really modernized the back of the car.

[Sreten]

Nice work as usual.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Danke, San! Keeping up the momentum.


Damn, you get a lot of stuff done at once... that's a lot of work.
The Koni yellows are nice shocks even if you never adjust them. I installed mine a few years ago on full soft and haven't touched them since. Good call on replacing them, any time fluid is leaking out, they are most likely sucking air back in. Neither is good

This is where I was racking my brain up. I'm not sure at what position to set them. The front ones are easily adjustable on the car but unlike e46 where it's a breeze to remove rear shocks, on e39 you have to remove the complete rear seat, rear parcel shelf and speakers just to get to the top mount and then remove fender liner to get the shock out of the car to readjust it. Essentially once you install them you're stuck with that setting unless you're willing to do the work again which I'm not.

But after talking with Koni directly I was told that their engineers recommend to keep them in factory delivered 0-setting when pairing them with stock springs which is full soft. So I'll probably do that and before bolting everything back together go for a ride and see how I like it. On M5board the most popular setting for rears is 1/2 turn from soft.


+1

I am consistently impressed by not only the quality of the work you do, but the volume at the same time. Well done.

I still lust after your M5 now more than ever. I cannot get over my favorite BMW blue.

Appreciate it, Will! I'm a type of dude that doesn't really have self-control and wants everything at once. I've had enough experience with M5 to know what I like and its common weak spots that need to be sorted.

I also love that feeling when fixing a neglected car and with everything you replace you can feel how the car drives better. It's a charm of owning an old BMW.


Man your updates are awesome. Impressive work, as usual. Was there ever an LED tail light option for the e39, similar to what the e46 coupes got later in life? I remember seeing some, but I think it was a guy opening the OE tail lights that you have and putting in LED panels. Really modernized the back of the car.

Danke danke. Don't hold me to it, but all Facelift e39s have these Hella Celis LED taillights. While e46 has dotted LEDs these are Celis strips lit up by LEDs which are not seen. There are other aftermarket options but OEM taillights are unbeatable.

[Hornung418]

The Hella Celis lights are dope. You should totally get those.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/ea8730057b4c896374ebdeb428b58840.jpg

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

That's about what everyone here does: 1/4 to 1/2 from full soft
I did full soft and I really like it at that setting. I do have H&R springs though.
Also, keep in mind there will be a break-in period so don't judge right away if you do go with them

[ZHPizza]

What about FSD's or whatever Koni replaced them with? Too cushy for autobahn speeds?

[Sreten]

The Hella Celis lights are dope. You should totally get those.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I love them. This being a facelift it already has them. :D

https://s8.postimg.cc/5on22xuid/image.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/v7fefye29/)


That's about what everyone here does: 1/4 to 1/2 from full soft
I did full soft and I really like it at that setting. I do have H&R springs though.
Also, keep in mind there will be a break-in period so don't judge right away if you do go with them

I remember having a break-in period with FSD's on the ZHP. They actually got even better as I was driving the car more.

That's my dilemma - should I leave them on full soft or 1/2 turn from full soft :scratchinghead Readjusting them later is a pain.


What about FSD's or whatever Koni replaced them with? Too cushy for autobahn speeds?

Man, FSD's would be my first pick without giving it a second thought, but Koni doesn't make FSD's for the M5 anymore and the successor Special Active won't see M5 at all due to low demand they had with FSD's. They would need a firm order for 50 sets of Special Active to make that run but I just don't see that happeing with M5 folks.

[Vas]

1/2 turn from full soft.

[BMWCurves]

1/2 turn from full soft.

+1


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[704sw]

I run halfway between full soft and full hard, but I’m weird.

Also I have no idea how I missed this thread, but my lord what a gorgeous car. The E39 M5 is the most beautiful midsize sedan ever made.

[RUS_ZHP]

Stunning looking car and amazing amount of work to keep it clean.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

1/2 turn from full soft.


+1

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This seems to be the most popular setup.


I run halfway between full soft and full hard, but I’m weird.

Also I have no idea how I missed this thread, but my lord what a gorgeous car. The E39 M5 is the most beautiful midsize sedan ever made.

Thanks, Spenser! At least you know how do you like them.
I agree. It looks even better in person, I remember when the buyer of the Silver M5 was driving off and I was observing from the side and thought the same - my lord what a gorgeous car. :biggrin


Stunning looking car and amazing amount of work to keep it clean.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Thanks, Rus! Doing my best to bring up to its glory days.

[Sreten]

Not many updates on the M5. I was traveling with the car over the weekend so I took it to a shop for an alignment and brake fluid flush.

They found what appears to be minimal play in the front left wheel, at first they thought it was the tie rod but that's been already replaced and after a second look it seems it's coming from the drag link. Apart from struts which I ordered that's the only thing that hasn't been replaced on the front suspension so I got new parts coming to sort that along with new struts/shocks. I didn't think of replacing the drag link initially but I should have.

Anyway, time for another unexpected mini car buying road trip!

I was doing my usual thing and browsing car classifieds all over Europe for interesting bimmers when I stumbled across one intriguing 1991 E31 850i slicktop with a 6 speed manual in France.

The car was located nearby city of Nancy just across the border with France and 3 hours away from Frankfurt. Perfect excuse for a field trip and first longer drive in the M5.

The 8er was a bit of surprise in a good way. Black on black, build date is late 1990 with the first registration in 1991, 3 owners in total. 2nd owner from 1994 to 2006 and the current owner from 2006 until last Saturday. The last owner drove the car for an amazing 1.200 miles! The odometer shows original 82k miles.

I didn't fix the camera on my phone until the next day so the pictures are still crap, sorry for that, guys.

https://s22.postimg.cc/ocakaqk35/20180623_134307.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9gc1358od/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/69hhjj3o1/20180623_134311.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/zbvrmcpxp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/gjjwisgox/20180623_134341.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7oj289rwd/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/93kmx00pd/20180623_134401.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qtmbi1ea5/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/q5dgyiutt/20180623_134439.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/o0t3xft71/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/pfuom6p5d/20180623_134548.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/70a7osb0t/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/wj2k1t2ap/20180623_134620.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/psm2sdf4t/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/94ukpwf8h/20180623_135232.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ynmx2wysd/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/449i3c2ad/20180623_135240.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/er3b8rafl/)

The car was sitting for roughly 5 years. It used to be parked in the garage but the guy is in the business with coffee machines and he pushed it out of the garage in the backyard and now there's like shit ton of coffee machines in the way between this cars freedom.

The mighty 12 banger does fire up and the car moves back and forth under its own power. The engine is idling rough but no scary noises present, it slots into all of the gears and brakes, even though rusty seem to stop the car. The car will obviously need a serious amount of mechanical work but everything is there and doesn't look like it has rust. It has been badly repainted at some point and will need a new lick of paint. The good thing about it is that paint thickness gauge didn't show any use of bondo expect a very small layer on the front right fender so I would say it's accident-free.

What I liked about the car is extremely clean and preserved interior and of course sunroof delete! All of the electronics work - seats, windows, the electric steering column... But the best thing about the car are the service records. There's a full binder of invoices dating back all the way to the early '90s and even has the original purchase invoice from the 2nd owner - he paid 297.000 French Francs back in 1994.

Overall, I think that this E31 is worth saving and I got a pretty good deal on it so it was a no-brainer - took me like 3 seconds to say that I want it. The owner was absolutely awesome and English with the French accent is best English! It instantly reminded me of a scene from Top Gear with Peugeots. :biggrin
I don't think I'll be undertaking its restoration due to having a full-time job and I got my hands full with the M5. My free time is limited as it is, but we'll see how it goes. I'll be going with a tow truck later in the week to pick it up and bring it to Germany. More updates to come.

Now, few potato pictures of dazzling Nancy.

The big square Place Stanislas in the city center is simply an outstanding landmark.

https://s22.postimg.cc/psv9kec29/20180623_145225.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/noawjbafh/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/4khl2dxf5/20180623_145433.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lxrvh8sq5/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/i1ejl9fgh/20180623_145543.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4khl2e54t/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/pu57d98kx/20180623_145608.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/o2c8icp7x/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/j3oq3viv5/20180623_145707.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dfifczeil/)

Can't go to France and not try their delicious pastries.

https://s22.postimg.cc/cd88ufnzl/20180623_150757.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/p4mf0xxrh/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/qwfdvwu01/20180623_151325.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vv2wafxst/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/so8cqt5n5/20180623_154142.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/of3mon2dp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/o2c8ihez5/20180623_161401.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/71tc9t1xp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/dfifd31ox/20180623_163124.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/so8cquvd9/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/5zj5ratf5/20180623_164502.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/w7uagodil/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/o2c8ijcf5/20180623_191445.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/v5k3y5hul/)

Had to come back for more.

https://s22.postimg.cc/mnantulmp/20180623_194312.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ehslvoxdp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/47q6wgmxt/20180623_195632.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ussps0pb1/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/tqij9he7l/20180623_200156.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3uysqacdp/)

Awesome city with good people and good food. Would definitely come back.

On the way back I did get to know the M5 a bit better. The ride still doesn't feel alright to me, it's very vague at the front and doesn't give me the confidence to really push it so it was definitely a good call to get the new struts and drag link. I think it'll need a new thermostat as well, it wasn't particularly cold and the temp scale was all over the place. OEM headlights are like candles and it's simply scary driving at night with them.

Retrofitting headlights with new projectors was in the plan and I acquired all of the necessary parts even before buying this M5.
I had some free time on Sunday and finished overhauling the left headlight, but first I replaced the camera on my phone as it was insufferable.

Removed the patient's eye.

https://s8.postimg.cc/54vi47dpx/20180624_144400.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r41wreuk1/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/rgtaxm7p1/20180624_145808.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8ohfu1bap/)

Stripping down the headlight.

https://s8.postimg.cc/ruumwzev9/20180624_150658.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/yy2iclkap/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/g5qn943d1/20180624_151905.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gii1falmp/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/wti5bk0ol/20180624_151131.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/w3zcz704x/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/skdf9esad/20180624_151829.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/aubqodepd/)

Lens cover and inner plastic shroud with angel eyes removed.

https://s8.postimg.cc/4te1rbmyd/20180624_154110.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4gmnl54oh/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/wgqr5ekzp/20180624_154220.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5iwu3o0ch/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/gii1fa679/20180624_154418.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/f3ggqk541/)

Projector assembly removed.

https://s8.postimg.cc/hakpeki51/20180624_155612.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/46f51vq35/)

Remnants of plastic adjusters.

https://s8.postimg.cc/ipma386cl/20180624_155449.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ueq9r6xb5/)

Old projector vs new Hella G4 Bi-xenon projector.

https://s8.postimg.cc/47p2utex1/20180624_161400.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/yp4xmd29t/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/7rb0ktcjp/20180624_161404.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ug07kdtxd/)

New projector mounted and putting back everything togehter.

https://s8.postimg.cc/c0fqmznit/20180624_165905.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kvgkxicb5/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/u38te6oid/20180624_170114.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ryogd3mvl/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/6p0u28r5h/20180624_170234.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/71s88f9f5/)

The old lens cover certainly wasn't too bad but it was a bit fuzzy and I'm a sucker for the look of brand new headlights so I got new lens covers too.

https://s8.postimg.cc/c0fqnbnmd/20180624_170410.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tdq126ixd/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/xbdar1nl1/20180624_170643.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/iferjgc69/)

Fresh butyl all around for a good seal against moisture and dust.

https://s8.postimg.cc/tezyv3cw5/20180624_172037.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wylwkwflt/)

End product and I finished it off with some fresh bulbs - Osram CBI D2S xenon bulbs, Osram H7 Night Breakers for the high beam and white LEDs for angel eyes.

https://s8.postimg.cc/ej1fnh6md/20180624_181548.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/60rzj503l/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/xbdar1vat/20180624_184950.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ydnh9le41/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/tezyvhpv9/20180624_190835.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c1pogmuk1/)

https://s8.postimg.cc/jugc8nq9h/20180624_191353.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3w7miiw1d/)

The difference in output light against old projectors is astonishing.

https://s8.postimg.cc/5o0ldf7ol/20180625_080659.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/flbm6hfa9/)

That's all for now.

[san]

Congrats!

Taking on a v12, you are a brave man.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[704sw]

Hell of an update.

[ZHPizza]

Good lord what an update. Stop doing so much stuff I can't keep up.

[BMWCurves]

Hi, my name is Sreten and I have a diagnosable form of understatement.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[holyc0w]

:eyetwitch

[Sreten]

Congrats!

Taking on a v12, you are a brave man.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! That's not the scary part, it's just two inline sixes bolted together. The scary bit is everything around it - early '90s electronics, complexed suspension with ECD dampers... Should be fun. My intention is to get it back up & running and pass it on to someone who'll do a proper restoration since the car needs it. :biggrin


Hell of an update.

Thanks, Spenser!


Good lord what an update. Stop doing so much stuff I can't keep up.

Thanks, Nate! Yeah, things are getting out of hand.


Hi, my name is Sreten and I have a diagnosable form of understatement.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Haha, amongst many.


:eyetwitch

:biggrin

Some goodies arrived for the M5. Hopefully, this will transform how the big beast handles.

https://s22.postimg.cc/qaujum2dd/20180629_080145.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7iior15z1/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/6rpyl88qp/20180629_080041.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gp0zeagcd/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/nfhgnqb81/20180629_080034.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6rpyl8ggd/)

[Sockethead]

Every time I see you buy another car to fix up, I'm thinking ...




33252

[704sw]

I liked WD better with Edd :(

[Sreten]

I think everyone did including myself. I always found sleazy Brewer to be extra annoying and antipathic. Though I watched few recent episodes and Ant isn't bad, fatso is insufferable as ever.

Have you watched Ed's new show Garage Revival? It's on yt, only one episode so far but looks promising.

In the process of swapping out shocks.

A picture says 1000 words.

https://s22.postimg.cc/rfgw5d629/20180704_212638.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3ohin95v1/)

[704sw]

My rear shocks looked just like that lol.

And thanks for the tip, I’ll have to check out the Edd’s YT series.

[RUS_ZHP]

M5 is going ride so good with this shocks.
I am waiting to hear your feedback on the ride quality, when everything is installed.
I am pretty sure you gonna do some fun road trip-:)

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

My rear shocks looked just like that lol.

And thanks for the tip, I’ll have to check out the Edd’s YT series.

My old e39 530i and 330Ci ZHP with similar miles had shocks in the same condition, totally blown! I guess 100k miles is way more than you can get out of stock Sachs shocks.


M5 is going ride so good with this shocks.
I am waiting to hear your feedback on the ride quality, when everything is installed.
I am pretty sure you gonna do some fun road trip-:)

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Thanks, Rus! I finished installing them last week and it definitely changed the way M5 rides now. :) More updates below.

First, I started off by replacing the center link and idler arm which is something I should've done when I was replacing the control arms.
The center link that I removed from the car was made by TRW so most likely original unit. Ball joints were shot and I replaced it with a Lemforder unit.

Fun fact - inner ball joint that connects to the idler arm is actually a fixed stud. I got little confused by this since it does look like a normal ball joint that should be movable but after a quick search and removing the original unit I confirmed that it's indeed a fixed stud.

https://s22.postimg.cc/so153ht9t/20180630_124617.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sb9qxbazx/)

While in there, got new sway bar bushings too.

https://s22.postimg.cc/5zby3xrbl/20180630_130745.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/71m4mha4t/)

I went for a short drive after and I could immediately feel improvement just by moving the steering wheel as it would retract much easier in the center position. It used to have a minor play and this certainly tightened things up.

Then I embarked on sorting out the struts. Front struts are straightforward to replace. Pulled the old ones out, compressed the spring and put it on the new Koni sturt along with new strut mounts, bearings, bump stops, spring pads, metal plates and all new locking nuts. I just didn't replace the dust boot since replacement parts didn't arrive in time so reused the old one. It didn't have any tears and it was still, well, rubbery so should be fine.

https://s22.postimg.cc/z5on11qjl/20180701_113348.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gq463ncf1/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/6st5alryp/20180701_133006.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ngknd3mq5/)

I marked the original position of the spring on the stock strut and replicated that on the new sturts. Installed the unit back on the car and proceeded with rear shocks.

https://s22.postimg.cc/7ibxmz7xt/20180701_133032.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5qiys2okt/)

Rear shocks are not that difficult to replace just more time consuming as it requires more stuff to be removed.

To access the top mount the following needs to go out: rear seat, C pillars, parcel shelf and rear speakers and then we end up with this.

https://s22.postimg.cc/d9240g85d/20180705_205459.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/65u8ku2pp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/8n5zs3uc1/20180705_205542.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6ilmr0sp9/)

Off goes the fender liner and fuel filler neck moved out of the way. It's amazing how much crap the fender liners accumulate over the years, goggles are highly recommended for this part.
I used a block of wood cut to 23,5 mm and wedged against the frame of the car to keep the swing arm in place which makes for easier removal and installation of the shocks.

https://s22.postimg.cc/8bojfa10h/20180705_185158.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cxknnmmjh/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/ywr2auqj5/20180705_192534.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gtxzjmuod/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/so5qhbqe9/20180705_192720.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sbecb584d/)

I set the spring perch at the lowest position on Koni shocks which matched the original setup and replaced all wearable parts along the way and then finished putting everything back together.

https://s22.postimg.cc/o29m93um9/20180704_202808.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8tjovc0xp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/xzkn26x35/20180704_212638.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tqfx00ttp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/xphpwmafl/20180705_203750.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/f9x8z7wb1/)

This is the end result. 3 totally dead shocks and 1 that would bounce back at snail speed. 105k miles is definitely more than stock Sachs units can go for.

https://s22.postimg.cc/py0zxp3lt/20180705_214734.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/o6812sk8t/)

Per Koni's recommendation when pairing them with stock springs, I left them in their factory delivered setting which is full soft. I really don't want to pull the rear shocks again anytime soon and I would rather live with softer and comfortable suspension than bounce around. The fronts are easy to adjust on the car so I can still play with them.

I went for alignment the next day and then took it on a short trip to Stuttgart to visit a friend on Saturday.

https://s22.postimg.cc/lrg5is44h/20180706_081407.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ja4ebik7x/)

I still need to put more miles on them before I give them a proper review but since I was essentially driving just on springs before, the difference is simply unmistakable.
New struts transformed how the car rides and It finally feels like a proper M5. It's planted, firm, comfortable and the car gives me the confidence to push it to the limit and cruise at higher speeds which is exactly what I want for this M5. New shocks were undeniably a good call.

In other news, the 8er arrived earlier last week. My initial plan was to rent a tow truck and go pick it up myself but I ended up finding a guy who transported it for roughly the same cost which saved me a whole day of driving back and forth which was nice.

https://s22.postimg.cc/5e17weerl/20180703_180731.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tujdqvfi5/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/rpz0pslld/20180703_180754.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/k9zr3zxvx/)

I started off with some basic maintenance like new oil & filters, distributor cap and rotors, cleaning up the interior and exterior and I'm still left with sorting out various vacuum lines and spark plugs and million other things.

https://s22.postimg.cc/vz3qs11q9/20180708_133208.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5qsm2nhml/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/z5yabo1lt/20180708_135032.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/z5yabo1lp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/qaxg15s8x/20180708_160416.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xe5bgrxod/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/nuvmn2htd/20180708_174426.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lqb9lzg6l/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/sgrqvg5xd/20180708_174435.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3ni6usmwt/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/4psddcl5t/20180708_174506.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xff99zp5p/)

For a 27 years old car, the interior is looking really sharp.

https://s22.postimg.cc/4d0z7d5ip/20180708_175804.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qoys0r4ml/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/okeeznva9/20180708_175905.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hh6jk1pul/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/rr8yjav5t/20180708_175918.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vauw93xvh/)

Looks to be a non-smoker car. Love little details like this.

https://s22.postimg.cc/dxklu87pd/20180708_171543.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c5rmzbocd/)

Finishing the update with some clean Le-Mans-Blue-goodness.

https://s22.postimg.cc/vrg3vsdzl/20180709_150120.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4tm6u1tcd/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/5vwdcmeqp/20180709_150141.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dbvmyf2fx/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/eqx7n5iyp/20180709_150152.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/x6hokjx31/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/je39onqtd/20180709_150422.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hz1ozxpq5/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/fuhbyvb8x/20180709_150524.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3sly4q20d/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/45dcawzpt/20180709_150535.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/k3m211txp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/7c7vujrvl/20180709_150620.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/g78q52gnx/)

[704sw]

This guy knows how to make a damn update!!!

Also, what a ridiculous procedure to access the rear mounts. Jeez...

[BMWCurves]

This guy knows how to make a damn update!!!

Also, what a ridiculous procedure to access the rear mounts. Jeez...

+1

[RUS_ZHP]

Your update are awesome. Keep them coming-:)
And excellent job as usual

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Danke schön, fellas!

Yeah, rear mounts are absolute pain to access which makes the adjustment of the rear shocks pretty much useless on e39.

[Sockethead]

I'm assuming the e39 has a traditional steering box judging by the center link?
I can see now what you mean about the rear shock adjustment!
Can't wait to see your progress with the 8 series... never seen one up close

[ZHPizza]

Checking flights to come do a Euro tour with your two cars next year...

[704sw]

Checking flights to come do a Euro tour with your two cars next year...

Checking flights to come buy some cool old BMW and bring it back to the States. As the wise @BMWCurves once told me, “saving is for suckers.”

[BMWCurves]

Checking flights to come buy some cool old BMW and bring it back to the States. As the wise @BMWCurves once told me, “saving is for suckers.”

Tru dat homie

[Sreten]

I'm assuming the e39 has a traditional steering box judging by the center link?
I can see now what you mean about the rear shock adjustment!
Can't wait to see your progress with the 8 series... never seen one up close

You know your stuff. E39 540i and M5 have traditional steering box while I6 engines have rack and pinion like ZHP. Steering in my old 530i and ZHP was much better and more precise. Steering box just can't match that.

8er is an amazing piece of Bavarian engineering. I just love this type of old-school engineering and testing.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eX0SveEIXc


Checking flights to come do a Euro tour with your two cars next year...


Checking flights to come buy some cool old BMW and bring it back to the States. As the wise @BMWCurves once told me, “saving is for suckers.”


Tru dat homie

Dudes, just book a flight and come on over! We have no speed limit Autobahn, Nürburgring, M5 and beer! I'll stock up on Estoril blue. :biggrin Bring Will too :thumbsup


Changing spark plugs and PCV valves on a V12 was an interesting experience. Took me a better part of the day to get it done and I can't remember last time I cut and bruised my hands so much. You need acrobatic skills to reach sprak plug #12 and I'm not a very flexible human. Took me 2 days to recover from doing yoga with my girlfriend.

https://s22.postimg.cc/sg6nrvifl/20180714_171935.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3mx3r7zf1/)

With that I completed some basic maintenance on the 850i and the big beast is already running smoother.

https://s22.postimg.cc/4qh831evl/20180711_080535.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5srelkxot/)

This car really has remarkable service history. I was going through the records the other day and the 2nd owner was spending some big money on it back in the day. There are few bills that go well over $14,000. The 8er received new clutch in 2001 which was just 4.000 miles ago, along with new water pump, tstat and other cooling components, control arms, belts, brake booster, ABS pump and bunch of other stuff. Shame how the last owner managed to neglect it.

Did some preventive maintenance on the M5 as well by servicing Vanos solenoids.

Vanos boards removed from the engine.

https://s22.postimg.cc/eu5xzqlht/20180710_202505.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/47c4ubdcd/)

Brushed up on my soldering skills. Cleaned and resoldered all joints.

https://s22.postimg.cc/d17mosuq9/20180710_211230.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qi4l7o51p/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/58gyx4ek1/20180710_213750.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4iy6kre0d/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/w6avyv6wx/20180710_213838.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hn3qxgdrx/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/e3ht7nqht/20180710_215351.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vtjhsp42l/)

Removed old O rings and mesh filters. Activated each solenoid with 9V battery and thoroughly cleaned them with brake cleaner and compressed air. Slapped new O rings and reassembled everything on the car with new gaskets for the cover.

https://s22.postimg.cc/abh6hu0j5/20180710_211137.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sea991wdp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/59qwq83fl/20180711_210412.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hodoqjuxp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/eit308wv5/20180711_215955.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8ums9csil/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/97e6fjii9/20180711_220000.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cr045cl7x/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/irxt2g2pd/20180711_223720.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ra796s97x/)

A vital part of maintenance to keep the beast running perfectly.

Then on Sunday decided to do nothing and just go for a nice drive. Went north of Frankfurt and hit the delightful backroads and long stretches of no speed limit zones of Autobahn.

https://s22.postimg.cc/8ondipm75/20180715_140751.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jo8kubcm5/)

After getting up to speed with maintenance, the M5 rides so nice now. I truly enjoy being behind the wheel, it rides perfect and feels super healthy.
There are few more maintenance things to do like tackling seized fan clutch nut and replacing belts & pulleys and then I can turn my focus towards cosmetics.

[Sockethead]

Man, you are a maintenance machine! I wish I had the time to get into my car that much. It really needs it.
There's nothing like driving a car after a fresh rebuild of the suspension and engine maitenance... especially when you do the work yourself.

[BMWCurves]

Man, you are a maintenance machine! I wish I had the time to get into my car that much. It really needs it.
There's nothing like driving a car after a fresh rebuild of the suspension and engine maitenance... especially when you do the work yourself.

+1

My eyes also hurt reading not one but multiple $14k maintenance bills for the 8 series.

[704sw]

+1

My eyes also hurt reading not one but multiple $14k maintenance bills for the 8 series.

Yea but it came with a sweet little scale model.

[Sreten]

Man, you are a maintenance machine! I wish I had the time to get into my car that much. It really needs it.
There's nothing like driving a car after a fresh rebuild of the suspension and engine maintenance... especially when you do the work yourself.

Thanks, Rob! You're spot on, professionals can do it faster and maybe better but a satisfaction of doing it yourself - there's nothing like it.

I'm lucky that mine is not a DD since I walk everywhere and generally don't like driving in the city so it can be down for a few days while I do the work.


+1

My eyes also hurt reading not one but multiple $14k maintenance bills for the 8 series.

Well, after giving it a second look I might've been mistaken. Big invoices are from 2000-01-02 and Euro was introduced in France in 1999 but French Franc was still in circulation until 2002. It doesn't state which currency is it but it makes more sense that it's Francs. Nevertheless, there are tons of bills and the guy was dropping some serious dough.

There are some parts that are relatively cheap on the V12 like spark plugs ~$3 a pop but some things are preposterous.
Brake booster that was replaced in 2000 and that's common to go on E31 is over $1.000 now. Intake manifold gaskets are around $200 a pop and you need 4 of them.


Yea but it came with a sweet little scale model.

The little scale is the actual reason I bought the big car. :biggrin

It even has its own tiny V12.

https://s33.postimg.cc/55wha5i1r/20180703_203334.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5vf9miil7/)

[Sockethead]

That little model is cool... We buy those for our kids but we end up keeping the best ones for ourselves... that one looks pretty functional.

[Sreten]

Yeah, I can understand why you keep some :) This one is pretty sweet, it has all of the details in the interior, trunk and even complete underside with the exhaust.

[Sreten]

Turned my attention to the interior. I deep cleaned and scrubbed carpets, mats and all plastic. I don't like sitting in filth and I had to clean and disinfected everything from the previous owners.

Leather wasn't particularly bad but you could tell it was dirty and in need of love. I decided to try ever so famous leatherique.

Unfortunately, I didn't take before pictures since I was applying the product in the night.

Here are the front seats after sitting through the night and all day baking in the sun with windows rolled up.

https://s22.postimg.cc/78jrgnsox/20180725_193244.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lrqwi2ltp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/4r809d67l/20180725_193231.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wekpngre5/)

I tried various products over the years and all work in a similar way and get the job done, but nothing I used so far leaves clean matte finish as good as leatherique. The process is a bit mess but well worth it.

https://s22.postimg.cc/cvpb5mhox/20180722_150443.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/x32qxxf65/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/sty0vrjmp/20180726_075429.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hhlfdzaxp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/iwn02r9gx/20180726_081906.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dxzho85nx/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/xsljae2w1/20180726_082154.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/52yndqyvx/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/4dfv1aqlt/20180726_075632.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/n5rq4vmzx/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/cixwzh9pt/20180726_081602.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vo1698odp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/m3hjmdehd/20180726_081638.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oktatmydp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/qcm9olum9/20180726_082351.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/52yndrebh/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/40ogv5qch/20180726_081746.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/o81wngntp/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/ulqzqq85d/20180726_081950.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dl83i1v3x/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/kofyxofz5/20180726_082038.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5fq1jwmal/)

Interior is so fresh now and I love how black sport seats go along with titan trim.

[san]

Looks great!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ZHPizza]

Damn the finish on those seats looks brand spanking new! I mean, you scan still see the creases from age, but seriously dude, brand new.

I wonder if you could find some vinyl to to match the dash trim and wrap the worn lower steering wheel trim? I did it in my car and love how it flows with the dash pieces. Definitely my favorite interior change.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180709/27451b991c48c0e20c980d35023771cd.jpg

[Sreten]

Thanks, guys!

Yeah, I absolutely love the finish. I received the exact compliment from a friend yesterday when he opened the door and stepped in.
For creases and cracks in the leather, there's nothing you can do to get rid of it apart from getting the whole thing redyed, but this tones it down a lot. I'll definitely use leatherique again.

Interesting idea and in your case it turned out phenomenal, but I think I'll be replacing mine with a new piece. Mine had few spots were it worn down and showing white surface, so I used a wrong touch up paint as you can see in the pictures. :rofl I found a can of matte paint later...

[danewilson77]

Looks great!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk+1

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Looks fantastic!

Every time I see an interior shot of an E39 I think "man, that's weird that the shifter isn't in the middle of the console," and then when I would sit in my dad's car I'd think "nah, this is just right."

[704sw]

16°C

C H I L L Y

[Newjack]

OP you did an amazing job on that interior man it looks fantastic. If I ever kill someone and need to clean up the body I'm giving you a call.

[704sw]

OP you did an amazing job on that interior man it looks fantastic. If I ever kill someone and need to clean up the body I'm giving you a call.

You mean, like, someone from the tow company?

[ZHPizza]

Thanks, guys!

Yeah, I absolutely love the finish. I received the exact compliment from a friend yesterday when he opened the door and stepped in.
For creases and cracks in the leather, there's nothing you can do to get rid of it apart from getting the whole thing redyed, but this tones it down a lot. I'll definitely use leatherique again.

Interesting idea and in your case it turned out phenomenal, but I think I'll be replacing mine with a new piece. Mine had few spots were it worn down and showing white surface, so I used a wrong touch up paint as you can see in the pictures. :rofl I found a can of matte paint later...Yep, mine was beat up down to the plastic too. I ended up sanding the whole thing bare so that I could get a smooth finish with the vinyl. Don't write it off!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180727/1910058cdb60e060266e51b14d91e02b.jpg

[Newjack]

You mean, like, someone from the tow company?

https://i.imgur.com/ADvOtKs.gif

[holyc0w]

Interesting idea and in your case it turned out phenomenal, but I think I'll be replacing mine with a new piece. Mine had few spots were it worn down and showing white surface, so I used a wrong touch up paint as you can see in the pictures. :rofl I found a can of matte paint later...

It should still work out fine with a wrap. I didn't sand my trim down like Pizza but it works for me. But if you want that factory fresh goodness...new will be pretty sweet.

[Sreten]

Thank you, fellas!


16°C

C H I L L Y

Man, been hot in Frankfurt lately, today it's around 35°C which is hot for Germany. No AC at work and no AC at home which is pretty standard for Germans.


OP you did an amazing job on that interior man it looks fantastic. If I ever kill someone and need to clean up the body I'm giving you a call.

Thanks, Newjack! That would be a first, but we can give it a try. :biggrin


Yep, mine was beat up down to the plastic too. I ended up sanding the whole thing bare so that I could get a smooth finish with the vinyl. Don't write it off!


You really wrapped that properly. I'm wondering how would matte paint hold up...


It should still work out fine with a wrap. I didn't sand my trim down like Pizza but it works for me. But if you want that factory fresh goodness...new will be pretty sweet.

It would most likely work but I do wanna keep the stock look and feel. That being said I just learned the price for a new one. A pretty pricey piece of plastic.

[704sw]

Man, been hot in Frankfurt lately, today it's around 35°C which is hot for Germany. No AC at work and no AC at home which is pretty standard for Germans.

Man 34-35° is basically a daily occurrence here lately [emoji17] plus a stupid amount of humidity. Can it please be autumn already?

[Sreten]

I'd take heat over cold and miserable rain every time. ;) Beginning of September is when the weather goes to shit in Germany. It's been a nice hot summer with little rain so far.

[san]

I'd take heat over cold and miserable rain every time. ;)

+1

More so after I moved to MI


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Man 34-35° is basically a daily occurrence here lately [emoji17] plus a stupid amount of humidity. Can it please be autumn already?

Don't you dare wish us closer to winter... don't do it!

[Sreten]

I said goodbye to the 8er today.

I knew from the start it wouldn't be in my custody for long. I'm left with another regret for not being able to follow through this project and it's the 2nd 850i that I let go without properly enjoying it first.

It's a fantastic car that deserves to be back on road and it went to a very nice guy from Belgium.

The car is on its way to Dusseldorf and Wokke who is a well-known guy in E31 world and expert for the 8 series who will go over the car in detail. It's safe to say it'll be in good hands.

The same guy who brought it to me took it away.

https://s33.postimg.cc/7ez8jwar3/20180804_175249.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vvheedbhn/)

https://s33.postimg.cc/k6deqes8v/20180804_175438.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vvheedj7f/)

I already have something else cooking so stay tuned. :cool

[holyc0w]

I already have something else cooking so stay tuned. :cool

:blink

That's a whole lot of cooking.

[Sockethead]

Stay tuned for the next episode of "Wheeler dealers: Streten style"

[704sw]

Stay tuned for the next episode of "Wheeler dealers: Streten style"

“Ta-lah!”

[ZHPizza]

Is anyone else getting way too attached to these cars? This is an emotional roller coaster...

[704sw]

Is anyone else getting way too attached to these cars? This is an emotional roller coaster...

I’m most attached to the M5 he’s somehow managed to keep all this time. Only thing missing from being my ideal E39 is some Camel interior.

[Sreten]

Roller coster it is. [emoji3]

I'm on the hunt but I struck out in Spain. 2 M5s in 2 days that were unfruitful.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/86648cfc497db7ccfc00580263530559.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/d9572efec54e13721d5636b1a87c285e.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/dd043e7358543b7230112be6c174ed10.jpg

Mind you, not a bad place to be.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/a30b986eda715e5b97cc71b904311fe2.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/5ba849e7dcd1588309fbff53660ba4e9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/b5e78876fe08bb6a27102cd82d92beb7.jpg

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[704sw]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/86648cfc497db7ccfc00580263530559.jpg

That hitch looks goofy af back there.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/dd043e7358543b7230112be6c174ed10.jpg

Oh boy. That color combo is pure sex.

[az3579]

I'm confused - are you not decided on which one you want to keep or are you just switching cars all the time for fun?

[Sreten]

After seeing what's out there, I'll probably keep my current Le Mans M5 for awhile.

But yes, I love doing this for fun. I love to travel, buy, fix, sell - all of it. If I end up buying something else it will be a project that I can restore and eventually sell on.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

I'm back from Spain so time for a full report.

With the 8er gone I was itching for another project where I could get my hands dirty.

Found 2 potential candidates in Valencia, Spain and as always went on a new adventure with my girlfriend. We didn't have a vacation planned out yet and Spain fit the bill perfect.

Though, it was probably the worst part of the year to visit Valencia as it was hot as hell - on few occasions over 40°C with 70% humidity.

Few shots upon arrival.

https://s15.postimg.cc/7o8mmlq23/20180805_171459.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nz8qix2jr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/gw0v3bzp7/20180805_200917.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4u5h96qgn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ym2joe857/20180805_201815.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/b7ukcgq7r/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/4u5h96y6j/20180805_202031.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/h8s99ipon/)

Valencia Cathedral

https://s15.postimg.cc/tnf19tu1n/20180805_203541.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mk75u7olz/)

First food stop - Tapas.

https://s15.postimg.cc/4u5h963bf/20180805_190334.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/peab7nj2f/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/fv0mdyy2j/20180805_204608.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xl2az0bnb/)

My gf had to get her adrenalin going so we went on one those spinny-makes-you-wanna-puke-your-gut rides.

https://s15.postimg.cc/ddov6plvv/20180805_211917.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/my8htlb7r/)

The Central Market of Valencia.

https://s15.postimg.cc/efz1pkpd7/20180806_133522.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5xpll8iuf/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/lx8947u5n/20180806_134630.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rlejv3yhz/)

Getting a mean ham & cheese sandwich before meeting with the seller.

https://s15.postimg.cc/mzifmr597/20180806_135533.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/a849g8vh3/)

I was warned by few German friends that are in the car business that Spanish cars are, well, junk. Nevertheless, I'm an addict with a tendency for a good adventure.

Now to the business end. The first M5 was in the city of Torrent - 20 min from Valencia.

Here we have a 04/2002 M5 slicktop finished in rare Bluewater metallic - 1 of 38 in this color for European market so pretty rare specimen.

This is a 2 owner car with 93k miles and it was in sellers custody since 2006. I received few potato pictures prior and even there the car looked like a turd, but I find Bluewater metallic to be absolutely stunning color and I had to see it since I was already there for the other car.

Before coming, I asked the guy if the car had any accidents and if the paint was original. He said: No accidents, original paint.

I'll let the pictures do the talking.

https://s15.postimg.cc/lx894h1y3/20180806_170110.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/l7pgs41ef/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/6bqxkiia3/20180806_170119.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/m9znanchz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/np17zdt0r/20180806_170123.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/i0ux8hoo7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/3uf6d7gd7/20180806_170127.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ptll0ex7b/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/xz3mylvqz/20180806_170856.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ho3j2aj93/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/5m8582pff/20180806_165310.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/476kjcoc7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/z1dth56uj/20180806_165328.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nc9tt6fvr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/e4hlch13v/20180806_170100.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/drq76aitz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/oslcbct3f/20180806_165726.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8hl8f1glj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/6d0vdzp9n/20180806_165756.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5ni31mopz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/a9e79zpor/20180806_170653.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kw80fextz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/8ucml9gvv/20180806_170730.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/soyo7dw3b/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/8ucml91gb/20180806_170743.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/l8zelksyf/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/xausfpuh7/20180806_170745.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hpdgvriiv/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/k6p832cq3/20180806_170806.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/i24v1zb3b/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/5aqovgtln/20180806_170825.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6d0ve0cev/)

I found that the car had a front right impact that was poorly repaired. But the scariest part was that the car was hit in the right B pillar and doors were misaligned with the rear door sticking out about 10 mm. I got a hint on the pictures that something was going on there but it wasn't pretty obvious and pictures that I received turned out to be old.

I've seen my fair share of shitty mistreated cars but this is next level. Everything that I touched felt like it was about to fall apart any second. The paint was like 50 shades of grey. To my surprise the engine still sounded sweet and had a nice pull, the guy is lucky that S62 are robust engines and can take a beating. This poor M5 is far too gone to be restored and the only thing I see it good for is to pick it for parts and put the engine and drivetrain in a nicer shell. This is by far the worst M5 I've seen so far.

I asked the guy why did he lie about accidents and telling me that the car was very nice, turns out for him these are not accidents, just little not noticeable things. He added and I quote: The car is really really nice. I didn't mistreat it. Having been left speechless, we swiftly moved along.

Seeing this pile of misery gives me hope for the Carbon black M5 I looked on the island in Italy. That thing was rough but miles better compared to this.

Back to the city. Valencia is the 3rd biggest city in Spain with great history and amazing sights to be seen.

Back in '69 there used to be a river going through the center of Valencia and with every rain it would flood the city. They decided to divert the river to stop that from happening and now the stream bed is turned in an beatiful huge park.

https://s15.postimg.cc/jxw8qjp7v/20180806_214347.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8yb1exysn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/3znj0fi57/20180806_214710.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qblbtth93/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/h3t3d4hwr/20180806_214734.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/adcm3ouqv/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/wdsykaau3/20180808_123611.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ardy39c9j/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/6i9814bl7/20180808_145805.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/x3bqwodyf/)

Haven't had good Mexican in a while.

https://s15.postimg.cc/o8awm9k23/20180807_220806.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9p3rkuqx3/)

Followed up with sorta healthy bacon omelet.

https://s15.postimg.cc/le7r8vurf/20180808_114246.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/h5316prhz/)

Now, the next M5 that sounded more promising which was about an hour away from Valencia. I decided to rent this Fiat 500 rather than to take the train in this crazy heat.

https://s15.postimg.cc/8pdgp66mj/20180807_104711.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/43hcgtl3b/)

02/2002 M5 slicktop finished in Le Mans Blue over Caramel interior, a stunning combination I might add.
The car had 87k miles and the seller had it for a few years and claimed he bought it from a friend.

The car had few red flags on the pictures but I was willing to give it a chance since this color combo had me drooling.

https://s15.postimg.cc/f5mff7x5n/20180807_121130.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6all4p8d3/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/z08h1j7a3/20180807_121135.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cbja1ypw7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/8rxcc57qz/20180807_121142.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/oq622a1yv/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/kh1c03qzv/20180807_121152.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/g7wlxxnqf/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ljbiilzij/20180807_121155.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/coao83apz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/6nczayydn/20180807_121202.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/fidtlhn5z/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/quqf39gff/20180807_121209.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/704dh517r/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/704dh3qx7/20180807_121214.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/smjdy4phj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/kh1c02oez/20180807_121226.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5l2sshd07/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/nb4hdk8ln/20180807_121230.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/p2xg8gryf/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/szas4h7t7/20180807_121235.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/94oqicslj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/gxfeaa14r/20180807_121245.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/q57mqz86v/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/esv1994nv/20180807_121250.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/p2xg8hujb/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/8f5y5zcmj/20180807_121759.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ip8d582hz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/dyd30u45n/20180807_121122.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r2indiw7b/)

This M5 was much better than the previous horror on wheels but with its own set of problems. It would take a decent amount of work to bring it up to shape and it had 19" BBS RX 513 wheels and Eisenmann exhaust & X-pipe which made it stupid loud. It had a custom shifter, the suspension felt like it could be refreshed, the clutch pedal was on a hard side, the seats were twisting and some other flaws. It had few shadow codes in DME but nothing overly concerning. The engine sounded very healthy.

It was super hot that day and I was looking at the car in direct sunlight so I missed on few of my usual steps when inspecting the car.
The car has been partially repainted with the roof, trunk lid, left rear panel and left side doors being in original color. Obvious things were nasty Chinese headlights, China front bumper and hood from a pre-facelift 5 series. Another red flag was a gap on the steering wheel airbag and the front radiator support was from a different car so it was obvious that something was going on.

The seller was in a hurry and we wanted to hit the beach so we parted ways and said we'll text each other later.

We exchanged few texts regarding the price and asking him about the accident to which he said he had no idea. I cooled off after learning about the accident, but I made him a low bid which he eventually accepted (interior swap was already going through my head). After that, I told him I want to put the car on the lift and inspect it from underneath. The car was in an accident and I wanted to see the extent of the damage, frame damage would be a big no go. Few minutes after that he is telling me that he just talked to another interested buyer who was willing to pay him more and made an appointment with him, and he no longer wanted to sell the car.

I found that to be peculiar and had another look at the pictures I took and noticed these markings behind the bumper which are typically put there by dismantlers.

https://s15.postimg.cc/m3v4z004b/Screenshot_20180810-114236_Gallery.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/envvd7cev/)

I quickly googled those numbers and found a part out 523i on a junkyard 30 minutes from him from which all these parts came off. I normally always try to get a glimpse at the frame rails from the top, but with heat and being hurried I slipped and missed that step. Most likely the car took a pretty good hit in the front and he was aware of it and just playing it dumb. Anyway, at that point, I didn't even care anymore and decide just to enjoy rest our vacation.

Beautiful Gandia beach.

https://s15.postimg.cc/3tefb5yez/20180807_141306.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nb92r3vcn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/708yusyaj/20180807_141309.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xy2vwjixj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/s9wl5nu0r/20180807_141617.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kh5xdoo1j/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/9hkq235cb/20180807_141637.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hzu66fbuv/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/k4ej7j0mz/20180807_142043.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/smnzbv75j/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/vtiivhc63/20180807_164714.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/94tbvwus7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/psktyex9n/20180807_170343.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qi3marxt3/)

Spanish roads are fun.

https://s15.postimg.cc/qi3maxapn/20180807_192721.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mlqaexppz/)

The part of Valencia that left biggest impression on me was The City of Arts and Sciences built from 1996 to 2005.

https://s15.postimg.cc/lkq1pxbcb/20180808_182641.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/v59oct0o7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/jg5oouwuz/20180808_182959.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/k5oh17xef/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ph3dlzgx7/20180808_183639.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jg5oowuav/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ph3dlxywr/20180808_183854.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kifv7ev3r/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/i14405ix7/20180808_184209.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wx2n7qubr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/4k75h9dqj/20180808_190111.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mn088h9l3/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/tdgphxc6j/20180808_190428.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gytxhlko7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/hocpu2vjf/20180808_190509.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/pturs8js7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/tdgphyerf/20180808_191738.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/83t373ygn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/kv79dm0iz/20180808_205258.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ehi6acvmv/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/3uod4y2x7/20180808_205543.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/al4uedq2v/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ryf4t8t3v/20180809_155116.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lxhfw66hj/)

Bullfighting arena which we didn't find that interesting.

https://s15.postimg.cc/pidbfby5n/20180809_210630.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kwh76zcmf/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/kl4c7kvqj/20180810_134117.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4mvmhg1if/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/a9ne1kc6z/20180809_210858.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lyrdpj35j/)

Round 2 for Tapas.

https://s15.postimg.cc/jp7usobxn/20180809_203807.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/uot24a2cn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/i6cgndczf/20180810_141505.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/h42a4tu5z/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/bfvzdysej/20180810_153954.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3zwps64p3/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/cjg3q0d2j/20180810_155210.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/mgr4j2ko7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/eb92l3rcb/20180810_154745.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/x3kxoonqf/)

Whenever I do these trips, I try to get as much information as possible from the seller but it's usually a struggle and you just have to see the car in person and hope for the best. It's always a risk to travel but that's part of the fun, sometimes you get lucky like I did with the 45k miles TiAg M5 that started this thread or unlucky like with these two turds where you just want to launch the seller to the moon.

I had nice time off from work and the office and Spain is a phenomenal place for vacation, buying cars not so much as it turns out. :biggrin Now I'm even more appreciative to have a lovely M5 in the garage sitting pretty and ready to be taken out.

Also, been living in Germany for more than a year now and it's crazy knowing that I actually have better Spanish skills than I do Deutsch. :biggrin

[704sw]

Dude, you are the absolute king of updates.

I almost feel like I’ve looked at these cars with you, and now feel like I’ve been to some of these places. (HatTip.gif)

[Sockethead]

Stunning pics... I like the night shots. The food looks delicious! It's good that you can make a vacation out of all these trips, otherwise, I imagine it would be disappointing.

[RUS_ZHP]

What a trip!!! Thank you for sharing your trips with massive amont of details.
Love it!
Sad, them a lot of sellers are lying about repaired cars. That Blue Water M5 must be stunning in person.
Good luck in your hunt!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

Dude, you are the absolute king of updates.

I almost feel like I’ve looked at these cars with you, and now feel like I’ve been to some of these places. (HatTip.gif)

Thanks, Spenser! I'm really glad to hear that. Keeps me motivated to share my shenanigans. :)


Stunning pics... I like the night shots. The food looks delicious! It's good that you can make a vacation out of all these trips, otherwise, I imagine it would be disappointing.

Thanks, Robert! I upgraded to S9 plus which takes great shots. I should really invest in a good camera but then I don't feel like dragging it along.

Exactly, I always try to make the best of it. I was a bit disappointed how it turned out with the Blue M5 but can't win them all. Despite the accident, it's still a nice car like you can see on the pictures, interior especcially, just the question is how big was the damage to begin with but I guess we'll never know.


What a trip!!! Thank you for sharing your trips with massive amount of details.
Love it!
Sad, them a lot of sellers are lying about repaired cars. That Blue Water M5 must be stunning in person.
Good luck in your hunt!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Thank you, Rus! I'm happy to be able to share my adventures.

Unfortunately, this is too common in Europe. People always try to manipulate the mileage and hide accidents to give more value to their car. Labor in some countries is cheap so everything is worth fixing. There's no Carfax like in the States which can at least show you the mileage consistency. Actually, that's not entirely true since Spain is one of the countries that does have Carfax but nothing showed up regarding accidents.

Bluewater M5 was something else, I've never seen anything like it. I almost wanted it because it must be one of worst M5s in the world. Would be a great track car or something :biggrin

[wstr75]

2002 M5 expected to sell for $180,000 at Pebble Beach Concours. Great article about E39 M5 valuation. Interesting views on how “analog” cars from that era are rising in value.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-16/how-does-a-bmw-sports-sedan-double-in-value-over-16-years?cmpid=BBD081618_OUS&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=180816&utm_campaign=openamericas

[san]

2002 M5 expected to sell for $180,000 at Pebble Beach Concours. Great article about E39 M5 valuation. Interesting views on how “analog” cars from that era are rising in value.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-16/how-does-a-bmw-sports-sedan-double-in-value-over-16-years?cmpid=BBD081618_OUS&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=180816&utm_campaign=openamericas

EAG is gonna try and get it too...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ZHPizza]

Damn dude I finally saw your Spain update...

1. Tapas...hell yes
2. Those M5s...hell no
3. Spaniards = Italians?
4. That arts building...good lord

We watched an Anthony Bourdain episode in Spain the other night and planted it firmly on our list, mainly for the tapas. Thanks for sharing and cementing that decision.

Also, since you're using your S9 for travel photos, I highly recommend picking up a Sirui portrait lens that'll clip on to your phone. It'll make car and people pics look 10x better and you're only carrying a few ounces with you instead of a full size camera. We carry it and a Moment wide angle lens (Moment's portrait lens is trash) on our trips and both work great with the Moment phone cases, which we also love because you can add a wrist strap and not feel like you're going to drop your phone off a bridge or lose it to a pickpocket.

Lmk if you want some example pics showing the difference that the lenses make. I'm not posting pics of my wife out here for all the world to see.

[danewilson77]

Thanks for sharing.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

2002 M5 expected to sell for $180,000 at Pebble Beach Concours. Great article about E39 M5 valuation. Interesting views on how “analog” cars from that era are rising in value.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-16/how-does-a-bmw-sports-sedan-double-in-value-over-16-years?cmpid=BBD081618_OUS&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=180816&utm_campaign=openamericas

Interesting article. I've already seen this M5 as it was posted on M5board and as someone said, waste of perfectly good M5.

It's funny how Eric from EAG takes every opportunity to promote his misleading spiel that the 2002-2003 models are the most desirable ones when the only big real difference between early '01 model and the latter ones are the vanos spring plates which you upgrade anyway when servicing the vanos.
He's been often criticised about this on M5board as he would tell customers how the '01 models are problematic and he would never buy them because of this. There's a whole thread about this topic.

Though, I will agree that the prices of E39 M5 are going up. In Europe, it's difficult to find a clean facelift M5 under $20k while few years ago you could pick up clean examples for half of that. Few people were telling me that I was dreaming with the price of my previous '01 M5 with 48k miles but I ended up selling it for a price that was very high for the current market. The buyer was looking at that M5 as an investment.


Damn dude I finally saw your Spain update...

1. Tapas...hell yes
2. Those M5s...hell no
3. Spaniards = Italians?
4. That arts building...good lord

We watched an Anthony Bourdain episode in Spain the other night and planted it firmly on our list, mainly for the tapas. Thanks for sharing and cementing that decision.

Also, since you're using your S9 for travel photos, I highly recommend picking up a Sirui portrait lens that'll clip on to your phone. It'll make car and people pics look 10x better and you're only carrying a few ounces with you instead of a full size camera. We carry it and a Moment wide angle lens (Moment's portrait lens is trash) on our trips and both work great with the Moment phone cases, which we also love because you can add a wrist strap and not feel like you're going to drop your phone off a bridge or lose it to a pickpocket.

Lmk if you want some example pics showing the difference that the lenses make. I'm not posting pics of my wife out here for all the world to see.

We had more rounds of tapas but I didn't want to turn this into a food blog. :biggrin

Spaniards = Italians? I would say pretty damn close. It's been a while since I was being lied this much. Through some car friends, I had a guy in Spain who was in the car business and was speaking English as my contact, he told me he was not surprised at all.
Italians from which I bought my current M5 from were a crazy bunch but at least they loved that car and didn't lie about anything.

Dude, thanks so much for that tip. I read about these but never bothered to do research. I'll look into it though I sent back my S9 plus since it had some issues with the display. The display was noticeable bluer compared to my old S7 edge and my coworkers S9 plus and sometimes it was reacting poorly to the touch input so I'm waiting for a replacement.

Shoot me a pm with a couple of examples when you get a chance. Danke!


Thanks for sharing.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Anytime, Dane!

[Sreten]

Knocked out a few more things from the list on the M5.

Since I got the car the right side mirror power fold function was kaput - you could hear the motor engaging but the mirror stayed put.
Space in Europe is always tight and having power folding mirrors is actually a useful feature that I wanted to get working again.

I took apart the mirror expecting that the small gears would be the culprit but the problem was obvious.

https://s22.postimg.cc/xz5hgova9/20180729_164524.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ptnfij719/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/qvxm12af5/20180729_164038.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ido5wq3wd/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/mzka52x5d/20180729_164053.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wwvay54r1/)

The large inner ring gear in the black cup in which the motor resides fell apart. From my research this didn't appear to be a common failure point and this part wasn't available on eBay.

The only place I found selling this part was some Chinese website (which I can link later if someone needs it).
They have it listed for E53 X5 but it fits M5 too. At the price tag of $65 plus shipping and customs fees and the long delivery time, I didn't really like this solution.

I did more research and found that few cars share some of the same internal parts for e.g E46 M3, E53 X5, Rover 75, MG ZT, first gen Freelander and even Cadilac STS.

Jumped on UK eBay and found this chunky 2002 Freelander mirror with power folding function for $45 shipped!

https://s15.postimg.cc/mpa4zeca3/20180811_163622.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4mh286gfb/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/otui0hlmj/20180811_163632.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/pjdacum5z/)

Luckily, the motor was indeed the same with some small differences - like the backing plate where the gears are located has different mounting holes.

Right is the M5 motor.

https://s15.postimg.cc/4rkthtdfv/20180811_171907.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/66me6jeiv/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/d4qicwkhn/20180811_164527.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xc3y57hyv/)

And the metal plate which controls how much the mirror moves and where to stop. If memory serves me right, the silver one is from the M5.

https://s15.postimg.cc/rt1enkkt7/20180811_165538.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cx2vfz9ef/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/lfcbkb0hn/20180811_165555.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/o9fgxr2nr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/lfcbkjsuj/20180811_165800.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/b59wlb2yv/)

The part the I needed was identical. I reused all of my old parts and just swapped out the black cup with this ring.

https://s15.postimg.cc/66me6hh2z/20180811_165020.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6w56iuhmf/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/svbl6311n/20180811_165026.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/l2kxe3v2f/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/om6v3y82z/20180811_180254.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3pamzaa1z/)

Assembled everything and I'm happy to report that now I have fully functional power folding mirrors! It was a simple fix at the end.

The fan clutch was replaced in 2009 but the nut had seized and it put up a quite fight to the point where I pretty much destroyed the whole thread. I was going to replace it anyway so it didn't matter.

Old Sachs fan clutch, the nut was made of cheese apparently.

https://s15.postimg.cc/z1d1cuxjv/20180819_195435.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/f6qzqqic7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/5yyra1izv/20180819_195459.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8gaihb2w7/)

Got the fresh belts and pulleys installed. Discovered that the alternator bearing is little noisy as well as the PS pump so that might be an upcoming maintenance item.

https://s15.postimg.cc/pgteq88aj/20180818_141616.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/fw9s3ciyf/)

Drained the coolant from the radiator and both blocks and then flushed the system with around 10L of distilled water.
Refilled with BMW blue coolant in 50/50 mix and followed TIS instructions for bleeding the system which is like the easiest thing in the world on S62.

https://s15.postimg.cc/kuxai34tn/20180818_160913.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/59fyy4svb/)

Then on Sunday headed out to Stuttgart with the M Flight crew for a tour of the MotorWorld classic car museum and Porsche museum.

https://s15.postimg.cc/99rpnkqkb/20180819_114726.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/pxj7q2lbr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ctdnde0zv/20180819_114857.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rpc6kzcef/)

'04 LSB M3, 54k miles, euro delivery and still with its original owner.

https://s15.postimg.cc/3llewp9d7/20180819_142510.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6sfygbtt3/)

Some cool cars exhibited and most all of them are up for sale.

E30 M3 with a whopping price tag of $100.000.

https://s15.postimg.cc/hs15sfcnv/20180819_120502.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/km4b5vetz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/7j8om6grv/20180819_120742.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/e9p5vm3xj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/vmzgagriz/20180819_120811.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bfm0i5u1j/)

E30 M3 with a whopping price tag of $100.000.

https://s15.postimg.cc/owiz109i3/20180819_120903.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/adbtzlgd3/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/yttzu2wjf/20180819_121023.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lcx1b7m7r/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/lpofhdhcb/20180819_121206.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dk6dj7t3b/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/vmzgafh8b/20180819_121434.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6473xexo7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/iitvxrrrf/20180819_121545.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kne8yutdz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/7j8om5lwr/20180819_122236.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xesf5cnqf/)

Porsche museum was put together really well.

https://s15.postimg.cc/3mvcqi8qj/20180819_153406.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cunl77fsn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/c54suw4zf/20180819_154144.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3zmqwqgqf/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/uxgnyhoiz/20180819_154156.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cunl79so7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ivla4bkff/20180819_154208.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/h3sb9f12f/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/vmzgavc7v/20180819_154313.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/p9ad7m7br/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/jl42gpv9n/20180819_155307.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/dk6djn8nb/)

I would do desperate things to get behind the wheel of 959 one day.

https://s15.postimg.cc/fbzceix57/20180819_155702.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/iitvy5hl3/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/p9ad7lcgr/20180819_155712.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ivla4c7kn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/yh2loayyj/20180819_155720.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jxvgmw5tj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/4ce52yoqj/20180819_160354.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/va824p9dj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ojrkv9txn/20180819_160500.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4ce52ywg7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/c54suya57/20180819_160517.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/hgjpfnw7r/)

Another of my favorites is Carrera GT.

https://s15.postimg.cc/d7ezdi0ob/20180819_162110.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/t5np3muw7/)

M5 in good company. We had a professional photographer there so hopefully better pictures will follow.

https://s15.postimg.cc/6uzu3pncb/20180819_172446.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/65h1rcmsn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/le6z54vwr/20180819_172625.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/l1fkyydmv/)

It was around 5-hour drive in both directions and M5 performed like a champ. We left early in the morning and on A67 towards Stuttgart there's always traffic that will hold you down but I spotted a short opening and with a friend in the passenger seat and trunk full of tools I got the M5 up to 295 kmh / 183 mph. Just 5 kmh shy of getting it maxed out.

I truly love and enjoy this machine I think more than ever. In its current configuration with D2 Racing BBK, Koni Sport shocks, Sachs Performance reinforced clutch & flywheel which I absolutely love, and Supersprint Magnum and X-pipe it sets it apart and makes for one hell of a driving experience. Even my buddy commented how planted and stable the car felt at that speed. Long live Autobahn!

[704sw]

Oh my god, that 911 GT1 LMP is absolutely stunning. It was my favorite race car growing up, and I actually bid on a diecast of it last week.

And that Guards Red 993...yes please. Great update, and thanks for reminding me how badly I want to go to the Porsche museum.

[Sreten]

I got more pictures from the Porsche museum just didn't post them all.

Phenomenal cars and definitely a must to visit.

https://s15.postimg.cc/3mvcqi8qj/20180819_153406.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cunl77fsn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/k9hidbyrv/20180819_153329.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/e8jtg9c5j/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/me1vefv9n/20180819_153451.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7i3c6ujuv/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/oim8fj4m3/20180819_153510.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/e8jtgaeqf/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/e8jtgb9ln/20180819_153755.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/cti8rl8if/)

Total weight of this fiberglass body is 130 kg.

https://s15.postimg.cc/k9hidd92j/20180819_153817.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/fatzyu59j/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/t4icnwdaj/20180819_153837.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tu1509dtz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/x0vojvqkb/20180819_153903.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3lq0avm0n/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/elb7mi7az/20180819_153944.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8x4wvm2yf/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/qaf7ah5zf/20180819_153955.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/50rkzmpon/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ovdmlrkbv/20180819_154044.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5qadc05nr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/t4icnxfvf/20180819_154647.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5qadbzxxz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/cgqulg0jf/20180819_154652.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qaf7aht4n/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/sezkblpmj/20180819_154708.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7i3c6xrlj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/vyli1ecwr/20180819_154756.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6ft5odtcn/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/p850rzcwb/20180819_154848.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/631ri7y87/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/loj325uqz/20180819_154856.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7i3c6xjvr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/u6sj6ioez/20180819_155000.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wo4ads8bb/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/87m4jbfaj/20180819_155036.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/iufxoqnfr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ovdmlthrv/20180819_155130.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/x0vojz60n/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/gd46hhyej/20180819_155151.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/v92pp39t3/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/kz0apuc7v/20180819_155227.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/g0csbb8ev/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/m2kf18c4b/20180819_155232.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/eml5ffoev/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/n3knqy0zv/20180819_155315.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/xdn2q6qvb/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ey2lss517/20180819_155343.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6skjumgs7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ivpvhmetn/20180819_155513.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ci0sed9xj/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/vacnhxqwb/20180819_155732.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7jd9ztqp3/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/9nxn0x01n/20180819_155802.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/m2kf18rjr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/qbp53fhyj/20180819_155809.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/c59e8773b/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/pm6cr2p4r/20180819_155907.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qogj9m7xz/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/eml5fh6ff/20180819_160003.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rdzblzg7b/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/htfoz46az/20180819_160205.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8lngiez8n/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/nhlzq02xn/20180819_160213.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r17xft5nb/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/rdzbm03cr/20180819_160250.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tijon34zb/)

911 GT1 LMP that was actually raced on the Nürburgring few years ago. Properly driven.

https://s15.postimg.cc/8lngifeob/20180819_160606.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/76lvtpdl3/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/xroep9nob/20180819_160617.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/b2z7pp6af/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/vacni0bhn/20180819_160620.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/s3i3ydr1j/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/cus6knfdn/20180819_160731.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jy0209kt3/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/vzvfudjqz/20180819_160922.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/i6735br5j/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/aq7tjklgr/20180819_160939.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/521isoh47/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/ezcjlptuz/20180819_160948.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qbp53i2jr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/4pa4mgojv/20180819_160957.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bsi022tzb/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/pyxqxbzpn/20180819_161018.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3mzy3y0lj/)

One-millionth 911 finished in Irish green that was driven around the world before putting out on display.

https://s15.postimg.cc/fovby324b/20180819_161418.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/h3wwmt37b/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/tvb2tc7uj/20180819_161506.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/y4fsvib3r/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/5rkb51x3f/20180819_161843.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/nhlzq3ao7/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/l0a8ityhn/20180819_161955.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/fovby4cev/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/521ispbzf/20180819_162010.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/htfoz7lrb/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/5eswyw1yz/20180819_162042.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/qbp53jzzr/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/7w4o65tl7/20180819_162126.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/n4uljxn9j/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/3zrca6gbf/20180819_162411.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r17xfxfyv/)

https://s15.postimg.cc/9b68uwa3v/20180819_171301.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/m2kf1ejvr/)

[Sockethead]

Just catching up here,
Damn cool stuff! Pics are great!

We went through the mirror thing with our E53 but never got around to fixing it. now you know why... :)

Meant to ask you, How's the feel of the Sachs performance clutch? Might not be comparing apples to apples with one for an M54 but still good to know...

[Sreten]

Thanks, Robert!

This should be the clutch that's on my M5 - http://www.ccc-motorsport.de/shop/4410/270/zf-sachs-performance-race-sport-kupplung-sportkupplung-clutch-parts-act-exedy-f1/kupplungsauswahl-nach-fahrzeugen/bmw2012-03-11-19-52-23_1/5er-e39-bj-11-1995-05-2004/m5-4-9-v8-294kw-400ps-s62-b50-s38-b49-bj-10-1998-06-2003-7909-311/kupplung-sportkupplung-verst%C3%A4rkt-bmw-e46-m3-s54b32-e39-m5-5-0-v8-s62b50-e39-e38-e31-3-5-4-4-m62b44-nrc-001243-999786-detail

Nolimit Racing Clutch sold by CCC Motorsport in Germany and invoice that I have for this reads Luk DMF and Sachs Performance Clutch kit.

So the actual clutch is by Nolimit Racing and I think they use Sachs Performance as a base or mix parts.
The description on their website reads: "NRC Nolimit Racing Clutches" Reinforced Carbon Kevlar Sport Clutch BMW M62 S62...

And these are the pictures that I have from the PO.

https://s22.postimg.cc/quxd69m01/Whats_App_Image_2018-04-09_at_22.49.02.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/yawms29p9/)

https://s22.postimg.cc/d190h7lox/Whats_App_Image_2018-04-09_at_22.49.02_1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lw9urqah9/)

If you remember, I installed brand new Luk clutch kit on my previous M5 and these 2 are very different. Luk being a stock clutch feels like a stock clutch, the pedal firmed up after a while and it was very easy to operate, easy to slip and similar to my old ZHP but with less pedal travel.

This being a sports clutch feels like it, it has around 12k miles since the install and the pedal is light, bites in the middle and it's more like an on/off switch. When speeding down die Autobahn and shifting at 5-6-7 rpm the clutch pedal becomes more and more lighter.
I got used to it very quickly and I absolutely love it now and actually find it smoother to use than a stock clutch. I also added a clutch stop and it's perfect.

If I ever need to replace a clutch on another M5, this is the route I'd go.

[Sockethead]

Ok great info. I'm most likely going with DMF and Sachs performance clutch... I wonder if it's the same as the one one sold in the states. No one here on the site has ever seen or used one...
My main concern is effort pushing it in as I've had 4 surgeries on my clutch knee over the years

[Sreten]

Yeah, then you have to choose wisely. I'm not sure either but I think mine is different than out of the box Sachs performance clutch.

All I can tell you is that my current clutch has a softer pedal and takes less effort than the Luk clutch in my previous M5. I prefer the current setup in every way.

[Sreten]

A couple of small updates.

Got tired of looking at dead pixels in the cluster so I got that sorted with a silver ribbon cable from Pixelfix.

https://i.postimg.cc/Wpgx0B2Q/20180826_151413.jpg (https://postimg.cc/kDMjmhRc)

https://i.postimg.cc/4N1MSpHP/20180826_160637.jpg (https://postimg.cc/vcc31gzx)

https://i.postimg.cc/bNPWgmrd/20180826_161409.jpg (https://postimg.cc/7bBKYMgy)

https://i.postimg.cc/rwnH8cJt/20180826_172253.jpg (https://postimg.cc/75z9VFjx)

https://i.postimg.cc/FKYBzqWC/20180826_190123.jpg (https://postimg.cc/5HM3kPM8)

https://i.postimg.cc/j5N3Qfrz/20180826_190705.jpg (https://postimg.cc/YGrxth09)

https://i.postimg.cc/023t3Z2p/20180826_220212.jpg (https://postimg.cc/SJ67Y69s)

Didn't take many pictures as I've already done this on my previous M5 and documented it better then.

Some preventive maintenance. I had an invoice that intake camshaft position sensors were replaced back in 2014 but nothing for exhaust CPS.
If you guys remember at the beginning of this thread, I bought my silver M5 with a CEL and knocking vanos which were caused by a bad exhaust CPS so figured this is a good piece of mind.

I used OEM sensors with BMW logo grinned off.

https://i.postimg.cc/BvGGWJQc/20180908_125652.jpg (https://postimg.cc/w1FrL8N7)

https://i.postimg.cc/SK7bkHn0/20180908_135953.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Tyw4c7jQ)

https://i.postimg.cc/G2Lw2zD4/20180908_140136.jpg (https://postimg.cc/f3rgqcBs)

Didn't have any problems with this prior to replacing it preventively and didn't feel any change after.

Other then that, I've been just driving the car and enjoying it.

With the morning temperatures starting around 4°C thermostat is next in the line for replacement as it can't hold a steady temperature.
I have parts for that coming and decided to replace the water pump as pm while in there. I actually got a friend from Tennessee to send me a wp from the States.
Reason being the preposterous difference in price - cheapest I could find it in Germany is $460 (German eBay) or $550 at the stealer vs $236 in the US. Even though the shipping is pricey it should save me few bucks.

Had a short outing to the city of Lyon where I struck out to buy an e46 M3.

https://i.postimg.cc/Bb9XzXw5/20180921_110447.jpg (https://postimg.cc/WF8NFbVt)

https://i.postimg.cc/X7WrcB54/20180921_212904.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Thk2TwQ4)

https://i.postimg.cc/qMp7CVf7/20180922_130537.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Jtd89Fzw)

Truly fascinating city and I'll do a full write up when I have more time.

Also made a quick in and out to Paris to check out 1992 Audi C4 S4. Didn't buy it but still thinking about it.

https://i.postimg.cc/XqSbWFWJ/Whats_App_Image_2018-09-25_at_19.36.45.jpg (https://postimg.cc/2bwJF1VR)

https://i.postimg.cc/P5GtHgty/20181001_143910.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1fHxcYVV)

I only had enough time to get a quick glimpse of the Eiffel tower before catching the next bullet train back to Germany. :biggrin

Next Friday I'm joining M Flight in visiting Alpha-N Performance/Ohlins suspension factory and it will be the first time for the M5 and myself to drive around the Ring. Very excited for that one. :biggrin

[ZHPizza]

That M3 pretty boii

I forgot to send you pics with the phone camera lenses so I'll do that now

[RUS_ZHP]

Great updates!
That C4 S4 is so clean! I never seeing them in US. They probably uber rare in the Europe considering the age.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Sreten]

That M3 pretty boii

I forgot to send you pics with the phone camera lenses so I'll do that now

The M3 looks great 30 feet away.

Come closer and disappointment awaits.

https://i.postimg.cc/8PcKBsKz/20180921_110512.jpg (https://postimg.cc/mtxyTZWv)

https://i.postimg.cc/JhNP4XnP/20180921_110520.jpg (https://postimg.cc/gw0vgn3Z)

https://i.postimg.cc/C1wJZKnY/20180921_110524.jpg (https://postimg.cc/v1S5kbvS)

https://i.postimg.cc/FRGp0Q0S/20180921_110532.jpg (https://postimg.cc/DJJ1KHjf)

https://i.postimg.cc/FswZypkT/Whats_App_Image_2018-09-07_at_09.07.04_2.jpg (https://postimg.cc/QHk1spb7)

https://i.postimg.cc/Qd5q07ph/Whats_App_Image_2018-09-07_at_09.07.05_4.jpg (https://postimg.cc/FYrcK7WB)

Interior trashed and trim falling off, repainted poorly and now the clear coat is coming off, rims are toast, needed new tires, brakes, on the test drive something was knocking in the rear... The day before my arrival CEL and airbag light came on. '01 model, 2nd owner since 2009, 128k miles.

The car needed to be rescued and the seller was convinced this was a nice car but it just wasn't. It was on a cheaper side but we just couldn't see eye to eye on the price, we came pretty close but he didn't budge much and my gut was telling me the car was beaten and just not worth it so I didn't want to make the extra effort and walked away.


Great updates!
That C4 S4 is so clean! I never seeing them in US. They probably uber rare in the Europe considering the age.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Thanks! The S4 held up pretty good for a 26 years old car.

https://i.postimg.cc/8CTtcbYs/Whats_App_Image_2018-09-25_at_19.36.52.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Bjwxw24G)

https://i.postimg.cc/QMSSTTLm/Whats_App_Image_2018-09-25_at_19.37.33.jpg (https://postimg.cc/rd0S6zwR)

Needs some work, few dials not working, handbrake kaput.. but the reason I walked away was lack of any service history so the kilometers couldn't be verified as original and an outer head gasket leak which he of course didn't bother to mention.

He said it's common and someone else told me the same, it wasn't using any coolant according to him and engine sounds sweet. I don't know much about Audis but a leak of that sort in my opinion needs to be addressed asap. I walked away for now, but I might come back for it (if it doesn't sell) as everything else was solid, interior, body...

In other news - picking up Stratus grey e46 this evening!

https://i.postimg.cc/T33BHfRt/20181006_145423.jpg (https://postimg.cc/KRC91X3T)

[Sockethead]

That M3 looks pretty hammered.... the noise in the rear could very well be torn subframe mounts. can't believe how clean the interior is on the Audi

[Sreten]

That M3 looks pretty hammered.... the noise in the rear could very well be torn subframe mounts. can't believe how clean the interior is on the Audi

Yeah, without getting M3 up in the air it would be tough to tell. Audi held up very good on the inside, seats, steering wheel, gear knob... all perfect.

Soooo, brought the e46 home last week and commenced a small refreshment job. It's a '02 325i M Sport Individual finished in striking Stratus grey, has 140k miles and needs lots of TLC.
Mostly stock apart from hideous aftermarket radio and H&R springs which actually ride pretty well.

It being a German car all its life the major drawback is naturally rust which started to show on common places like rear fenders and rear right door. I bought it as a flip car but mostly cause I really liked the color and I wanted something familiar to tinker with. The margin for profit is slim to none on this car so it's amusing fixing it up on a shoestring budget.

Even though I knew all of this when I inspected it, I simply missed driving the e46. I sold my ZHP when I left California in February 2016 and been longing for another one since then. This one will be fixed up and passed on, but I'm looking out for a 330i M sport in near future.

Parts arrived and started addressing usual e46 stuff.

https://i.postimg.cc/Hn8YHmLf/20181013-141610.jpg (https://postimg.cc/SYqF7wCr)

Leaky valve cover gasket replaced. The old gasket turned into plastic and was a pain to separate from the cover.

https://i.postimg.cc/nh1NmvLH/20181013-134336.jpg (https://postimg.cc/QFH6GK5P)

https://i.postimg.cc/jSRFRL4B/20181013-134349.jpg (https://postimg.cc/vcSzz8jv)

https://i.postimg.cc/28DHxVM3/20181013-141941.jpg (https://postimg.cc/hh2bDPSq)

Besides that replaced lower and upper intake boot, inspected DISA, filters and oil, spark plugs, belts & pulleys, steering coupler...

https://i.postimg.cc/TPWxDtpZ/20181014-142352.jpg (https://postimg.cc/06xhgdGf)

Yummy power steering fluid.

https://i.postimg.cc/d18d6MWd/20181014-180516.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Kk8RcWhv)

Fake Chinese $15 ZHP shift knob did the trick.

https://i.postimg.cc/HLmzwxxd/20181014-154906.jpg (https://postimg.cc/HrSbHTXh)

https://i.postimg.cc/xCxPV3P1/20181014-154947.jpg (https://postimg.cc/8JvvhW32)

https://i.postimg.cc/XqtcpNmM/20181014-155316.jpg (https://postimg.cc/wRcsrz9F)

The steering was just plain nasty, it's like someone took sandpaper and rubbed all over it.

https://i.postimg.cc/RVCsWGFG/20181014-162646.jpg (https://postimg.cc/xq7y7vLb)

https://i.postimg.cc/zG60PrkP/20181014-162651.jpg (https://postimg.cc/rDG1K73S)

I had a lovely freshly rewrapped steering wheel laying around which I actually bought to put in my previous M5 and since the steering wheel in my current M5 is still in great condition I never used it. So I test fitted it in the e46.

https://i.postimg.cc/6QGwDBx7/20181014-164510.jpg (https://postimg.cc/t1yL6QTy)

https://i.postimg.cc/7634ZX6w/20181014-164522.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dkVpW2rx)

It's a piece of art. When I ordered this steering wheel I specifically asked the guy to use the same leather material like on OEM wheels so I get that perfect matching finish of OEM steering wheel. It is also a bit thicker so it feels great.

I didn't want to use this wheel in my M5 because mine is still in great condition and I wanted to keep its originality, but after driving e46 with it, I'm on the fence to put it in the M5. It's just awesome.
I think I'll swap the lower trim piece and airbag from e46 to M5 since that one appears to be in better state cosmetically but I'll think about the steering wheel.

Few pics of how the car sits at the moment.

https://i.postimg.cc/pX1CcFQB/20181013-120652.jpg (https://postimg.cc/56L86jRH)

https://i.postimg.cc/B6sBPcsJ/20181013-120746.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XZHCT5pP)

https://i.postimg.cc/cLpm0Gbg/20181013-120803.jpg (https://postimg.cc/75N7ndDw)

https://i.postimg.cc/m2QMC1XD/20181013-120854.jpg (https://postimg.cc/D8w8K0Kk)

https://i.postimg.cc/zBbHByHq/20181013-121015.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Kkb8pv5W)

https://i.postimg.cc/mr6FBYDd/20181013-121150.jpg (https://postimg.cc/DWLzcb1s)

https://i.postimg.cc/BQGPSQSG/20181013-121202.jpg (https://postimg.cc/z30GpNHd)

https://i.postimg.cc/3RBVkxsb/20181013-121242.jpg (https://postimg.cc/MMnd4qKy)

https://i.postimg.cc/FzHq3QmF/20181014-174951.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bD43fWs4)

After giving the love to the 325i, it decided to reward me with hesitation and misfiring in lower rpms, any gear under 2000 rpm and it'll start misfiring. Plugged in PA soft, gave it some gas and it throws a code for ignition activation, spark too short on cylinder #5. Swapped the coil from cylinder #5 to #2, cleared the codes and got the same error on cylinder #2 now. Definitely a defective coil so the new one is coming.

The steering was also a bit off center to the right in a straight line so took it for alignment yesterday just to get a call an hour later saying they cannot do it. Apparently both tie rod ends are seized with inner ones and whatever they tried they couldn't break it loose. They gave up quickly and another shop told me that they could try, but would charge me double or even triple for extra work so I said nein and ordered complete tie rod assemblies to replace them if I don't manage to get them moving myself.
I'll continue working on the e46 over the weekend. I also need to replace front brakes as rotors are warped and the steering wobbles under braking.

Now the long-awaited trip to the Nürburgring with M Flight last Friday. I arrived at the location a bit before noon.
The roads around the ring are simply amazing and I got the whiff of the sacred ground instantly.

https://i.postimg.cc/CKRBmcHF/20181012-112105.jpg (https://postimg.cc/rdLwpCPb)

https://i.postimg.cc/tTP1H7Mw/20181012-112111.jpg (https://postimg.cc/R6SC7C9L)

I'd say this makes for a perfect background.

https://i.postimg.cc/x807MxBR/20181012-112130.jpg (https://postimg.cc/LYbNMT9Y)

https://i.postimg.cc/289JLxGQ/20181012-112144.jpg (https://postimg.cc/7f7Xp0ph)

https://i.postimg.cc/65pgQPr6/20181012-112404.jpg (https://postimg.cc/w3n0f04n)

The meeting point was at the Nürburgring sign. I was the first one to arrive and got some alone time with the sign.

https://i.postimg.cc/2yGQMmTs/20181012-113203.jpg (https://postimg.cc/V0S00xxg)

https://i.postimg.cc/3N1qBsGR/20181012-113510.jpg (https://postimg.cc/y3Jn6rv4)

https://i.postimg.cc/qBxxzX01/20181012-113935.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Cddq28R8)

Then the convoy arrived. Everyone got their pics and we rolled out to Öhlins for a presentation and tour of their facility.

https://i.postimg.cc/7PR0CBdM/20181012-115213.jpg (https://postimg.cc/xqKchP0c)

https://i.postimg.cc/zGZh7yJy/20181012-115341.jpg (https://postimg.cc/8j4sPPfG)

https://i.postimg.cc/4Nhtp6TC/20181012-115320.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ppRpHnTk)

https://i.postimg.cc/CxGqQw1m/20181012-115644.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bZvrGc1t)

Lined up in Öhlins courtyard.

https://i.postimg.cc/X7wPQywh/20181012-120639.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Vdk4NvZB)

https://i.postimg.cc/k5hYBNmV/20181012-120836.jpg (https://postimg.cc/zLKFQg35)

https://i.postimg.cc/j5wgNWxM/20181012-121018.jpg (https://postimg.cc/njxGfhQm)

They prepared a short presentation about their company and showed us their working area and few of their products.

https://i.postimg.cc/C13v4FdS/20181012-122353.jpg (https://postimg.cc/JDQcrCb2)

https://i.postimg.cc/Hnb6Zf75/20181012-131415.jpg (https://postimg.cc/4HNvn2PN)

F80 M3 coilovers.

https://i.postimg.cc/jqf3SJk5/20181012-132005.jpg (https://postimg.cc/NLgkNLtq)

https://i.postimg.cc/HnthWqsm/20181012-132047.jpg (https://postimg.cc/LgnTN01Q)

https://i.postimg.cc/qBcYG3cF/20181012-132148.jpg (https://postimg.cc/qgRjJg5c)

https://i.postimg.cc/bN3B7fBH/20181012-132510.jpg (https://postimg.cc/BXPpFksX)

Pimped out M4 from a member from Belgium who runs Öhlins stuff.

https://i.postimg.cc/x87bmCd3/20181012-132857.jpg (https://postimg.cc/8fR5QTM7)

https://i.postimg.cc/dQSCpW9Z/20181012-132914.jpg (https://postimg.cc/qgygCxSp)

https://i.postimg.cc/rFBrFK38/20181012-133102.jpg (https://postimg.cc/mtSDm2Tq)

https://i.postimg.cc/DzF4LR7H/20181012-133122.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dhH0KHkj)

I was told that stuff for E39M is in the works and they should come out with a new product soon. They certainly make high-quality products but a bit steep for my pocket at the moment, plus I'm very happy with Konis.

Great knowledgeable group of people who made us properly welcomed. Up next was the back-stage tour of the GP track and some history talk about the Ring.

https://i.postimg.cc/PrXSdFGX/20181012-141402.jpg (https://postimg.cc/23tQwG8M)

Small historic exhibition.

https://i.postimg.cc/XYXxCG7t/20181012-142053.jpg (https://postimg.cc/18hpxzFK)

https://i.postimg.cc/VvpvZVnq/20181012-142113.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ct7drTDC)

https://i.postimg.cc/02KbK91c/20181012-142122.jpg (https://postimg.cc/JGm19Vnk)

https://i.postimg.cc/Mp8KcRDp/20181012-142340.jpg (https://postimg.cc/4mBTqYqD)

https://i.postimg.cc/wjcxDvfc/20181012-142644.jpg (https://postimg.cc/cvCNSsNr)

Hotel with the best soundtrack?

https://i.postimg.cc/25gzDZVY/20181012-143608.jpg (https://postimg.cc/CZHyCdGr)

Great seeing pit crews at work.

https://i.postimg.cc/gkyH5Cgc/20181012-144024.jpg (https://postimg.cc/HVxM8hGF)

https://i.postimg.cc/zGJF1xQC/20181012-144050.jpg (https://postimg.cc/F7BLyVNz)

https://i.postimg.cc/MpdbZykh/20181012-144215.jpg (https://postimg.cc/NK2rp2j4)

https://i.postimg.cc/Jh03sGMt/20181012-144252.jpg (https://postimg.cc/B8WPyZ8G)

https://i.postimg.cc/d0f2rwV6/20181012-144343.jpg (https://postimg.cc/nsv9t879)

https://i.postimg.cc/L5KjQDfZ/20181012-144407.jpg (https://postimg.cc/qhwtz81k)

Look at the GP track from TUV tower.

https://i.postimg.cc/rsNgS3bp/20181012-145756.jpg (https://postimg.cc/hQh9nyKF)

https://i.postimg.cc/4NXWJ47H/20181012-150805.jpg (https://postimg.cc/c65RhScd)

https://i.postimg.cc/xTgtqrMx/20181012-150854.jpg (https://postimg.cc/svQp0Nn7)

https://i.postimg.cc/YC98WXxp/20181012-150930.jpg (https://postimg.cc/SJBW0f55)

With the backstage tour being over and learning more about the Nürburgring history, we gathered at Apex before heading off to the track.

Apex and Robert Mitchell support the club and always open their doors for us.

https://i.postimg.cc/hG09ZTsC/20181012-161621.jpg (https://postimg.cc/67y2y7DR)

https://i.postimg.cc/1RdDd90Z/20181012-161739.jpg (https://postimg.cc/8shFJgny)

https://i.postimg.cc/fy1XSKWb/20181012-161748.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ZvF016dk)

https://i.postimg.cc/Nj6TLm3g/20181012-162203.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XrvXzGNh)

https://i.postimg.cc/MTTjs4vT/20181012-162216.jpg (https://postimg.cc/5Hh0ys5d)

Truthfully, I was a bit nervous about going out to the track. I have no track experience and I don't know the circuit well enough and didn't want to wind up on youtube like Idiot crashes his M5 on the Ring.

Decided that the best course of action was to first ride shotgun in friends M3 to get a feel for it.

https://i.postimg.cc/XvxCk3Nm/20181012-162802.jpg (https://postimg.cc/5HYyfhCS)

F80 M3 is a proper track machine and on Michelins it just grips and grips.

I felt confident enough and it was my turn. I drove a real touristy lap and was sticking to the right side most of the time and letting regulars blew past me on the left side.

The highest point of the track is 600 m above sea level and lowest 300 meters and it's crazy when you put those facts in reality, the track constantly goes up and down. You are driving flat out up the hill and if you are like me who doesn't know the track, you have no clue what's coming up.
Earlier that the day a guy with Nissan went out and had a close encounter with armco, and another motorcyclist ended up having a bad day during my lap.

Luckily for me, it was Friday so the track wasn't that busy. Got some great shots!

https://i.postimg.cc/PfDGRQ0f/racetracker-5438778-82138.jpg (https://postimg.cc/F1hnf39w)

https://i.postimg.cc/ncsX5gpj/page-5435780-7bb99d25e7d950e2a59fbe24c12fb16f-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

My favorite shot. The M5 looks so mean on the track.

https://i.postimg.cc/V60g5dmm/44024476-485891861909435-1139016578050818048-n.jpg (https://postimg.cc/MMxVFZnF)

It was phenomenal fun and all 20 kilometers of the track was extremely enjoyable. Driving through Carousel is just epic.
I didn't push the car to the limit but M5 took it like a champ. Konis are doing their job brilliantly and Falken rubber did great too.

I hope to get another chance to visit the Ring before the season ends and next time I'll have more confidence to push the M5. :biggrin

[704sw]

This man knows how to post an update!

[Sockethead]

Simply awesome although, your GF doesn't look that thrilled :)
Those first couple of pics of you car with the track in the background... I'd be making a poster out of one of those.

Weird seeing an e46 steering wheel without any buttons on it