As many of you know, I recently purchased a 3/2003 M5 with 98k miles in sterling gray. It was just the most unusual set of circumstances and timing that led me to this car. I won't go into the full details about why the PO got rid of it because part of it was personal in nature and had nothing to do with the car but also due to the fact that even the BMW dealer couldn't figure out what was wrong with the car. It had a voltage draw that was causing the battery to go dead within hours. After the dealer failed to find the cause, the car was parked for about a year. During this time, the interior (other than the leather dash and console), mirrors and bumpers were removed from the car and transplanted to another E39. The parts from that car were then swapped into the M5. The owner approached me about the car one day at cars and coffee. He asked me about my touring and I told him of my dream to also have an S62 powered E39 touring. The initial plan was to buy the car as a donor for an M5 touring conversion.
After checking the carfa and going over it with a fine tooth comb, I found that it has absolutely never had a single bit of paint work done. And the dealer did most if not all of the service work. The engine bay is absolutely spotless with no leaks anywhere. The original oil tag is still on the dipstick tube and it looks like the plenum nuts have never been touched. The condition of the car and the fact that other than the voltage issue and a slightly slipping clutch, the car is mechanically perfect caused me to change my mind about using it as a donor car. I had then decided I would repair the car and then flip it. But then I drove it home. I instantly fell in love and can see why all E39 M5 owners are so enthusiastic about their cars. The E39 M5 is IMO, the most awesome performance sedan out there. It's a gentleman's performance cruiser. Everything about it is as close to the perfect driving experience as I have had. The power and torque in my touring makes the M5 feel anemic but it still has that smooth yet raw feel that just can't be replicated in anything other than an M car. The suspension is perfect and it's quiet but still has a little growl when you get into it.
As many of you know, I have bought/sold several vehicles lately and since my plans to sell the M5 changed, I had to make the decision whether to sell the M or the mint 86 Toyota truck. Which I got cleared funds for today :) And that being said, I have begun my refreshstoration and will document here.
A few weeks ago, I learned you could replace the fading M logo on the trunk and intake plenum without replacing the badge so that has been done. I also replaced the one piece shifter knob/boot (which I can't stand) with an illuminated ZHP. Today from FCP and ECS, I ordered brand new OEM front and rear bumpers covers, trim, grill, valence, fog covers and tow hooks. I also ordered the glass filled plastic headlight adjusters that Stuck mentioned. While I was at work, I had a dent guy come and completely remove the 3 small door dings in the car so it is now 100% dent free. Paint correction will follow soon after I wetsand the entire car with 2000 grit.
Upcoming improvements will be all new interior trim, replacing the M5 seats/door panels (leaning towards caramel seats, door panel inserts and lower dash) and alcantara headliner, removing the window tint, having all 4 wheels refinished in shadow chrome and replacing all the interior lighting with LED's. I should be going up to NOVA to have my clutch replaced as well.
More photo updates to come soon but this will get us started.
After checking the carfa and going over it with a fine tooth comb, I found that it has absolutely never had a single bit of paint work done. And the dealer did most if not all of the service work. The engine bay is absolutely spotless with no leaks anywhere. The original oil tag is still on the dipstick tube and it looks like the plenum nuts have never been touched. The condition of the car and the fact that other than the voltage issue and a slightly slipping clutch, the car is mechanically perfect caused me to change my mind about using it as a donor car. I had then decided I would repair the car and then flip it. But then I drove it home. I instantly fell in love and can see why all E39 M5 owners are so enthusiastic about their cars. The E39 M5 is IMO, the most awesome performance sedan out there. It's a gentleman's performance cruiser. Everything about it is as close to the perfect driving experience as I have had. The power and torque in my touring makes the M5 feel anemic but it still has that smooth yet raw feel that just can't be replicated in anything other than an M car. The suspension is perfect and it's quiet but still has a little growl when you get into it.
As many of you know, I have bought/sold several vehicles lately and since my plans to sell the M5 changed, I had to make the decision whether to sell the M or the mint 86 Toyota truck. Which I got cleared funds for today :) And that being said, I have begun my refreshstoration and will document here.
A few weeks ago, I learned you could replace the fading M logo on the trunk and intake plenum without replacing the badge so that has been done. I also replaced the one piece shifter knob/boot (which I can't stand) with an illuminated ZHP. Today from FCP and ECS, I ordered brand new OEM front and rear bumpers covers, trim, grill, valence, fog covers and tow hooks. I also ordered the glass filled plastic headlight adjusters that Stuck mentioned. While I was at work, I had a dent guy come and completely remove the 3 small door dings in the car so it is now 100% dent free. Paint correction will follow soon after I wetsand the entire car with 2000 grit.
Upcoming improvements will be all new interior trim, replacing the M5 seats/door panels (leaning towards caramel seats, door panel inserts and lower dash) and alcantara headliner, removing the window tint, having all 4 wheels refinished in shadow chrome and replacing all the interior lighting with LED's. I should be going up to NOVA to have my clutch replaced as well.
More photo updates to come soon but this will get us started.
Refreshtoration on the 2003 M5
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire