Project E34 535i Restoration
Discussion
Brought this great 535i after two years of looking for something that was good enough, most being terribly neglected to death, intergalactic mileage or 'maxed' examples – and I wanted a rare manual. Even though this is pretty much a one owner, low mileage, rot free car it needs a total refresh and a sympathetic restoration to get back the 'as new' sharp driving feel.
The car made the trip back from Glasgow to Birmingham, I had a flask of tea just in case I was dumped on the hard shoulder. No problem, it just wafted back. Except it was a nice day and I opened the sun roof and this stuck open. Luckily it did not rain.
According to the DVLA there are only 21 manual 535i's left on the road, it's amazing how the numbers slip away to be track warriors or broken up and splattered across EBAY. Oh and quite a few RHD's 'dual control' cars were used in the film 'Ronin' as stunt doubles along with M5's.
1st job take the sunroof apart, clean lubricate and put back together. Done.
Edited by Bogracer on Tuesday 22 November 11:38
Edited by Bogracer on Tuesday 22 November 11:43
Step one – a detailed survey of the car, so up on the ramps and write a big list. You name it, were replacing it for fresh OEM BMW or better, no cheap replica parts, and a full Bosch diagnostics and Inspection 2 service and replaced all the fluids including the gearbox. No error codes.
Edited by Bogracer on Tuesday 22 November 11:32
Just brought a LSD, I think is essential on a 535i or anything sporting.
Having it rebuilt with new clutches, seals and bearings.
I don't know about you but when Steve McQueen does a 'burn out' in his 390 Mustang in the film Bullitt, I always think how mean not to have an LSD or anti-tramp bars as one wheel spins away, leaving a single black line down the road? It perhaps explains why there was no drifting in the film.
But hey I love the film anyway.
Having it rebuilt with new clutches, seals and bearings.
I don't know about you but when Steve McQueen does a 'burn out' in his 390 Mustang in the film Bullitt, I always think how mean not to have an LSD or anti-tramp bars as one wheel spins away, leaving a single black line down the road? It perhaps explains why there was no drifting in the film.
But hey I love the film anyway.
Budleigh said:
Nice project. What's the interior like?
The car has been garaged all of its life so the interior is in great shape, no fading or cracking.Just needing a really deep clean and the leather conditioning.
I am on the look our for some grey rear door panels though as these have detached and the owner though it was a good idea to stick screws through them!
The rear parcel shelf the fabric covering has started to detach. This will all be addressed.
Waynester said:
Nice, good luck with it. Looks a good one
Agree with your statement about 'loads of em about, now so few'
One day soon(ish) we will be saying the same about the E39!
Yes we live in disposable society, but hey we would never move forward if we all kept our cars and never upgraded.Agree with your statement about 'loads of em about, now so few'
One day soon(ish) we will be saying the same about the E39!
I think the 535i E34 is worth it and I want a car that drives fantastically.
I want a standard looking car that has the best possible running gear.
Suspension, suspension, suspension improving but maintaining a pure E34 535i experience.
I am working with Bilstien in Germany to develop a custom suspension set up for 'fast road' rather than 'harsh' race track set up, which is pretty terrible on the road or Nurburgring! – lowering about 20 to 30 mm, thicker anti-roll bars. So, it still cossets and at the same time is slick through the windy bits.
Custom dampers and spring ratings which will be bespoke made to spec in Germany, taking some good advice from my friend 'world famous' Roddy Harvey Bailey, who works for most of the car companies as a handling and dynamics consultant.
Don't ask the cost!
I want a standard looking car that has the best possible running gear.
Suspension, suspension, suspension improving but maintaining a pure E34 535i experience.
I am working with Bilstien in Germany to develop a custom suspension set up for 'fast road' rather than 'harsh' race track set up, which is pretty terrible on the road or Nurburgring! – lowering about 20 to 30 mm, thicker anti-roll bars. So, it still cossets and at the same time is slick through the windy bits.
Custom dampers and spring ratings which will be bespoke made to spec in Germany, taking some good advice from my friend 'world famous' Roddy Harvey Bailey, who works for most of the car companies as a handling and dynamics consultant.
Don't ask the cost!
Edited by Bogracer on Wednesday 23 November 11:02
The bill has broken the £5000 barrier and still going!
I sat in the BMW main agent about to sign for an order for 640d, so as soon as you drive out of the show room you loose £10,000? It's a lovely car but I had a moment of clarity. Why not save something, why not have something a bit more unique, a classic that is totally useable?
I think my friends think I have lost the plot, but it give you a nice warm feeling.
I sat in the BMW main agent about to sign for an order for 640d, so as soon as you drive out of the show room you loose £10,000? It's a lovely car but I had a moment of clarity. Why not save something, why not have something a bit more unique, a classic that is totally useable?
I think my friends think I have lost the plot, but it give you a nice warm feeling.
Great to see some care taken, We have a 535i in the family since my grandparents bought new. shame its a auto, I changed the headgasket 2 years ago and ran fine, started running bad again last week changed rotor arm and cap I honestly can say it drives like new. A manwel conversion would have to be done if i take care of it later on in its life.
Edited by slinky on Monday 28th November 23:13
Jobbo said:
Crikey, that looks a lovely example in the first pics; how much of what you are doing is required and how much is just because you can?
I have fettled many cars and one thing I have learnt is while you have things apart do the lot in one go, it saves you much pain in the long run. It's a good example but everything is nearly 20 years old and the cost is not huge especially when compare the costs against depreciation on a newer car. Also, it takes the car from a good example to an excellent example with no question marks over what might fail next? Nothing. It's all been checked and replaced. And you have a car drives well, better than new. Plus, it's just the fun of doing it, isn't it?
formautomotive said:
Great to see some care taken, We have a 535i in the family since my grandparents bought new. shame its a auto, I changed the headgasket 2 years ago and ran fine, started running bad again last week changed rotor arm and cap I honestly can say it drives like new. A manwel conversion would have to be done if i take care of it later on in its life.
Simon @ www.formautomotive.co.uk
I have owned many BMW's, new and old and the 535i is a gem. Watch the rust, ramps, wire brush and Waxoil.Simon @ www.formautomotive.co.uk
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