e39 M5 restoration - which company?
Discussion
Earlier in this thread I made reference to my car which was at the time part-way through an extensive renovation project at the hands of A Reeve Performance, who did the drivetrain, chassis and underside restoration, and King’s Lynn Vehicle Repairs, who undertook the body and paintwork.
The car is now completely rust free, rejuvenated and looking and driving better than it has at any time in the decade that I’ve had it.
One bit of experience that I will share is that no matter how good you might think an E39 is underneath, there will be bits of the underside that will need attention that you will have no idea about until the drivetrain and fuel tank are out.
I also discovered that certain parts are now starting to become scarce or have increased / are increasing dramatically in price. The parts spend alone on my restoration was brutal but I imagine costs will only get worse the longer one puts this kind of work off.
The car is now completely rust free, rejuvenated and looking and driving better than it has at any time in the decade that I’ve had it.
One bit of experience that I will share is that no matter how good you might think an E39 is underneath, there will be bits of the underside that will need attention that you will have no idea about until the drivetrain and fuel tank are out.
I also discovered that certain parts are now starting to become scarce or have increased / are increasing dramatically in price. The parts spend alone on my restoration was brutal but I imagine costs will only get worse the longer one puts this kind of work off.
LankyMcTally said:
One bit of experience that I will share is that no matter how good you might think an E39 is underneath, there will be bits of the underside that will need attention that you will have no idea about until the drivetrain and fuel tank are out.
100% agree on this. The factory rust proofing is woefully inadequate so any areas that can collect dirt and salt will corrode out of sight. Everyone knows (or should know) how the jacking points and sills can corrode, but the same is true in places like above the fuel tank and under the subframe mounts. Anyone that is serious about keeping an E39 long term really must bite the bullet and inspect/repair/protect all those hidden areas.On a similar note, the doors are also very prone to corrosion from the inside, more so on later cars I believe. The first signs will show up on the seams that run between the inner and outer skin.
Well done for preserving one of the best BMW's ever made.
RichardM5 said:
100% agree on this. The factory rust proofing is woefully inadequate so any areas that can collect dirt and salt will corrode out of sight. Everyone knows (or should know) how the jacking points and sills can corrode, but the same is true in places like above the fuel tank and under the subframe mounts. Anyone that is serious about keeping an E39 long term really must bite the bullet and inspect/repair/protect all those hidden areas.
Indeed. And here was my (I understand completely typical) experience, because a picture paints 1000 words:
For completeness, here’s how mine ended up after treatment:
I wanted maximum protection rather than trying to emulate a factory look.
Out of interest, how long ago was the work carried out on your car, Richard, and how has it stood up to the test of time? How are you continuing to maintain it? Any tips?!
I wanted maximum protection rather than trying to emulate a factory look.
Out of interest, how long ago was the work carried out on your car, Richard, and how has it stood up to the test of time? How are you continuing to maintain it? Any tips?!
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