Project E34 535i Restoration

[Bogracer]

I have forsaken a little bit of originality by getting a bespoke stainless steel exhaust system made for the car. We spent all day getting the back pressure and sound just right, so there is a nice big six resonance without it being too noisy. Just an invigorating noise when you put your food down.

Edited by Bogracer on Sunday 11th December 21:29

[Stitch]

This is superb - keep up with the posts.

Nice to see one of these being brought back to new or better than new.

To me, BMW has never better the shape and style - they are just "right" somehow.

[Bogracer]

Stitch said:

This is superb - keep up with the posts.

Nice to see one of these being brought back to new or better than new.

To me, BMW has never better the shape and style - they are just "right" somehow.

It's easy, forget how BMWs used to drive, when cars were lighter and more nimble, fresher and more involving, but first you need a fresh car. I tried a really low mileage car, but it still felt tired, aged suspension and brakes.

[Johnboy Mac]

Watching with great interest, Bogracer.

[RiccardoG]

Nice work, looking good.

Have you done any of the suspension bits yet? I am keen on refreshing my own BMW's suspension (an E39) and would be good to have a reccomended source.

[bmthnick1981]

Excellent work, following with interest.

[Bogracer]

RiccardoG said:

Nice work, looking good.

Have you done any of the suspension bits yet? I am keen on refreshing my own BMW's suspension (an E39) and would be good to have a reccomended source.

I can recommend Motormec for sourcing BMW Origional Equipment Supplier parts, give them you chassis number and they will give you the right part by the the supplier for the year. I have upgraded the suspension to Bilstien custom set up, made specially for the car. I am expecting a delivery for nearly £3,000 worth of parts, suspension, brakes, steering, cooling, bushes everything!

[Bogracer]

I did a 325i sport refresh with a friend, the results were amazing. Then I did a 328i cabriolet e36 again it transformed the drive. Took me a while to sell the 328i above the average good/excellent price, but the first chap that drove it brought it. If the cars have not had the work done, it needs doing. I work back to front mechanicals first, cosmetics last, be wary of 'shiney' horrors!

[Johnboy Mac]

Howdo, Bogracer. As an ex owner of serveral BM's including two E34 525's (and would buy another one)it's nice to see this thread. One question, are you intending to carry out any engine mod's i.e. head work, cam, exhaust manifold or the likes?

J.

[Bogracer]

Johnboy Mac said:

Howdo, Bogracer. As an ex owner of serveral BM's including two E34 525's (and would buy another one)it's nice to see this thread. One question, are you intending to carry out any engine mod's i.e. head work, cam, exhaust manifold or the likes?

J.

Not sure really as the engine is very strong, low mileage and already goes well. A supercharger might be nice touch. Any advice on tuning?

[Johnboy Mac]

Bogracer said:

Not sure really as the engine is very strong, low mileage and already goes well. A supercharger might be nice touch. Any advice on tuning?

I'd be tempted to leave well enough alone initially and then consider more power at a later date. Also too, depending on your longterm plans for the car and your budget the S/charger would get my vote leaving the CR as is, with the expectation of another easy 50/60bhp and I'd persume similar'ish torque increase.

Anyway, keep the us posted on progress & plans.

[M3333]

Wow, i had a manual 1995 e34 530i, to date it is still the best BMW i have ever owned and the one i always miss the most.

Please keep this thread updated, look forward to the finished pics!

[Mikey_W]

Well done Bogracer, keep up the good work

I have an '89 535i manual that has done 48k miles...

[Bogracer]

Mikey_W said:

Well done Bogracer, keep up the good work

I have an '89 535i manual that has done 48k miles...

That has to be the best one left, worth hanging onto, lovely!

[Luca Brasi]

Mikey_W said:

Well done Bogracer, keep up the good work

I have an '89 535i manual that has done 48k miles...

That is beyond awesome. Congrats

[Johnboy Mac]

Mikey_W said:

Well done Bogracer, keep up the good work

I have an '89 535i manual that has done 48k miles...

Great stuff.

It's lovely, well wear.

[M3333]

Mikey_W said:

Well done Bogracer, keep up the good work

I have an '89 535i manual that has done 48k miles...

Exactly how i remember them in the early/mid 90's, that is stunning. I was at high school at the time. My dads mate had a brand new one as a company car, i remember going in it on many occasion and being green with envy, my dad had a Cavalier full of holes at the time!

[DavidHM]

There's a 54k miler on eBay as well:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-BMW-5-SERIES-535-SE...





Also gorgeous although not nearly as well shot.

[Bogracer]

DavidHM said:

There's a 54k miler on eBay as well:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-BMW-5-SERIES-535-SE...





Also gorgeous although not nearly as well shot.

Delicious!

[Bogracer]

Working on the air conditioning, overhaul compressor, replace condenser and dryer units, check pipe work with ultraviolet gas.