Restoring 6 series to as new condition
Discussion
Hi
An acquaintance of mine would like his E63 635d to be restored to as new driving condition. I understand this may involve a suspension overhaul, but at 8 years old will the car need this?
I believe suspension overhauls consist of changing out the rubber bushings that connect all the suspension components together. Is it this that would make it as new driving feel? Or is there anything more/anything different that should be done? The car has always been on BMW star marked tyres so the wheels aren't the problem here.
More importantly, how much would it cost?
I would be grateful if anyone could answer these questions.
Thanks
Rayyan
An acquaintance of mine would like his E63 635d to be restored to as new driving condition. I understand this may involve a suspension overhaul, but at 8 years old will the car need this?
I believe suspension overhauls consist of changing out the rubber bushings that connect all the suspension components together. Is it this that would make it as new driving feel? Or is there anything more/anything different that should be done? The car has always been on BMW star marked tyres so the wheels aren't the problem here.
More importantly, how much would it cost?
I would be grateful if anyone could answer these questions.
Thanks
Rayyan
Depends how "as new" you want it. There's "nothing wrong with it mate" as new, then there is really as new.
In my experience, to make it as new, it is down to all the details. All bushes (incl. subframe), ball joints, don't forget top mounts, shock absorbers, full BMW dealer alignment (not a 5 minute job from the tyre place). It will be expensive, especially if a "regular" garage does it - you need to decide how far to go. But there is no short cut to as new.
In my experience, to make it as new, it is down to all the details. All bushes (incl. subframe), ball joints, don't forget top mounts, shock absorbers, full BMW dealer alignment (not a 5 minute job from the tyre place). It will be expensive, especially if a "regular" garage does it - you need to decide how far to go. But there is no short cut to as new.
RedSwede said:
Depends how "as new" you want it. There's "nothing wrong with it mate" as new, then there is really as new.
In my experience, to make it as new, it is down to all the details. All bushes (incl. subframe), ball joints, don't forget top mounts, shock absorbers, full BMW dealer alignment (not a 5 minute job from the tyre place). It will be expensive, especially if a "regular" garage does it - you need to decide how far to go. But there is no short cut to as new.
This.In my experience, to make it as new, it is down to all the details. All bushes (incl. subframe), ball joints, don't forget top mounts, shock absorbers, full BMW dealer alignment (not a 5 minute job from the tyre place). It will be expensive, especially if a "regular" garage does it - you need to decide how far to go. But there is no short cut to as new.
If the car has done 80k miles and is 8 years old, then unless a previous owner has invested in replacing suspension components then it will all be getting a bit tired.
"As new" means springs, dampers, bump stops, top mounts, spring pads, control arms, ball joints, subframe bushes, ARB bushes, drop links, tyres (don't underestimate the impact worn tyres has) etc etc.
It won't be cheap, and unless your friend has driven an "as new" 635d then he may end up spending all that money and not like the end result any more than how it is now.
I had a similar quandary a few years ago with my much loved E90 330d M sport. Ok it wasn’t the most glamorous engine but I really liked the car. I went through the suspension front to back and replaced every worn component I could find, and fitted uprated Bilstein B12 dampers and Eibach springs. Wow what a difference, along with some decent tyres, continental sport contact 6’s and a full four wheel hunter alignment and wow what a difference.
With a big heavy car like a 635d this will make a difference.
The main thing is how many ££££ do you want to spend. Like someone else said I would be getting the auto box fluid changed and the diff oil done at this mileage as well. 80k and it’s due.
Btw I used lemforder stuff at the time, but genuine BMW value line stuff can be cheaper than certain companies beginning with E so shop around
With a big heavy car like a 635d this will make a difference.
The main thing is how many ££££ do you want to spend. Like someone else said I would be getting the auto box fluid changed and the diff oil done at this mileage as well. 80k and it’s due.
Btw I used lemforder stuff at the time, but genuine BMW value line stuff can be cheaper than certain companies beginning with E so shop around
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff