My 525iSE project thread (and my 1st post lol) [Archive]

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:30 AM

Hiya people! I hope you dont mind me posting this on here.....

Sorry if this thread seems weird but Im copying it from my home automotive website....

The spec so far....

1992 BMW E34 525iSE in a tidy Granite/Anthracite colour

FULL Service history up till 1000 miles ago all done by either bmw dealerships or more recently by B&R bmw specialists.

106,000 miles on the clock.

No knocking or odd noises from the engine, it pures like a kitten... only thing I can comment on is a slight blowing from the exhaust and the clutch is starting the end of its life, but will most likely last another 10k max.

The plans for her are:-

Insurance + tax (its MOTd untill october)

Full service (old habbit of fully servicing all my cars as soon as I get them)...

Swap a few bits over from my current car to the 525i such as battery, heater controls, leather seats etc...

I will take some pics tomorrow and post up what she looks like inside and out including the engine bay :)

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:32 AM

Some pics of her standard...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005755.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005754.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005753.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005751.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:33 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005750.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005757.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005768.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005766.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:33 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005764.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005763.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005762.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/15012005761.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:33 AM

Well today was productive...

Went to halfords and picked up some spark plugs ready for the service, 2 haynes manuals to cover the car and engine and some fluids... will get the filters another day, but I aim to give her a full service (with a few extras) this friday.

Managed to replace the blower motor (bitch of a job lol) so will re-fit the heater controls temporarily until the OBC and pioneer arrive.

I managed to get most of the leather interior in (rear seats and drivers seat) so when it comes to the passenger seat thats when I will fit the audio wiring and speakers etc...

If I have time, will also get the power/earth cables run ready.

Also fitted the clear side repeaters, will try and do the front indicators as well.

There is a good chance that I will have some help tomorrow so might look at swapping the wheels over and removing the kit from the 520....

Still no luck with the electrical problem or the check control speaker problem.. but for the moment, the warning light is staying off...

Time for some pics (in no particular order lol...)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/17012005776.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/17012005775.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/17012005774.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/17012005773.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:34 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/17012005772.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/17012005771.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:35 AM

Wow, what a lush day to be working on your car! Thanks to Tech2Jonny for coming over to help with the stripping of the 520

The heaters are now fully working and Ive run the duct for the rear heaters so now there are front and rear blowers I also replaced 2 of the pulley cable for the slide controls as they were naff.

All the audio and power wiring is fully removed now from the 520, will fit it all on friday either before or after the service.

I got some better pics of the leather in the 525 today as well

The plan for friday is full service, TAX if the insurance docs have arrived, lay the audio wiring, remove the kit from the 520, try and source 3 steel wheels so I can remove the alloys for a good clean (Megs HOT WHEELS to the rescue!)

Also if I remember, Will try and get around to a few smaller jobs like the light brows, clear fronts etc....

Here are some pics from today, in no particular order lol....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005796.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005794.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005793.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005792.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:36 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005790.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005789.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005788.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005787.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:36 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005786.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005785.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005784.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/18012005783.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:38 AM

Well a lot has happened in the past few days....

My electrical problem is still here, but a few other more important problems have been sorted...

I found out the hard way that my water pump and thermostat were totally useless and were in desperate need of replacing.....

So off to Dave Edwards we went and bought a new thermostat and water pump and both came to less than £50! Bargain!

Myself, tech2jonny and rhys325i got started and all was going VERY well until it came to fitting the thermostat housing back on...

Someone who will go un-named RHYS325i had fitted the thermostat the wrong way round and cracked the housing while tightening it up.... So had to wait until today to get a replacement housing (brand new from B&R BMW Specialists - £18) and it was fitted today....

She is now fully cooling and more than drivable!! woohoo!!

During all this, the front clear indicators were fitted and they go really well with the grey colour of the car

Fingers crossed, either tomorrow or thursday the service can be done!

A huge thanks to Rhys325i, Tech2jonny, Dave Edwards, B&R and my mother for putting up with the front garden looking like a scrap yard!

The plugs have been replaced finally and the drive is slightly smoother, it was nice to find that the plugs that were in the car were the same NGK plugs that I was using to replace them

STILL NO HEAD UNIT, an Email has been sent to find out if its even been sent and if it has, when!

Went to a local park to get some shots for personal use and something else which I will reveal at a later date....

Here are some up-to-date shots

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005884.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005883.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005880.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005879.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:39 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005877.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005861.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005881.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005874.jpg

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 08:39 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005869.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/27012005867.jpg

RallyD

01-21-2007, 11:22 AM

lookin' good, i like the front seats.

JesterE34

01-21-2007, 03:22 PM

so let me ask this....are you replacing the heating controls with the full electronic as seen in (for example) e32?

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 04:44 PM

RallyD - Thanks, the seats are just as comfy as they look :)

JesterE34 - At the time I had thought the heater controls were the cause for the lack of any blower action but then I found out the blower motor was to blame and it got replaced, Sorry for the confusion!

JesterE34

01-21-2007, 06:03 PM

lol. damn. i was about to ask for a write up. hehe

nizmainiac

01-21-2007, 06:24 PM

it's lookin good , the colour is called delphin grey, the same as mine, you've done the same as me with the interior too, i've gone for smoked indicators and rear lights all round and some angel eyes up front, what wheel's are you going to go for if thats your plan?

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 06:34 PM

Well Ive just ordered a full crystal set up for the car which includes the crystal angel eye projectors and holes for the runner lights that our American friends use in the front indicators (which I think looks damn cool)

Im aiming to lower her either 40mm all round or 40mm front/30mm rear and get a set of rondell deep dish alloys (type 58 I think?) and eventually get a full re-spray in schwartz metallic

I have a full genuine sports kit from my 520 ready to fit but this is already metallic black so Im gonna wait till just before the re-spray.

There is more but I had an early start and my brain is slowing down! lol.

JesterE34 - Sorry fella lol... but out of curiosity, what electronic heater controls does the E32 have? Im interested in a possible upgrade! I spotted a high trim level E32 in my local breakers so it might have these on board?

Denton

01-21-2007, 06:55 PM

Spice Boy

01-21-2007, 07:24 PM

Denton

01-21-2007, 08:27 PM

Cheers Denton :) Im surprised to hear that you guys dont have rear head rests? are the slots there to fit some? you could import some then, Im sure it wouldn't be that painful to the wallet lol

I agree that it is a nice colour but Im a huge lover of black cars, you cant beat a mean looking black car thats been recently polished :D

Cheers!

There's a writeup on e34.net about retrofitting the headrests...a bit more complicated than sticking the headrests into the seats...there are no slots.

I think with a little love you may change your mind about the paint. Dark grey is a very desireable E34 color. Well, as is black! ;)

JesterE34

01-21-2007, 10:31 PM

JesterE34 - Sorry fella lol... but out of curiosity, what electronic heater controls does the E32 have? Im interested in a possible upgrade! I spotted a high trim level E32 in my local breakers so it might have these on board?

i'm sure it would. these are the ones i was referring to:

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/4/4/8/6/3/webimg/28857284_o.jpg

Spice Boy

01-22-2007, 09:08 AM

Hmmm... Looks very interesting, but I dont have air-con in my car :(

Any other tricks and tips I could do inside the car? :D

BillionPa

01-22-2007, 04:48 PM

i believe slider controls are superior to electronic on/off types, and will continue to do so untill the electronic ones give the same level of control.

JesterE34

01-22-2007, 07:05 PM

y do u not get the same level of control with the electronic ones?
my e32 in no way worked any worse than my e34. in fact it maintained a temperature better than my e34.

bigtisas

01-23-2007, 03:37 AM

I like the color of your e34.

BillionPa

01-23-2007, 04:31 AM

JesterE34

01-23-2007, 09:31 AM

its about air flow controls. if i want half the air to come out the main vents, a third to come out the upper, and a sixth to come out the feet, then how the hell do you pull that off with the electronic one?

ahh ic what you're sayin. i guess i never really used it that way before. its always just to the right or left. good point!:)

Ferret

01-23-2007, 09:32 AM

Spice Boy

01-29-2007, 07:54 PM

Right, here is a quick update....

Ive taken off the cross spoke alloys that were on the car (which are now for sale lol) and replaced them with the 5 spoke alloys that were on my old E34...

They needed a seriously good clean, spent an HOUR on each of the front wheels alone...

Ive also ordered a K&N induction kit for the car, but while Im waiting for that to arrive, Ill create a heat shield for it so it doesnt get any of the muck or hot air from the engine....

Once its fitted, Ill pop down my local exhaust specialist and ask them very nicely if they will make me a custom cold air feed for it so It can have the full benefit of what it was designed for...

IF its not what Im hoping for then I will replace it with a BMC CDA induction kit which is apparently much better BUT isnt engine/car specific.... We will see what happens but either way I will report my full findings...

Mid feb is the delivery date of the full crystal set-up Ive ordered so got some time to start saving for the re-spray/wheels/suspension etc....

I now have just over a week off between jobs so I will get around to getting the OBC up and running, fitting the light brows and taking some advice on the strange engine problem and change all the coil packs and CPS...

Plus I could start de-chroming parts of the car such as the grill etc...

I know Ive babbled on so Ill leave it at that for now till I get some pics tomorrow of the wheels on the car :)

ILoveMPower

01-29-2007, 08:46 PM

Goddamn, I could go for some M5 interior. Beautiful delphin, don't respray unless its a fresh coat of delphin!

Rear head rests ftw!

Spice Boy

01-30-2007, 05:20 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/07022005912.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/07022005916.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/07022005914.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/07022005915.jpg

I cant wait to get her lowered!

Spice Boy

02-01-2007, 01:51 PM

Well today has been a wicked day!!!

2 new toys have arrived.....

This is 1....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/10022005927.jpg

And this is the other....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/10022005926.jpg

Before anyone asks or in case anyone is wondering, yes this is actually the American PREMIER DEH-P860MP :D Its nice to know that my car will have more than 1 American inspired item...

Tomorrow is going to be a long day, Not only am I going to try and mod my airbox to become a heat shield for the K&N and try to improve the cold air feed.... But Im also going to fit all 4 speakers, 2 amps, all the wiring and the Pioneer...

Sextons might be seeing some of my hard earnt cash in the form of a BMW-ISO harness and a Pioneer harness for the DEH-P8600MP but if anyone knows of a better place to try then feel free, but I think Sextons will beat the majority!

Roll on tomorrow!!

Macv

02-01-2007, 05:05 PM

Theres not much you can improve with the air intake on these babies. I'll bet you gain a nicer sound, but lose a little power :) Unnoticable maybe, but a loss is a loss.

AngryPopTart

02-02-2007, 01:37 AM

Theres not much you can improve with the air intake on these babies. I'll bet you gain a nicer sound, but lose a little power :) Unnoticable maybe, but a loss is a loss.

Yeah, sorry man, but intakes have already been tested to death on these cars and the only thing adding a K&N filter does is increase throttle response, but reduces hp. And the factory airbox is already a cold-air intake system obviously and it's said that modifying the way it works just decreases horsepower even more. The only thing I don't remember seeing anyone try is replacing the rubber accordian section of the intake with hard tubing.

Another thing I would note is that there is a power increase introduced by having the intake-manifold's extrude-honed, which increases the internal diameter of intake runners. This suggest that the intake-manifold itself is a bottle-neck, and not the airbox/filter arrangement.

Alexlind123

02-02-2007, 10:01 AM

Yeah, sorry man, but intakes have already been tested to death on these cars and the only thing adding a K&N filter does is increase throttle response, but reduces hp. And the factory airbox is already a cold-air intake system obviously and it's said that modifying the way it works just decreases horsepower even more. The only thing I don't remember seeing anyone try is replacing the rubber accordian section of the intake with hard tubing.

Another thing I would note is that there is a power increase introduced by having the intake-manifold's extrude-honed, which increases the internal diameter of intake runners. This suggest that the intake-manifold itself is a bottle-neck, and not the airbox/filter arrangement.

Adding simply a square k&n filter in place of the OEM filter will not reduce horsepower. Adding a k&n intake or cone air filter will reduce horsepower unless it is properly shielded from the engine bay heat.

Fahad

02-02-2007, 12:28 PM

nice job!
your car is exactlly like mine..same color same interior but mine is auto and it came with electronic heater controls for some reason.

your new seats looks very nice

im thinking of going for balck paint as well, but i see lots of guys here like dolphen grey

my car needs lowering too
the front sits even higher than your car! and i think the PO lowered the rear end only!

did not have much time to do cosmetic mods yet (cept for clear corners) i was busy getting her mechanicly right.
i could use some tips from this thread..
thanks and good luck

Spice Boy

02-03-2007, 05:40 AM

Well if you want any tips or pics then Im more than happy to get snapping :D

Plus Im nuts so Ill try anything once lol any mods that people are wary of then let me know and Ill do the testing :D

Spice Boy

02-03-2007, 05:41 AM

Well I dont know where to start....

Overall the car is much more responsive and there is a definite improvement...

Not to mention the throaty roar the car now has :D

Thanks to Rob at Keltix for getting me the K&N so quickly, your a star!

Time to crack on with the speakers now so I can have music in the car for the 1st time! lol

Here is the induction set up from the engine side... Notice that the filter cant 'see' the engine at all thus helping with shielding from the heat hopefully lol
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/11022005931.jpg

And from the other side...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/11022005933.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/11022005932.jpg

Spice Boy

02-03-2007, 02:09 PM

Well you will never guess what I picked up today.....

Not to be fitted yet, I have to wait for a few more bits....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/12022005939.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/12022005938.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/12022005937.jpg

Oh yes, the outside is going crystal!

Im not sure if I fully like the rear lights or not, Id prefer the M5 style crystals but I cant find anywhere in the UK that stock them!

JesterE34

02-03-2007, 02:37 PM

i'll deffinitely wanna see pics when u get the tails in. i've had my eye on a set of those for a while now and cant bring myself to buy them without seeing them installed.

Spice Boy

02-15-2007, 06:19 PM

I havent updated this in a while.... Mainly due to starting a new job and having next to NO time to actually do anything with the car... But I have a few sneek peeks as to what I HAVE been up to during the little time I do have....

I found an E32 735 in my works which had a few things I wanted... and maybe a few more bits once Ive looked into the mechanics of it...

1st of all the parts Ive taken of it (and yes, my new job is in a scrap yard... and incase your wondering, I had it all free of charge, god I love my new job!)

Replacement instrument cluster as mine are faulty
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/24022005974.jpg

RARE AS HELL genuine BMW tweeter pods for the doors
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/24022005975.jpg

Replacement check control gong as I think mine might be on its way out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/24022005976.jpg

I know, your all thinking that Im going to just replace the clocks and be happy with having a working set....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/24022005977.jpg

NOPE!! lol

Im feeling my way through how to change the backlight colour of the clocks (easy enough as I did it before with my Vectra GSI) but I wanna do it properly so its 'take apart' time lol

Ive ordered the crystal M5 rear lights aswell and they should be here soon!!

Roll on the 23rd when my projector angeleye headlights arrive

Thats it for now, I will be doing a full update soon and a list of my near future plans, theres a few things I really wanna do before the Donny car show in April so I dont have much time!

bye for now!

Spice Boy

02-21-2007, 04:11 PM

Ello everyone!!

Today has delivered an awesome new bling part for my car, but Ill get to that in a min...

1st, my OBC.... ITS FULLY WORKING!! WOOHOO!!!

No strange problems, just a blown bulb so it cant really be seen in the daylight, a small problem.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/02032005989.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/02032005988.jpg

And now onto the new bits...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/02032005990.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/02032005994.jpg

Thats right, THEY HAVE ARRIVED!!

These are exactly the lights that I wanted and they are even better in the flesh than in the pics

This friday should bring my projector angeleyes! How awesome is that!

Ive had a quote at £1,400 for the full re-spray, which Ive been told is cheap but I hope to better that quote!

This weekend? Im gonna try and get around to fitting my lightbrows and spraying up all the plastics and giving the interior a good clean (seats out job).

That is all

JesterE34

02-22-2007, 03:31 PM

RARE AS HELL genuine BMW tweeter pods for the doors
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/24022005975.jpg

my family has had 5 bmw's (e32/e34) with those tweeter pods....how rare exactly are they again?

Spice Boy

02-22-2007, 04:25 PM

Depends on what part of the world your from I guess.

JesterE34

02-22-2007, 08:00 PM

i guess. still tho i wouldnt expect something like that being rare in the UK. :shrug:

whiskychaser

02-23-2007, 10:45 AM

Colour looks like mine which is called 'dolphin'. I only know cos it says so on the osf wing. Lot of work going on there - someone steal your radio? :-)

Spice Boy

02-24-2007, 07:47 AM

Only a quick update....

I have got around to fitting the lightbrows and I have fitted the rear lights to see how well they fitted and if they needed sealing to stop water getting in....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/04032005996.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/04032005997.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/New%20E34/04032005998.jpg

Ive priced up a fast road clutch for my car at £125 and seeing as mine will need changing soon I think this is the way to go :D

Ill do another update soon with more detail.

Bye for now!

Dave M

02-24-2007, 08:08 AM

Love the color. Did it have a late night? ;)

Tcdoe

02-24-2007, 09:53 AM

Not liking the eyebrows and crystal lights that much, but other than that it's cool. Always fun to see lots of pics of DIY going on. :)

Spice Boy

03-26-2008, 04:58 AM

Good morning campers!!

It has been a while since this has had an update, with good reason as nothing has happened lol....

Right... lets start at the general look of the car right now....

I had kept the sport kit from my previous E34 so I could get it sprayed and on the car but after a kiss with a passat and its tow bar I had to fit it early.... Along with lack of money for tyres I also had to revert back to 15"s....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00014.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00015.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00016.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00017.jpg

So as you can see, there is alot of work to be done!

Spice Boy

03-26-2008, 05:00 AM

The Plan:

Get the car serviced and ready for its MOT which will be next week, strip out the interior and give it the clean she needs as she has been stood since November and give her a makeover!

Last month due to a mix up, ALL the documents have now been lost, including the service history booklet! So a new one will have to be started, thats gonna make selling the car difficult to say the least!

Yesterday saw some lovely sunshine so what better way to start the car than with stripping out all the seats and rear carpet (needs to be dried out due to some lingering water)....

Ever wondered what your E34 would look like without any seats and rear carpet?....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00060.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00061.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00062.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00063.jpg

If today is the same then I will finish off the rear carpet and see if the front carpet is as bad (nightmare to remove so a plan B will have to be thought of)

Once the car is cleaned, charged and serviced, then the fun stuff starts!

With the makeover, I have already got the ball rolling on sourcing the bits wanted....

New alloys: Rondell type 58 8.5jx17" front and 10jx17" rear (gotta work out what tyres to use though)

Suspension: FK coilovers which can drop as far as -75mm front and -60mm rear (obviously the car wont be going this low as I think it will be un-drivable over speed humps...)

Stiffening: gonna go for thicker ARBs, re-new linkages and arms at the front, bushes all round and maybe strut braces (not definite yet)

Exhaust: I have a quote for a customs stainless system by the only guy I trust to take my car too, I cant wait to let out the true noise of the 6 cyl!

Engine: She will be fully serviced so its upgrades here, I am looking into BBTB, Cams and re-map

Lights: After some long thought, Im looking into going tinted all round and HID conversion up front

Re-spray: havent decided yet.... but if I do, it will be sprayed Swartz II (same colour as my previous E34)

Everything is within budget except the re-spray, so I may just have some fun with the bodywork in the mean time till it can be done. I am also budgeting for some nice new Audio goodies but no-where near deciding what to do here....

Thats pretty much it, any questions or comments on what I have said or anything in this thread, please feel free to let loose!

Tcdoe

04-02-2008, 10:01 AM

Sounds good, can't wait to see pics of it all.

Spice Boy

04-03-2008, 12:54 PM

Lol, thanks... as soon as she starts to take shape Ill get some pics up :D

This is a small update just to let you all know whats happened so far...

Not much lol

The wheels are on their way from Germany...

Insurance is done and paid for the year so thats out of the way....

Suspension is awaiting the guy to get back to me with a final price...

Im having problems finding the tinted headlights so I might have to come up with a plan B for that...

Im booked in for my local exhaust specialist to take a detailed look at my car and get a final quote on exactly what I want....

Tomorrow Im heading down to my local BMW specialist to pick up a new viscous fan coupling, thermostat housing and maybe a few other minor bits and bobs...

Ill also get the oil and coolant tomorrow and do all the fluids...

She hasn't been started for ages so once the fluids are changed and I get some petrol in her.. she will live once again!!

Thats all I can think of for now.. sorry, no pics as of yet :(

Please keep your comments and questions coming :)

Lordsneldon

04-03-2008, 07:56 PM

Looks much better now with the leather, i did exactly the same to a 520 i used to own (arent the ****ing door cards a pain to fit over that plastic clip in the middle of the door)!!!
anyway, nice to see a car on here which sports english number plates!! I'm doing my 525 up at the moment, ive actually put memory seats in that which do the mirrors etc.....way cool!! Where abouts are you from? i'm in gloucestershire.

nirvana19

04-03-2008, 09:15 PM

Nice progress! Very jealous of your interior, especially the rear headrests. The U.S. didn't get them, unfortunately. :(

Not sure why you would want to rid the car of that color, I sure wouldn't. I thought that was Arktisgrau but could be Delphingrau. Check the underhood tag to see.

My car has rear headrests! I didn't realize they were rare.. I always wondered why I didn't see other cars with them and figured they were an option. I think the interior just looks weird without them, the rear headrests make everything look more complete (then again I'm driving with an interior door panel off at the moment lol)

One of the virtues of having a canada car in the US I suppose!

Ross

04-04-2008, 08:02 AM

"Full service (old habbit of fully servicing all my cars as soon as I get them)."..
This should be a sticky!

leicesterboy15

04-04-2008, 09:26 AM

Nice write up on the progress, keep the pics coming!! Are the front seats and rear carpet easy to remove? I need to re-install my audio because of interference and just generally shoddy current install. The only way to do it properly is to remove the seats, carpet and centre tray but I'm not looking forward to it, I always end up with a few screws left over once I've put everything back together!

Spice Boy

04-04-2008, 09:48 AM

Thanks Ross, but its the safer option to do a service yourself, regardless whether its been stamped as having one done recently or not, as you just dont know whether its a totally honest history, or just a stamp from a mate to get the car sold....

LeicesterBoy15... Front seats are easier than taking down a tarts knickers... 2 bolts on the back of the seat and they lift out off the front mount points... with a little tilt ;).. the rear carpet isnt too hard to get out but you will need to remove the center console first and the carpet is 1 piece...

No matter what you do, there is always bits left over lol....

Spice Boy

04-04-2008, 10:37 AM

Right...

Due to heavy interest on several sites, Im going to do this a little differently for a short while...

No more pic whoring and no more details... just tasters and teasers....

Then when this stage is finished, Ill do a huge grand revealing with lots and lots of pics :D

But for now.. heres the 1st teaser... its only small but it should give you all an idea of just how much is being replaced...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00071.jpg

Enjoy :P

whiskychaser

04-04-2008, 01:54 PM

I wonder what they could be? I also wonder what you are doing with the basket weaves when your 'proper' wheels arrive:)

Spice Boy

04-04-2008, 04:09 PM

I might sell them....

or keep them as spares just incase.....

Either way, they are coming off in about 10 days :D

whiskychaser

04-04-2008, 05:40 PM

I might sell them....

or keep them as spares just incase.....

Either way, they are coming off in about 10 days :D
Well if they are in good nick and you decide to sell let me know. Mine are original 'caps' in superb nick but yours might suit better:)

Spice Boy

04-05-2008, 05:17 AM

Well Ill take a good look at the condition and let you know what they are like....

After some careful thought and a look at some other projects.. I am now ordering chrome arch covers, door handles, bonnet clips and 45 assorted vents :D (can I also say that this is all in jest, I have no wish for chrome shite, it was just a bit of fun humour)

Some bits have arrived today, shame they are for my phone and not my car lol...

Almost everything Ive ordered has to either come from Germany or god knows where!

I'm also selling my pioneer premier head unit (and yes, I got that right.. its an american unit, in a UK car lol)

RallyD

04-07-2008, 06:08 AM

chrome arch covers, and you don't live in croatia?

Spice Boy

04-08-2008, 01:57 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00093.jpg

Spice Boy

04-09-2008, 06:02 AM

Just a note: Changed my mind about coilovers for personal reasons....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00094.jpg

Spice Boy

04-11-2008, 03:00 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00107.jpg

Spice Boy

04-12-2008, 04:34 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00108.jpg

The main event is coming soon!! then the final write up for stage 1 ;)

Spice Boy

04-12-2008, 11:29 AM

Right, the weather is too lush to not pic whore...

So to compare when its done... and for your viewing pleasure...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00113.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00115.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00117.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00118.jpg

I really cant wait for the rest of the bits to arrive... then it will change like I want it to!

Spice Boy

04-12-2008, 11:29 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00120.jpg

genphreak

04-12-2008, 11:17 PM

That car was/is real nice. M50 5spd, leather... cleaned up it is perfect.

Why add chrome anthing, xtal lights or a homeboy airbox... ???

Nice pics and good work (apart from the abovementioned taste issues)

Beware, lowering a road going e34 too much simply takes it to the an early death (thruogh public humiliation or an avoidable accident). Racing suspension on public roads is not a good idea. (Trust me, I have Bilsteins- they are bad enough without losing 40mm of travel!) Stick around long enough and you too will notice that good mods on these cars take care and restraint They weren't made by total idiots.

A good polish it enough to show all the new designs up. Wannabe chro-crystalisation makes is best left to the Ricebrigades... (apologies if you don't agree... these are only my opinions!). ;) nick

Spice Boy

04-13-2008, 04:09 AM

Hiya Nick...

no apologies are needed, your more than entitled to your opinion and I value that :)

Its still in the tweaking stage and some of it Im not 100% happy with and will be changing to try and come closer towards the original ideas of the E34...

I agree these cars are very well made and a few badly chosen modifications car ruin it... but alot of choices were made with thought behind them... such as the change from coilovers to Bilsteins as this would give me the M-Tech set-up which is made by Bilstein anyway...

Im guessing the chrome part is aimed at the new stainless steel manifold? Trust me, I have no want for engine bling, just an improvement on what is there with durability and maybe performance if Im lucky... It will stand out like a sore thumb but hopefully not too much as thats not what I want... But its a small price to pay for having a manifold that will last a lifetime :)

The same is for my choice in wheels... I spent weeks looking at different wheels types and finally went with ones that should compliment that E34... If not then I know that I will like them on the car at least anyway...

In the end, not everyone will like everything about it, but aslong as they are like you and can appreciate the fact that alot of time and effort has gone into choosing the parts and offer me constructive criticism towards a better end result then the spirit of modifying is still alive and well :D

BTW, love the sig pic ;)

Spice Boy

04-27-2008, 03:43 AM

Woohoo!!

Much pic whoring coming up... :D

Spice Boy

04-27-2008, 03:52 AM

Right...

The manifolds I had don't fit the car.... they are for either any 6pot E36 or left hooker E34...

But here is whats happened recently...

Part 1....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00156.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00157.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00161.jpg

Spice Boy

04-27-2008, 03:52 AM

Part 2...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00163.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00162.jpg

Ill get some pics from underneath when I get the chance to get her on some ramps....

Opinions? I wanted it to not be too 'in your face' but just look nice

Fire away!

Spice Boy

04-28-2008, 04:57 AM

Some better shots for your viewing pleasure...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00168.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00169.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00171.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00170.jpg

I'm sooo happy with it! It may not be everyones cup of tea but thats life...

Dave M

04-28-2008, 06:37 AM

Looks very close to stock without stickin your head under her. Once it gets a bit grimed up, nobody will look twice. Its liklely written in one of the other 7 pages af the thread, but what type of exhaust is it?

It appears that your old stock exhaust has a few miles left in it. Maybe you can manage to get a few 'quid' for it????

Dave

leicesterboy15

04-28-2008, 07:15 AM

Spice Boy

04-28-2008, 07:16 AM

The system is totally custom made from scratch, including the centre and back box...

The only thing that isn't stainless now is the manifolds themselves but I'm on the case with that :D

But due to getting a new job, its gonna eat up alot of the time I had to work on her.. So it'll take longer to finish but thats fine as it means Ill have more cashflow to play with :D

Spice Boy

04-28-2008, 07:20 AM

Car is coming on, couple of things I'm not sure about but I love the write up! In my opinion thought chrome arches are an 80s thing and best left there, they are also a mecca for rust. Its hard to picture what the final product will look like when its a work in progress so I can't wait to see it completed!

I couldn't agree more about the chrome arches, and I wouldn't look at them twice... Just wondering why you thought I was looking to fit them? lol

EDIT: realised what you meant now, changed the orig post to clarify that I am soooo not getting any chrome anything or the vents lol

The final product is still a mystery to me aswell lol, I'm just winging it as I go and so far Ive loved everything apart from the tinted rear lights, the more I look at them the more I hate them...

The next big event to happen will be when my Rondells get here and she gets her drop.. it'll only be 30mm or 40mm but it'll be more than enough

leicesterboy15

04-28-2008, 08:29 AM

I couldn't agree more about the chrome arches, and I wouldn't look at them twice... Just wondering why you thought I was looking to fit them? lol

EDIT: realised what you meant now, changed the orig post to clarify that I am soooo not getting any chrome anything or the vents lol

The final product is still a mystery to me aswell lol, I'm just winging it as I go and so far Ive loved everything apart from the tinted rear lights, the more I look at them the more I hate them...

The next big event to happen will be when my Rondells get here and she gets her drop.. it'll only be 30mm or 40mm but it'll be more than enough

Phew...I was getting worried there for a minute! The exhaust is looking good by the way!

Spice Boy

04-28-2008, 08:55 AM

Lol... Thanks dude:D

Nooo, I couldn't do such a thing to her.. although the back lights are questionable lol...

They will be gone soon... cant stand the sight of them!

Dr. evil

04-28-2008, 09:06 AM

very nice

i like the black rears keeps with the color of the car. maybe even throw some black wheels on there with a silver lip

Spice Boy

05-01-2008, 03:30 PM

Lol... how about these?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00183.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00189.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00187.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00188-1.jpg

Spice Boy

05-01-2008, 03:30 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00191.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/DSC00194.jpg

Arches might/will need doing...

All thats left now is suspension and then finally..... BODYWORK!!

Over 3000 hits.. thread is doing nicely lol

Ferret

05-01-2008, 05:24 PM

Arches might/will need doing...

All thats left now is suspension and then finally..... BODYWORK!!

Over 3000 hits.. thread is doing nicely lol

This car's starting to take on an 'evil' look - it's got the whole 'bodyworks not perfect (yet) but who gives a sh*t, it demands a wide berth' look.

I like it! :D

Spice Boy

05-03-2008, 04:18 AM

Lol, it has the grunty roar to go with it aswell :D

Some Eibach springs to go with the bilstein shocks at the end of the month should see her sitting just right....

Bit by bit she is getting there :D

Spice Boy

09-04-2008, 05:01 PM

Good morning campers :D

I have long awaited a good update on this and Yas provided the perfect excuse....

We all know just how crap the headlights are on the E34 and the 'superbright' bulbs don't really make much of an improvement...

So HIDs were the only real choice when it comes to actually having useful headlights that are safer and more effective!

Yas was the main man here, his kits are fab and when I got myself 1 of his 50w H1 6000k kits I was very pleased with the quality of the parts. The ballast even cancels out any warning gongs with the BMW system which is a huge bonus!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00381.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00383.jpg

Spice Boy

09-04-2008, 05:02 PM

Here are the vast amounts of tools I used to get this fitted

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00396.jpg

The kit is that easy to fit that you need minimal tools and takes up less than an hour of your time (if you want a fag break and/or tea break)

Now, I chose to do the pass side headlight first as this is the slightly more fiddly one to get to as you have to remove the alternator cooling duct aswell as have several items in the way...

First pull out the 'pin'

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00387.jpg

slide the duct up and out of the way

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00390.jpg

Spice Boy

09-04-2008, 05:02 PM

Unplug, twist and remove the cap for the headlights and get drilling :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00391.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00388.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00389.jpg

Spice Boy

09-04-2008, 05:03 PM

Now the fun bit, feed the bulb through the hole (25mm) and fit the grommet, making sure its tight and seals well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00385.jpg

Once the grommet is fitted to your satisfaction then connect the wiring inside the cap so your ready to plug it back into the BMW loom once the cap is re-fitted

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00386.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/jerbil/HIDs/DSC00384.jpg