Abandoned NYC 535i Detail

[Justin_FL]

Saw this video pop up in my feed, thought it was neat to see some E28 content. Maybe the new owners make their way here in the process of fixing up the car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S9KWl0e6wo

[John SCB]

Cool story. He used a shit ton of spray on everything. Gotta wonder if it started up after all the work. The wheels aren't what he thought but the restoration was amazing.

[RonW]

Note that the rear ashtray holders have big washers under the retaining screws. The washers keep the ashtray holders in place after the plastic starts to disintegrate. I added washers like that to both my E28s decades ago.

[Federico]

He's done some really nice detailing "restoration" videos lately. This isn't one of his best jobs. Probably because of the rust and the fact that the car was a giveaway. He did a w124 wagon not too long ago and that was quite a peach

[stuartinmn]

The rust in the corner of the hood seems like an odd spot for it to happen. It may have happened off camera but it appeared he didn't clean the back side of the wheels, which would have been a simple thing to do since they were off the car. I wonder how long the juice he put on the faded exterior trim lasts before it all turns grey again.

[fancyganci]

Hey all!

I'm the new owner of this vehicle! My uncle and I are planning on working on it and making it a solid weekend driver. The car started up beautifully and kept its idle for quite some time after we installed a new battery, however, when we shift it into reverse, the engine dies. So that's something we need to diagnose, but it appears from the video, multiple times, the vehicle was able to be driven in drive so maybe it's an issue with the reverse gearing. We shall see! Other than that and some rust areas, it seems to be a really solid project so far. We're looking forward to interacting in the forums.

[Galahad]

Hey all!

I'm the new owner of this vehicle! My uncle and I are planning on working on it and making it a solid weekend driver. The car started up beautifully and kept its idle for quite some time after we installed a new battery, however, when we shift it into reverse, the engine dies. So that's something we need to diagnose, but it appears from the video, multiple times, the vehicle was able to be driven in drive so maybe it's an issue with the reverse gearing. We shall see! Other than that and some rust areas, it seems to be a really solid project so far. We're looking forward to interacting in the forums.

Great to have you here! love the blue interior

[stuartinmn]

Hey all!

I'm the new owner of this vehicle!

Welcome to the site! The car looks like a solid candidate.

[Mdreamer]

Hey all!

I'm the new owner of this vehicle! My uncle and I are planning on working on it and making it a solid weekend driver. The car started up beautifully and kept its idle for quite some time after we installed a new battery, however, when we shift it into reverse, the engine dies. So that's something we need to diagnose, but it appears from the video, multiple times, the vehicle was able to be driven in drive so maybe it's an issue with the reverse gearing. We shall see! Other than that and some rust areas, it seems to be a really solid project so far. We're looking forward to interacting in the forums.

Welcome to the fold. There is so much information here that it can be intoxicating and addictive. I hope you enjoy the space as much as I do.

As I watched the video I found myself wishing I'd taken an approach similar to his when it came to cleaning my carpet. D'oh!

[steve52sbd]

I've been following Larry and watching him detail cars on YouTube for over 10 years. After seeing all the exotic stuff he usually works on it was fun to see him tackle an E28. I use his leather cleaning & conditioning products on my seats. Cool to see the new owner on here. Good luck and enjoy the car! I'd love to meet Larry someday.

[Etip]

Congrats on the new car. Look forward to your progress on it .
That YouTube video of the clean up was pretty interesting.
What is the steam cleaner he's using? I wouldn't mind getting one for my garage.

[stuartinmn]

What is the steam cleaner he's using? I wouldn't mind getting one for my garage.

If you look in the video description, he has links to all the products and tools he uses.

[Mike W.]

Ah, time to play the cynic. Dirty and somewhat neglected, but except for the front corner of the hood it looks like it was in pretty good shape. Dash is better than mine was when I sold it 10 years ago. But that wipe on stuff he's using on black. Yeah, it looks good now, but in a few weeks, a month or two at most, it'll be back to what it was. The mirrors. The plastic has deteriorated, they need to be removed, sanded and painted. Original leather in perfect shape? Big win for the new owner, but that car has spent a lot of time being garaged, a lot of time.

Now, nothing bad about the car, looks like with a little paintwork and a new hood it can be a really sweet ride especially for being what, 36 years old.

[fancyganci]

Ah, time to play the cynic. Dirty and somewhat neglected, but except for the front corner of the hood it looks like it was in pretty good shape. Dash is better than mine was when I sold it 10 years ago. But that wipe on stuff he's using on black. Yeah, it looks good now, but in a few weeks, a month or two at most, it'll be back to what it was. The mirrors. The plastic has deteriorated, they need to be removed, sanded and painted. Original leather in perfect shape? Big win for the new owner, but that car has spent a lot of time being garaged, a lot of time.

Now, nothing bad about the car, looks like with a little paintwork and a new hood it can be a really sweet ride especially for being what, 36 years old.

Yeah, the dash has a couple small, but very fine cracks on it. The vehicle from now on will be sheltered from the elements and well cared for. The leather is definitely in really good shape for 36 years, ESPECIALLY being outside for almost 10 years. The hood is definitely a loss and a new one is already in the works of being acquired. The side mirrors will absolutely have to be replaced in the future, but cosmetic isn't my priority right now. I am in the process of going through everything and seeing what it NEEDS vs. what I WANT it to have right now. It is a huge win to have my project start with a cost of $0 and a YouTube cameo appearance. I've already started the process of changing out the spark plugs, spark plug harness, distributor cap and rotor. What are some of you all's first things you've worked on or things I should check to ensure proper function. Thanks everyone!

[Fanclutchnut]

Congrats on the car and cool that you have some experience with the mark(though I heard you say you had an e30 m3 at one point)

I would suggest checking the age of the rubber fuel line in the car, and the condition of the hard fuel and brake lines. These two items deteriorate especially in the northeast and could lead to disaster. I’d follow that with what you are doing and the filters, check the transmission fluid and rear diff fluid. I’m not a auto specialist but the reverse thing could be related to vacuum or fluid level.

Get ready to spend a few hundred hours reading here. Highly enjoyable content.

[1st 5er]

Hey all!

I'm the new owner of this vehicle! My uncle and I are planning on working on it and making it a solid weekend driver. The car started up beautifully and kept its idle for quite some time after we installed a new battery, however, when we shift it into reverse, the engine dies. So that's something we need to diagnose, but it appears from the video, multiple times, the vehicle was able to be driven in drive so maybe it's an issue with the reverse gearing. We shall see! Other than that and some rust areas, it seems to be a really solid project so far. We're looking forward to interacting in the forums.

Just watched the video, amazing transformation.

Enjoy...

[fancyganci]

Congrats on the car and cool that you have some experience with the mark(though I heard you say you had an e30 m3 at one point)

I would suggest checking the age of the rubber fuel line in the car, and the condition of the hard fuel and brake lines. These two items deteriorate especially in the northeast and could lead to disaster. I’d follow that with what you are doing and the filters, check the transmission fluid and rear diff fluid. I’m not a auto specialist but the reverse thing could be related to vacuum or fluid level.

Get ready to spend a few hundred hours reading here. Highly enjoyable content.

Thank you! Yeah, I did have an E30 M3, but my impulsive purchase at the time didn't work out and I had to sell it unfortunately. But, I'm in the works of possibly acquiring another within a few months . The fuel lines and brake lines were definitely something I've heard about and have been looking at changing those if necessary. Yeah, I would imagine the fluid level is super low after sitting for 10 years or so and everything should be flushed and changed. I wouldn't be surprised if I don't already have a few hundred hours already haha! I've been out of the golden age of BMWs for about 5 years, but the bug has bitten me again, HARD. Looking forward to interacting with all of you!

[fancyganci]

Hey all!

I'm the new owner of this vehicle! My uncle and I are planning on working on it and making it a solid weekend driver. The car started up beautifully and kept its idle for quite some time after we installed a new battery, however, when we shift it into reverse, the engine dies. So that's something we need to diagnose, but it appears from the video, multiple times, the vehicle was able to be driven in drive so maybe it's an issue with the reverse gearing. We shall see! Other than that and some rust areas, it seems to be a really solid project so far. We're looking forward to interacting in the forums.

Just watched the video, amazing transformation.

Enjoy...

It truly was an incredible transformation after so many years of neglect. I hope to enjoy it for many years to come and to eventually pass it onto my son when he's able to drive. Of course, thank you for all of the insight and help you've given to me already. Makes me feel like I've been a part of this community for much longer than a month!

[Panici]

Nice to see some TLC go into a car that's been sitting.
And even better that the new owner is on the forum!

It's like an interactive show!

Fancyganci are you going to make a build thread to chronicle your progress?

[fancyganci]

Nice to see some TLC go into a car that's been sitting.
And even better that the new owner is on the forum!

It's like an interactive show!

Fancyganci are you going to make a build thread to chronicle your progress?

Hmm, should I??

[Panici]

Hmm, should I??

I always find it neat to look back and see what I've done.
Also I've found my E30 thread is becoming a reference for me as I am starting to repeat tasks now after 9 years of ownership.
(Rear subframe is out again, this time for reinforcement and soft poly bushings).

[fancyganci]

Hmm, should I??

I always find it neat to look back and see what I've done.
Also I've found my E30 thread is becoming a reference for me as I am starting to repeat tasks now after 9 years of ownership.
(Rear subframe is out again, this time for reinforcement and soft poly bushings).

Ha, I was saying that playfully, tone doesn't come through text, I always forget that. Yeah I think I'm going to do that. I got out of work late yesterday, only could change out the expansion tank cap in the dark and it even though it was a miniscule replacement, made the engine bay look that much better. Can't wait to do the bigger repairs! (no sarcasm)