Going to start rebuilding '85 535i from the ground up...

[hakkrdan]

Hey, all -

I know it's been a while, I just stopped by to say hi and ask a few Q's.

I'm moving in a week to a house with a three car garage. I've managed to "trade" the middle spot of the garage for a room upstairs with my girlfriend, so I can start the long process of rebuilding my 535i. For all you geeks, I'm going to put 4 webcams in the garage in that area, so you can see me working on it. I'm also going to prepare a photo journal for people who are curious. I don't really know, or care for that matter, if anyone will take interest in it, but I think it'd be fun!

While I do this, time will be on my side. I can afford to rip the whole car apart, and replace parts as needed. With that being said, however, I am anxious to get it all back together again. I've seen you guys in the past talk about a part here and a part there, but I was wondering if anyone has ever compiled a list, or a timeline even, of when origional parts start to need replacing. I'm talking bearings, bushings, belts, hoses, transmission, engine, suspension - everything. This sounds like a very large task, but I'm thinking that someone has started, or even attempted this.

I have already purchased an engine hoist and all the tools I think I'll need, and it feels great. I think I've got everything I'll need (I still need to get an air compressor for cleaning and stuff like that). The plan is, is to strip it down _completely_ bare, get it painted, and work from there, piecing it back together. I'm even going for the "new car smell". I understand that this project will take a while, and I've got loads of time.

I will be noting and replacing parts as I go on ,and that's the plan so far. I don't know if this is a common practice (most people take a car apart knowing which parts they're going to replace), but I just want to learn more about this beast and rebuild it from the ground up.

I'd like some tips from those who have undertaken a project like this, such as what problems you ran into, how much beer it's going to take for when I ask for help, what kind of tools that are commonly not present when a task like this is taken on, just general guidelines and such. I've done something like this in the past with my '73 Triumph GT6, but that car barely had an engine, and it sure as hell didn't have much electronics on it. When it did, those were replaced anyway, because we all know how good British electronics are.

I'm also wondering where people are getting the majority of their parts from. I've always used Bavauto in the past because of their decent prices, quality of product, and their staff's knowledge if their own products, but I'm always looking for a deal. If anyone can throw some feeback to me about that, I would greatly appreciate it.

So, with that, I begin my quest to rebuild my 5. Wish me luck, all.

Thanks
dant in Phoenix

[Blue Shadow]

BMW Parts are lower prices:

I know a guy that has done major parts replacement on a couple cars. We use BavAuto and BMP as the high-priced-color-catalog parts houses. There are cheaper places out there. The guy I know, catch this, goes to the Dealer!! He talked to the parts manager at a dealer near him and got extremely good pricing. I have done the same at the local dealer here and got much better pricing but not like he has. The local dealer here charges 150-300% of BMW MSRP on parts. I noticed the big discrepences in pricing when needing a trunk roundel quickly. Prices were over $20, $16, $15 plus a discount and $10.37 at 4 different dealers near me with BMWCCA discount. The local dealer was the highest priced one. I talked to a parts manager and they have adjusted my discount to above wholesale but well below retail at about 10% off actual list price. Not the same as the 18% off list price that some mail order places offer, but then I am not rebuilding a car or waiting on parts delivery. You should be able to negotiate a nice discount by asking. Plenty of dealers in your area so ask around for a good price.

[Blue Shadow]

Part replacement intervals:

It might be good to start a thread on this subject to be able to have a 'list' somewhere, but www.m535i.org has a nice write-up on the subject in the E28 535i/is section. Cull that for a list and post it to see if there are any additions from the group.

[stuartinmn]

You'll probably find that most people here recommend going to Brian the parts pimp or Steve Haygood for replacement parts. Brian works at BMW of Chattanooga, and Steve runs Automobile Solutions in Georgia. Both guys post here regularly and should be able to hook you up.

[Bill in MN]

I took my 87 535 down to the bare tub and started from scratch. Virtually every system was either replaced with new or rebuilt, save for the harness. It's taken almost 3 years to get it finished and the better part of 15 grand. It's still not done and probably never will be. One of those works in progress things. I could have gotten a perfect M5 for less than I have into it but I am still glad I did it. It's been a fun and satisfying project.

I kept a vigil on ebay for the better part of 2 years as well as kept up with the various boards. About half of my parts were bought through various dealerships and the rest with private parties. This board has been invaluable throughout the process.

I could go on for hours about the ordeal I've been through. Drop me an email if I can be of any help.

[hakkrdan]

Bill -

I appreciate that. How much in beer did it cost you to get people to come over and help you for the bigger things that you could not do youself?

I think that alone will land me well over 15 grand over this period of time.

No, but seriously, I'm sure I will be emailing you in the near future. I really do appreciate it - that goes for all you other guys, as well. Thanks.

Thanks
-dant

[hakkrdan]

While we're on the subject, I've read bits here and there of little performance mods. One that I remember the most is taking a 528 head and placing it on the M30/E28 engine, which increases the compression ratio.

Does anyone else have any small tips like this that might make the job more fun?

Thanks
-dant

[Bill in MN]

The 528 uses the M20 engine, completly different than the M30. They are not compatable.

[SmokinDav]

Bill in MN, where can I see some pictures of your car?

[Bill in MN]

Dave

I'll email some to you. I've not taken any since I put the beast in the shop for round 2 of paint work.