My BMW... for those who dont visit general chat.

[elwesso]

This is a copy of my post in general chat. zerothread?id=300326

Here is my 533 that I picked up and finally got around to fixing.

The story on this thing is I bought it as a non running car for $650.. Long story short, installed a new cylinder head, and a few other things and its been ready to roll.. Just today installed a set of 16in borbet wheels with blizzak snow tires (its going to be my winter car). I dont do much driving in the winter, especially when the roads are salty. Theres not been much on this car that hasnt needed attention but fortunately for me its stuff that requires more time than it does money.

The car was sitting since late 2004/early 2005. I could see the paint was in nice shape but it needed help. Took me HOURS to clay the car to a ultra smooth finish, then a mild abrasive polish, then some mother's wax.

I have a few things left to do on it, but in light of everything its very minor and is not pressing... Come spring im going to swap the trans, 3rd is a little grindey... Will probably install a short shift at the same time.

The exhaust is a 2inch single pipe all the way back. I dont think it has a cat on it, it looks like where the cat would be there is a red cylindrical muffler?, sorta like a glasspack. There is another muffler going on the rear but it fell off (shotty job to begin with) so ive been driving it sans muffer for a while.. Loud as hell, but sounds NASTY under full throttle.

So far im into the car about 1200.. Probably a 1500 car once im done and then maybe I'll try and sell it for about 3000, or keep it as a daily driver.

Heres the pics...











Interior (sorry the pic is so big). this is when I bought the car, the interior is a little less dirty, but its taken apart right now.



Video clip of the exhaust...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX7q7WPpOng

Just for grins, my other car. I bought the E28 so I could take this off the road to start doing some crazy mods to it. 1994 Infiniti Q45.

[Q451990]

Wow Wes! Those pics look way better than the first time we saw her! Sounds like you've been having fun with it.

Heath

[TBrack]

wow Wes that doesn't look too bad for $1200 put into it!!! you definitely found a good deal!

[Ozzie]

Holy hell! Look at the size of the bumper bars on that thing! Must be to comply with US crash testing thingy. I have never seen bars that chunky on a 5 series

[bullittandy]

Is that a built in phone on the dasy?!

It looks nice and it looks amazing if you can double your money. Also, there's nothing like a second car to make you appreciate the first one again. I switch between my 91 Mustang 5.0 with nitrous and my Q , back and forth, back and forth.

[captainluigi]

who the hell has a white lawn? is that some kinda trick photography? those bimmers are nice. nice job

[ddrumman]

Nice Wes,

A bass player friend of mine used to roll in a 1978 530i and we'd throw it around corners and have fun with it. Good memories.

Ozzie brings up a good point. Why a lot of 450SL guys prefer the 1973 model over 75,76...etc smaller bumpers.
Modified by ddrumman at 12:45 AM 12/20/2007

[AlabamaDan]

Nice resto Wes.

[greenwar]

Beautiful car Wes! Great find and great restoration. Interior seems to be in good shape for the year.

[Haitian_King]

Nice job on the paint. That is Pine-Sol clean Wes! If you're ever on the East Coast, I'd love for you to show me how to do that to my Q. I went to the Autotopia Detailing forum, but that thing's confusing.

[Peterofdevon]

Great job so far Wes.

Its my fav modern bmw body.

What a diff from the last pics.

Good job, again.

Merry Christmas,

Peter

[CINNALOCKS]

Well when you are done.............. if you do decide to let it go................. I want first shot at it. I need another daily car as you know and that would be perfect. Good Job and Happy Holidays Wes

[elwesso]

Sure thing Hussain...

BTW, hows the car treating you? Im going to be in town for a while yet so if you need anything looked at Im available.