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10-01-2024, 07:56 PM | #1 |
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My Journey getting my 01 e38 740i Shorty up to my standards
The 2001 BMW 740i, part of the revered E38 series, has long been a favorite among enthusiasts for its blend of luxury and performance. I was fortunate to acquire this iconic model during the pandemic, unaware of the journey it would take me on—or just how much I'd come to love it. As I spent more time behind the wheel, I encountered the expected maintenance challenges typical of a car of this vintage. This led me to embark on a restoration project, aiming to upgrade and preserve the car in OEM-plus condition, with a focus on period-correct modifications. Among the enhancements, I upgraded the stereo system, addressing the outdated technology and replacing the blown speakers, ensuring the sound quality matched the car's timeless appeal.
After acquiring the car from a fellow enthusiast, I started to source parts from dismantlers, BMW dealers, fellow owners, as well as aftermarket sources. My thoughts about maintenance is if there is an better than option go with it. Trying to go as OEM plus and period correct as I could go... Problems to sort out - blown speakers - worn suspension - worn front leather seats - droopy headliner - M Parallels rashed and tired - brakes worn out / need more braking power - cosmetic issues, dulled out trim, roundel emblems worn, dents - paint imperfections - front bumper scratched up and paint damage - rear bumper scratched up and paint damaged - mirrors fade and don't match the car's paint - valve covers typical wear - cluster needs to be fixed (pixalation) - needs front windshield and rear window replaced (waiting for potential full body repaint) Upgrades Stereo - 5 inch rear deck woofers removed and replaced with Bavauto - Focal Flax Evo PS165ES (front and rear) - Focal FDP 6.900 V2 - 6 Channel Amp - AVIN Avant 4 - Design Rendition Cup Holders with 2 Charger Ports Suspension KW Variant 3 Syncro Design Works Thrust Arms Brakes Brembo GT Front Brake Kit Goodridge SS Lines Front and Rear Brembo Cross Drilled Rear Brake Rotors Brembo Rear Brake Pads Interior Restored Headliner, A, B, C Pillars, Mirrors in Alcantara Restored Rear Deck in Alcantara Front Seats reupholstered Restored Steering Wheel New OEM Leather Shift knob Replaced phone carrier in arm rest with coin holder (OEM) Center dash grill replaced with new OEM Exterior Roundel Front and Rear replaced Front Bumper Black Trim replaced Front Bumper repainted Rear Bumper repainted Mirror repainted Dents removed Wetsanded and Corrected OEM Pre LCI Center Grills Unfortunately I'm not sure where my original photos of the car prior to the mods and maintenance. When I find them I'll post them. Dent removal Bumpers, Mirrors and Trim removed for repaint Years of build up dirt and debris Painted pieces back from Final Touch Collision OEM pieces about to go back on the car Rear cleaned up for bumper install Old Orange bulbs out for newer clear bulbs Before After M Parallels were pretty beat up, had Will from Proformance in New Rochelle completely refinish them. Back on the car with restored wheels |
10-02-2024, 03:53 AM | #2 |
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Posts Drives: 2016 M235 Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Northwest
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Looks great! I’ve always loved the shorty E38.
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10-02-2024, 04:11 AM | #3 |
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Posts Drives: 2010 Z4; 2008 118D Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Naples, Italy
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Can't wait to see more content. Great job so far!!
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