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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 Among the enhancements, I upgraded the stereo system, addressing the outdated technology and replacing the blown speakers, ensuring the sound quality matched the car's timeless appeal.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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Looks great! I’ve always loved the shorty E38.
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Detailers Domain2070.50 |
10-02-2024, 04:11 AM | #3 |
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Can't wait to see more content. Great job so far!!
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Detailers Domain2070.50 |
10-02-2024, 04:55 AM | #4 |
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Nice shorty sporty, looks great. Good luck with the car.
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10-02-2024, 10:43 AM | #5 |
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I came here to see oil leaks
Did you fix it all mechanically already? Nice car btw, enjoy the black paint |
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10-02-2024, 02:19 PM | #6 |
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I have two NEW valve covers. $350 plus shipping from 85712.
Thanks, Ted |
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10-06-2024, 05:26 PM | #7 |
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eventually this car will be fully repainted, in the mean time I decided to wet sand the car to improve the look of the paint.
Tools and products used RUPES Skorpio III Sander SAND PAPER - 1000-3000 RUPES HLR75 RUPES HLR15 RUPES HLR21 RUPES YELLOW WOOL PAD RUPES YELLOW FOAM PAD RUPES WHITE FINISHING PAD RUPES DA COARSE COMPOUND RUPES DA FINE POLISH THE RAG COMPANY MINER MICROFIBER TOWEL BEFORE THE PAINT WAS DULL WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND SWIRLS PHOTOS OF THE PROGRESS IMPROVEMENTS ON THE PAINT AFTER THE SANDING AND CORRECTION BROUGHT THE CAR OUTSIDE AFTER SANDING AND POLISHING AND I WAS PRETTY HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS, IT'S FAR FROM PERFECT BUT MUCH MORE PRESENTABLE NOW. |
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10-06-2024, 05:42 PM | #8 |
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Debadging and Installing new emblems. (heat gun / fishing wire / solvent to remove the left over adhesive)
While sanding the car I decided it would be a good idea to remove all the badges and emblems. 20+ years of old emblems with dirt and debris Hood and Trunk Emblems Old Vs New Rear Trunk Roundel Installed Front Hood Roundel Installed Last edited by Detailers Domain; 10-06-2024 at 05:57 PM.. |
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10-06-2024, 06:16 PM | #9 |
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A ton of maintenance items
Fix Rear Shades - found a new one at the dealer the other side I believe was NLA 3 out of 4 Window Regulators were replaced Updating the broken grills with new pre LCI grills Transmisson Control Module - Replaced the old one (got some transmission failure code, so glad it was this module and not a transmission) Trunk Shock Mounts replaced Old vs New These were removed to prevent the water/condensation in the cockpit (one on each side / driver and passenger) Unhappy with the current condition of the valve covers I ordered a refinished set on ebay .... not really happy with what I got from the ebay vendor, I decided to go ahead with the covers and service. While the original ones were out I sent them to Proformance to refinish and wrinkle coat it. Ordered a valve cover seal kit / plugs / filters / oil the works. They all seem to do this New Starter Ebay bought valve covers Much better than the worn out stock ones New window/engine cowl to replace the old beat up one Wiper blades replaced When I bought the car the previous owner mentioned that the roof may have a leak, we ended up doing a full maintenance service on the sunroof, cleaned the track and changed all the seals. Center Arm Rest Coin Holder replaced |
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10-06-2024, 06:26 PM | #10 |
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Cleaned up the Engine Bay
Products Used to Clean the Engine Bay Nanolex Professional All Purpose Cleaner EZ Detail Brush Wheel Woolie Brush 20 inch Detailer's Domain's Standard Detail Brushes Sonax Plastic Detailer (used to dress the motor) Engine Cleaned and Dress (prior to the valve cover change) |
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10-06-2024, 06:32 PM | #11 |
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Original Valve Covers get restored by Proformance in New Rochelle
Beat up valve covers Blasted and prepped Final outcome is great ... now time to find the time to pull it all out again and redo it. |
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10-06-2024, 06:34 PM | #12 |
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believe it or not the car didn't have any oil leaks...but there were a ton of routine items that needed to be replaced, I'll post them as I have time to build this thread.
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10-06-2024, 06:35 PM | #13 |
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thank you!
thanks! Ted I wish I knew... I would have bought them LOL. |
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10-06-2024, 07:02 PM | #14 |
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Well, it was either you, or the art installation in the den ;~). Looks great!!!!
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Yesterday, 09:42 AM | #15 |
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Beautiful e38! Really puts it in perspective just how much work it is to get a car back up to a good standard once it's been neglected for a while. Great work!
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