E34 550iT. The Gristle Hammer.

[slammin e28]

So, this is about as close to a build thread as we're gonna get here.


My e34 535iT had been tossing up the oil pressure light regularly. Sitting in a drivethru, OH HAI! Sitting at a stop light, OH HAI!


So I pulled that engine out on March.


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vgPSy9DZC-E/V0eKSJmq8sI/AAAAAAAAAqM/UG2nEVi2KFocHt-JVmLoIxvLFRZR78CfACL0B/w457-h609-no/4e1b7d2b-9f58-45c6-88c9-c331443adef1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0CdxoEm64-w/V0eKSDo85VI/AAAAAAAAAqM/RnMZwqmqxbwHL80cHBwKZHvXsKOAVZk8gCL0B/w457-h609-no/ef51f602-6077-46ea-963b-5d0c6b44399a
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yVXjbBFLO7w/V0eKSPde0wI/AAAAAAAAAqM/hKQTrxSsUsIr56jLSa5KHtYYfyx2mxwpwCL0B/s609-no/adad8618-115c-4b00-9306-88209abc8cd0


About the same time I got fed up with the 750iL.


So this happened:


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wiQufiGptTo/V0eKSIFScvI/AAAAAAAAAqM/vl1EifP0jTEWijfgnX0uJ87N8bfo8HD8ACL0B/w958-h359-no/88c88dae-3cf2-46de-85e2-6203cc4956ee


It was around this time that I was informed that the engine bays of the e32 and the e34 are the same. I measured....they are. The extra legnth of the e32 is in the core support. The extra width in the tops of the fenders. The e34 engine bay actually has MORE cubic room than the e32 because of the shape of the strut towers.


This in mind, I began removing e34 bits and replacing them with e32 bits. First was the brake booster. The hydrobooster went in it's place. I deleted the ABS because it would be a total dick mission to get to work. It didn't work on the e34 anyway....even though the lights were all off and everything seemed fine.


While doing this, I had the engine on a cart and I resealed the top end. new valve seals, etc. I'd already been through the things when it was in the 7. Oil pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets, intake mani gasket-gaskets....etc. New plugs, coils and distributor caps that weren't from 1988. All the ignition shit was original except the plugs. They were all Autolite....well....11 were. #12 was a OE bosch. About 1/3 of the Autolite plugs were hand tight to. Brilliant.


Anywho, got the engine all sealed up and clean....


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FTTBYalWGN8/V0eKSEl_ovI/AAAAAAAAAqM/L6Qeb0P9je8GqR_oWuOynWbmehvD07T2wCL0B/s609-no/978ebb99-bf42-4a32-a5d8-037b5f261cd7
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KJ7jnXf-gd0/V0eKSGQm3tI/AAAAAAAAAqM/pFpu5hLmfIwTPR0pTS55E0cN6cPsqL2ngCL0B/s609-no/7741cea9-eeee-44dd-b015-c43d068e3d94


These things are brilliant to work on. The forethought that went into them. I'm glad they have the bad stigma....I LOVE them.


So, after that and getting the brakes working on the touring, it was time to set the engine in place.


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4LXsEVT2Y7c/V0eKSCOFBjI/AAAAAAAAAqM/P1MJC1Gkyy0KbPxG93OTn-VuO31dtWO-ACL0B/w457-h609-no/844b7ce2-ce46-4b72-9270-8259226cc4a1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pM7hSrOz3dY/V0eKSFc6XmI/AAAAAAAAAqM/tM484t00WVAm5xr5RC6NcC2jWrq0aZcGQCL0B/w457-h609-no/64eab3cd-1d05-4cb5-a90d-f6e1d2e8bb5c
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7GPRma7MvMM/V0eKSEkoCrI/AAAAAAAAAqM/1fRXY86i-QA-jDYFixVTYrjAbQalJ3UqwCL0B/s609-no/04120ff0-5d5a-4cfe-9f7a-75fa5e0747d4


This was probably middle to late April? I can't remember. It's all a blur. Got all the electronics hooked up, put oil in it, and it fired up on the first crank. I literally jumped up and down like a little kid, clapping my hands and giggling. It was spectacular.


More work work work, got the cooling system squared away. The e32 firewall had a box set back into it for the heater hoses. The e34 does not. So It's tight there. Had to trim the hoses a bit. I got the LAST coolant overflow hose in North America, and 1 of 3 expansion tank hoses. Cooling system done, I focused on the accessory mounts. I used a spot weld drill and removed them all carefully from the 7. I then bolted them in to the accessories......air boxes, oil filter housing, PS res and distribution block, washer fluid res. Marked where the spot welds went, removed it all, ground the paint off, re-installed, and tacked them in. Done. After this I could pop the hood and front end back on.


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--takKKYQmRQ/V0eKSMutK5I/AAAAAAAAArQ/zBrQJWtOd2Yw2S3NTu-dMb1J8z4w-dbLgCL0B/s609-no/29e09179-b63f-4a1e-a9a6-9c980e1656e6
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fSDOn3rgJ3o/V0eKSOWjRoI/AAAAAAAAArQ/-UAENfdG1GwvJMjA-ctS9ozpjUpMybc1ACL0B/s609-no/073a9fcb-c40b-417f-91e4-c72e12c8dec2


So, it's running. Yay. Now I had to make an exhaust. So I did. It's using the stock exhaust down to the downpipes. They are two conjoined pipes for each bank. I merged them into two, 3" pipes, then thru a Y into one, 3" pipe all the way back to a Vibrant muffler with dual 3" outlets. It's a beautiful sound.


Then I was dicking with getting the clutch setup done....yadda yadda....It's a VAC S62 flywheel and OE clutch, with a 25mm flywheel spacer to account for the transmission adapter so the 420G could fit. It's tight, spaced back like that....but it works. Shift linkage and driveshaft was modified as needed. It's all perfect. I owe Paul SOOOO many thanks for making the flywheel adapter, taking time out of his own v12 project to help with mine,. Also for supplying the transmission and the adapter for the 420g to M70.


I installed the driveline Friday morning, drove it for the first time at 3pm Friday the 20th of May....then left for Asheville, NC around 4:30. Pic was just before leaving the shop:


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PUIeB63IptQ/V0eKSKZ5EUI/AAAAAAAAArQ/uA15q2u1aTYxTS47VH5w7qKv1h88Ou80ACL0B/s609-no/600dd825-1959-4df7-a1b9-67d88345acd4


Made it no problem to the Vintage at 11:30pm.


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gWlH8BzUUGY/V0eKSFfmx_I/AAAAAAAAArQ/jkYaIIgoUhUy0VytqHYmi6SfmLNsga7ogCL0B/w457-h609-no/e3a509e6-86d7-4820-a890-68faded2cfb6


Hooned around, showed off the car, and drove home that Sunday. Here's some pics I snapped in the driveway a few minutes ago after playing with the car today....


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vvwgYD60NKQ/V0eKSMjgfqI/AAAAAAAAArQ/QGqHJTTxS8Q38HmKiJAUMBQLD3fLolFjwCL0B/s609-no/ce6c64fb-f613-41c7-b78d-d47a016d79bc
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UNpqVpseDNg/V0eKSPd5CdI/AAAAAAAAArQ/UtbbsmiAD_wozd34dBNFv_Jk0Pjd08vWQCL0B/s609-no/d2e8db62-6cba-4474-8274-71a448b741f5
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bzE0s40zntI/V0eKSCRNtGI/AAAAAAAAArQ/0oJN1N63VesbBHm7E4KABA9FAluCdlXXgCL0B/s609-no/54c33671-cbaa-40dd-b21c-7ff8f1c8206e
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GSGuFqM7YgI/V0eKSJhRRiI/AAAAAAAAArQ/HF_-lo1JQFIaAKRkg9wt3knXXmLoS96MQCL0B/w943-h609-no/d1983905-e11d-4f46-94b5-34fc3c9d7434
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iZUZHJHJE-g/V0eKSBZXSFI/AAAAAAAAArQ/IKifZ5PiVIwfpY8qargVCvVZuO6aOESqwCL0B/s609-no/61b0570d-b1cd-4508-b631-631395e76dbd
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2U0aULZhuAg/V0eKSKYLY9I/AAAAAAAAArQ/Iif1eFwHTMIgVH0WUnrejACULZimawQtQCL0B/s609-no/215a3545-b557-4577-86e6-233dd5d9aa04


All I have to say in conclusion is:


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yd_n0dIC7Uo/V0eKSAzhj8I/AAAAAAAAArg/fmGRPYIPru0AQh-8WnppSTD4jVikJ7mDwCL0B/s609-no/84f17cf6-4ea8-4bd6-818c-cae529852ea5


There's still some tweaking to do, but all in all it's together and it's quick. I'll keep updated as things happen....but yeah....I did a swap and drove it.

[ShapeShifter]

The peasant sticker is a nice touch.
Awesome! Enjoy!

[Sir Montalbon]

That's badass! Don't think I've heard of any other M70 in an e34 touring. Any details or pics of the transmission adapter setup?

[shogun]

Changed title to E34 from E45.
Have worked 2 years ago on an E34 550 limo with Racing Dynamics M70, very tight in engine bay for service.
Racing Dynamics made an E34 with a V12.

[BleedsBlue]

Your sticker game is strong, sir. Also, way to make me feel instantly inferior with my new-to-me M60 wagon :( I can only imagine the M70 wafts of torque in this body style.

[slammin e28]

That's badass! Don't think I've heard of any other M70 in an e34 touring. Any details or pics of the transmission adapter setup?

I'll have to sus some up. I was in such a rush to get this thing together for Vintage, I neglected to take as many pics as I should have.


Changed title to E34 from E45.
Have worked 2 years ago on an E34 550 limo with Racing Dynamics M70, very tight in engine bay for service.
Racing Dynamics made an E34 with a V12.

Thanks!

I bet that thing was a beast!


Your sticker game is strong, sir. Also, way to make me feel instantly inferior with my new-to-me M60 wagon :( I can only imagine the M70 wafts of torque in this body style.

I have a feeling the M60 will pull on it from a stop....but once it get's going, that M70 roars into torque city! It's fun to watch the speedometer get launched up like a rocket.

[Coslin]

Fan-freakin-tastic! Nice job!

[slammin e28]

Here's the only drive by vid that came out from the drive home Sunday. Others were better....but got botched. :/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcPTuv__Z5g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcPTuv__Z5g)

[Creesic]

Sounds amazing. Great work!

[atl530i]

Amazing work. Wish I went to the vintage now :(

[Sam Son]

Very nicely done. Would love to see some more vids.

[B10 BITURBO]

Fantastic,,,,,,,,,

as i can speak of own experience,,, driving an E34 M70 auto,, and an E30 cabrio M70 with G560 6g the character of the engine is so different,, manual,, vs auto

These V12 are amazing,,, truly ,, so nice power delivery and in the manual version you really feel how much more grunt you have

((my V12 E30 use standalone,, so that is also perhaps some way of the difference))

[5mall5nail5]

Good stuff. I wish the m70 had a more exotic sound (and more output couldn't hurt either).

[sbeckman7]

Good stuff. I wish the m70 had a more exotic sound (and more output couldn't hurt either).

At least you can change one of those things with a new exhaust.


OP, thanks for giving me inspiration to do this on my 535i down the road. Do you think you would have kept ABS if starting with a V8 car? Would the ABS module be in the correct location then?

[5mall5nail5]

At least you can change one of those things with a new exhaust.

Sort of - M70 sounds like a smoother M20, not like italian V12s due to firing order and RPM. Still cool though.

[RVAE34]

Very cool!!

[Leonator134]

This is rad af.

[slammin e28]

Good stuff. I wish the m70 had a more exotic sound (and more output couldn't hurt either).

Sort of - M70 sounds like a smoother M20, not like italian V12s due to firing order and RPM. Still cool though.

Yeah, my friend has one in his e28 with dual 2.5" pipes.....no X or H, totally independent. It sounds totally different. We had a 850i where I used to work and it was straight piped, no crossovers....it sounded like an F1 car when you got on it.


At least you can change one of those things with a new exhaust.


OP, thanks for giving me inspiration to do this on my 535i down the road. Do you think you would have kept ABS if starting with a V8 car? Would the ABS module be in the correct location then?

Nope. The ABS is always in the way on the e34. The 750 has the ABS under the left headlamp/airbox. I was going to try to keep it and make it work, but it already didn't work on the car anyway.


Very cool!!

Thanks! Saw the video on your e39. Love it!

So, the car scoots. It's def not that quick off the line....even with the S3.64 rear....but in true M70 form it has gobs of torque. Once it get's going....it goes! You really feel it lurch forward when you cross over 4k rpm. The redline on the e32 cluster is at like 5800rpm....it's limited around 6k or so. Of course the cluster won't swap over to the e34 (it plugs in, but blows the fuse)....and the e34 cluster redlines north of 6k. I have to keep that in mind....with the light flywheel, etc I've nailed that revlimiter quite often.

I have run into an issue with oil consumption and smoke. Off throttle, coasting..."engine braking"...it will smoke....a lot. I did the valve seals before putting the engine in. The PCV stuff is all new...it was all broken apart when I got the 750 initially. I'm thinking the oil rings on at least 1 piston are probably stuck and or just bad. I'll get a miss on one cylinder...#12 of course...but after some hard driving it's cleared up. I have two other v12s...one on a stand torn down, the other still in a not-too-terrible condition e32. Going to try the Marvel Mystery Oil treatment and see if that helps. Otherwise, I guess shell come apart and get a rebuild. Not something I necessarily WANT to do, but meh....

[sbeckman7]

Oh sounds like you're getting the full M70 experience! :D Good to know for the ABS.

[5mall5nail5]

Do a comp and leakdown on it and see how the rings fair.

Are you having issues with the RPM output not matching what the cluster is programmed for? I've had issues with an S38 in an E30 M3 because the stock tacho is looking for 4 pulses and was receiving 6. I think I either built a simple circuit or bought a small adapter to handle that, though.

[slammin e28]

Do a comp and leakdown on it and see how the rings fair.

Are you having issues with the RPM output not matching what the cluster is programmed for? I've had issues with an S38 in an E30 M3 because the stock tacho is looking for 4 pulses and was receiving 6. I think I either built a simple circuit or bought a small adapter to handle that, though.

Compression and leakdown were done before pulling the engine....leakdown a couple times after as I did the valve seals. Leakdown was under 5% on all 12. Compression was, IIRC, around 180+/-5psi all around. I wanted to make sure the engine was tight before dropping it in. I resealed the top...basically everything that has to come apart to do the valve seals. Smoke tested it before and after, and it's all tight.

That's why I'm thinking the oil rings are gummed up, stuck, or something. Enough is getting by on #12 to foul the plug.

RPM output should be spot on. The signal comes from 1 ECU, so the car is reading off of 6 cylinders.

[5mall5nail5]

The only thing that makes me think it may not be the rings is that you said it smokes on decel - that's usually seals or guides. Did you check the guides?

[slammin e28]

I did not. The seals were basically hard plastic by now, so I just slammed those in and called it done. I was also using compressed air to hold the valve up so they were all tight into the seats.

[ross1]

I did not. The seals were basically hard plastic by now, so I just slammed those in and called it done. I was also using compressed air to hold the valve up so they were all tight into the seats.

Your symptoms indicate the oil is past the valve guides, so new seals maybe not enough.
Cool project, you'll get it sorted.

[BleedsBlue]

Are you having issues with the RPM output not matching what the cluster is programmed for? I've had issues with an S38 in an E30 M3 because the stock tacho is looking for 4 pulses and was receiving 6. I think I either built a simple circuit or bought a small adapter to handle that, though.

Iiiiintradasting. The tach on the new-to-me 540iT is off--it "redlines" well into the MPG gauge, almost at 6 o'clock. Not the original cluster or diff, but the original engine and trans. I'd like to figure it out for sure.

[slammin e28]

Your symptoms indicate the oil is past the valve guides, so new seals maybe not enough.
Cool project, you'll get it sorted.

Was kinda hoping that would be the case. Heads are easy to swap on these. I have a spare set I can rebuild...maybe even look into cams or whatever. I know there's not much out there, and it can be spendy....but I've got a year before Vintage 2017....

[E38740iMD]

Sort of - M70 sounds like a smoother M20, not like italian V12s due to firing order and RPM. Still cool though.



I heard some m7x that sound like Italian cars etc. Maybe those were all vanos motors or there's a secret in materials used to get it.

The guy with the light blue E38 750il sounds like it to.

Oh the guys name is Dima I think

[moroza]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4LXsEVT2Y7c/V0eKSCOFBjI/AAAAAAAAAqM/P1MJC1Gkyy0KbPxG93OTn-VuO31dtWO-ACL0B/w457-h609-no/844b7ce2-ce46-4b72-9270-8259226cc4a1

That's a sexy photo!

My favorite sticker was one I saw on a Testarossa, IIRC - "Just another crappy import"

Can we have more details about the transmission adapter? I imagine it was custom, and easier/cheaper than sourcing a 560G?

Given that both banks of an M70 follow the normal 1-5-3-6-2-4 straight-six pattern, I wonder what it'd sound like with fully independent dual exhausts? (Sidepipes?)

[slammin e28]

That's a sexy photo!

My favorite sticker was one I saw on a Testarossa, IIRC - "Just another crappy import"

Can we have more details about the transmission adapter? I imagine it was custom, and easier/cheaper than sourcing a 560G?

Given that both banks of an M70 follow the normal 1-5-3-6-2-4 straight-six pattern, I wonder what it'd sound like with fully independent dual exhausts? (Sidepipes?)

Adapter was sourced from a place in Poland. My friend has the info. He did a M70 into an e28 528e. We drove down to Vintage together. He had to make a flywheel spacer to make up for the adapter thickness.

They sound very nice with independent pipes. I'll dig up the clip of the e28 with dual 2.5" pipes, no X to H.....just independent pipes all the way back.

[slammin e28]

So, just for reference....the M70 air mass meter plug, harness side, and the boot are part #s: 12 52 1 737 668 (housing) and 12 52 1 737 944 (boot). I had a helluva time finding these. Between number supersessions and what not....a good friend at the dealer took time on a Saturday (his day off) to help me find them. One of my plugs disintegrated, so it likes to fall out and drop that bank from time to time.

Getting a set of 99k mile M70 heads to redo. Figure for the cost of valve guides, these will be cheaper....and they have wayyy less miles than my 265k engine. So I'll just swap them onto my engine. Was thinking of looking at getting the cams ground, etc....but for the $$ it hardly seems worth it.

Trying to get this thing back to the reliability I had with the M30 in the car, where I feel comfortable driving it on a daily basis...but I've got my RX7 and Land Rover projects to do too....may park this car and get into those just to break things up a little. I'm getting burned out on BMWs.

[BleedsBlue]

reliability ... RX7 ....Land Rover projects

You are the most interesting man in the world, a gentleman most in his element dancing on the edge of a knife suspended over a precipice filled with flat-beds and fiscal failure. And I salute you.

[slammin e28]

A friend of mine detailed the thing...


Because I had this car in my garage for a detailing to pay back Jeff for his help with my E28, I took some pictures and video of this thing.


First: Exhaust video
https://youtu.be/C3LyP92QzoM

https://s22.postimg.org/5kc3wy829/14957995_10154630219344134_1644887256_o.jpg
https://s22.postimg.org/k4t6rs30x/14963468_10154630219339134_1353437208_o.jpg
https://s22.postimg.org/bntoguyc1/14975960_10154630219304134_940642721_o_1.jpg
https://s22.postimg.org/c1v0ggifl/14959041_10154630219284134_66090465_o.jpg




So, got the shifter all fixed, now I have access to all 6 gears.


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161107/f8f1373a0fa4775ea758782a9fdb4d11.jpg


Before it was flat and about 3/4 an inch shorter. When shifted into 5 or 6 it was rubbing on the guibo. Also lowered the trans another 3-4mm.....long story. Also re-bled the clutch, it's a lot better now. Must have had a minuscule amount of air in it.


Then I decided to put the spare tire back in. The car had gotten REALLY smelly, like BAD. I couldn't figure out where....but I found out...


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161107/1dd5a7045f71dfdf3d909cc157dd78dc.jpg


8 or so dead baby mice in the spare tire well.....removed them and cleaned the well. Smell is gone now.


Decided to take the car to C&C on Sat morning. Started up just fine and drove 40 miles to C&C. Went to leave and the injectors wouldn't pulse, also the fuel pump would cut off when cranking. Tried jumping it, but still nothing. So had to tow it to the shop and properly diag.


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161107/f7de0e1ebd83248a87c28dc45e48cad0.jpg


Turned out the 3 year old battery was marginal, and the power junction for the aux relay box (which houses the fuel pump/injector relays) was bad. Corrected that and started driving it home.


THEN I was like 5 miles from home and decided to show off to the panhandler at the interstate exit....


I launched the car and immediatly there was a pop and the engine reved....but car would barely move. So got it out of the road and had dad call AAA.


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161107/017f97b56e19a25300a8758134f16569.jpg


Tow driver was super cool, and talented with that roll back.


Got the car home and on the lift and diaged.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BwgKKDMzYY

Did that with a used, stock, e39 528i clutch...


Then....since there was a drive down Skyline Drive the next day (Sunday)....I went to the shop (40 miles each way) to grab a replacement axle. This is where I learned that 535i axle are larger than the 525i ones....so I had to crawl under a parts car and harvest the axle.


Done and done...did the drive and it was awesome.


I think after getting the car cleaned up, I'm more into it now. It's a blast since I got the shifter BS and clutch bled all proper.


Now I've got some fueling issue going on, I think. I'm going to swap in the brand new dual fuel pump setup from the 750 and all that jazz. The stock 525i pump seems to not be able to keep up when the tank gets low, so I get all kindsa misfiring etc....plus it's loud, and has been loud since I bought the car.


Also going to swap in the rear trailing arms from the 750 and larger axles from the 535.


Then I'm gearing up to swap in the other M70, since this one uses a ton of oil and smoked on decel, and install the new M5 clutch and have VAC put a new gall plate on the flywheel.

[Butler]

Cool build dude! Keep us updated.

[BlackSpeed66]

This thing is just so..... wonderful. It's like what every Touring should aspire to be when it grows up. Like a manual swap is its Sweet 16 lol.... and then.... V12.

[M5 Jed]

Yeah very nice build! Congrats and enjoy it!

[slammin e28]

Got some pretty huge updates. I'll post some teasers, but the entire thing is pretty much spelled out in the link at the bottom.

I got tired of the v12 burning oil and running like crap. It had around 270k on it or so. I bought another 750iL ($350) and all it needed to start was the fuel pumps. So I took that engine and rebuilt it. Raceware headstuds, Calico coated bearings, basically everything replaced and or/cleaned. New TRE 255lph fuel pump and I converter the fuel rails to M73 rails, BUT I deleted the return and have a e46 330i fuel filter w/integrated regulator at the back of the car. So I have only one fuel line going into the engine bay.

Quick random pic summary:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170516/3094d514f7f0db9f2812ab991f84c83a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170516/815b656a786cbf53930fb9874dbac0ab.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170516/1574cb6ae07ad518cdadef0677f25a5a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170516/537c6ca4e88de55e50b7991686ca46a4.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170516/a47aeee354c93e5474838574a2d500eb.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170516/1560f5e6d31dbe81edd33bbba2241687.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170516/ecd254a44cb7447729cd97160f11b295.jpg


And a quick vid a friend did for me:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FBAIY6SE_I


Thing is fantastic now. Drives so much better. It's amazing.

I'll be driving it down to Vintage Friday.


http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=386577

[GazM3]

Looks a great combination. Thanks for sharing

[KingDavidsCourt]

Would you please build me one? That is awesome...

[M5 Jed]

Awesome work!

[Coslin]

Great Video! More Please!

[slammin e28]

Man, it's been a little bit. New engine is still going strong. Went to a dyno day and put down some solid numbers.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhoOsEua_4o

I was a little disappointed it didn't hit 300whp, but what it did put down it right on par with the crank HP when new, so I'm happy. Also the consistency is insane.


So, I guess it's done? I donno. I'm not a huge aesthetics guy, but I may delve into the interior to make it a nicer place to be. I donno.

[ECSTuning]

Every time your thread resurfaces I'm reminded of how much I want to build a v12 wagon! Love it!

-James

[moroza]

... dancing on the edge of a knife suspended over a precipice filled with flat-beds and fiscal failure.

Quoted for gold.

[KingDavidsCourt]

Would you please build me one? That is awesome...


No seriously... I wish I could do stuff like this on my own. I'm half tempted to buy a wagon with a overheating issue (I wish e34 sellers just went ahead and said it instead of 'runs but needs coolant system attention') start twisting bolts until I losen enough to get the engine out and just figure it out myself.

[slammin e28]

No seriously... I wish I could do stuff like this on my own. I'm half tempted to buy a wagon with a overheating issue (I wish e34 sellers just went ahead and said it instead of 'runs but needs coolant system attention') start twisting bolts until I losen enough to get the engine out and just figure it out myself.

Haha, you don't wanna know what it's cost. I've got hundreds of man-hours into this engine. Parts generally at cost (I manage a shop), except the headstuds ($660 for the set IIRC) and getting the bearings re-coated ($120 for them all), were around $2k or so.

Protip: Get a touring with a V8.....swapping the I6 cars to anything wider than an I6 is a pain.

[atl530i]

This makes me want to build a V12 wagon.

[Tre0Tre34]

V12 wagon anyone??? :D

...but yes. So cool!

[KingDavidsCourt]

Haha, you don't wanna know what it's cost. I've got hundreds of man-hours into this engine. Parts generally at cost (I manage a shop), except the headstuds ($660 for the set IIRC) and getting the bearings re-coated ($120 for them all), were around $2k or so.

Protip: Get a touring with a V8.....swapping the I6 cars to anything wider than an I6 is a pain.

I wish I could find a nice one for a decent price. The only ones I see anywhere are 525it's...

[moroza]

265/295? I know dynos vary, but that's +1hp and -1ft-lb from my M62 (264/296). The noise is quite a bit nicer, though.

Hey wait... is this thing a hardtop?

[slammin e28]

265/295? I know dynos vary, but that's +1hp and -1ft-lb from my M62 (264/296). The noise is quite a bit nicer, though.

Hey wait... is this thing a hardtop?

Yeah, M70 never was a bit time powerhouse. It's more the ohhs and ahhhs and the sound, lol.

Yup, slicktop. Wouldn't have it any other way.

[moroza]

Yeah, M70 never was a bit time powerhouse.

How about this? Option F sounds interesting. (http://www.racingpowerplant.com/bmw_m70.htm)

[slammin e28]

Well, time to dig this back up. Stage two: Interior.

I've got a black, early non-airbag dash to put in (along with replacing the leaky heater core), and the black center console etc. Rear door sunshades. Also a set of electric, memory sport seats that will have the heaters added into.

Plan is to have the seats redone and dyed chestnut brown, or some other brown IDK. Black dash, console, etc. Black door card tops, brown lowers with some black to divide it up. Black carpet. Headliner will be dark grey suede/alcantera.

I'll start with the dash swap and dying the carpet. It's all parchment now, so going to any other colour should be fine.

Any tips on placed to get leather dye in specific BMW colours? I'm finding a lot of leather repair places, but I'm totally new to this....do wanna DIY as much as I can though.

[Sir Montalbon]

I had great results with Leatherique when redoing my daily's parchment interior. They can match any sample you send if it's not in their BMW catalogue. I recommend something like the Elekta Hazelnut if you're into dark browns.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-bmw-m5-2/

[GazM3]

I used leathereque as well.

The secret is do do lots of thin coats with a small sponge and use a big car cleaning size sponge to smooth the coat to eliminate lines. This way u still see the grains on the leather. I woonder if u can get the leather covers. I’ve got a lead on some sport seats so may need to revisit the dyeing again.

Btw the v12 is awesome. It’s not the most powerful engine but it sounds great and even the starter motor is cool

[Sir Montalbon]

Or even better, thin coats with an airbrush if you have one. I borrowed a nice one from a friend and it came out beuatiful. I did my DD with parchment as practice. I want to eventually do my Alpine touring in Hazelnut and Black.

[slammin e28]

Well this thing is still going. I did the interior a few years ago and am finally getting things wrapped up. Been daily driving it the past few weeks and every day I take care of another small issue. Finally got the rear door panels on, just waiting on some clips so I can put the sunshades in.

I did swap to early mirrors to get the big, crummy late ones off the car.
Fixed the center vent temp selector by trimming the center light tube down so it didn't kick the wheel back down.
Still trying to figure out a head unit, but it's been okay just cruising with the car noise.

Little photo dump since it's been a while. Turns out these cars like being driven and this one actually drives pretty well.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221129/a3490b4fd2617f6ae25642832cd95bad.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221129/c9b5af832f4c2fc8a1c847a5c030572a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221129/7c0ce17b1082e953abb26f0045d6b316.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221129/a958d83d4be5670e5092ef081b9c059f.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221129/babfbbd8e77136f77ec1a28fbb0ca596.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pink120]

My, oh my, I did not know this thing was here. That is one beautiful machine, sir, inside and out (probably looks even better cleaned up :D).

[E24man]

Awesome car, awesome thread. I have a 4.6 V8 in my Touring but a V12 is the daddy for smoothness.

Interesting aside about the centre vent - my cold/hot wheel gets sticky/rebounds back down - is that what yours was doing?

[slammin e28]

My, oh my, I did not know this thing was here. That is one beautiful machine, sir, inside and out (probably looks even better cleaned up :D).

Eh, the paint is pretty shot. It cleans up okay, but really just needs new paint. Roof clearcoat is totally gone. Some places on the body need to be straightened out too lol.


Awesome car, awesome thread. I have a 4.6 V8 in my Touring but a V12 is the daddy for smoothness.

Interesting aside about the centre vent - my cold/hot wheel gets sticky/rebounds back down - is that what yours was doing?

Not that smooth. The DMEs are from an auto car so it likes to lope at idle. Sometimes it will smooth out and then it's realllll nice. There's also the getrag rattle because of the idle and my 15lb flywheel. Running ATF in the trans now, but thinking about changing it to RP Synchromesh.

Yes. The wheel would spring back down/up to the middle. I had no real heat as a result. The light tube inside becomes stiff and will do that. I tried to make more room for it, but ended up snipping it short. I should have taken pics but....yeah....
It still illuminates the little white - in the wheel. It's not hard to take the vent assembly apart. Getting the vents out of the dash I found to be pretty frustrating though.

[E24man]

Not that smooth. The DMEs are from an auto car so it likes to lope at idle. Sometimes it will smooth out and then it's realllll nice. There's also the getrag rattle because of the idle and my 15lb flywheel. Running ATF in the trans now, but thinking about changing it to RP Synchromesh.

Yes. The wheel would spring back down/up to the middle. I had no real heat as a result. The light tube inside becomes stiff and will do that. I tried to make more room for it, but ended up snipping it short. I should have taken pics but....yeah....
It still illuminates the little white - in the wheel. It's not hard to take the vent assembly apart. Getting the vents out of the dash I found to be pretty frustrating though.

I've had that struggle getting the vent out - four old credit cards worked for me - as has a little 3-in-one oil accurately squirted either side of the wheel.

I'm lucky that I also have a V12 for smoothness - a 5.7 in my E38.

It sounds like getting the paintwork sorted is your next mission - good luck.

[mcw323is]

Love your leather - really jealous. Also reminded I have that same steering wheel waiting to be put in - looks great!

[slammin e28]

I've had that struggle getting the vent out - four old credit cards worked for me - as has a little 3-in-one oil accurately squirted either side of the wheel.

I'm lucky that I also have a V12 for smoothness - a 5.7 in my E38.

It sounds like getting the paintwork sorted is your next mission - good luck.

Ahh makes sense! I'll try that next time.

Yeah, paint/body work. I'm no good at that, so it'll be a while while I save some scratch to get it done.

Ofc my next mission is m73/6sp into my black e39t. Gathering parts, still a lot to go though.


Love your leather - really jealous. Also reminded I have that same steering wheel waiting to be put in - looks great!

Thanks!

I need to get the blank for where the buttons used to be. The horn I was either too dumb to get to work or too impatient. I ended up swapping the wires in the connector for the BC button on the turn signal stalk...like where my old range rover had the horn. Works great and now I can run whatever wheel will fit (1994+ column) and not have to dick with the slip ring.