The M5 runs again! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

e30sd · 3rd July 2009, 08:16

Wow, it's been 10 months, but it is finally a runner. Took it for a drive today, it is tighter than ever. Everything has been replaced, and next time, I will probably not buy a "used" motor (too many surprises for me). But ****, I'm just glad to have it back. I really have to thank Bryson and Marco Gentile of Marco Polo BMW in La Jolla, CA, but mostly Bryson. He's the one that really got this done, and did it pro.

I have an appointment to smog it tomorrow, then i have to renew the tags (yay AAA), and it should be good to drive! It will need a valve adjustment check after 1k miles, but the valves are so quiet I'm not really worried about it.

P.S. believe the hype when they say "real" m cars are expensive. i bought this car for $6k, but i spent about $10k during this little field trip to the shop. At least I have the skills to pay the bills (my visa always gets a work out when i visit Marco, paid the balance off today $5k).

Party on!

davidoli · 3rd July 2009, 10:10

Congratulations ......Here's to a wonderful summer of driving fun !

D

Ashok Arora · 3rd July 2009, 12:29

Very nice

kiudog · 3rd July 2009, 16:25

very good news!!! congrats and the best luck for you and your car!

mstupp · 4th July 2009, 00:08

Excellent! Now you can bond with her all over again.

Michael

roortube · 4th July 2009, 01:46

glad to hear of another beast back on the road. what all was done for your hard earned green??

e30sd · 4th July 2009, 01:56

short version:

last september I had a hiccup that turned out to be 2 spun rod bearings. I found a used 50k motor and decided to freshen it up as a replacement. It took a while, it had some unforseen issues but everything in this motor is new. it's great. also had them take care of the driveline, new clutch, rebuilt shift linkage, etc. mechanically it is 100% solid. now it's time do deal with the cosmetics.

Just got back from the DMV, got her registered and smogged, she's officially road worthy! and just in time for the holiday weekend. I plan on hitting some roads tomorrow!

Ratty · 4th July 2009, 14:14

Excuse me poking my nose in, but I thought it was better to set the valve clearances within tolerance but on the 'loose' side.
'It will need a valve adjustment check after 1k miles, but the valves are so quiet I'm not really worried about it.'

Faz did mine and the increase in power was very noticeable.

Too tight and you risk damaging a valve...

Mtechnik540i · 6th July 2009, 01:51

Very nice Pasha!!

Did you do a basic rebuild or what? I never heard the details on what all you were doing.

It's time for an Eisenmann.

e30sd · 6th July 2009, 01:58

Had the replacment motor thorughly gone through. Head was freshedned up, bottom end too. Every seal gasket and bushing replaced. New clutch, tranny received all new seals, rebuilt shift linkage.

Tomorrow I'm having it professionally detailed, the paint needs some help. Ordered replacement fogs, next week I plan on going for ellipsoids and HIDs.