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Architect's 2003 Sterling Gray Metallic M5

38K views 150 replies 42 participants last post by  Architect 
#1 ·
Hey everyone!
I have been a lurking board member for a few years now, learning all I can about these Beasts, and looking to purchase the right car at the right time.

March 2015 I was fortunate enough to purchase a 2003 Sterling Gray Metallic M5 from a fellow board member.
She had been taken care of mechanically incredibly well, some awesome tuned modifications, and all the right moves.
It was love at first sight!

Modifications when purchased:
Evolve Stage 2 Header Power Tune
Evolve 4-1 ceramic coated long tube headers
Supersprint X-pipe, Vibrant mufflers
JB Racing flywheel, Evosport underdrive pulleys
ST coilovers, Dinan front strut tower brace and rear sway bar
BBS Motorsport GT4 wheels (18x9.5 front and 18x10 rear) with wheel stud conversion
Recaro Sportster CS seats, BMW short shifter with ZHP knob
BAVauto Bluetooth

Apparently she is putting out 434 HP, but I need to verify this with some dyno testing in the near future.
It is incredible how instant the throttle response is, how hard she pulls, and that sweet nasty sound is just looking for a fight.

This car was slammed on ST coilovers when I picked it up (2.5" ground clearance) as pictured below.
I've since adjusted the car up (0.5"), which consequently stopped my recurring nightmares of speed tables and driveways.
 

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#2 ·
I am taking care of this car to the best of my abilities.
While mechanically sound, there were some areas of improvement it needed in the detail compartment.

Wheel wells:
Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner
Simple Green 50/50 mix with water
Scrubbed with hog hair bristle detailing brush
303 Aerospace Protectant
 

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#4 ·
Wheels:
P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner
Scrubbed with EZ Detail Brush, Griot's Garage Lug Nut Cleaning Brush, and Hog hair bristle detailing brush
Zaino Z-18 Clay Bar with Meguiar's Quik Detailer as lubricant
Chemical Guys WAC303 Wheel Guard Rim and Wheel Sealant
Mothers 10324 Reflections Tire Care inside and out tire walls
 

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#5 ·
Onto the interiors!

First up the cabin:
Vacuumed carpets, washed rubber floor mats, washed and scrubbed pedals, cleaned interior glass with Stoner Invisible Glass Cleaner, dusted and cleaned air vents and other tight spots with cotton swabs
 

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#6 ·
Then the trunk:
Removed the stained felt liner, washed and scrubbed.
After dried repaired corners with fabric glue.
 

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#7 ·
The engine bay didn't need much cleaning:
Covered electrical connections/alternator with plastic,
Sprayed Scrubbing Bubbles Foam Bathroom Cleaner,
Washed with garden hose, removed plastic,
Wiped down compartment dry and applied Griots Engine Bay Dressing over plastic and rubber components.
 

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#14 ·
Prepped surface with Zaino Z-6 to pick up any dust
Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches removed with Zaino Z-5 and Zaino ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator Additive applied with Porter Cable 7424XP and white cutting pad
 

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#19 ·
Here are some photos of the work done to the car so far.

The next step I have planned is cleaning up road rash with the Dr ColorChip system.
 

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#20 ·
Jesus! That's super clean! Haha you may just have a little too much free time my friend...;)
 
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#21 · (Edited)
:applause:

Wow. I don't think I have ever seen someone clay the inside of the wheels before! Fantastic job. I've been using Zaino on my M5 since I bought it in 12/2004. I still haven't found anything that works better.

Congratulations on the purchase - seems you acquired a good one!

P.S. I don't have any experience with Dr. ColorChip, but given the rest of the car is so pristine, have you considered a bumper respray?
 
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#25 · (Edited)
:applause:

Wow. I don't think I have ever seen someone clay the inside of the wheels before! Fantastic job. I've been using Zaino on my M5 since I bought it in 12/2004. I still haven't found anything that works better.

Congratulations on the purchase - seems you acquired a good one!

P.S. I don't have any experience with Dr. ColorChip, but given the rest of the car is so pristine, have you consider a bumper respray?
I am loving the Zaino system myself. It took a lot of time to go through all of these steps, but the protection and finish are certainly worth it.

Good question about respraying the bumper. I'll see how Dr. ColorChip works, but may end up getting it painted properly in the end. My hopes are this repair chip method will pass the 10-foot visual inspection test.
 
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