525 Project

[capkel]

Hello all 5 series masters Just switched over from the 3 series (e46) to the 5 series (e34) part of the club. I have obtained a 1990 525i in relatively good condition. My project is to completely restore this car to it's former glory. No modifications whatsoever. Everything stock standard. If possible to get every single switch back to working order eg vanity mirror light. I am sure some sifus here must have embarked on this journey before and I would apprerciate it if I could be pointed in the right direction of a competent mechanic well versed with the e34.I will soon post some pictures of my "new" babe.Cheers

 

[fabianyee]

The E34 is a good car to have...
Bring it to the weekly TT session in Showru on Friday nites....

BTW, what are the problems with the 5er now?

 

[Zoggee]

Originally posted by capkel@Aug 6 2005, 12:44 AM
Hello all 5 series masters

Just switched over from the 3 series (e46) to the 5 series (e34) part of the club. I have obtained a 1990 525i in relatively good condition. My project is to completely restore this car to it's former glory. No modifications whatsoever. Everything stock standard. If possible to get every single switch back to working order eg vanity mirror light.

I am sure some sifus here must have embarked on this journey before and I would apprerciate it if I could be pointed in the right direction of a competent mechanic well versed with the e34.

I will soon post some pictures of my "new" babe.

Cheers

very good choice...changing from e46 to e34. :yes: me an oldskool udm lover

 

[capkel]

First thing is to get the car back in perfect (well 80%) running condition.

The major things would be to rebalance or replace the longshaft. It's shaking the car a bit. The gear box has been overhauled three years ago and it's still ok. The engine has the very distinctive 12v tappet sounds, so i guess, valve clearance adjustments?

The bottom of the car needs some work as well like replacing all wear and tear brake components and suspension system.

Interior wise it's ok. I probably need to change the door linings and give the leather seats some touch-up. It was reupholstered recently.

I probably will rejoin you guys for TT. It's been a while. BTW where is this place? Have been trying to search for it in the forum but drew a blank.

No doubt the E46 was a plasure to drive but I still like working on things and the e34 gives me the opportunity to do so without breaking the bank too much.

 

[Ghostrider-SG]

M20 or M50 engine ??

If its the M20, you might wanna consider doing the air mass conversion. Its worth the trouble.

First before you embark on the cosmetic part, I would suggest that you get your mech parts sorted out first. Check if your bushing are still in order...suspension etc...cooling system, sensors etc....once you have a reliable car running, then you can start to think about the cosmetic parts like your interior and paintwork.

When I got my car, first thing I did was to change all the bushing....and while it cost a bomb...it was worth my trouble cos the car felt tight and nice...almost like a new car feeling.

BTW....the more I drive my E34, the more I love it. Damn good machine....IMHO.

 

[Fuhrer]

its a 90 model...hence the m20..

 

[tyke]

Originally posted by capkel@Aug 5 2005, 06:57 PM
First thing is to get the car back in perfect (well 80%) running condition.

The major things would be to rebalance or replace the longshaft. It's shaking the car a bit. The gear box has been overhauled three years ago and it's still ok. The engine has the very distinctive 12v tappet sounds, so i guess, valve clearance adjustments?

The bottom of the car needs some work as well like replacing all wear and tear brake components and suspension system.

Interior wise it's ok. I probably need to change the door linings and give the leather seats some touch-up. It was reupholstered recently.

I probably will rejoin you guys for TT. It's been a while. BTW where is this place? Have been trying to search for it in the forum but drew a blank.

No doubt the E46 was a plasure to drive but I still like working on things and the e34 gives me the opportunity to do so without breaking the bank too much.

dude,if ur familiar with kelana jaya,its a mamak called "SHOWRU CAFE"
and its next to the MAS training centre.

welcome to the club!
prepare urself for racun!!! :nyehehe:
rgds,
-brad-

 

[capkel]

Alright! Let's get the ball on the roll.

Yes, it's my intention to get all the crucial components in tip top condition first.

It's a M20 motor. What would converting the airmass require and it's benefits? I am not looking for a hot rod. Just restoring to it's original form. Unless the poison you guys use are really lethal

Hopefully I will be able to join you guys next week.

Cheers

 

[Fuhrer]

drop me an M50..no need all those un-neccessary engine mods to get minimal gains..a forumer is selling one for under 5k i think..instant 192hp!

 

[Ghostrider-SG]

Sorry to butt in but M20 and M50 conversion is a NIGHTMARE !!

Just plonking in the engine will not do. You will need the full set of wire harness, gearbox (cos M50 5 speeder), drive shaft, rear diff. The only thing that is the same between the M20 v M50 is the mounting point only.

In short...buy engine only not enuff...you need a whole halfcut...which is plenty in Malaysia.

Nightmare...not impossible...its a heck of a job but as long as everything is in place, 10 grand should do it nicely (plus minus 2-3 grands).

But if not going for drastic, a air mass will help respond from the M20 tremendously.

 

[pussy]

there's a e34 guru lurking around here on the forums.. u might want to pm him...

regards

 

[pussy]

can't remember his name... end's with a i.. :nyehehe:

 

[pussy]

but busy guy.. :blush:

 

[pussy]

hmmnn where is he? h34r:

 

[shaifulo]

if u r looking for aerodynamic upgrade, there is an E34 ACS rear valance waiting to be grabbed in a chop shop famous for e34 goodies!! but then u'd need the front one, skirts, spoiler, the muffler...wheels to complete the look

 

[RonKovic]

Originally posted by Ghostrider-SG@Aug 6 2005, 01:53 PM
M20 or M50 engine ??

If its the M20, you might wanna consider doing the air mass conversion. Its worth the trouble.

First before you embark on the cosmetic part, I would suggest that you get your mech parts sorted out first. Check if your bushing are still in order...suspension etc...cooling system, sensors etc....once you have a reliable car running, then you can start to think about the cosmetic parts like your interior and paintwork.

When I got my car, first thing I did was to change all the bushing....and while it cost a bomb...it was worth my trouble cos the car felt tight and nice...almost like a new car feeling.

BTW....the more I drive my E34, the more I love it. Damn good machine....IMHO.

Hey Bro,

OT abit.
Did u happen to drive past the CTE on Wednesday heading north to AMK near Braddle? Saw a car that looked like yours and also a guy that looked like you. But I forgot your car plate lah ....

 

[Ghostrider-SG]

Originally posted by RonKovic+Aug 7 2005, 10:22 AM-->QUOTE (RonKovic @ Aug 7 2005, 10:22 AM)

 

[RonKovic]

Originally posted by Ghostrider-SG@Aug 7 2005, 03:53 PM

M20 or M50 engine ??

If its the M20, you might wanna consider doing the air mass conversion. Its worth the trouble.

First before you embark on the cosmetic part, I would suggest that you get your mech parts sorted out first. Check if your bushing are still in order...suspension etc...cooling system, sensors etc....once you have a reliable car running, then you can start to think about the cosmetic parts like your interior and paintwork.

When I got my car, first thing I did was to change all the bushing....and while it cost a bomb...it was worth my trouble cos the car felt tight and nice...almost like a new car feeling.

BTW....the more I drive my E34, the more I love it. Damn good machine....IMHO.

Oh yes indeed. I never drive past CTE during rush hour and now, because of ERP. I was driving past on a Wed afternoon then saw the ride and thought it was you. If an E34 is decently well-maintained on the exterior and still in good shape, I always thought that chances are its one of us cos' all the rest of the E34s left on S'pore roads are not in the best of shape!

Anyhow, about the Air Mass Conversion, spoke to Bernard from BVO once about this. He was telling me that it would definitely help with the throttle response with less restrictions on airflow and need to do an OBIT on it. Am still pondering on this because the mod is close to SGD1.8K!

In addition to the Air Mass Conversion, I guess that a bigger intake manifold and big bore throttle body complement it as well? I noticed that the intake manifold for the M20 B25 engine is much larger than that of the M20 B20.

 

[capkel]

Ok, first thing on my list is the gearbox. I think it's kaput. Won't shift gears when cold. What is the price range of 2nd hand unit? I have enquired regarding recond ones going for a whopping 4.5k incl installation!

Anyone knows of a place to get a used ZF 4HP22?

 

[flash]

Originally posted by capkel@Aug 8 2005, 06:43 PM
Ok, first thing on my list is the gearbox. I think it's kaput. Won't shift gears when cold. What is the price range of 2nd hand unit? I have enquired regarding recond ones going for a whopping 4.5k incl installation!

Anyone knows of a place to get a used ZF 4HP22?

Me thinks mafia has one gearbox for sale?