The *Mostly* BMW Garage Bolt-On

[davidstutler]

Wow!! Just, wow.

Ever since starting (and nearly a year later, closing) my dry ice cleaning business, I've been on quiet the stretch of automobile purchases, myself, but nothing like you. You, my friend, are an animal!!

Since 2018, I believe I am on my 10th vehicle, give or take. My wife, surprisingly, still hasn't left me.

That E91 is gorgeous...nice score! Looking forward to more (ahem, consistent) updates from you!

As you know, it is fun, but can be incredibly exhausting That's interesting about the dry ice business - I seriously considered doing the same here. And for the record, since the beginning of 2018, the number is .... gulp .... 70!

Wow that is a journey on the BMW front!! Y

You mentioned you had some e36's - did you ever replace a magma interior in an M3 with sport seats, not vader? I see some companies that have replacement covers - not sure if one is better than another? They are torn so no rehab will help.

I've done a couple E36 interiors over the years. Autoberry is the group I had the best luck with, in terms of quality of the material and fitment. Magma is so so good - but for some reason they tend to wear terribly. Similar to Caramel on the E39.

Goodness that Blue wagon is so dreamy!

LeMans is so good. I always thought Avus was my favorite BMW blue (I've had a dozen Avus cars), but I think LMB might be passing it in my heart.

 

[Mark_17]

I'm really curious, why did you sell the lift?

 

[davidstutler]

I'm really curious, why did you sell the lift?

The lift always represented opportunity for me - to my own financial detriment. I could ALWAYS justify any new purchase if the lift was empty. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend the one I had (Advantage Lifts XLT), but it created more financial angst than it brought joy.

 

[Skellyii]

The lift always represented opportunity for me - to my own financial detriment. I could ALWAYS justify any new purchase if the lift was empty. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend the one I had (Advantage Lifts XLT), but it created more financial angst than it brought joy.

I get it.
I currently have two lifts, and more space than I should have.

Be nice and don't ask me how many vehicles I have in my current inventory.

 

[davidstutler]

I get it.
I currently have two lifts, and more space than I should have.

Be nice and don't ask me how many vehicles I have in my current inventory.

I want to be nice, but I also need to know

 

[Skellyii]

I want to be nice, but I also need to know

Uncle Skelly's Garage

I've got to be out of my frikkin mind...trying to outfit two shops at once. But, I had already run the dedicated power line for the mini-split in my home garage, so what the heck. Isn't having too many projects the GJ way?? :thumbup:

www.garagejournal.com

Post #74

 

[davidstutler]

Uncle Skelly's Garage

I've got to be out of my frikkin mind...trying to outfit two shops at once. But, I had already run the dedicated power line for the mini-split in my home garage, so what the heck. Isn't having too many projects the GJ way?? :thumbup:

www.garagejournal.com

Post #74

I feel sane when looking at that list! Well done!

 

[Skellyii]

I feel sane when looking at that list! Well done!

That's nice, I feel insane when creating that list.

But..as I move a few of those vehicles, I'm thinking about a 90's era 840 and an early Thunderbird, preferably a 1957.

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

Wow, that is a lot of change in the last 6 months. Many cool cars coming and going. I really like the new wagon combo. Blue, manual, MSport, and saddle interior. Just about as perfect as it gets.

Every time I come here, I leave wanting to add a BMW Wagon to the garage. I actually looked locally at an F31 diesel wagon a little while back but decided against it because it wasn't an MSport which I would really prefer. You have not helped my problem of wanting a BMW Wagon with your latest addition.

 

[davidstutler]

Wow, that is a lot of change in the last 6 months. Many cool cars coming and going. I really like the new wagon combo. Blue, manual, MSport, and saddle interior. Just about as perfect as it gets.

Every time I come here, I leave wanting to add a BMW Wagon to the garage. I actually looked locally at an F31 diesel wagon a little while back but decided against it because it wasn't an MSport which I would really prefer. You have not helped my problem of wanting a BMW Wagon with your latest addition.

I think my count for BMW wagon is up to 15 - so I'm not going to be your best bet on talking you out of one I've had three F31s - all M-Sport, gas-powered variants. If I were to do another, it'd be a 328d M-Sport or an M-Sport roller with a B58 swap.

In an attempt to keep better up to date, here is the latest on the garage happenings.

The X5 was sent to the shop to diagnose the braking issue. I tried bleeding every way imaginable with no luck. They called today with the news that the brake booster is bad (good, since I had one in hand) and so they're going to replace that and the MC, since it's original. I'll hopefully have it back to me before end of the week, so I can start dialing in the aesthetics. It'll get a full paint correction + ceramic coating. I'll do a deep cleaning on the interior and then swap out the navigation unit (replacement coming tomorrow). Beyond that, I'm keeping the list of parts intentionally low for now - only doing some M Performance pedal covers to start. If it ends up being a keeper, I'll probably source some non-wood interior trim for it.

Speaking of interior trim, the E91 got some attention this past weekend. I'm slightly particular when it comes to interior finishes. The E91 has the M-Sport silver trim which was in decent shape, but I didn't like the look against the Saddle seats and door cards. In the last E61, I did a black alcantara trim kit I got from a guy on eBay. I've actually bought four sets over the years and I've been happy with the quality.

I also usually do a new steering wheel, given it's the thing I touch the most in the interior. I have a guy I use in Germany, but his stuff has gotten pretty darn expensive over the last few years. I decided I would buy a wheel from the same group who does the alcantara trim.

So with that, it was time to get this project going. This was the Start/Stop button before - sad.



Stripped the paint on the inner white ring, then repainted with SEM trim black.



Here's the car prepped for receiving its new trim and wheel. Just removing the silver trim made me happy - since it gave me a sense of what the black trim was going to look like.



And some after shots:













In the end, I'm absolutely thrilled with the result. A lovely place to spend time.

I think it also added 5 horsepower and I'm convinced the shifts are smoother with the new OEM shift knob installed

 

[tweidman]

I love the color combo and interior upgrade.

 

[jonshonda]

I'm a Honda/Acura Toyota/Lexus Mazda guy at my core, but the older I get the more I wanted an elevated driving experience that isn't boring, and BMW seems to do that well. Please put me on the list of people interested in buying the wagon when you are ready to sell.

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

Love the interior trim upgrade in the wagon. I agree that silver does not go well with that interior combo. Any plans for an upgraded radio in it?

 

[davidstutler]

I'm a Honda/Acura Toyota/Lexus Mazda guy at my core, but the older I get the more I wanted an elevated driving experience that isn't boring, and BMW seems to do that well. Please put me on the list of people interested in buying the wagon when you are ready to sell.

Noted and added! I started my car life as a Nissan guy - owned back to back Z cars - one Z31 and one Z32. On the Toyota side, I've only owned 4runners and LCs. I get itchy for an S2000 from time to time.

Love the interior trim upgrade in the wagon. I agree that silver does not go well with that interior combo. Any plans for an upgraded radio in it?

I've done a half dozen Xtrons-style units in BMWs before but I've decided I'm sticking with the factory setup in the E91. I absolutely adore the simplicity of the single hump, factory radio combo. Maybe it's because I'm coming out of an i4 and it's overdone UI.

In other news, I got the X5 back from the shop yesterday. It ended up being the brake booster. Had them replace the master cylinder while they were there, so I'm good to go on the braking side.

I'm overhauling the layout of my back garage this week, since I have free time with my wife out of town. That required a quick trip to Home Depot to get some plywood - which made for a fun first trip in the X5. Boy have I missed the 4.8is. I sold the last one about 10 months ago and all the feelings came flooding back. It's hard to believe a tank-like SUV (SAV) like this could be as nimble as it is. Absolutely in love.

I've got a long list of to-dos on that one this week, including the long-awaited (yes, I've only owned it two weeks) deep cleaning and detail. Can't wait to get going.

More to come ...

 

[jonshonda]

Noted and added! I started my car life as a Nissan guy - owned back to back Z cars - one Z31 and one Z32. On the Toyota side, I've only owned 4runners and LCs. I get itchy for an S2000 from time to time.

Never owned a Nissan. I've only owned baby LC's in the form of Lexus GX470/460. Now that I've lost 80lbs I seem to fit much better in S2K's, and I would love to own one even though our NA Miata doesn't see much time on the road as it is.

 

[LXCam]

Long ago I made it a habit to not check out older long running threads. Getting sucked in just kills me. I’m a 2-10 minute surfer at most a few days a week.

But damn it, I just had to open this one and next fn thing I know - there went 2hrs

Normally I might give ya **** I want my 2hrs back but not in your case. That was worth every bit of time. Across the board an impressive addition and the cars-holy ****!

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

Long ago I made it a habit to not check out older long running threads. Getting sucked in just kills me. I’m a 2-10 minute surfer at most a few days a week.

But damn it, I just had to open this one and next fn thing I know - there went 2hrs

Normally I might give ya **** I want my 2hrs back but not in your case. That was worth every bit of time. Across the board an impressive addition and the cars-holy ****!

The long threads can **** you in for sure if you go back and start from the beginning. I have definitely spent a couple hours during a week catching up if I pickup a new one. Some really great builds out there to learn on though. This one included.

 

[givemethewillys]

I think my count for BMW wagon is up to 15 - so I'm not going to be your best bet on talking you out of one I've had three F31s - all M-Sport, gas-powered variants. If I were to do another, it'd be a 328d M-Sport or an M-Sport roller with a B58 swap.

In an attempt to keep better up to date, here is the latest on the garage happenings.

The X5 was sent to the shop to diagnose the braking issue. I tried bleeding every way imaginable with no luck. They called today with the news that the brake booster is bad (good, since I had one in hand) and so they're going to replace that and the MC, since it's original. I'll hopefully have it back to me before end of the week, so I can start dialing in the aesthetics. It'll get a full paint correction + ceramic coating. I'll do a deep cleaning on the interior and then swap out the navigation unit (replacement coming tomorrow). Beyond that, I'm keeping the list of parts intentionally low for now - only doing some M Performance pedal covers to start. If it ends up being a keeper, I'll probably source some non-wood interior trim for it.

Speaking of interior trim, the E91 got some attention this past weekend. I'm slightly particular when it comes to interior finishes. The E91 has the M-Sport silver trim which was in decent shape, but I didn't like the look against the Saddle seats and door cards. In the last E61, I did a black alcantara trim kit I got from a guy on eBay. I've actually bought four sets over the years and I've been happy with the quality.

I also usually do a new steering wheel, given it's the thing I touch the most in the interior. I have a guy I use in Germany, but his stuff has gotten pretty darn expensive over the last few years. I decided I would buy a wheel from the same group who does the alcantara trim.

So with that, it was time to get this project going. This was the Start/Stop button before - sad.



Stripped the paint on the inner white ring, then repainted with SEM trim black.



Here's the car prepped for receiving its new trim and wheel. Just removing the silver trim made me happy - since it gave me a sense of what the black trim was going to look like.



And some after shots:













In the end, I'm absolutely thrilled with the result. A lovely place to spend time.

I think it also added 5 horsepower and I'm convinced the shifts are smoother with the new OEM shift knob installed

I never considered changing up the trim in my wife's E70 X5 35D from its (cracked) burled wood. However, that Alcantra trim with the saddle interior actually looks great; I'm definitely considering it now!

 

[davidstutler]

Never owned a Nissan. I've only owned baby LC's in the form of Lexus GX470/460. Now that I've lost 80lbs I seem to fit much better in S2K's, and I would love to own one even though our NA Miata doesn't see much time on the road as it is.

Back when the GX460 came out, my wife desperately wanted one. It was the only time we've ever ordered her a car from the factory. It was a great truck, but she decided 8 months in she preferred the look of the 470. The dealer was so confused when I brought in our nearly new GX460 in on trade for a 60k mile GX470.

Long ago I made it a habit to not check out older long running threads. Getting sucked in just kills me. I’m a 2-10 minute surfer at most a few days a week.

But damn it, I just had to open this one and next fn thing I know - there went 2hrs

Normally I might give ya **** I want my 2hrs back but not in your case. That was worth every bit of time. Across the board an impressive addition and the cars-holy ****!

This has happened to me soooo many times! I apologize Glad you found it interesting.

The long threads can **** you in for sure if you go back and start from the beginning. I have definitely spent a couple hours during a week catching up if I pickup a new one. Some really great builds out there to learn on though. This one included.

Speaking of threads to obsessively follow ... pretty sure I lost hours on yours! Have watched every step of the way.

I never considered changing up the trim in my wife's E70 X5 35D from its (cracked) burled wood. However, that Alcantra trim with the saddle interior actually looks great; I'm definitely considering it now!

If you wait a week or so, you'll see an update where I switch over the trim (same as my E91) into my 4.8is. It's also burl wood and is mildly cracked. The new trim should arrive this week. If it does, it'll go in this weekend.

I'll do a more thorough update in a day or two, but this past weekend was spent on the X5. Paint correction, ceramic coating, new battery, oil change, front spacers, LED interior light conversion and some Dinan pedal covers.

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

Speaking of threads to obsessively follow ... pretty sure I lost hours on yours! Have watched every step of the way.

Much appreciated. I have started making lists of new threads I find cause normally I want to dig into them and it usually takes me a full week or more to read through in detail some of the longer ones.

 

[pbon]

Where did the E91 steering wheel come from? I like it. Clean and simple. Not overdone.

 

[jonshonda]

Back when the GX460 came out, my wife desperately wanted one. It was the only time we've ever ordered her a car from the factory. It was a great truck, but she decided 8 months in she preferred the look of the 470. The dealer was so confused when I brought in our nearly new GX460 in on trade for a 60k mile GX470.

Haha my wife would've had to live with that ugly GX460 for at least 10 years.

 

[davidstutler]

Where did the E91 steering wheel come from? I like it. Clean and simple. Not overdone.

Came from eBay - first time buying one from dbcarparts.

I used to buy all my steering wheels from a guy name Dmitri on eBay - his work is spectacular. His shop name is maar-shop. Shipping times with him have suffered over the last year or two so I decided to try someone new.

 

[jonshonda]

I was just watching a FCP Euro video on the B58 engine, hailed as the modern day 2JZ. The video expanded onto the components hung off the engine, or that are engine adjacent. While the B58 architecture might be similar to Toyota in term of quality and engineering, man do those Germans struggle with components engineering when compared to their Japanese counterparts.

 

[davidstutler]

Hey look - an update that didn't require a one year break!

I got some good garage time this past weekend and decided to spend it working on the X5.

First up was a paint correction and ceramic coat. This was a weird one for me as I typically look forward to this stage the most. Wherever I can, I ask the seller to not do anything to the car before I get it - don't even worry about washing it. Private party/dealer - doesn't matter. The worse the condition of the paint, the better. Makes for a more rewarding experience.

In this case, it needed ... nothing. Still, I tried. In the end, it's done but the before and afters look like afters only. Here's an after:



As soon as it arrived, I threw the bolt-on rear spacers on, a set I had run previously on another 4.8is. The E53 needs it desperately. The fronts need some help too, so I ended up throwing those on next. I really like this fitment.



Then up on the QuickJacks for a quick oil change



Then I was on to some interior bits. The steering wheel is in great shape, so I'm going to leave it for now. The trim, not so much. Normal BMW soft touch failure.





Normally I would just buy the new trim piece from BMW, but I'm trying to keep the costs as low as possible on this one - given I only paid $5700 for it. So refurbishment was the ticket.

Sanded


SEM Trim Paint



Final product



While I was working the interior, I decided to do an LED bulb conversion throughout the whole truck. Easily one of the more satisfying easy projects out there. The bulbs are usually inexpensive and the swap is a piece of cake. The result is a brighter interior, zero bulb heat and less power usage. Win!

Lastly - I ordered some Dinan pedal covers for both the X5 and the wagon. See ... budget build! Whoops.

Before: note how dark it us under there - this was before the bulb swap



And after with new bulbs:



I've been using it as my daily for the last week. One afternoon I was out for a long drive and stopped for a couple shots - to showcase the way the paint handles light. Love the three angles here - except for the unavoidable shadow on #3.







Up next, the wagon is getting some new Dinan pedal covers and a new front right headlight to match the replaced left one.

I also did some garage rearranging, which I'll try to encapsulate in my next update.

 

[mmsheb]

David,
What size are the X5 rear tires? In the photo of the X5 up on the QuickJacks for the oil change the tires look WIDE!

 

[davidstutler]

David,
What size are the X5 rear tires? In the photo of the X5 up on the QuickJacks for the oil change the tires look WIDE!

They are 315/35/20s - definitely meaty.

 

[mmsheb]

Yes, meaty! Thanks

 

[M-technik-3]

Where do you keep finding these ? I want my E91 to look that nice.

 

[davidstutler]

Where do you keep finding these ? I want my E91 to look that nice.

I tell my wife all the time - they seem to find me. In reality, when you spend at least an hour a day looking at forums, Facebook Groups, Instagram - you're going to see some stuff

Sidenote from yesterday - NCAA Tournament time, always a stressful month for me due to me growing up in Lawrence, KS. The last game of the year always leaves a mark, so much so that I can recite KU's tournament losses from 1986 on. KU played yesterday and from the first few minutes, I knew I wasn't going to be able to watch. So into the X5 I went - out for a drive with no destination in mind. 140 miles and a loss later ... I can't say I enjoyed the drive, but driving was fun.

 

[jonshonda]

@davidstutler You ready to sell me that wagon yet?