Back in Service After 16 Years - V12 BMW E31 850i Revival - Project Malaga: Part 2
Fast-paced, wrench action-packed revival of a 1991 BMW E31 850i that was left to rot in a garage for the last 16 years before I acquired it. In this video, we bring this mighty V12 back to life.
Towards the end of the video, I made a breakdown of parts and their cost. Also, in the end I give a hint of what the next M project car is!
P.S. I upgraded the camera so the video quality should be much better!
Part 1 - • Forgotten For 16 Years...
Repairs/work done in this video:
Replacement of all fluids (engine, coolant, brake fluid, gearbox, differential...)
All filters (engine, cabin, fuel...)
Fuel pumps & fuel sender unit
Spark plugs
Ignition wires
Distributor caps & rotors
Belts & pulleys
Oil pan gasket
Expansion tank & radiator
Water pump & thermostat
Valley pan gasket
Fuel injector service
Clutch slave cylinder
Camshaft banjo bolts with locking tabs
Valve cover gasket
Intake manifold gaskets
ABS pump & brake lines
Seat twist repair
Detailing of the interior
T-shirts - teespring.com/stores/m539-restorations
Instagram: / m539_restorations
Email: M539restorations@gmail.com
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
Me starting this video: I’m not going to watch 45 minutes of some guy repairing and old BMW. Me 45 minutes later: Time well spent.
Enjoyed it, bit dissapointed he didn't swear in any language lol.
Hey, that's exactly what I thought too, here I am 45 minutes later! Loved it.
exactly - amazing video!
Totally agree… This guy has serious skills and is seeming able to cover all bases - like significant engine work, electrical repairs, even cleaning capabilities which are probably better outsourced. He seems to be far more knowledgeable on this V12 engine than could be reasonably expected of a private mechanic - I suspect he did some time with BMW to get this kind of experience. I, too, said 45 minutes, you got to be kidding but I was totally absorbed once I started. Great video, Thank you. I have subscribed and liked the video. As if this writing, there 586,851 views and 18K likes. And, I am astounded to say, there are 284 dislikes - although only 0.048% . What possible complaint could anyone have with this video for someone to make the effort to dislike it?
Just read the profile... Not a professional mechanic but a normal IT guy instead. That actually explains a lot. This means he knows how to absorb and understand new information quickly and is definitely far more skilled at conducting research than almost any professional mechanic.
Who would ever dislike this mans masterpeace of work!!?? Great job!!!! Everything got fixed, instead of one video at the time, this guy fixed a car in ONE video!!👌🏼
You're right. His channel is pure quality.
Yep, any other channel this would be dragged out over multiple videos
Love your projects, esp having BMW affliction myself. I also turn my own wrenches and like to do everything that makes sense while working on certain areas of the car. like your videography, sense of humour and snappy set of tools!! glad I came across you on the tube...
BMW is a shit car man. Real people drives Subaru that is normal car!!
@@peter1001pp haahaha!! Lets see... Scandinavian? Bad grammar when you write English... One video on your channel of a clip from a video game? You're about 16-17 years old, unemployed with a poster of a Subaru Imp on your bedroom wall at home at your mums house? Am I wrong?
I never comment on anything, but wanted to comment here. I was explaining to my wife its like watching Bob Ross... the explanation, its so easy, but i would never be able to pull this off... this man is an artist! Bravo
He's a professional and an exceptional one.
Calling this a mere video is an understatement. This is a masterclass and a joy to watch.
My God, this guy knows his mechanics. Every car service would wish to have such a perfect mechanic working for them. A quality mechanic like him is unpayable. Greetings from the Čech Republic 🇨🇿
For a bloke, there is something soothing about these videos!!!
That is only what a mechanic is like, the others are fake crooks.
Every owner would wish to have a mechanic like this working on their car. Too many car service places just tell them "Just patch it and move on. You've got eight more to do today." Which is why this car was in this condition at the start of the video.
45 minutes of sheer automotive genius. Or, as you would say: Absolutely mint !
Yeah I wish I could take a class with him as our instructor.
I really enjoy watching his restoration projects although I am not a mechanic but loves BMWs. Dude, your videos are super interesting, informative and funny. Kudos!
wow, i just realised it was 45 mins, i thought it was 5-10 :P
N@@lockupl
Can't believe it was 45m long!
The level of craftsmanship in the restoration is rivaled by the video editing - both thoroughly thought out and meticulously executed! One of the highest quality videos I've watched in the car realm on KZhead in a very long time! Kudos to you, keep up the amazing work! You've earned a subscriber!
I really like your choice of words
This guy is the type of person that you want to support and work alongside. As he knows his stuff!
And three years on, I fully agree and earnt another subscriber.
You are the best mechanic i've ever seen on youtube. I have worked on cars on and off for 20 years, and i'm amazed by your knowledge and abilities.
I feel like a total hack mechanic after watching this. Extremely thorough and professional work for what you call yourself, a “hobbyist”.
I completely agree. I loved this video.
I wish my mechanic would be a "hobbyist".
Self taught ???? Incredible !
Satan's Earlobe b
Hobbyist is BS. He's a highly trained and exceptionally professional BMW technician.
You know it’s the pinnacle of KZhead car restoration videos when you keep checking the time line hoping your not nearing the end. The combination of workmanship, attention to detail, humour and excellent video editing make this addictive viewing. It’s why I became a Patreon of Sretens channel
Thank you, Steve!
Fantastic video my friend ❤
It's great to see these lovely 850i still going, the purr of that silky smooth V12. It takes way back when I worked for BMW in the early nineties and driving these understated cars.
I just watched full length of this video even though I'm not a mechanic, I never owned BMW but apparently, I'm interested in fuel pumps now
"I'm interested in fuel pumps now" this one got me :D
You must have got a good Scotch, Lagavulin 16 or something like that...
Same here 😃
@NaGreta TaTunberg-BiohazardЧе, реально работает хочешь сказать?
@NaGreta TaTunberg-Biohazard Ну вообще этот вопрос нужно изучать прежде чем "смело идти в магазин", довольно часто на машинах придумывают хитрожопые насосы и вместо них ты ВАЗ поставишь конечно но работать после этого машина нормально не будет. И вообще в моей стране будет дешевле купить запчасть здешнего производства т.к. ВАЗовских магазинов здесь скорее всего тупо нет. Но это уже дело местоположения:)
This dude was incredible. Very well narrated and edited video, and an immaculate work, from the most accurate mechanics to the car general cleaning, all done by a single man. This guy is awesome!
hear hear!!
this was a "feast for the eyes" . your work, the editting , everything
I don't usually comment on videos but your content is awesome. I love how you get to the point. You don't waste a second with BS. Zero fat. Also, you're really funny. You're my favorite new mechanic youtuber!
Yep, he is hilarious and never wastes time talking about nonsense. Just straight to the point.
This is not a simple mechanical repair. This is art. This is craftsmanship. This is Car Porn. Beautiful work. Congratulations
This is the first video bar none, that not only my eyes really enjoyed the almost perfect editing, but my ears loved to hear , the clicking and turning of the wrenches. Well done , my senses were in paradise.
Oh yeah, really makes a difference not having some shit electrocrap over the video, right?
@@sgtpluck8344 Would be even better to see him using some torque wrench, at least for the oil pan screws !
@@bubbamcgullicutty8966 He did
Very impressed on the serviceability of these BMW cars. Transverse engines are a nightmare to work on. This is definitely the best Motörhead channel ever
Serviceability of BMW cars?
You’re an incredible mechanic and car restoration man !! Wow !!!! My husband and I do a little bit of car restoration. My husband is a genius at fixing and restoration. He was so impressed with your work. You’re are probably the best we have ever seen. Thank you for your excellence! 👍😄
Cost of having all this work done at BMW main dealer: USD 780,000,000
Not only the dude is highly skilled, but his attention to detail is amazing. Beautiful work!
Such a pleasure watching someone with knowledge. I had my own experience with an 850 and a "professional BMW mechanic" lmao. After 3 months in the repair shop, they called saying car is ready. It ran for 3 hours and they said not to bring it back as he confirmed this car was beyond his experience/knowledge. Unfortunately, at that time I was young and didn't have any knowledge myself so the car ended up being picked up by the NYC sanitation as it was parked for months on the streets. Sad to know such a beautiful rare car was forever gone as the city crushed it :(. Really wish I had it now.
over 20 years I work for BMW dealerships all across the Southland parts departments I loved your approach to repair-work very very well done you knocked this out of the park to say the least
Oh yeah, this is just what's needed in the current climate. Can't wait to watch.... Thanks for the upload and take care of yourself! Paolo
This guy is a genius came upon him yesterday wish he was located here in the states you can tell he takes pride in fixing BMW’s and knows his craft
Yeah such skilled mans are very hard to find.. so for sure it worth more than his overall weight in platinum.. ;0)
That was fun to watch and listen to! It felt like being back in my dad’s garage clawing my way through my 2002s and Bavaria! Excellent channel!
I discovered your channel this weekend (Oct 2021) and enjoyed your 850 back in service videos. Your style, humour and detailed content is going to have me binge watching your channel.
This was artistry of mechanics, at it's finest...BRAVO!!!!
complete with "Fogging Oil"..............sacre bleu
55ppop
You re just great
Refreshing , finally a technician who knows his stuff. Pride and diligence is a wonderful thing so very well done mate.
kzhead.info/sun/prGAYdKkiJtrlZ8/bejne.html ,,... ,
At the start, it looked like a "piece of cake" (easy) repair. Fuel pump, filters, fluids, plugs and wires, vacuum hoses. Twenty minutes in and it's looking more like "don't try this at home". Excellent work on a beautiful car. Thanks for the video.
Four hrs of watching this guy makes me feel completely worthless but also very knowledgeable. Nice work my man
Dude you're not worthless I bet he's been working on BMW all his life 30 years plus I'm sure you good at something
Finally! Been waiting like a kid on christmas
Big thanks for the 45 min video, slowly going crazy in quaranten. Stay safe my friend
ikr ! what did we do b4 YT ?
@@cut-- bang rocks together. We've come a long way.
45 min??? I even didn’t realize that was 45min..:))
Your knowledge in the old BMW is totally brilliant. Mechanical, electrical, electronic and even cleaning and interior!!!. I myself gain a lot of knowledge watching you. Thanks mate.
Coming back to this one after the Alpina engine rebuild and your camera work and on-camera personality (which were already great) have come a long, long way. Keep saving the neglected piles of magnificence!
Why is this in my recommendations..... Why did I sit for 45 minutes watching a dude rattle around a car engine. I don't really know but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Me too! And he did all this work in 45 minutes unbelievable!
Same here hahahh
This video has been in my recommended for ages. I gave up and watched it. Time well spent!
Why did you sit for 45 minutes? If like me you see a German guy working on a German top of the range car, you KNOW it's going to be done right. Very satisfying. Good call.
It's the accent
If Tyler Hoover and the car wizard had a BMW loving son, this would be it.
This made me laugh properly! Thank you!
All I was thinking during this video was - Imagine taking this car to the Wizard. Imagine the bill he would have for her ... You kind sir (or should I say 'her'?) are an awesome dude. Last time you uploaded a video I even checked the prices of the V12 BMWs in my country. I loved the content. I watch all car videos on youtube and this channel is the most underrated one! I am sad that you had to let the car go, but on the other hand this should provide you with money for new projects! I hope you give us more of the same good content.
cenariusbg (Psst! You should say “Herr”, not “her”. Embarrassing misunderstandings could otherwise happen. 😉)
Back when i watched Tylers vids I remember he said his BMW 8 series was irreparable. He should ship it here.
Blackbird Tyler is not a mechanic... don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy some of his videos, but this content is in a totally different league altogether. It is so good I can’t believe he hasn’t got ten times the subscribers he has! 🙂
How can one guy know so much? Respect from the UK.
That did not feel like 45 min. Brilliant. I am just plain inspired to re-fresh my own car. It’s the highly professional attention to detail, & spec, that blew my mind. Thank you!
This is one mechanic/ technician I would pay with a smile everytime. Thanks for this video. Excellent job.
Just finished watching the video and I have to congratulate you, the car turned out beautifully, and it was a hell of a project. This was one of the most captivating and well-made videos I've ever seen, the editing was brilliant and you had me hooked from start to finish. Keep doing what you're doing, I admire your passion and thank you for saving another E31. One day I'll buy one, maybe from you. Cue the music.
I'll put my hand on my heart and say that this was an absolutly addictive thing to watch. BRAVO!!!!
I have an E39 330i and will only change if I could drive the E31 850i. These are both timeless and beautiful cars. E31 is already a collector's item and so will E39.
Now this was a first... A KZhead mechanic who actually knows what he's doing! Would definitely buy a second hand car off of you, which is of course an honor comparable to winning the Nobel price ;)
I absolutely agree - I would definitely buy a car off this guy(s). He is meticulous and I would feel assured of his workmanship!!! GREAT VIDEO!!!
Masterfully done! Back in the early 1960s I rebuilt a 3 Litre Ferrari (Colombo) V12 and thinking back on that I had to smile at how simple it was compared to this modern engine. Enjoyed the way you went at this and didn't settle for compromises. Thanks for an excellent video, too.
A car worked on or purchased from you will be a first class car,, someone with a great sense of brand loyalty and knowledge,, don't own a BMW,, but watched with interest,, from Northern Ireland greatly appreciated thank you ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
this would have to be one of the best 850 videos I have seen ,pulling my fuel pump now seems like less of a mountain thank you so much steven Perth Australia
WHAT A GENIUS Love watching someone who thinks, understands, and has the technical training and patience to work miracles. Fantastic
I was just thinking about this channel yesterday wondering when we will get a new video! Thanks for delivering!
Man you need to start doing test drives of these cars. Would love to see.
I agree. @m539 restorations i think i must drive my E31 to germany and we should do a collaboration video roadtesting the 8 series 😂😃
Because you chose to repair ,and not just calling a replacement ,that's why you have my subscription. I salute you SIr!
Thats some really intense 80s carpet cleaning music, love it!
I thought he was just a really good mechanic, then he started to detail the interior later on. Just wow, what an excellent job.
I'm actually getting emotional at the sheer genius of this video and it's content I love these cars even more now . A manual 850 is a proper muscle car I want one great video ! OK the detail section ? now you're just rubbing it in ! Damn Germans always showing off!
Absolutely wonderful display of skills. The detaled but simply explained step by step description of the processes is what I enjoyed most. It is clear that you love your work and the cars you work on. I watch this with tremendous joy and lament that I never persued this as my career. I envy you now. lol
Not even his career as it's a hobby. Well, that was 2 years ago when you commented. With 480k subscribers and a Patreon this might be his full-time gig now.
This video pulled me in and did not let me go. Fascinating and well done. Now I want an E31...
U want a E31? So U can do the same work as him?
Same here mate
No you don’t, one of the crappiest cars they ever built. They are uncomfortable to drive and everything on them disintigrates
While I don't agree they are uncomfortable, the first drive in mine was from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Dallas for 10 hours, they are a maintenance headache to keep working.
Do it! Awesome cars. Im 2 years in on ownership of mine, and just started a light restoration on it. Cutting out rust - we all know how much Sretan doesnt like rust!
Bro, you have missed your calling. KZhead stardom awaits. You must be Tavarish and Hoovie's European cousin. Keep producing the videos, you're a natural.
As a big fan of both them, thank you!
Except he actually knows his shit...
You just made working on BMW's look fun.... I had no idea that was possible. Bravo. Amazing tech skills as well.
I do not know how many times I have already seen this video, but the moment the engine starts and the sound it makes at 36:15 is just way too satisfying!
Hope to see many more restorations from you, stay safe!
Damn. I cant stop watching! This is like therapy for me lol
Agreed! I find Sretans content mesmerising. And mechanical stuff scares me. He inspires me to try fixing things myself
You are probably the best mechanic I have ever seen. I had done many cars but you top all of it with details.
I Watch his Channel now for 2 year and I loved his technical skills and humor and filming all his work on these Classic beautiful BMW Cars 👍
As a longtime owner of many different BMW's, and the current owner of a mint all-original 1998 M3 convertible (which my soon-to-be-new wife has fallen madly in love with and has claimed as her own) I have to say that all the praise I read below is well deserved. These cars are masterpieces and working on them at this level requires more discipline and time than most can muster.
A 45 min video from M539. Today is a good day.
you are truly incredible your attention to detail is unsurpassed. I watched a number of your videos, you are the type of individual all of us would pay to have work on our BMWs. I have a 2006 750li Individual I've yet to find someone like you to take care of my pride possession. Revenue is one thing. Quality is a must. I live in Vancouver BC
I miss the days when cars had little gasketed ports for door vents. They're just the best feature when it's hot or cold, aside from maybe a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats. Hopefully you'll eventually find the time and funding to deal with the exhaust, get the suspension refurbished, and get new wheels and tires on this beauty. Getting the leather on the seats professionally reconditioned or color-matched and recovered would also do wonders for how lovely the interior can be. It's such a wonderful looking car that doesn't get nearly as much love as it deserves. I wonder what the top speed of that thing is when it isn't being hampered by the automatic transmission that so many of them were fitted with.
This is highest quality of content. Top job like always!
The first time i ever watch a 45 min on KZhead.. Time well spent ❤️
me 2:) great job, weel done !!!
This is one one most complex Mechanical car ever built and this guys knows it like the back of his hand. What a skill to have.
Bravo! People don't understand a complete job. Well done. Thanks for wiping all the dirt and oil off.
Where has this guy received his training from? Pure genius, he needs to open a BMW school of knowledge, brilliant! This is my second time watching.
germany.
Since this is his hobby he can take his time and do things by the book.
@@riskinhos Sreten is not german, his german is actually quite shitty :) Easy to notice in several unloading scenes where he speaks german to the truck drivers.
@@jonasduell9953 He is from Serbia, but he lived in states for some time then moved to Germany, that's why his german sucks :D
@@markc4098 Love for cars is universal and I dig his skills and dedication alot. No clue where he was from but a big fan anyways. I just wanted to reply to someone that he's obvsly not german.
I've just watched a 45 minute video , every minute passes i go woooow on that man's capability,, creativity, on fixing each problem,, perfectionist.. Keep up the work man.
Excellent video! Always wanted to see the 8 Series in depth.
You can see right inside my 8 series right now if you check out my channel, i had to take the roof off 😂
I imensely enjoy watching your work. I apreciate your maticolous job, and that you never compromised using only new, or brst availibol parts! So different from people, patchworking, sutydfying eith partial solutions. You obviously love the cars, and do it with love and apreciation! Respect!
Next car: US e60 M5 v10 with 6 Gear manual gearbox
100%. 6 speed manual BMW e60 M5 were only sold in the USA. Don't know why, they don't drive manuals
Yeah only 1400 or Something so they are pretty rare. Its actually a E39 M5 transmission. So feels like bmw got a lot of complaints about no manual option and then found a few e39 transmission and sold them...
BigBash I thought E39 M5’s were 5 speed manual?
@@IHATEYANKS41 6 speed only.
@@erixx297 When you say e39 m5 transmission, you mean 540i. BMW didn't even bother to make own tranny for M5 and they used the same old from e38 740i and e39 540i.
Best v12 clip on KZhead, love it.
Clear and present patience. Very enjoyable viewing, thank you for your efforts.
Incredible work in all facets! It’s good to see that classic get the respect that it deserves.
"These are complete Kaputt!" xD
"but NEIN" :D
"Das ist gut". wirklich sehr gut.
Truly fascinating! For anyone that ever questions why a good mechanic costs what they do; remember the amount of knowledge and hard work that goes into repairing an engine properly. Superb video - subscribed!
Absolutely outstanding workmanship, dedication and professionalism... I've watched every video and truly enthralled by the level of detail you require of yourself... you strive for perfection,, which we all know cannot be achieved, however we shouldn't stop trying for it... I wish you every success...
I finally found a video that shows you what's happening, then speeds through it. Bravo! I'm tired of people dragging things out for as long as they can, That said, I watched this video from start to finish because it was interesting. Well done!
"Ow my finger" This is probably the only thing I have in common with this genius technician. Happens every time to me too, before I give up and have to do the walk of shame to the garage for them to fix my car! Love your work.
I can't believe I watched the whole 45 minutes. The thing I liked about him is he delves straight into work and shows the real thing, without waisting time on presentations. Grt work buddy, keep it up.
Bravo maestro!!! You are really good!! So happy to see a mechanic with a skill and a great attitude as well as a great knowledge!!!
Hats off to you. I admire your level of skill and knowledge, every twist of the bolt is care and dedication, attention to detail is admirable. Bravo.
There's a saying about people as yourself - you have golden hands. I love to watch these videos. Awesome job! Thank you!
My mental health isnt great at the moment. But i want to thank you for 45 minutes of unadulterated happiness.❤❤❤
This guy has exactly my sense of humor and the same urge to fix old cars! My e31 has two cylinders less but the same pain. Well done!
Top quality video! Traditional German attention to detail, no idle time and good sense of humour. This guy looks smart and honest. Wish you good luck and bring us similar video soon. Greetings from Prague. Tschüss..
The 850 was my favorite BMW... I really enjoyed watching you bring her back to life. Well done... you have great skills.
on of the best thing about your videos ..... you show your mistakes .... makes you even more human
Outstanding workmanship and incredible attention to detail. From 86 thru to 92 I was posted to Lahr Germany. Because I was rebuilding/ modifying a 1975 02 series BMW I had the opportunity to get a ride in an MK Motorsports 850i. It was the most exhilarating rides I have ever had.
Hello there! I am from Durban, South Africa. I am very impressed by your efficiency and restoration process, doing things the correct way. I follow the same philosophy and it so pleasing to see a professional, taking care of the details which are so very important. Keeping it simple requires so much extra effort. It is an honour to know that real men like you exist in this world. Your content is extremely high quality and you get 5star rating from me. I have subscribed. Thank you brother!
I love your editing style so much. This is perfect quarantine material - 45 minutes of pure car love on gorgeous old Bimmers. Thank you.
These videos are simply gold for a person like me. Thanks for making them.
One of the most beautiful cars ever build ... Congratulations !!!
"Fogging oil. For men."
Getting pictures on my mind I don't want to watch !!
Yeah Andrew. Caught that. 😁
Was lol for an hour!!!
Now that's the BMW. I WANT TO BUY.
True old school EUROPEAN CRAFTSMANSHIP..