Sources for Euro M5 parts

[ArtJohnson]

I am looking to refurbish an'86 Euro M5 (2/86 build date) and am looking for sources of parts. I'm starting with the brakes and suspension.and would appreciate any advice on the best sources for parts for these cars. New is fine, and good used parts that I can get through this board are also fine. Thanks.

[Rich Euro M5]

I am looking to refurbish an'86 Euro M5 (2/86 build date) and am looking for sources of parts. I'm starting with the brakes and suspension.and would appreciate any advice on the best sources for parts for these cars. New is fine, and good used parts that I can get through this board are also fine. Thanks.

Art,

With the exception of the M88/3 engine, certain suspension parts, and Euro specific body trim / interior parts, the Euro M5 utilizes the same parts as the US/NA versions. As far as parts sources it depends on what you're trying to achieve with your refurbishment. If you want stock suspension parts such as the shocks and springs, BMW is the primary source of these components as they are Euro M5 specific. Your M5 utilizes a specific BMW spec'd Bilstein shock insert and spring for the front suspension. The rear shocks and springs get more convoluted as a change in shock supplier occurred in 2/86. Depending on where your M5 fell in the production run you may have Bilsteins or Boge shocks in the rear. The rear spring was also changed at 2/86. The only way to tell what you might have is to research RealOEM using your VIN vs a build date. If you wish to upgrade to an aftermarket performance setup, anything that fits the more common E28 535i will bolt up without any problems. If you want an aftermarket solution that is period correct, ALPINA sells a suspension kit for the Euro M5, however be prepared to dig deep into your checkbook.

The brakes are the same as the US/NA M5 front / rear, so it's a matter of picking out a brake pad compound that's available. For front rotors you have two choices, big dollars for the stock rotors which exhibit marginal cooling capabilities, or US/NA E32 7er front rotors. The rear rotors and pads are stock E28 bits, but many will upgrade to E34 M5 / 540i rear calipers, carriers, and rotors to improve the front to rear brake bias. This mod also adds vented rear rotors which prevents brake fade.

If you don't mind my asking, how long have you owned your M5, and if recently acquired, from whom. Also are you located in the US or on the other side of the world ?

Good luck with your project.

Regards,

Rich
Euro M5 #34, 2/85 build

[ArtJohnson]

Rich, Thanks for the useful information. I perused this website while I was considering this car and found some of your posts. They were helpful--especially the one with the shock PN's). This is the first Euro BMW that I have owned that has needed extensive work and my first attempt to find front shock inserts (using your PN's) came up empty (none found in the U.S. or Germany --Tischer internet parts). Hence the post to which you responded.

I have owned 4 of the U.S. E28 M5's, all of which were completely stock, very low mileage cars, and during the couple of years I owned each one, they needed very little. I had an M635CSi which had 22k mi. when I bought it, but it never needed anything while I had it. As a result, I haven't had much experience looking for parts. I have been dependent on VAC Motorsports in Philadelphia for the past 20 years as they are about 10 minutes away from where I work, and I have had a fleet of old BMW 's during that time. They are good friends but have ramped up their business and are buried in work, so I thought I'd try to find suspension and brake parts on my own.

The car I bought was in Virginia, owned by a BMWCCA member (Glenn Martin). I bought it last week. It is Polaris has 90k miles, and except for the exhaust, it is stock. I believe that the car has original paint except for the hood, and possibly the front of the RF Q panel. The interior is nutria leather and in near new condition. The only suspension parts that seem to have been replaced according to the receipts are the control arm bushings, and the front calipers were rebuilt. I believe the remainder of the suspension is original, and the tie rod ends and ball joints are pretty worn. The car wanders a bit, and shimmies and there is pretty extensive corrosion on the suspension parts, rear calipers and rotors, enough that I would like to start from scratch. The car was in a heated garage for the past 9 years and driven about 10k mi. during that time, and I believe that the corrosion is related to the time the car spent in Massachusetts.

I would be happy to keep the car stock with new BMW parts if I can find them, or I am open to the upgrades that have been posted on this website. I will probably use this car mostly as a fair-weather driver, and might take it to some driving schools. I have more time now and would like to get back to doing some track events, and some wrenching. Any further advice is welcome.

Art

[Rich Euro M5]

Art,

Sounds like an interesting M5, fairly low mileage as well. Glen registered his / your M5 on the BMW M Registry and I see your car is equipped very similar to mine with one major exception, there's no mention of factory A/C. Is this true, you have no A/C, or do you have the aftermarket Davia A/C system ? BTW: You should consider sending an email to the M Registry webmaster and update the ownership info.

My M5 has been inoperative (a true garage queen - LOL) for the past 5 years after having suffered a timing chain failure. That's all fixed, has been for over a year, but I haven't taken the time to stuff the engine back into the car. I've taken the balance of the year off to finally drop the engine into the open hole. Now that my M5 will be 25 years old in Feburary of 2010, there's no requirement for passing the super tough emissions tests we have in Houston, Texas. The plan is to stuff the engine back in this week, and to finish up the small details over during the month of January.

About researching parts, there are two online sources for P/Ns, RealOEM and Maximillian Importing. The better for dealing with the Euro M5s is Maximillian Importing website. Maximillian Importing is a Mobile Tradition Licensee and the ETK reflects this. I did a quick search for front shock inserts for your M5 based on the build date and find two PNs listed. It appears the OE Boge shock for M5s built after 10/86 are NLA, however the earlier Bilstein shock for Euro M5 up to 10/86 appear to be available, but are very pricey. Here's a snapshot of the page for the front suspension.



Item #8 - SHOCK ABSORBER-INSERT BILSTEIN
Build Date: Up to 10 / 86
Quantity Needed: 2
P/N: 31322225016
Price: $338.63 each

I did a check of this P/N on Tischer's internet parts website and it appears to be available, but that doesn't mean any parts are actually in stock. Tischer's price is slightly lower than what Maximiilan's website is quoting at $314.09. Unfortunately you can't search for Euro parts via Tischer's website, you'll need to use the Maximillian Importing site to find the P/N, then copy / paste the P/N into Tischer's website for availability and price.

The front steering components, tie rods, upper control arms, lower control arms, center link, and idler arm are all available either via Tischer or other online sources, and I use my '86 535i for parts like these. For online ordering I use Arizona Autohaus and Pelican Parts. If you go the aftermarket route versus Tischer, be certain to specify Lemforder as the brand name.

For the rear brakes I'd recommend you upgrade to the E34 540i / M5 setup and replace all the rubber barkes lines with aftermarket stainless lines. For front brake rotors use the E32 7 Series rotors. My personal preference for brake rotor manufacturer is Balo which I source locally.

It's great to see that your bringing your M5 back to life as a driver. If you need any help with part research or other details drop me a PM.

Best Regards,

Rich

[ArtJohnson]

Thanks Rich. This is is a great start, and I will touch base from time to time with questions as things develop.

[Dana R]

Assuming you need new front shocks (and you have the stock Boges), wouldn't it be cheaper to buy Bilstein HDs and have them revalved to M5 stock specs?

[ArtJohnson]

Rich,

The car has factory air. Here is a list of the options:

301 Diebstahlwarnanlage mit ZV (good luck with that one)
350 Waermaschutzglas gruen rundum (green tinted glass?)
401 Sliding vent roof, electric
411 Electric window lifts
415 Sunblind for rear window
421 Fire extinguisher
428 Warning triangle
498 rear headrests
500 headlight washing system
510 headlight adjustment system
530 air conditioning
551 on-board computer
669 Becker Mexico radio/tapedeck
682 auto antenna
979 velours-fussmatten vorn und hi (?)

[ArtJohnson]

Dana,

I am not familiar with revalving, but will consider doing that if necessary. Who does that?

AJ

[Justin_FL]

301 Diebstahlwarnanlage with ZV (good luck with that one)

That is the anti-theft system: diebstahlwarnanlage mit speziellem Schloß and der Fahrertür (3er- und 5er-Reihe) bzw. am Heck (6er- und 7er-Reihe) und zwei vielfach codierbaren Schlüsseln or translated: Car alarm with a special lock on the driver's door (3 Series and 5 Series) or at the rear (6 or 7 series) and two widely codable keys. I have a complete 1/85 German market options brochure with prices that my brother received from the original owner in his recent purchase of a Euro '85 635csi. #301 was 752 DM at the time of printing including a 14% tax.

[m-racer]

Hi Art, Been a long time. I remember meeting you in Carlisle and looking at your M5. I had the Inka 73 tii. I am glad someone bought Glenn's car. It has a lot of potential and the newly rebuilt drivetrain by VSR is a real plus. I recently sold a Euro M5. If I can be of help, let me know. You have already tapped into the motherlode of the Euro M5 braintrust. Rich was very helpful to me when I was trying to sort mine out. Tim Jones

[Rich Euro M5]

Assuming you need new front shocks (and you have the stock Boges), wouldn't it be cheaper to buy Bilstein HDs and have them revalved to M5 stock specs?

Dana,

Based on the VIN and build date of Art's M5 his car has Bilstein inserts. These inserts are not a gas based shock and cannot be rebuilt or revalved. If Art wants the OE insert, he'll have to buy the correct Bilsteins. If the correct shock is NLA (doubtful as the Tischer and Maximillian websites indicate they're available) then having a standard Bilstein Sport revalved to the Euro M5 / M635Csi specifications would be an alternative.

Regards,

Rich

[mooseheadm5]

979 velours-fussmatten vorn und hi (?)

Floor mats front and rear.

[Dana R]

Assuming you need new front shocks (and you have the stock Boges), wouldn't it be cheaper to buy Bilstein HDs and have them revalved to M5 stock specs?

Dana,

Based on the VIN and build date of Art's M5 his car has Bilstein inserts. These inserts are not a gas based shock and cannot be rebuilt or revalved. If Art wants the OE insert, he'll have to buy the correct Bilsteins. If the correct shock is NLA (doubtful as the Tischer and Maximillian websites indicate they're available) then having a standard Bilstein Sport revalved to the Euro M5 / M635Csi specifications would be an alternative.

Regards,

Rich

Thanks, Rich. I learn something new here every day!

[Blue Shadow]

Bilstein revalves their products. I have not done that yet, but they should be able to help. Just contact them and discuss it with them. I don't know if they will provide Euro E28 M5 valving by request but if they do this is cheaper than buying the BMW part and it would give YOU a lifetime warranty and not BMW.


http://www.bilsteinus.com/services.php

[CSBM5]

Pardon the off-topic post here, but if you're using Firefox, you'll want to get this greasemonkey script installed. It will allow you to search for parts on realoem.com, and then when you display a parts page, it will have links below the part number on the realoem screen to Tischer, Crown and a few other on-line parts sources. Clicking on one of those will open up a new tab in the browser with that part number's price at the respective source. This thing saves a TON of time when hunting down parts pricing.

Here's a link to the thread on M5board: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5 ... cript.html

Chuck

[Rich Euro M5]

Pardon the off-topic post here, but if you're using Firefox, you'll want to get this greasemonkey script installed. It will allow you to search for parts on realoem.com, and then when you display a parts page, it will have links below the part number on the realoem screen to Tischer, Crown and a few other on-line parts sources. Clicking on one of those will open up a new tab in the browser with that part number's price at the respective source. This thing saves a TON of time when hunting down parts pricing.

Here's a link to the thread on M5board: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5 ... cript.html

Chuck

Chuck,

Thanks for providing the link, to this very cool tool. I just and tested it from RealOEM, it not only provides links to several parts sources, it also finds the best price. The shock insert for the early M5 is approximately $314.09 from Tischer, but the best price is from BMW Partz Direct @ $294.46. This is almost $100 below the MSRP.

Rich

[ArtJohnson]

Thanks to all who have replied. At this point Ii have heard from Tischer, Crown and BMW Partz that there are none of these shock inserts in the U.S., but that they are supposed to get some in Germany at the end of February. I will keep searching, and listen to advice if you wish to give it.

Art

[5280 JB]

Art,

First of all - beautiful car and congratulations on acquiring a rare beauty.

Secondly, many parts for your car may need to be ordered from BMW's Germany distribution system, since they just were not included on US spec cars. I recently worked with Husker BMW's parts department on some Euro parts and learned that they can have the parts shipped from Germany second day air, cutting weeks off the delivery wait time, and charge the customer all of $10 for the shipment. They also offer 25% off for BMWCCA members, making them very competitive on pricing. Free shipping on orders over $200. Talk to Jeff Goman in parts, 866 244-5948.

This may sound like an endorsement from someone who stands to profit, but it is not. I'm just a happy customer who had a good experience.

Jim

[ArtJohnson]

Thanks Jim,

I'll give it a try.

Art

[JayM]

Rich,

The car has factory air. Here is a list of the options:

301 Diebstahlwarnanlage with ZV (good luck with that one)
350 Waermaschutzglas gruen rundum (green tinted glass?)
401 Sliding vent roof, electric
411 Electric window lifts
415 Sunblind for rear window
421 Fire extinguisher
428 Warning triangle
498 rear headrests
500 headlight washing system
510 headlight adjustment system
530 air conditioning
551 on-board computer
669 Becker Mexico radio/tapedeck
682 auto antenna
979 velours-fussmatten vorn und hi (?)

Art,

That's a well-speced car. Does it still have the Becker stereo, warning triangle and fire extinguisher?

Do you have interior pictures? My E24 has Buffalo Nutria leather, and I'm always interested in comparing colours.

[ArtJohnson]

Jay,

It has all of the original equipment including the Becker, fire extinguisher and warning triangle. I'll email pics and put them on photobucket later today: http://s557.photobucket.com/albums/ss16 ... =slideshow

Art

[gray635]

Art:

I can't tell you the number of times I looked at this ad in Roundel and threatened to call about this car. I should have. Anyway, I am very glad that the car went to a good home. Best of luck with its care and feeding! Hope to see it, and meet you, at some point in the future.

Regards,
Mike Gray

[ArtJohnson]

Thanks Mike,

The car is pretty nice, but would need considerable work to take it to a very high standard. With some brake and suspension work, it will be good enough for me. I will tinker with the easy things first, and now that my kids are through college, maybe go the whole distance over the next couple of years.
Cheers--AJ

[Blue Shadow]

As one who knows Nutria, the first engine shot is interesting with the lighting and color of the coolant overflow giving the engine a bit of a nutria glow. It looks like your entire interior is Nutria except the steering wheel.

Two items on your car that my car (E23) does not have in Nutria is the parking brake handle and the gear shift knob. Other than that, my 7 is a splash (flood) of nutria as yours is.

This is a different color than the buffalo nutria which is a mottled medium brown based on the sales brochure for the Executive/Highline E23. Here is a post showing the two colors:

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?p=304592#304592

I wonder if JayM has gotten his nutria interior back toward original color?

[marek]

My M5 also has the nutria interior, but in cloth form.

[JayM]

I wonder if JayM has gotten his nutria interior back toward original color?

Nope. That's the project for this winter (this winter is all E24). I finally got decent lighting in the garage, and enough heat to keep things from freezing, so I'm going to first try to get the colour back with either Lexol neatsfoot or Leatherique Rejuvenator. I suspect it'll come back close, but will still need dye to get the perfect shade, though I'm not sure I'll go that far. A lot of the trim needs attention as well, though it's mostly intact (cracked dash, of course).

Art's car looks in great shape, I hate to think what "high standard" means if that car needs considerable work. Maybe for Pebble Beach. I love the "all nutria" trim, but it's such a pain to find matching parts to replace any cracked or worn bits.

My E28 is in pretty good nick, and due for a bit more work in the Spring. A couple of months ago I finished the timing chain R&R along with oil pump and a few other "while in there" bits. That pretty much sorts it mechanically. It's all OE though, when I re-did the front suspension I didn't add any improvements this time round. It still needs a few things cosmetically - a couple of dents pulled, and some paint. I'm trying to decide whether to do a complete respray or just do the parts that need it (driver's door, hood and passenger rocker). It's only original once, and the rest of the paint will come up nicely with a good detailing. I know, not a very economical approach.