E28 M5 swap restoration

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Feb 23, 2013 1:22 PM

The M5 subframe is being sandblaster and prepped for paint. FYI it takes a LONG time to clean this thing up. Eventually I will post pics.
I have put down about 6 layers of peel in seal on the front floor boards. Not a bad replacement for oem sound deadining. I probably spent $75 though (for the whole car 3X rolls).

Overall its running great. Rear bumper tucked and painted.

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Feb 28, 2013 9:53 AM

Was under the car yesterday and my exhaust leak maybe mostly if not all the header flanges. I need to match up some new gaskets at local parts store. BMW doesn't stock a dam thing for E28s.
Good news is I have the subframe bushings in. Now I need to get the dam E brake cables out so I can get this subframe swapped over.
Anyone care to share what rpm 55mph is with factory gearing? I kinda wonder if these things should have the 535i (3.25 lsd) ratio instead of 3.91

mooseheadm5 · Post by **mooseheadm5** » Feb 28, 2013 10:04 AM

http://e28-535i.com/upload/Trans_gear_ratios.xls

Engine speed at 55 mph in 5th is about 2300 RPM.

The M5 likes the revs, which is why it has that gear in it. If you wanted to get a little better MPG, I wouldn't drop it to a 3.25. I'd go with a 3.73 or 3.64.

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Feb 28, 2013 10:30 AM

mooseheadm5 wrote:http://e28-535i.com/upload/Trans_gear_ratios.xls

Engine speed at 55 mph in 5th is about 2300 RPM.

The M5 likes the revs, which is why it has that gear in it. If you wanted to get a little better MPG, I wouldn't drop it to a 3.25. I'd go with a 3.73 or 3.64.

Well im running the 2.93 right now and 2nd hits about 70 according to gps and speedo. It seems a 3.91 may make this thing like a tractor. haha. The 3.25 in my M30B35 works well IMO. We will see when I finish the swap. Im gonna try it and probably will not change anything.

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Feb 28, 2013 10:51 AM

218mph (theoretical) top speed with 2.93. haha. 164 stock. Dont think ill be going that fast anytime soon.
Thanks for the spread sheet. Fun to play with.
Its saying I should still hit 60mph somewhere about 6600 rpm in 2nd. Good enough for me.

mooseheadm5 · Post by **mooseheadm5** » Feb 28, 2013 1:07 PM

JFYI, the euro M5 had a 3.73. You don't really want to go too tall on the gearing on one of these. It is a bad idea to lug these motors around town.

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 09, 2013 9:41 AM

mooseheadm5 wrote:JFYI, the euro M5 had a 3.73. You don't really want to go too tall on the gearing on one of these. It is a bad idea to lug these motors around town.

You dont have one do you? (3.73 LSD). Or a 3.25 LSD for that matter?

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 09, 2013 11:47 AM

Well subframe is refinished and installed. Here are some pics.

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 09, 2013 12:07 PM

I dont like the 3.91. There is no good reason for such a low gear. Im turning 2800 at 55 mph. (ridiculous) Ill be swapping to a 3.25 LSD as soon as I find one.

Kyle in NO · Post by **Kyle in NO** » Mar 09, 2013 12:50 PM

It makes sense considering the rpm range the engine is designed to be run in.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Mar 09, 2013 1:21 PM

BMW moterspurt injuneers = stooped.

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 09, 2013 2:14 PM

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 12, 2013 3:28 PM

One more gone to the big racetrack in the sky.

mooseheadm5 · Post by **mooseheadm5** » Mar 12, 2013 5:53 PM

If that is a good BMW windshield, you will want to keep it.

mooseheadm5 · Post by **mooseheadm5** » Mar 12, 2013 5:55 PM

savannah996 wrote:
mooseheadm5 wrote:JFYI, the euro M5 had a 3.73. You don't really want to go too tall on the gearing on one of these. It is a bad idea to lug these motors around town.
You dont have one do you? (3.73 LSD). Or a 3.25 LSD for that matter?

I actually have a 3.25LS and a 3.73 open on hand right now.

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 12, 2013 7:40 PM

mooseheadm5 wrote:If that is a good BMW windshield, you will want to keep it.

No I cracked it.The rear is good and coming out.

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 21, 2013 10:39 AM

Ahhh time for a update. Sorry no pics. I need to get out of the house more often.
Life with the correct diff kinda sucks. Always going 1-3-5. A changeout is definitely in order when I get time and this one will be up for sale.
1. Painted some areas inside of the trunk damaged by leaky taillight seals. Also
2. Finally have the battery in the trunk and OEM airbox in.
3. Saw a little water coming down the PS b-pillar. Guess my sunroof drain is clogged again?
4. Received the new flooring insulation and will install it and carpet soon.
5. Bumpers tucked.
6. Hood trunk painted.
7. Fuel smell noted inside. Comes and goes. Mostly if I open a window. I think its being drawn in through the trunk. Slight smell in there but allot outside around the ps back tire. Investigation today.
8. Need to order that Flowmaster soon.
End of list.

Noticed with my Gtech and GPS that the M only hits 57 in second gear, same as E30 M3. Didnt get an accurate 0-60 time this way of course but did have a 5.5, 0-50. Just another reason to ditch the 3.91.

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savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 26, 2013 11:02 PM

Installed 2 layers of floor insulation, and the carpet is going in. Airdam on=

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 29, 2013 8:52 PM

Still waiting on my flowmaster, seems everyone on ebay is shipping uber cheap snail speed. I dont blame them, shipping is ridiculous for any type of package.

Working on the hydroboost system, seems I have low pressure. The light blinks when I press the pedal, hard tip in on the pedal also.
When the trunk is finished I will post a pic of the aftermarket battery box. And some interior pics when I get the heated seats wired.

Kyle in NO · Post by **Kyle in NO** » Mar 29, 2013 11:21 PM

That would likely be a failed pressure accumulator aka brake bomb.

mooseheadm5 · Post by **mooseheadm5** » Mar 30, 2013 12:09 AM

Kyle in NO wrote:That would likely be a failed pressure accumulator aka brake bomb.

+ several million

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Mar 30, 2013 12:30 AM

If that's what the problem sounds like I'll look for a new one. What's inside the brake bomb Anyway?

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Mar 30, 2013 12:31 AM

Nitro.

John in VA · Post by **John in VA** » Mar 30, 2013 6:55 PM

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Aug 06, 2013 8:17 PM

Maaaaan time for a update.

1. Brake bomb replaced with unit from Napa. Brakes much better.
2. My PS rear abs ring was cracked and damaged the sensor. Replaced both, ABS working now.
3. AC is working. New dryer and R134a conversion.
4. Axle seals replaced.
5. Gas smell is a leak in the fuel tank area. Mostly smelled when I have over 1/2 tank.
6. Installed EVO cam gear.
7. Dinan chip.

I autocrossed her a few weeks ago. Did wonderful and would do better if my skills were stronger. I will have to swap out my wheels/tires net time though. Im running the stock size on the rear but 205/50-16 on the front. Causing notable understeer.

savannah996 · Post by **savannah996** » Aug 06, 2013 8:22 PM

MyE28.com

MyE28.com

E28 M5 swap restoration