I'd first have all mechanical and electrical check up before having the exterior refurbished...
Changing all the fluid and wear & tear would be pretty dear already... Just my 0.02...

 

Im in Cockeysville. Try Ed's Body and paint on Beaver Dam rd. Charlie is the manager and does pretty good work really cheap.

 

Car internals look good, passed inspection and safety cert. Hopefully it'll hold together a little while longer, and it's good to hear that this version is more robust that average.

Just saw the car earlier today, they took the rear bumper off, replaced mirror housing and repainted the cover. The front fender damage was repaired to mint condition, I couldn't believe how good it looked! Not sure if they did the wetsand/buff step yet.

I ordered the front M5 tech bumper from Umnitza, it turns out that Trinity sold out of them and I can't stand waiting a month .

Hey KEV, I live in Cockeysville too! I'll check out your recommendation, I'm looking desperately for paintless dent removal service. I think I'll also buy some shadowline trim...

As for the rims, I'm saving up now... Just hoping there are some cheaper rims out there for good money. I'm pondering 172s as per the below post, but my wallet is definitely a little light right now. Are there rim repair services, and is the amount the guy charging for reasonable? Will this fit on my car? He indicated that it's a staggered set, what does this mean?

http://e60.5post.com...ad.php?t=562674

Next chance I see the car I'll post pics .

Here are a few pre-work pics (w/ Tom (son of owner) and a fellow autobody pro in the background).

http://minus.com/mdYycy4

 

Wow, two members from MD!! That's first!! Save up for those rims and depending on what you want, I'll let you know who's the cheapest. Also any problem with your rims in MD go to Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists of Baltimore www.awrswheelrepair.com/baltimore 443-807-1946 He also can get wheels cheap, unless your looking for OEM, then go to Garry of Newport BMW 401-847-9600

 

We should start a MD chapter, I think we're the only 3 from MD. Actually a MD, DC, VA club already exists, but most of their activities are in the DC metro, VA areas.

 

Thanks for the all the advice guys!

One more question - I'm trying to figure if the set being offered is worth picking up. Is the price reasonable? I spoke w/ Gary of Newport BMW who quoted $1876 for just the rims brand new (applies to both 172s and 166s). If I get this set for $1550, at least it already comes w/ some decent tires, and all I need then is to repair the wheels (@ $150 each as quoted by AWRS Baltimore).

 

Update time!

1. Left mirror dmg repaired.
2. Right fender repaired.
3. Wetsand/buff done.
4. dent removal done (except two tiny spots on the roof - the guy didn't have time to finish it).
5. Shadowline trim done (but trim needs to be re-examined, it's a bit tricky ensuring seals are tight).

Tomorrow the hood will be repainted (the wetsand/buff couldn't eliminate the deep etches), and both front M5Tech and rear MTech bumpers will be repainted and installed!

I've decided to wait a bit before I proceed w/ rim selection - wallet's a little stretched since my other car suddenly decided now is the time to have an intermediate pipe/muffler crisis.

On another note, my BMW mechanic is recommending that the valve gasket covers be replaced for $330. Does this sound right (I've done some research - parts are about $40, but this service requires the engine to be opened up which is difficult to do). Should I do the spark plugs as well? Car is at 75k miles.

Thanks!


Before




After

 

well is the valve cover leaking?
spark plugs change interval is every 100k miles, but changing them now won't hurt.

what happened to your exhaust?

 

I had my valve gaskets replaced recently. Looks great, what was the final damage on cost? I told you it wouldn't be that bad to get it up to nice condition.

 

Looking good!!
Please contact me when you're looking to unload your rims...