Lotus99

Props to you for keeping your chin up thru this!

Not one to dissuade you from modding... But are you planning on tracking the car or doing drag races with it? If not, why bother upgrading the oil cooler and FMIC?

Theo

Hey Huntington,

Glad to see some progress is made in reversing the effects caused by that idiot.

I was wondering: are you sure that your front suspension and all related components are OK? I could image that they got to endure some of the sudden side impact as well?

Good luck!

huntington

I'm not sure. The car is being towed on Wednesday to the Body Shop to have the frame measured and ensured that it is straight. If it isn't, I'm going to have it straightened. I REALLY hope that it's not damaged, but of course it's a strong possibility.

I am going to replace the front suspension with either KW or CKS Suspension coil overs.

Maybe, just maybe the frame is okay. The impact was directly to the front bumper and fender in front of the wheel. After the impact, the hood and fenders still lined up PERFECT - I was amazed. Fingers crossed!

huntington

Yes I am planning to track the car. Lightly, of course. I do recognize that it's still a wagon and one that I"ll use for kids at that.

There is a private track being built out in the Coachella / Indio area of CA. It is called the Thermal Club. I'll be heading out there occasionally. Also we have good friends that are members at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, another track just outside the Palm Desert area. I think it'll be fun to take some light laps in the wagon.

I love modding and since the car is already apart and I have to purchase parts to replace the damaged stock ones, I'd rather do it now and turn this in to a full project car. I own a shop in SoCal called Top-End MotorWerks and I plan to use the wagon as our illustration of the many things we are capable of. We are primarily a service & repair shop, so this will be a great start to enter in to the Performance world. We are also partnering with Trinity Autosport, as they are really knowledgable and experienced in the BMW Tuning world.

03grey5

Wow. Sucks that happened to your new ride. Glad you came out of it in one piece though, can't ask for much more at that point.

Good luck with the frame and hopefully everything turns out in your favor!

Lotus99

Awesome, I'm sure with the mods, the car will be fun at the track. Tuning this engine as I'm sure you know, is quite easy!

huntington

Quick update: I ordered the M5 front end on Friday from Sterling BMW in Newport Beach. Parts should be in on Tuesday. Additionally, I had to order two frame rails for the front. Though it was only the ends of the rails that were sheered off, the 2008 E61 can only have them replaced if you order that particular section of the frame rail. Cost was approximately $1500 for the two rails. I'm assuming labor is going to be PRICEY though. I'll post pix if I'm able to get over to the frame shop while it's getting worked on this week. Can't wait to get my baby back!
Only part I waited on was the hood. I'll probably order an OEM hood, but I want to see what options are out there. Also I'm considering Carbon Fiber for weight savings. Anyone know of any good hoods out there?

huntington

Okay so here's the update. After WEEKS of waiting, my car is finally making progress at the body shop...

We disassembled at my Shop, then towed it to the Body Shop...
It has since been there getting the frame rails welded back on (successful) and we've found that somehow the frame was not bent. Excellent news.

So here's where it gets interesting...
I've decided since we are doing so much repair work, I'm going to paint the whole car. Given everything that's happening, it's much more economical to do this now than down the road...

So I went with "Battleship Grey," a Lamborghini color from the Murcielago LP640


Now the car is being stripped and prepped for paint. Thought this would be cool to see for all the E61 fans out there...

huntington

Got some new pix of the paint tear down today:








This has been quite a process, but it'll be done 1 week from today! It's amazing how this has turned from such a bummer to such a blessing.

Theo

Wow, this is becoming an epic project!

Love the color choice BTW