Even though I owned and still own cars that are more expensive, faster, and beautiful, M Coupe has always been a dream car for me. Its unique blend of characteristics creates a certain charisma, and simply had to have one! Last month my dream became a reality when I picked up my Coupe in Chicago (see this thread about the trip: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...p;#entry915035).

Even though the car was in really good shape, it was far from being perfect. Maybe neglected is a bit of a strong word, but certainly not cared for. it was rough in places, and had few mods that I was not happy with, so as soon as I got it home, I started planning a "come back".

Here is a couple of pictures of the car as it was before I started the restoration:





I started by stripping every possible panel in the interior and cleaning them up, steaming the carpets, replacing panels and all clips, rivets, bolts, etc.




As I assembled it back together, I insulated all rattling panels with various bits of insulation:



When I was done with the trunk I had done the following to it:

-Removed CD Changed and installed iPod Hookup in its place
-Insulation in trim, hatch panel
-Replaced all broken clips and nuts with OEM BMW
-Replaced missing bits and pieces (covers, straps, tools)
-Replaced trim panels over the rear shocks
-New Subwoofer grille
-Steamcleaned about a bucket of dog (or cat?) hair :-)

When I was done with the trunk, it looked like this:


Then I moved to the interior - lots of little bits and pieces had to be fixed there.

-Added missing shifter surround clips
-Replaced broken footrest panel
-Replaced several missing trim-caps
-Fixed rheostat and loose wiring in the shifter boot
-Put in original rearview mirror, and added missing set of trim caps
-Fixed the glovebox, replaced missing latch frame
-Removed glovebox bolster, replaced all trim-caps
-Fixed broken clips on the pass. door panel
-Fixed pass side tweeters (unglued from panel)
-Realigned door panel and trim
-Replaced missing Airbag clip
-Replaced broken hazard lights trim
-Reset Airbag light that popped while moving the seat
-Cleaned underseat connectors



Leather seats were cleaned, conditioned, then re-dyed (spot re-dye) and sealed with sealer. They are nice and supple once again....



Once interior and trunk was perfect, I moved on to the exterior of the beast. First of all, took it to a carwash, and spent 3 hours of cleaning years of caked dirt from the undercarriage and engine bay:

 

By the time it was all cleaned up (revealed mostly good paint which was good thing!), new set of perfectly restored Roadstars with brand new tires (Sumitomo HTR Z III) showed up:

-New wheels with new OEM M badges
-New tires with new stem valves/caps



Once on new wheels, I fixed few other little things:

-New OEM M badge for the hatch
-Replaced two speed nuts in hte license place holder
-Replaced one burned-out plate bulb
-Re-aligned rear spoiler and replaced one sliding nut inside
-Put fender guards on
-20% Tint all around
-Replaced black kidney grilles with OEM chrome
-Took out small hood dent
-Put new wiper and new wiper blades
-Replaced smashed rear brake ducts (aeroducts)
-Replaced missing rubber gas flap stopper
-Removed paint from the gills/polished the chrome

Once all mechanical and cosmetic issues were fixed, all was left is to clean it and make it beautiful!

-Dressed up engine bay
-Clayed the paint! (I have never seen so much stuff in the paint. I guess few Chicago winters are showing here!):




-Rubber seals were conditioned with Gummi Pfledge
-Paint was polished, cleaned, corrected with orbital buffer, and sealed with wax:



Finally, the monster was back!




And finally, today was a beautiful day, so I took my camera (Nikon D40x with 18-200VR lens), tripod, filters, and took some proper pics of the car!

 

In the park:







I absolutely love this angle!

 

Some construction site:

 

Then at some railroad warehouse or sorts:

 

And finally, at an old parking lot:





Went a bit crazy with the pix, I know.
Sorry for the overload. Hope you enjoyed this little car comeback to its full glory.

Thanks,
Alex

 

Congrats on the beautiful restoration! I love M Coupes!

 

Love the car man...great restoration!

 

Sweet.

There is a silver one in my parking garage that I am enamored with.

 

Thanks guys.

Wow, cool. S52 or S54? Pix?