A selection of the cars we’ve been fortunate enough to put back where they belong.
Diamond Schwartz E28 M535i Nut and Bolt Restoration
E28 M535i 1 of the famous Bahnstormers 9
E28 M535i barn find - collection day!
A tour of the completed underside welding E28 M535i - 1 of the Barnstormers 9
A tour of the refitted underside with all refreshed undercarriage - 1 of the Barnstormers 9
E30 325i se recommisoned after a 9 year lay up.
It’s a common story. Bought shortly before the birth of the customer's first child, when it failed its MOT there were of course more pressing matters at hand. The car was due a timing belt when purchased and as the years marched by, the owner become concerned about starting the car in case the cam belted snapped under startup.
It arrived with us as a non-runner that had not turned a wheel in more than 9 years. The brief was to appraise the car and make any necessary repairs to get the car running and reliable, to execute any preventative maintenance, and to repair the badly corroded rear wheel arches and replace the tatty front wings and front valance.
On inspection, all of the solid lines for the brakes and fuel system were deemed unusable, so given the overall list of jobs we elected to remove the rear subframe in order to give better access for repair and replacement of parts and body. Whilst out the rear subframe was completely re-bushed. The owner elected to replace all of the shock absorbers with Bilstein B6’s and H&R springs which gives a very driver-focused and engaging drive and is very similar to the setup found on M-technic cars.
After checking that the engine would turn over by hand, and ensuring oil was reaching the camshaft, the cam belt and tensioner were replaced, a full service performed on the engine, the old fuel thoroughly drained out and replaced with new, the car burst back into life relatively easily. No system was left untouched. All the flexible brake lines were replaced, callipers cleaned before fitting new discs and pads, the coolant system flushed, and the thermostat and viscous fan replaced along with all the auxiliary belts. Tyres, exhaust etc all took their turn.
The owner provided replacement wings and valance which were painted along with the rear quarters and IS front splitter to produce a striking looking final piece.
Returned to the road fit for action and thoroughly future-proofed.
