M5 "Makeover" (Photo Heavy!)
M5 "Makeover" (Photo Heavy!)
I purchased one of my dream cars, a euro-ized E28 M5, last fall. While the car was well maintained by its prior owners, as I enjoyed the car over the first couple of months, I kept a running list of all of the things I wanted corrected to bring the car to that "next level" - both mechanically and cosmetically. Thanks to Mario Langsten and his expert crew at VSR, the transformation is now complete! The car looks and drives like an absolute dream....
Here are some before and after photos.
BEFORE
Started with a nice euro look, H&R springs:
Lots of rock chips in the front valance, hood, and quarter panels:
Rear valance was a bit of a mess:
AFTER
Overall view - including new Fikse wheels, spax springs:
Hood, front quarter panels, and valance all expertly re-painted:
Rear valance completely stripped and re-finished, painted to match body color. I know it's not "stock," but it looks incredible, and really helps to "balance" the look of the car:
All business:
Interior shots, including Mtech II wheel, new audio system with Nakamichi head unit, euro cloth:
One last shot:
Here are some before and after photos.
BEFORE
Started with a nice euro look, H&R springs:
Lots of rock chips in the front valance, hood, and quarter panels:
Rear valance was a bit of a mess:
AFTER
Overall view - including new Fikse wheels, spax springs:
Hood, front quarter panels, and valance all expertly re-painted:
Rear valance completely stripped and re-finished, painted to match body color. I know it's not "stock," but it looks incredible, and really helps to "balance" the look of the car:
All business:
Interior shots, including Mtech II wheel, new audio system with Nakamichi head unit, euro cloth:
One last shot:
Last edited by Tifoso on Nov 27, 2017 2:50 PM, edited 1 time in total.
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Thanks for the kind words, everyone! I'm really thrilled with how she turned out.
This is indeed Brooks Robinson's former M5.
To answer the questions about suspension and wheel specs:
Suspension is Bilstein Sports with Spax springs, all worn bushings replaced, front and rear Mason strut bars.
Wheels are 17 x 8.5. Fikse spec'd an offset of ET13. Turns out that is too aggressive for a lowered car. Oops. Even with 225/45s, I was rubbing in the rear. Additional fender rolling did the trick, and there are no longer any rubbing issues, even with folks in the back seat. In retrospect, I could've gone with an 8" instead of 8.5" width, same offset, to save me some trouble.... But it's fun to push the envelope once in a while.
This is indeed Brooks Robinson's former M5.
To answer the questions about suspension and wheel specs:
Suspension is Bilstein Sports with Spax springs, all worn bushings replaced, front and rear Mason strut bars.
Wheels are 17 x 8.5. Fikse spec'd an offset of ET13. Turns out that is too aggressive for a lowered car. Oops. Even with 225/45s, I was rubbing in the rear. Additional fender rolling did the trick, and there are no longer any rubbing issues, even with folks in the back seat. In retrospect, I could've gone with an 8" instead of 8.5" width, same offset, to save me some trouble.... But it's fun to push the envelope once in a while.
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Looking great! Get a new Radiator reservoir in that engine compartment tho, they're only like $35!
Edit: Whoops, they're more like $116.00 I was thinking of the Washer bottle.
Edit: Whoops, they're more like $116.00 I was thinking of the Washer bottle.
Last edited by TurboChris on Jul 09, 2012 12:27 AM, edited 1 time in total.
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Beautiful! This car was in some ways inspirational for my own changes. I do love a Euro-ed car with cloth!