M Coupe Quest: Restoration/Detail/Mega-PhotoShoot (LOTS of pix)

[E60]

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://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/z3-coupe/9299446-1.html).

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 for looking!

[PaulR]

<IMG SRC=http://mydrive.roadfly.com/photos/pic.php?u=73302r2fUS&i=2642><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR=Gray SIZE=+1>PaulR</FONT>
<FONT COLOR=Black>'CCA Memb #8743
'99 M-Coupe - Silver/Black
'85 325e - my "Ol' Paint"
'96 VFR750F - smoooth
'86 Ducati 750-F1 - raw</FONT>

[dk]

I wish I had that kind of dedication... maybe one of these days

[CODGER]

[rfritz]

Your M Coupe looks tremendous!! Congratulations on all of your efforts...it's outstanding to see your coupe returned to original spec.....personally, I think it's the way to go....no flames from anyone, please!!

So just one observation...it doesn't appear from your pictures that the side marker lights are original...they appear to be smoked, aftermarket....

Just my 2 cents - gorgeous Coupe!!!!!

[E60]

this is one of those modes that previous owner did and that I will remove in time. I've dumped enough cash in it right now, but they are on the "to do" list, I will replace them with stock orange markers. I'm just trying to find some that are OEM and cheaper than $37 per marker that my dealer wants. The smoked ones are OEM white markers painted with black paint.
Thanks!

[rfritz]

You might try Hendrick BMW in Charlotte NC...I just ordered a replacement A/C switch for my 01 Z3 3.0 Coupe with a 20% discount...but it still ran $88 for the switch, plus shipping and tax...ouch!

[Brian368s1711]

...though I certainly do not have nearly the punch list you did.

I have a few rattles to hunt down and a lot of fluids to change. going to replace the clutch line. Finish up Zune integratation. Take care of rock chips and few accumulated finish abrasions (f'ing cat, but I love the evil boo).

_________________

<a href="http://www.368s.com/car.phtml?CarID=27" target="_blank"><img alt="Sig image by Chadinator" border=1 src="http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2899/ava4cv.jpg"></a>

<font size=-2>2000 ///M Coupe - Cosmos/Kyalami
Remus Exhaust, ECIS CAI, M50 Intake Manifold, Conforti S/W, UUC UDP, FDK, H&Rs w/Bilsteins
Strong Strut CL, Bushing Stuffers, PowerSlot, Axxiss Ultimate, Stainless Lines

[dragoncoupe]

Looked OK in the first drive pics. Can't believe how nice it is now. Wish I had the time these days to do mine.

What did you do with the old Roadstars?

[bigapplem]

2002 Silver S54 Mcoupe
368S/315

[bigapplem]

2002 Silver S54 Mcoupe
368S/315

[E60]

interested in buying them.
They are straight and true, NO curbrash, NO cracks/bends or any kind, just few paint scuffs here and there. Were perfectly balanced and I just paid $40 to take old tires off of them actually. They can be refinished, or used as is for track duty. Come with OEM BMW hubcaps. Pick 'em up for $395, or I'll have them shipped anywhere in US for additional $100. I take cash, checks, MOs, Paypal. Email or post here if interested.
PIX:

[E60]

[dp]

[foscoe944]

Beautiful!

I've just gotten an M3 track rat, so the M Coupe is being retired from track duty and will now be just a pampered daily driver. Hopefully, over the summer I will do as you have done.

[jCoupe]

amazing work! like dk said, can you do my car next? :-P

really great work!

[macc2440]

behind the car.

[Steve D (AL)]

[CODGER]

the official box and everything. Had the dealer replace 'em with the clears before I picked it my MC new. $20 each. E-me if you're interested.

John
01 Triple Black MC

[stingley]

Always was and always will be my favorite car of all time. Nothing comes close. I truely miss my 1999 Esotril Blue M-Coupe.

Fantastic job in your restoration! Amazing amazing work. I only wish this could be done to all the remaining M-Coupes out there! :-)

Some day I might just own another M-Coupe. For now I'm driving a 2000 740iL (another fantasic vehicle).

-Scott