An E39Source Restoration: 2003 BMW E39 M5

This video takes you through the process of restoring this 2003 BMW E39 M5.
E39Source website: www.e39source.com
Help support E39Source by donating: www.e39source.c...
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[@davidchase123]

Hi Ryan, Congratulations on a fantastic outcome on this car. I was able to see this car prior to the project starting as my car was being rejuvenated at the same time. I think I can see it in some of your video footage! The 1,500 mile commute home after picking up my car was on of the best drives I have ever had. The car felt better than when I picked it up 20 years ago. Your attention to detail and passion for these cars is incredible. A 3,000 mile commute to have you do the work was well worth it! Keep up the great work.

[@E39Source]

Thank you so much for this comment David! We'll fondly remember your project for quite some time; your M5 really stands out as one of the cleanest we have ever worked with. It was a pleasure to restore and we're so glad to hear how you enjoyed the drive back home! Happy and safe motoring moving forwards :)

[@davidchase123]

Thanks very much Ryan @@E39Source

[@ricernst]

I can't believe I spent an hour watching this but, as an e39 M5 owner that's racked up 180,000+ over on the best daily driver over the past 20 years, I truly appreciated seeing every single detail you took care of and fantasize that I would somehow have the time and space to give my car the same treatment. Thanks very much for sharing! As you mentioned, California cars often have split rear headrests and mine are no exception. Do you mind sharing where you sourced those? I've been looking and looking.

[@E39Source]

Thanks for the comment! I have a parts supplier back east who has lots of used E39 / M5 parts in stock. If you'd ever like some work done on your M5, feel free to email me! [e-mail]

[@نضوليوجيكوب]

⁠@@E39Sourceمرحبا ريان اسمك عربي كل الاحترام والتقدير لك هل يمكنك توفير ما احتاجه لسيارتي M5 لانني اسكن في الشرق الاوسط ولا تتوفر لدينا القطع بكثره سأكون شاكراً لك

[@E39Source]

Hello, we're only able to offer service/support to customers who have their vehicles at our facility unfortunately. We'd love to discuss a restoration with your vehicle though if you'd consider sending it to us!

[@نضوليوجيكوب]

@@E39Source شكراً لك على الرد السريع اخي ريان سأفكر في الموضوع أتمنى لك دوام التوفيق

[@pascutia]

Awesome job, guys! These videos are so satisfying to watch!!

[@PursuitMode2011]

Ryan is the M5 GOD!!! Love your professionalism and passion.

[@Blackburn_R36]

Unbelievable! That looks like it just rolled off the factory line. Also I totally agree the steering wheel makes a BIG difference. You guys are amazing!

[@E39Source]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickslick730]

This channel is a good BMW channel, I remember watching his vlog channel back in the day when I used to own a BMW, he has come a long way , keep up the good work 👍🏾

[@E39Source]

Thank you!

[@MegaRetr]

So satisfying to watch, this car looks amazing.

[@idus]

Just got a 2003 540i for my son today and this video is awesome! Thanks for posting this. I’m in San Marcos. After it’s running perfect again it would be nice to swing by your place.

[@E39Source]

Congratulations on the acquisition! Feel free to stop by anytime during business hours, we'd love to check it out :)

[@01goldg1]

The wealth of knowledge in these videos is extraordinary! Fantastic work my young Brother!

[@DustyPearl-13]

OFF the charts job Ryan, that car looks sick! If I ever have enough money to buy a clean E39 M5, I will bring it straight up to you! Keep up the AMAZING work! Cheers from Canada

[@E39Source]

Thank you so much, I appreciate your comment! We'd love to an opportunity to work with you sometime.

[@DannysGarage]

Having a good parts washer in the shop is an absolute gamechanger. I've been loving my Safety-Kleen parts washer, it makes cleaning engine components and other things an absolute joy, and it saves money + brain cells not having to huff brake cleaner all day long.

[@Montanagreenmachine]

The attention to detail to the car and the video editing. You do awesome work. The e39 is a true classic and worth saving!!

[@E39Source]

Thank you so much!

[@sokola311]

Ryan, I just had to say goodbye to my E39 but got an F10 that I am very happy with as well. I had that E39 for 16 years and it was good to me. I loved watching this video and I look forward to watching more past and present projects on this channel. Cheers guys!

[@E39Source]

Thanks for your support and comment! Good luck with the F10.

[@KelvinR79]

Thank you Ryan once again…this video showed how the center AC control works…helped me fix the issue. The mechanism shown at 31:25 shows how one control switch moves the knob to control the temp coming out of the center vent…amazing my brother. Thank you!!

[@ricky_ricardo]

I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing I had a Car like this in my garage that I could drive. Amazing work and video, I could watch this for hours if it was long enough.

[@E39Source]

Thank you very much for your kind words and feedback!

[@keithlestrange4249]

My god what a transformation !!!!! Well done E39 source 😂😂

[@YaishAAziz]

Great video n the info given .... wish am in the States to get my E39 530i sports package done by u, Ryan ..... Am having my car totally done up n thks to ur video wld get the workshop here be going thru what u've done...... great job n cheers from faraway Malaysia.....

[@BrokenBMW]

I'm mad jealous about that birch anthracite trim, best looking set for these cars. Quality work as always!

[@tbirdboy]

I know the labor involved must've been extensive but that commitment shows in the final product. Excellent work Ryan!

[@volnick1986]

Man what a project. From a crap car to a gem 💎. I wish I had the money and somebody like you to work on my E38 restoration project. The work done to the car is fantastic! 1 hour of youtube that was so worth watching! Congratulations and greets from Europe! 👏

[@E39Source]

Thank you for your comment and kind words! Best of luck with your E38 project.

[@volnick1986]

@@E39Source For 2 years I’ve had the E38. Done most mechanical and electrical work. Has some more stuff to be done. This spring is going for a full paint job. Needs some new interior and exterior trim as well. Found your channel and subscribed while searching for trunk toolbox info. Got mine almost restored last week. Still need the 10 mm socket and polish cloth though.

[@E39Source]

Fantastic! You're going to have a new condition 7 series :) You're best off to get the 10mm new, and try your luck on Ebay for the cloth.@@volnick1986

[@mitchblyumin6499]

What a restoration. Just wow.

[@revo7290]

Beautiful work! Saved another E39 M5 masterpiece. 👍🏻

[@fjones1914]

Beautiful restoration! The proper wheels were great to see on the car!!!

[@TheHunterHofman]

Fully agree, the previous ones looked awful. These really tie the car together

[@ronmarshall725]

You are an unbelievable resource, thank you for your videos!

[@E39Source]

Thank you for watching!

[@Bavarian_M]

I love your work Ryan! Idk if it’s my BMW obsession or because I love DIYs and repairs, but I enjoy these type of videos so much. But you and M539 Restorations are my go too on KZbin. Thank you for taking the the time for doing this. I know making videos take a long time.

[@E39Source]

Thank you for your comment!! I very much enjoy Sretens video as well, and they often inspire me to film ore of the action around the shop. It is indeed a challenge to carve out the time to film, edit, and upload the content, but I thoroughly enjoy it.

[@Bavarian_M]

@@E39Source keep it coming. Wish you the best.

[@purplecty740]

The owner must have felt more excited than the day they purchased this M5. It's like they just bought a newer better version of it. Great work and attention to detail as always!

[@Milestyles]

It's amazing what you guys can do. That E39 M5 looks gorgeous!

[@R.I100]

How do people who own such beautiful cars mistreat them like this. So sad. On a positive note, your work is awsome.

[@julianosante7134]

The tech guy is just a chatterbox, isn't he? AWESOME restoration. Looking forward to more and more videos.

[@DannyBoyGhost]

Great job Guys love the e39 came out really great man 😮‍💨🔥

[@Moalariki]

Always enjoying to watch your videos and learn something from it because I have BMW 528i 2000 e39 I’m gonna do some bunch of work on it on Sunday and I may need your advice .. really appreciate it and have a blessed day. Take care.

[@eaglerider94]

Awesome restoration! Love how you detailed everything you worked on. I have a '03 5sp M Sport in the same color package and just love driving her. It's in good condition although need a few things you did to this car.

[@enriquesilva5033]

How much can a restoration like that cost? Thank you and again.. fantastic work... 👌

[@lambriyt]

I would love to take my titanium silver e39 m5 up to this level. Incredible work and attention to detail!

[@E39Source]

Bring it on in! 😉

[@congster28]

Another great restoration, well done! I'll be scheduling an appointment with you soon for more fixes and maybe some restoration. Talk to you soon!

[@E39Source]

Thank you very much! Please reach out at your convenience, I can't wait to work together! [e-mail]

[@fredrik3863]

Great video, very nice job!

[@CPoston420]

what a transformation!....car looks incredible, would have loved to see the owners reaction when they first saw the car

[@zydecbro]

hands down E39 is BMW all around best sedan ever

[@maihughtube5079]

So satisfying to watch, this car looks amazing. Great Jorb

[@stup3rdup3rman]

Wow you know these cars inside and out

[@Santi_Mancini]

I like your explanation on the crack vents…I was figuring out people punching them because stuck in heavy traffic! 🤪

[@Jose-we5cj]

The devil is in the details, and you guys, you do a terrific job. It is amazing what you do these vehicles, especially when it is an E39 M5. This video was long, and it is midnight, but oh boy was it worth it? Thanks, God bless and take care.

[@E39Source]

Thank you!

[@davidernestofernandezvalen8669]

Bernd Pischetsrieder really did the ultimate driving machine

[@martintazky]

Thank you for these lovely awesome long videos. ❤❤

[@mikesphoenix_e46m3]

wow i love watching these kind of videos you need to make more like this with my ocd im in my own watching this stuff . this is basically what ive been doing on my phoenix yellow m3 over the years i go through everything and see what need replacing with new bmw parts end results are so satifying . keep up the great work Ryan looking forward to more great videos

[@E39Source]

Phoenix M3, very nice! I very rarely see those. Kudos on doing the work right!

[@mikesphoenix_e46m3]

@@E39Source thanks Ryan ive also undergone a full underchassis nut and bolt resto finished in phoenix yellow topped with clear laquer its all about the little details that makes big difference for me ive been following your channels nearly from the start 😎👌

[@enriquesilva5033]

My dream car.. greatings from Portugal.. 💪💪 Absolutely great job...

[@l.s.6680]

👏👏👏 such a decent job, such a beautiful car

[@raldyjimenez3319]

Awesome restoration

[@bmerfan]

Stunning work!!

[@danielmol4275]

Wooow, just wow! Whish you had a shop in Europe!

[@guri131]

Sreten would be happy.

[@ethanhuang-v7y]

Nice work. Looks like you're getting some M359 vibes here.

[@Curtistv680]

Great video

[@Enthusiast_Plus]

Nice work as usual Ryan. Can’t imagine that bill 🤣

[@astig_pangit]

currently 35min in and i’m fucking LOCKED IN. this is AMAZING

[@jakedavis6999]

Amazing to see those beautiful E39 M5s being restored!!! BTW, How do you remove the headrest from an 03 530i w sport package seats? Thanks

[@hapz6119]

Absolutely amazing! Great restoration Ryan!

[@saparovakimkhan3920]

Great job, love to watch restoration videos, would love to see more, keep going

[@p0sitiv467]

Actually the darker chrome on the wheels is the correct one. It is called black chrome, and it is OEM shade, at least in Europe. It is called chrome shadow.

[@barrykrysko3153]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing!

[@Deagles456]

I love watching these

[@bonginkosiskhosana8252]

Awesome Job Done 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@kevinlogan2306]

Trim is amazing along with the rest of car

[@Andrew_Rich]

Wow Such a great job

[@31acruz]

If you ever do a video on the door hinges work you did would be awesome!

[@E39Source]

I have videos posted on this channel about replacing the door brakes!

[@wickedrebel512]

I need those headlights, what are they?? Awesome video and excellent work 👍

[@E39Source]

I actually sell these! Please email me at [e-mail] for a current estimate.

[@loutayao2023]

I will buy a E39 as my first car, what should i look for and what to expect/check for repairs and maintenance.

[@pipolebnene]

I wish one still could get those high milage m5s for like 15k and put as much in to make it nice but they start at around 25k and then you need 15k to put in. Will never own an e39 m5 but this job is amazing

[@ShiftedPerspective]

Wow great restoration mechanically and cosmetically! If there is any way to change your mic, it would be great to hear you a little easier.

[@E39Source]

Thank you! Is the volume too low, or is it distorted? I just use an iPhone 14 Pro for these videos for simplicity and video quality.

[@paolopanetta10011]

Apologies for jumping on this thread. I find even with my volume on full your voice is a little low. Loving the work your doing Ryan!

[@E39Source]

No I appreciate the feedback! I wouldn't know without it. I'll look into alternative options moving forwards. @@paolopanetta10011

[@ShiftedPerspective]

It just isn't super clear like it might be with a designated mic. With all of your traction of views, it might be time to get a designated camera setup! Even a Canon G7X super easy and built in mic is very good! @@E39Source

[@W210Garage]

These mirrors are so expensive... Specially self dimming ones, doesn't matter BMW, or Mercedes after some years they all go wrong with leaking inside oil. As i remembered ULO is the Hungarian Company which was making these mirrors for majority of German cars of 00 eras. ULO mirrors are the same as Original ones, but they cost a little bit cheaper. Anyway Great Story Mr. Ryan 👌

[@nicolasblot1128]

Very nice restoration! My seals on rear windows on my 540i are also cracking, what's the reference for these? Can't figure out which one is the good one, thanks!

[@E39Source]

You'll want these: Left: tinyurl.com/ycy4vkun Right: tinyurl.com/za5adr32

[@joshuad1716]

48 degrees and raining??? When was this filmed ????

[@E39Source]

This project started in March.

[@juanlizarralde2855]

Hi! To install the side hood spatz does the cowl need to come off? I have both sides but want to make my job easier

[@E39Source]

The cowl side "grille extensions" as BMW calls them? Those go on after the cowl.

[@speedy6238]

51:00 I love these rims!

[@borisp9499]

Ryan, two questions for you: a) where do you get the tire monitor button relocation bracket? and b) what are your thoughts on E65 fan/fan clutch upgrade for the e39m5 as I see you didn't choose to go this route on this car. There is a long discussion on that on M5board.

[@E39Source]

The button relocation panel can be purchased here: bluedogdesignwerks.com/products/bmw-e39-tpms-relocation-plate I don't hear/notice a difference with the E65 fan/clutch. I also don't like the extension adapter that is required, I think that would prematurely wear the water pump bearing.

[@ВоГал]

Hi, please tell me what kind of discs are on this car😮😮😅

[@E39Source]

Standard North American spec E39 M5 rotors.

[@myfacespacebook24]

Is it possible to find OEM trim in the darker wood color for e38's?

[@E39Source]

I'm sure it is, the E38 got loads of custom and individual options.

[@cparente7]

A magnificent obsession! The same things go on these cars - I just replaced the washer fluid neck as well, new design looks stronger. Curious - do you ever recommend the Euro center console cubby? Better looking than US and actually useful.

[@E39Source]

I don't particularly care for the Euro console myself, though I do install it when requested by a customer. I personally prefer the small storage cubby in the lower (Euro) dash by the OBD-II port that my E39s both have.

[@justinvidal9986]

Nice restoration what's the part number for the chassis cover?

[@E39Source]

Chassis cover? Do you mean the underbody panels directly behind the front wheels?

[@justinvidal9986]

@@E39Source yes that panel

[@E39Source]

@@justinvidal9986 Left: tinyurl.com/3kp6tjue Right: tinyurl.com/bdf7bmd4

[@maciekjr06]

How much was the whole restore ?

[@bionfoster4489]

Great job Ryan! Could you provide an approximate cost to refurbish this E39 M5?

[@E39Source]

The customer has requested that the figures be kept private. Each M5 restoration varies wildly, ranging between $3,000 and $60,000 this calendar year alone.

[@ScottSellsSoCal]

Wow Ryan, absolutely perfection. Been watching your videos since you would wrench and make videos of your own car a decade ago now? I’m 6’5 and bought a 2002 M5 a few years ago and just don’t fit well inside and I’m wanting to sell it. 55,000 miles black and Carmel leather interior and located in Southern California. Is the market good for these currently? Do you have any pointers on selling these to a loving home? Thanks Ryan

[@E39Source]

Hi there, thank so much for your comment and continued support! I started in ~2010 back in Ohio with a handful of used tools, it's been quite a journey. I myself of 6'3 and have always fit comfortably in the E39. Have you considered a European dashboard conversion? This affords front passengers a few extra inches of leg/knee room. I have Euro dashes on both of my E39s and always miss them when I get back in a USA spec car. The market is still strong, yes. I would highly recommend Cars & Bids to receive top-dollar for your M5- and the more quality photos you can get of it, the better.

[@cmaximus7627]

Any idea how to fix the inside button that opens the trunk? Thanks

[@E39Source]

I've never seen one fail. Try a different switch, or verify that its plugged in?

[@RheinAmacher]

Is the Euro dash still easily accessible for purchase in 2024?

[@E39Source]

It's still accessible if you find the right European auto dismantlers.

[@catirecortes7892]

Stunning!! TLC

[@hawaiianinja]

Why does the car shake at 50 and pull a certain direction when you hit the breaks? i figured it was a warped rotor. I feel it when i push the breaks hard going over 15 mph

[@E39Source]

A 50mph shake will be the front curved control arm inner bushings, replace the whole arms. Pulling while hitting the brakes can be several things, including but not limited to: mismatching tire type/condition, failing caliper, mismatching brake type/condition, poor alignment, failing ABS module, etc. I'd need the car in my shop to diagnose this.

[@hawaiianinja]

@@E39Source thank you so much! alas i live in oahu hawaii and i dont think i could ship it out there just for that

[@E39Source]

@@hawaiianinja No kidding! I flying into Honolulu one week from today. You’ve got an M5? I’ve only ever seen one E39 M5 in all of Hawaii and it was on Oahu, carbon black if I recall.

[@hawaiianinja]

@@E39Source wow no way what a coincidence that's sooo dope!! I have a 2003 530i, your videos have been a well of information for me. This is my first Bimmer and there's all kinds of things going on with it, the first time I tried to fill the gas up after I bought it it started leaking from somewhere on the top of the fuel tank and running down the bottom dripping onto the ground

[@E39Source]

@@hawaiianinja Fuel level sender seal? Those are starting to fail more and more often.

[@TakesTalent]

Still waiting for timing chain DIY ryan wheres it at man!

[@E39Source]

I started filming one but time didn't allow me to stick with it. I'll get to it, eventually.

[@argn7966]

Keremet ❤👍🏻👏🏻🇰🇿 I love BMW ❤

[@jamesschneider6136]

Where did you get the interior trim from?

[@E39Source]

A Facebook seller.

[@drifter247]

What’s a ball park figure for this type of job

[@juanlizarralde2855]

Where did you source the headlights? @E39Source

[@E39Source]

I have a great supplier for these headlights, and I make them available to my customers as well. Email me at [e-mail] if you'd like to learn more. Thanks!

[@solsticeinv1638]

What would be the budget to do such restoration for 2002 E39 530i?

[@E39Source]

No two E39s require the same work scope. Please email me with more details if you'd like to learn more! [e-mail]

[@Jarpate2992]

any one can help i am trying to scan my e39 528i 1996 odb1 no luck some scanner read initial inf but any is able to connect further

[@agp-Garage]

25:15 where do you get this sticker?

[@E39Source]

I bought a bunch from a FaceBook Owner's Group member years ago.

[@agp-Garage]

@@E39Source OK, too bad. Thought you could buy the sticker online somewhere

[@pographics81]

Where did you get that M sticker for the trunk?

[@E39Source]

A seller on FaceBook reached out to me years ago about them, so I bought a batch. I don't recall his contact.

[@marceloalarcon6058]

Hi! I have a 2000 M5 and im just curious as to what a restoration like this would go for? Your services speak for themselves, and i honestly wouldn't trust anyone else to do a job like this

[@E39Source]

Thank you for watching and for your comment! The cost of these restorations vary wildly depending on what is needed, and no two M5s have identical needs. This particular vehicle required a lot of paint, body, and upholstery work which is quite costly. I'd love to discuss your M5 more with you, could you email me at [e-mail]?

[@marceloalarcon6058]

@@E39Source Sure thing, this weekend I can gather some photos/info and will send it over.Thanks for the quick response!

[@E39Source]

@@marceloalarcon6058 Excellent! I look forward to hearing from you.

[@steket1]

how much does such a major repair cost

[@taktojawojtek]

amazing

[@JorgeJarpa]

Will you please tell me the part number of the door seal please

[@E39Source]

Front door gasket: tinyurl.com/2xdaaw8r

[@morganinprtvch1]

Love the video's I need help my e39 radio turn off doo you know why

[@E39Source]

I would need the car in my shop to diagnose this. Are you local to San Diego?