Buying & Fixing a Broken BMW E46 M3 5200 Miles Away From Home - Project Salt Lake: Part 1

How does vacation in the United States? Rent a reliable rental car? Nein, gimme oil leaks and check engine lights! I bought sight-unseen a very neglected 2001 BMW E46 M3 Convertible with a 6-speed and I attempt to fix it in one day and get it ready for 1500 miles long journey.
Best place to buy BMW parts - www.bimmerworld.com/
You can support me on Patreon! - / m539restorations
T-Shirts, hoodies & mugs - m539restorations.com/
Follow me on Instagram - / m539_restorations
Aqua (vapor) blasting cabinet - www.vaporblastingequipment.co...
Find Liqui Moly oil and additives for your car - www.liqui-moly.com/en/service...
BendPak lifts - www.bendpak.com/
Luuk, BendPak & Quickjack Europe - liftmotive.com/
Massive thanks to Radu from RT Design Studio for making new merch happen! - www.rt.md/
Email: [e-mail]

[@BimmerWorldMedia]

What an epic idea and project you came up with here. We were stoked to be a part of it and loved working with you and making this happen on a tight timeline. Can't wait for part 2! Maybe BimmerWorld needs to do something similar in Frankfurt??? What do you guys think?

[@ortoacija]

That'd be awesome. This is some of the finest car-content on YT, always worth watching :) Keep up the good work Sreten!

[@harskyll4811]

We would need BimmerWorld also in europe ❤

[@st3althyone]

Hell yeah, bring it on!

[@royvisser90]

If you come to Europe I'll be yer first client. Welcome

[@2of2DCH]

Thanks for supporting this epic adventure!

[@johnngo907]

I feel humbled to be able to host the workspace and tools for Project: Salt Lake. It was a pleasure for all of us to work with you and help get your M3 ready for a well deserved vacation! Please don’t hesitate to reach out next time you need an extra couple of hands in the US. You know we’ll come running! ❤ Super satisfying to see all the work distilled in such a well edited and narrated video.

[@home-lab]

Thanks for making this possible !

[@niklasniklasniklas1]

You guys are heroes! And that Laguna Seca M3. Export it to me to Sweden 😂

[@johnngo907]

@@niklasniklasniklas1 Haha, I don’t know if Brandon will ever give that car up. It’s a wild story on it’s own about how we managed to get it back to Utah. Let’s just say 3000 miles weren’t meant to be covered in under 48 hours by two sleep deprived car enthusiasts.

[@praktis1975]

Thx John for all your help :)

[@hobbybymyself870]

You guys are great! Thanks so much for make this happening! Super friendly content i wish there will be more of you on KZbin! Greetings From Poland

[@carlos76437]

I guess there's someone who also deserves a word of appreciation: Sreten's girlfriend. We all appreciate your patience for our entertainment. Thank you. As for the content, this is undeniably the best BMW focused channel and one of the best car channels out here. No doubt.

[@petepenn1]

Too True...MARIA is Amazing Lady perfect for SRETEN!

[@Eatinbritches]

Patience of a saint!

[@chiluco2000]

For every moment I saw him rush and work as fast as he could I was thinking he was doing it for his girlfriend, so she shouldn't wait any longer than necessary. I think we've been there so many times!

[@speeddonors]

☝️🧡

[@eddiefumar]

Brandon is a legend. He helped with the missing part without any hesitation. Thank you Sreten for letting us be part of the journey.

[@yugo4576]

As Sreten kept repeating and rightfully so, these guys are the true heroes of this project!

[@AStick3Pedals]

Nice name Yugo 45😂

[@rajivperera1624]

34+

[@pirogenopeich1856]

Fantastic collaboration!! Good job family 👏👏

[@simono.d9469]

THIS is what it’s all about. Just people who all love cars coming together to welcome a total stranger to use their space, tools and time for a project. Nothing but respect for you guys. Top tier 👏

[@AnandChakraborty]

I love how Streten not only concentrates on the mechanical aspects of a car but also the aesthetics like floor mats, badges, etc. despite time crunch; a true perfectionist! A man after my heart. Love watching your videos, they are a real treat!

[@HansDelbruck53]

A carfectionist. At least when it comes to BMWs.

[@monstermirror2]

And still it took him almost until the end of the video to remove that ugly smear from the side windows 😄

[@ky4encetv463]

I cant stress enough, how nice those guys were! It warmed my heart watching this, and how the community helps each other! The guy took the hose from his own car just to make it happen! What a legend!

[@phil_aesthetics]

@Dacia Sandero guys I love Americans they are so cool!

[@ItsXaPz]

One thing bothered me that M539 started complaining about the plate thingy, that the dude did not do it earlier. Its just a small inconvience

[@ChaoZz07]

@@ItsXaPz I’ve been watching Sreten for a while and can say for sure that he gave that guy plenty of time to fix the car for the inspection. I would also be disappointed if I bought a car and the seller did not honor our agreement.

[@sq1rlsqu4d]

@@ItsXaPz ...but it's *not* a small inconvenience, it's quite a big one. Sreten had informed the seller that time was of the essence, and now has to drive interstate on temp plates which is never ideal.

[@nFs-Naz]

@@christophertownley6734 Sreten isnt German , @anyone trying to toss some shade be honest for a sec.. you'd be pissed too ..

[@964tractorboy]

JR, Brandon and John: outstanding generosity, hospitality and endurance. Truly humbling. What a start to the series.

[@aidemhuerta4350]

I love how far this channel has come. From around 3k subs to now over 300k, I have loved every moment of it. Thank you Sreten.

[@iantyler4045]

I thoroughly enjoyed this ep from start to finish. How generous were those guys to give you time, space and tools to make this all happen. That beamer will be spot on by the time your finished with it. It's really nice when people with the same interests get together from opposite sides of the world. Can't wait for the next ep.

[@BruceBoschek]

At 80+ years. I can't imagine having the guts to do that, but when I was your age I came to Germany and bought an 8-year old 770 Fiat Jagst. I learned to say Zylinderkopfdichtung before I knew how to say Guten Tag. It took 8 days to get from Cologne to Munich with 12 workshop visits on the way. You did this in style. We did it back in 1965 on 350 DM and wishful thinking. Loved your video, as always.

[@erolfam8563]

Props to the guys. You guys are true enthusiasts for letting him use the space and help him at the same time.

[@omg_stoppit]

Honestly, I really hope this gets Sreten the fame he deserves. He has such an awesome story, having gone to UCSB and then moved to Germany to start a mechanic shop. He's so fucking cool. I love this guy. Bless his heart.

[@3214342]

My man did more in one evening than the previous owner(s) did in 10 years. What an absolute legend, top tier content.

[@st3althyone]

I know, that poor car was so neglected; it's a goddamn shame.

[@gerjanrubens2698]

Yeah that was nice to watch lol

[@pmscalisi]

Most Americans won’t or don’t understand vehicle maintenance. Put some gas in it, change the oil at one time or another and just drive.

[@pirogenopeich1856]

Who knows have the power... M3 power in this case... Jjjj

[@clonetrooper576]

Like he said, Utah doesnt care about the state of the car, just about if the darn check engine light is off. Its silly. Youll be driving around in America seeing people with 3 spare tires, broken bumpers, dented doors, missing tailights. Its ridiculous, there are a few states which do proper inspections though, but nothing like German TÜV

[@dayalanvelan3070]

This is what you call true brotherhood of Man (and woman). We need more people like you guys in this world. Another awesome fix and Ingenius as usual. Also what an awesome scenery. Can't wait for part 2. Greetings and God bless from South Africa 🙏🏿

[@Samalyzer45]

I can't say enough about your courage, determination, and the great hospitality of your new friends in Salt Lake. I still say that you should move back to the states so that you could meet more of the friends you don't know you have. Fantastic episode!

[@25troy]

Great content! You guys looked like a team of doctors rushing around the patient in the emergency room 😄. And looks as though the patient is already feeling better 👍. Thanked for sharing!

[@germansurgtube]

Exactly my impression! Trauma ER Saving that exsanguinating ///M BMW

[@M1r092]

Hyped for the M3 and that you actually got to take a vacation! You've been working quite hard these last few months with that Alpina...

[@M539Restorations]

Vacation is just a marketing trick in this instance 🤣but thank you!

[@M1r092]

@@M539Restorations Yeah, we Balkan people just seem to see a change in scenery a vacation, don't we? 😂 Didn't really seem you were vacationing when dealing with the M3. Typical slav, bringing his own stuff in the luggage, as well. 😂 Loved it!

[@RustyPetterson]

@@M1r092 I was expecting to see the other star of the channel getting used (the Bosch flashlight) haha.

[@M1r092]

@@RustyPetterson co-star had a day off I guess. 😂

[@cockylokie7865]

Man, I love this Channel. Keep it coming, dude. One day, I want to be able to do what you do. This series needs to be a Netflix film, so I can binge-watch it.

[@DenHvideHund]

I'm amazed at how nice people are in this community. To everyone who helped, big thumbs up. Also those mountains in Salt lake...my god, what an amazing place.

[@Edmo]

There is only one problem with the video - its way too short :D Going to be one awesome series 👍

[@peterers3]

It ends :O

[@agen1man]

nõus :)

[@Edmo]

@@agen1man eks ole

[@ddanlos84]

This guy, honestly... one day my brother sent me his second video he ever posted on YT and ever since im hooked. Sreten, a IT guy started to share his restaurations with the world and i guess hes simply the best at it. i can not thank enough for his editing . everyone who ever had to research somthing should be thankfull for this razer sharp editing. Sreten is a f*cking LEGEND

[@StylusPT]

The minute you got in that garage, oh boy, it became the most intense video so far, it looked like a between stages rally wrenching fest. I was utterly hooked. By the way, I could see a series like this all around the world being a reality. Go for it!

[@alistairuysal1858]

Exactly what I was thinking lol. Compulsive viewing 👏

[@qualifierone8899]

Wow. This is what I call entertainment! I was totally hooked! Job in this tiny garage looked like professionals working in the operating room. Thank you everyone involved for a great episode!

[@kieraz10]

The amount of work you completed in one evening is just incredible, you would put a BMW Workshop to shame. Looking forward to the next episodes.

[@adamlee3709]

Feels like fixing a rally car before the next stage, one of your most intense episode ever M539!

[@eaglebrink]

Such an awesome group of carpeople!! Awesome how they opened their garage to you and even help the entire day!! Hats of to all of you!

[@ferdi6075]

What an adventure and it's nice to see carguys helping eachother out, even though they live more then a 1000 miles apart. Can't wait for the next episode!

[@f.k.3762]

When Streten gets pushy, you realize how Germanized he has become over time 😄

[@thetoastado]

Where is he from originally? Always wondered

[@PompeyMatt17]

@@thetoastado Serbia

[@Mr.Riffian]

Ordnung muss sein! 😂😂😂

[@ChoPi-Eww]

I can't really blame him for being irritated, he's on a schedule and the guy blew it off

[@markjackson6288]

🤣

[@HorsTeets]

brilliant idea! Combining vacation with a project. Probably the girlfriend didn't enjoy it as much as you did, but we sure enjoy seeing the video(s). Great work, as always!

[@Shododaan]

Great to see you visiting my side of the pond sir. This was a nice old-school collaboration of a few enthusiasts working together to help one another. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series but this was a fantastic start for your state-side journey.

[@elboogie7248]

I love it. He didn't know them from a can a paint and they were all wrenching on his car like they know each other their whole lives. The world would be a better place if everyone treated strangers like this

[@jimcondray4632]

Very cool to see total strangers get together and resurrect a neglected BMW! Epic video!

[@st3althyone]

What an amazing project. It’s full of pitfalls, just the way we love it. What a showing by our local M539 loyalists in Utah, my hat’s off to them for putting up their time and garage to get you going, Streten. I can’t wait to see how it ends in the following episodes, but I’m sure it was a tiring journey. Once again, we can’t thank our local guys in Utah for all their hard work. Way to go representing the local hospitality. See you all on the next one.

[@am_jeds]

Totally different type of content but equally gripping. I could literally feel the emotions Streten most definitely must have been feeling, just by looking at him! So frustrating that the seller hadn’t done the necessary checks and paperwork as promised. You sir have the patience of a saint! Look forward to the rest of the episodes in this series. Wish you all the very best of luck!

[@Goc67]

This episode was epic in how crappy the car was, the planning and ordering of parts, all the work you managed, helpful followers, the future journey and most of all - a very patient girlfriend. Looking forward to the next episode and fixing the car on the fly.

[@ilfordino-fordfiestatutori8725]

This is going to be next level for your channel Sret, can't wait to see more!

[@SpensJahn]

Wow, this was so much fun to watch! It made me feel really warm inside to see you hustling and working so fast with all the guys supporting you without even questioning it. Amazing work!

[@martinDynamique]

Love when you thank the guys and say, "you don't even know me" and he says "we know you're a car guy" - That is what's great about the car community!

[@ef20syxalag]

I am speechless. This will be a hell of a series, I can't wait to see the rest!

[@dertom545]

DAMN Son, this is awesome, i screamed "Nooo, not the end, not now ;-)" - Kudos to the Girlfriend and the Guys. What an Epic Episode!

[@chrisbradley1192]

If the rest of the trip is as exciting as the first installment then we're all in for a wonderful treat!

[@limitless.motors]

Always love hearing "coooming up"

[@FrenchVries]

I was so happy when the patreon email came in, and instantly heard the sigh to my right “your favorite KZbinr uploaded again?” YESSSS

[@brendan7632]

Sreten, you are an amazing ambassador for the bmw brand. As a passionate owner myself, you always inspire me to continue to show love and care to these awesome cars. Continue the great work my friend. Hope ya enjoyed your stay on this side of the pond 🇺🇸

[@tojozinho5463]

I was excited, how Streten would deal with all the helping hands and the time constraints. What should I say, his performance was incredible awesome, coordinating his ´staff´ and fixing his scope of work fast like being on a World Championship for car mechanics in the same time, outstanding 👏.

[@SchwarzBMW]

This is some good content! Sreten, I don't know if you noticed yet but the belt on the idler pulley by the alternator needs to run on the bottom not the top. It can cause the belt to slip.

[@janerikkant3646]

I noticed that too. Sreten routed it the same way like the belt that came off was routed, but that wasn’t correct.

[@Hamkaastosti1]

This trip is going to be epic. Great first episode in this series, can’t wait for the next one.

[@cattflap1447]

Talk about living the dream, you totally deserve all this. Fantastic video, thank you !

[@dnovello]

Sreten, I had the pleasure of meeting you in San Rafael. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to hang out; but, as brief as it was, it made my day. You are genuine and gracious person.

[@ylmztechnics6950]

This car literally started to look fresh and happy again looking original, yeah the car is happy to have you ☺️

[@mattcangie]

Never underestimate the kindness of strangers. Can't wait for part 2!

[@Jeromemas]

your channel is growing and growing and the content still get's better and better... thanks for all of this Sreten! :)

[@termit6188]

such a speedrun and such a nice car guys. "If you are a car guy and friend of my friend, you are my friend." awesome guys!

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

great holiday for international friends - wow what a crew and fantastic BMW buddies !

[@jannekujala7564]

Hi Sreten! Great video as always. Just wanted to notify the belt is routed incorrectly over the idler pulley at 27:35 if memory serves me right. Supposedly one of you guys caught it before reassembly. Love your work :)

[@Jimmyvb98]

I was just about to comment that, until I found your comment. Definitely should be routed under the pulley indeed, I hope he caught that before selling it.

[@Richard--99]

absolutely loved this episode, can't wait for part 2 you are a legend

[@ooGQoo]

Wow from what seemed a very near disastrous start ended up being a positive ending with a little help from some friends. Love the car community for things like this. Great work guys, here’s to part 2 🍻

[@eopintinhopillpillpill8334]

O que aquela garota de óculos de cabelo azul estava falando?

[@Scorpione4]

it's friday evening, i'm drinking beer and only one thing comes to my mind to describe this video, it felt cozy...amazing content really

[@missedapproachmark]

Love it! What a great community of enthousiasts. Car looks a lot better already.

[@cyclonicleo]

Well done to BimmerWorld for their awesome contribution and especially to the guys there for all mucking in and working on the car, top work! Cracking ep, Sreten, looking forward to the next one.

[@joecrypto2459]

Ngl its nice and all but its 1 big PR stunt. nothing more nothing less.

[@sokola311]

This is why I love the BMW community.

[@bsimpson6204]

What amazing people and show, thank you!

[@rxpx69]

I need part 2!! What a cool adventure i'd never get away with this on holiday 😁

[@Jason0706991]

Pozdrav Sretene, svaka ti cast sto si se upustio u avanturu. Verujem da je stresno i napeto ali svidja mi se sto si napustio komfornu zonu. Veliki naklon tvojoj devojci koja je pristala na sve ovo i koja te podrzava. Schöne Reise und viele Grüße aus Serbien!

[@berndblabla4249]

Great guys that supported you. Karma stars for them !

[@alexandercampbell3152]

This is nuts. I checked out that same E46 in SLC! Opted for a 2003 Volvo V70 T5, since the E46 needed more than I knew how to fix. Pretty amazing, how small our world is.

[@radoslavtomov9121]

I'm amazed by your better half. Any woman going along with such a 'vacation' and travel arrangement is to be admired.

[@jorgex1604]

Lol, thought the same!

[@iandonkin6762]

That brake fluid was impressive! But not as impressive as how you and Team US were able to get through all those jobs in an afternoon / late evening shift - awesome job. Looking forward to part II already - thanks for sharing your journey with us as always 👍

[@andreigagiulescu6784]

You are doing everything right! Congratulations on getting to where you are now and can’t wait to see more!!

[@thomasmoore2695]

My country men& women have done us proud,hope you have a fantastic journey traveling through our great country.

[@mso8190]

Amazing group of guys. As someone who is very passionate about these cars, I say thank you for the time and effort you put into saving each one of them and for making these videos.

[@jamesg6792]

You’re such a genuine guy if you were ever in Florida, I would have no hesitation with helping you out Loaning you my garage and whatever else you needed. Keep the good videos coming.

[@schakalix]

Wow! What amazing people those guys who helped you, absolute legends!

[@tiagomontenegro5932]

What an awesome idea for a episode! Absolutely loved it! Can't wait to see part 2.

[@henryatkinson1479]

Really cool episode. Can't wait to see more of it. These guys brought this car back from the brink in 24 hours.

[@FootToPedal]

Wow what a great bunch of people there in Salt Lake City, amazing how much work you got done! Really enjoyed this episode Sreten, and very much looking forward to more. Looks like this was a great trip so far, and what a car to do it in too!

[@TRIPLEHHHDXHBK]

Einfach nur GEIL was du da machst, bin absolut begeistert von diesem Roadtrip!!! Definitiv ein anderes Level an Content. Alles Gute Sreten!

[@mattmpower5977]

What a group of top lads !! So good to see people helping out , looking forward to this journey 😊

[@Chris-ig8tc]

Man that video was so much fun! Thank you for making the efford buying this turd, kinda fixing it and taking us with you throught the process, much appreciated :)

[@Stephen_Heathcote]

Absolutely EPIC! What a bunch of gents! Respect to you all - That's what its all about :)

[@seski89]

What amazing time we live in where a dude in Germany can connect with fellow likeminded people across the world in America. Whenever the world seems dark, I try to remind myself of these small, beautiful and wholesome moments. Greetings from Skara, Sweden (close to Skövde!).

[@JurisKankalis]

Jesus, man - inhumane, absolutely inhumane video - I have loads of work to do, but couldn't keep my eyes off the video. Absolutely awesome people in US - for helping out another beemerist. Massive respect to those guys from Latvia. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@thrashstronaut]

What a great group of people for helping you out like that!

[@willjam465]

Looking forward to the rest of this trip! Love the color combo on this E46. Sad that the prior owners did not take better care of it, though...but makes for interesting content.

[@querbeet2004]

What an awesome bunch of guys! Absolute troopers! Also, really cool of BimmerWorld to chime in.

[@70sdude68]

This series is already LEGEND!!!!

[@catvisimo]

happy to see everyone so focus on getting things done

[@norrisd.4711]

That's awesome to see folks helping you out! I love your attention to detail.

[@McMaster1500]

Thanks for another great video Sreten. Hope you had a nice vacation! i am looking forward to enjoying this series with this lovely E46 M3!

[@stanelder9995]

Absolutely fantastic idea and content here! Well done to all involved. Looking forward to episode 2!

[@justinhornung7152]

What an excellent adventure you are on! Absolutely love this community you have built!

[@MaxiZamac]

Excellent! Enjoyed it a lot, the guys helping you fix the car are so nice people. Beautiful M3!

[@cgcanada88]

Awesome content!!! Love the vloggy repair style!! I started watching as soon as I got home from work!!!

[@leonpetersen7346]

One of the best vids from your channel......car people are great people.....

[@hallyfella]

That's got to be one of my favourite video's from your recent collection. What a fantastic bunch of guy's to give their time and energy . Hope the rest of your journey will be stress free.

[@alistairuysal1858]

What a great idea and great episode. In this day and age it’s heart warming to see there are still some great genuine people out there who share our passion for cars and helped out like they did.bravo all involved. Best car Channel on KZbin.

[@gerardoflores6534]

Great hospitality! Great episode! Can’t wait to see part 2 🙌🏼

[@urbancarvers8974]

Wow! This had me on the edge of my seat! I’ve bought so many $h/t boxes like this and I know how it feels. What an epic journey and so many awesome people coming together to make it happen. Can’t wait for the 2nd episode.

[@hubertgalczynski]

You and guys from Bimmerworld are a legends! Amazing job guys! Real pleasure to watch it :)