Cleaning a 33-Year-Old Chassis - V12 BMW E31 850i - Project Marseille: Part 9

This E31 has spent over 10 years rotting in a garden in the South of France and in this episode, we focus on cleaning up the chassis. We remove the rear end, fuel take, lines, take apart more stuff in the engine bay, and rebuild the hydraulic brake booster.
Valerio, car buying and transport service, email: [e-mail] / valerio_kos...
Valerio's YT channel - / @valerio-andrej
Ed, E31 fuel pumps & more - e31-v12throttle.com/
ABS pump rebuild - mtechniqueauto.com/
New Merch shop! - m539restorations.com/
You can support me on Patreon! - / m539restorations
Follow me on Instagram - / m539_restorations
Video operator/editor services: orion.ozo?igshi...
Aqua (vapor) blasting cabinet 1215 - www.vaporblastingequipment.co...
Find Liqui Moly oil and additives for your car - liqui-moly.to/oilguide_car
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]

[@gregorysmirnis7017]

When you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.

[@Tapir18]

Done right in Germany*

[@robertnagy2456]

Nur dann, wenn du es verstehst, was du machst und warum.

[@juaneduardo3431]

Every time you want to restore something, that phrase is more truly

[@FPVForLife]

He should ask his landlord if he can rent one more bay in the building. Just one more😂😂😂

[@gplusgplus2286]

#Fact

[@Spondzile]

That ice blasting company must be crazy to throw away such a good opportunity to get good review from Sreten 😮

[@NFStheStig]

@@sys-administratoryou must be an american

[@CalleSoderberg]

@@sys-administrator This is Europe - not the U.S.

[@NoHandleAT]

@@sys-administrator You clearly never sued anyone.

[@-Hari-03]

yes, but i highly doubt the ratio of frivolous:serious claims was worse than the US@@sys-administrator

[@mattr2773]

@@NFStheStig I am American> And I agree that Comment must have been from an American. Terrible sue culture here, espically in Florida. Laywers

[@RogerMcjoggin]

It's a real shame the ice blasting job was so disappointing considering how expensive it must have been. Seeing how much was missed, it seems more like an operator issue rather than a technological limitation.

[@RDSAlphard]

I agree it's likely operator issue.

[@henrik1743]

Definitely should ask for a refund or 2nd round

[@Conservator.]

18:33 This is just shameful.

[@marcusott2973]

It's not just compressor size, but how effective the air dryer is, especially when shifting grease. By the looks of it, lance vapour and the result, their air dryer is either too small or the drying media needs changing. At the company I work for we use quite a bit of dry ice blasting. I'm not an operator but I was involved in the installation and talked to the company and our operators a lot.

[@marcusott2973]

​@@RDSAlphard I agree the operator wasn't top. But the unit isn't running well either.

[@shonasophia]

Those silent before and after photos, no dialogue, no music. Perfection Sreten. 👌

[@francoisbeaune3289]

Especially no BS KZbinr shit music. Love it!

[@iamjesper]

​@@francoisbeaune3289agreed, best part of this channel. Im so fucking tired of music EVERYWHERE

[@DarkDrai]

I strongly agree with this. Never change.

[@monstermirror2]

Emphasis. Like a pause in a classical concert.

[@rudolfskrasovskis6790]

@@iamjesper if implemented right (like sreten does) music can be really good and compliment your video but so many lazy car youtubers just film a time-lapse, add some god-awful music and call it a day.

[@AztkSmooth]

This shop definitely took advantage of you. I’ve blasting done properly would have left it like brand new.

[@maxtremegamer_]

Such a scam, terrible job

[@micheskillz]

I wonder for how many hours he paid for with the ice blasting? Because i have a feeling they didnt have enough time for it or it would become too time consuming or expensive

[@kenkelble358]

labor cost, tear down and rebuild replacing parts ,?

[@bazzle592]

Damn you weren't kidding when you said he half-assed the dry ice, that thing came back filthy!

[@c0llym0re]

"Details Matter". Never thought i fell in love for a self taught Mechanic. Sreten you´re a beast my friend 😅👌

[@patrickgray6571]

...."Details matter..."....an oft repeated line in "Reacher", recently on Amazon...great adaptation!!!

[@c0llym0re]

@@patrickgray6571 Jack Reacher could solve crimes, but my man Streten, solve my ich in my soul with methodic, detail and perfect aproach to what he do with is Beamers.So inspiring. i´m falling in love with BMW´s and all my life i had Hondas 😅 Reacher doesn´t have that "Reach" 😉😆

[@chuckehrlich]

Man that was a lot disassembling! That’s is why your restoration KZbin channel is the best. All the other KZbinrs that think they are experts, take the shortcuts. Your attention to detail is the gold standard!

[@waeltawile]

i firmly believe, your skills and documentation are unmatched on KZbin.

[@joshuareisbord]

Bummer to see the dry ice blasting did not come out! As others have mentioned, this is a workmanship problem, not an issue with dry ice blasting. I hope a new shop will step up to the job and show how its really done for you!

[@edgar9651]

I am always amazed that you still find space to store everything - and later find it again.

[@beatmeierbm]

was thinking that too Maybe Steten has another storage wig boxes full of labeled parts 😮

[@asatrv]

That's what we see. I can imagine Serien frantically searching for parts off camera :D

[@mikoajpiatek6716]

Remember he sometimes got 2 or 3 projects running at the same time. I can't find a few bolts after I've stopped working on the car for a week or two, let alone put the car back together. This man crazy, man.

[@Bavarian_M]

The ultimate restoration coming up. This will be epic every nut a bolt touched!!!

[@erminegildas]

I live alone and feel sad sometimes, but watching your videos are so satisfying to me and it makes me feel better! Keep going, great work.

[@miralemmerdic]

Try read Qur'an and im sure that your sadnes will go away 😊 I wish you all the best best 😊

[@NFStheStig]

@@miralemmerdic je, baš će mu to pomoći

[@miralemmerdic]

@@NFStheStig naravno ❤️

[@IVAN8-32]

@erminegildas Only GOD can help us,you see that we are in this world for a short time, short and fleeting. Repent and turn to God, acknowledge him as your Savior. God redeemed us with his sacrifice on Calvary's cross. He is waiting for you to turn to Him, for you to believe Him completely, God is calling you, listen to His voice and call on Him and you will be saved by His grace, not by your works but by His grace. Read the Holy Scriptures, the truth will set you free, as the Messiah said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one will come to the Father except through Me. The second glorious coming of God is very near!

[@naratouzumaki]

Read that bible read the truth

[@piotrek4000]

I work in heart surgery and your attention to detail is on par with that of ours. To us, details matter because people's lives are in our hands, but you apply this to BMW restoration and the results are incredible. You are a BMW surgeon and a master of your craft, and you should be proud of this. Keep up the great work sir.

[@Alan_Edwards]

I could not agree more !!

[@McMaster1500]

It's so satisfying to see when everything is clean and shiny. Good job Sreten!

[@bodivanbodivan3668]

I love your ''no stone unturned'' approach to your vehicles. It's uber satisfying.

[@timessix8434]

Details do matter - good job in not being content with the dry ice job. What a fail. Thanks!

[@dave6445]

Theirs clean, then theirs Streten clean. What a difference! Keep up the good work!

[@hpoonis2010]

There's not theirs!

[@dabrutskiy]

Although the dry ice came out less than ideal, you came out with an attitude only a person with 700 other Bmw projects could. “It is what it is” love the videos.

[@fundamentallybroken4194]

I don't care what anyone says, the E31 is pinnacle BMW design.

[@BrianBeauchamp]

It always amazes me how he gets this stuff back together. This will definitely be his greatest test.

[@peaktraveller]

That is one daunting dismantling task let alone remembering everything to ensure this Munich puzzle goes back together again as it should! Ice blasting - you were done but you showed up that operative with your cleaning which is not surprising to us, your loyal subscribers. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@bob-mu7wk]

Can't imagine how disappointing it must have been to get it back in that state, after what must have been such a costly and time consuming operation getting it dry ice blasted! As ever, you absolutely smashed it and it was deeply satisfying seeing you get it squeaky clean! Fantastic video as always 👍

[@martinbcooper]

Taking a break from the painful job of drying out my waterlogged E46 Touring to watch you work on my dream car (previous owner removed the roof rails and did not plug the holes, who would do that!?) best therapy. Can't wait to see this magnificent machine on the road again!

[@Sinr0ne]

This 8 serie is probably my favorite bmw of all time. Very stylish and futuristic. Beauty of a car.

[@frankmuschetto3385]

Sreten - as soon as I know you've dropped a new video I am on it. Not just because they are educational (at least to me). Not just because they are entertaining. Not just because they provide insights and suggestions that I have applied elsewhere. But because, in addition to all these aspects, you remain committed to high standards and are not happy with anything less. Your unwavering commitment to doing things right despite possible "alternatives" is unique. And, what makes what you do, in my opinion, that much better than others. You are a unique individual. If you ever decide to branch out and do restorations as a broader business I believe you will have a number of happy customers and much more business than you can handle. Thank you for sharing your work with us.

[@eaturkishdude]

This is by far one of my favorite BMW's ever created. I can't wait to see the end result! And I most certainly hope you never sell it, Sreten.

[@CraftedAV]

Your attention to detail is the benchmark!…. ❤ your work Sreten!

[@BrianBHatteras43c]

Watching your attention to detail and patience reminds me if how I need to approach my maintenance and restoration efforts on boat/engines. You are a master!!!

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

Your personal cleaning vs dry ice looks spectacular. Not everybody shares your standards. Well done.

[@MrJpiarull]

It'll be fun to see the Dyno results once it's up and running - what a pretty example this one will end up being

[@hstefan]

This is currently my favorite project from the garage! Can't wait to see the mighty E31 finally on the road again!

[@fritsified5952]

Always good to see old style French plates ending with 13. La bonne mère can be proud :)

[@alexisdaix]

❤

[@lptomtom]

Ah, a 13 plate... you can almost hear the crickets and machine gun fire

[@baba0rum]

Lol ​@@lptomtom

[@Maximilianboenicke]

As someone who isnt french and never visited france, what does it mean?

[@atom999]

What's the deal with 13 plates ?

[@baselshahin1155]

You have no clue how long I've been waiting for project Marcel to be continued.

[@monstermirror2]

Still waiting for the Nissan *sigh*

[@zakoreilly5722]

Id have sent it straight back.... That dry icing was like someone was doing it for the first time, without setting the machine up right.... Well done Sreten, my fav BMW ever. Cheers from Australia 🦘

[@dogoonubs997]

It’s always a good day when Sreten uploads, especially when I’m having a down day!

[@Alan_Edwards]

I can't stop thinking about all the parts you have rebuilt as part of this project not to mention the all the gasket work you did on the engine. Just so many things to go wrong. I would be scared AF to start this car the first time brother. This video helped me appreciate the amount of engineering that goes into designing an automobile. All the holes needed to mount hardware and route cables plus all the shielding and insulation...what a nightmare. I had my doubts about the dry ice cleaning too so was not all to surprised TBH - but we live and learn. I give you credit for taking the time to achieve the results you DID want. You sir...are a maniac....and I mean that in a good way. I get tired just watching you !!

[@manualgarage]

Although the dry ice didn't work out your thorough cleaning process worked out better, great work✌️

[@ASONITRAM]

E31s were the reason i was among the first people to subscribe to your channel. That's the type of cars that i like watching on your channel my friend.

[@yx8074]

Herr Kuenheim has to be proud of You!

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

I love these in depth service videos, looking forward to the next installment. I bet BMW service technicians watch your videos for tips Stretton, especially for the old V12 engines

[@Dusters666]

I found this channel after moving to southern Spain, but wasn't introduced to it when living 20 min away from Frankfurt in Hochheim am Main. I'm not particularly fond of BMWs, but I love the work done on the channel.

[@flapbean]

Great channel. Love to see how you organise the parts and relevant fixings once they’re out.

[@azelom88888]

Very grateful for coming across your channel a few years back when i first started to look up videos about v12 e31's , been a blast watching your videos ever since. Well spent time for me and one can understand how these cars works from nechanical perspective thanks to you. Greeting from Czechia.

[@gregoryflinn3577]

Yep, I had the same dry icing experience - we are simply not resident in California (where all the cars depicted are also suspiciously mostly oil-free), so in reality the task is a much greater one.

[@odyshopody9387]

Wow - wow - wow... I'm watching the before and after from when you cleaned it yourself - crazy crazy props to you! So much work. As much as I would like to live my life to your work standards, there's always an excuse - not enough time, not enough money, whatever. You're an amazing worker!

[@TheMcinto65]

Simply the best on you tube!!

[@LSmiata]

I cannot stop watching this one. Such an iconic BMW and in the hands of a pro that will make it so correct!

[@djglukbh]

"Quattrobroken" made my day! Joining you on that dry ice service dissapointment...

[@shiftdnb]

You're amazing work is such a bad influence for my time and wallet. I'm so behind on my car.

[@alex_hustler]

Мастер! Всегда приятно наблюдать за результатом.

[@VanderGroejn]

Makes me happy. The 850i is my favourite BMW of all time. Cheers mate. 🍻🥰👍

[@mndlessdrwer]

I do love how unapologetically quirky the design of this car is and I'm glad it's getting some love. Shockingly, despite being buried in a garden in the French countryside for a decade, there's very little rust that I can see at first glance on the undercarriage. Amazing. And, you might have another excuse to go visit the awesome guys over at Colourlock to refurbish the leather and other finishes for the interior. Also, the dry ice blasting guy either has his settings wrong or his machine needs servicing. There's not nearly enough dry ice coming out of the gun and the compressor doesn't seem adequate either. It shouldn't be creating such sporadic pulses of dry ice, it should be pretty much continuous. So there's something that has gone wrong with their setup.

[@alialmaqbali2038]

I follow you from the Sultanate of Oman. I love what you do very much and I know that what you do is not easy. I hope to see many videos of the E31 850i.

[@itjoe2844]

Sreten - Only in the homeland of BMW can you find such incredible examples of vehicles that in other parts of the world have never existed in such beautiful perfection. Thank you for restoring these majestic art pieces!

[@NikoRM78]

Its pure insanity that he gonna put all this together,and alone too 😎

[@SalvaBarbus]

Such a shame that the dry ice results were not satisfying. I was actually very much looking forward to seeing this cleaning method explained, to the point I actually searched for some more other videos explaining it, but something things don't go as planned. In any case, I'm happy that the rebuild goes on! Seeing that magnificent engine back in there, and the moment of the first start, it's going to be amazing!

[@j.d.8593]

Dry Ice Blasting can do really amazing things if used properly by a professional, this clearly was someone who is just getting into it or just doesn't have much experience with very dirty stuff, this is NOT a good example of what Dry Ice can do.

[@DashDrones]

Happy Easter🐣 Breathtakingly beautiful work Sir!

[@RDSAlphard]

Brand new 1 minutes old videos! Finally the cleaning part of this car! Can't wait to see more progress!

[@fortza11]

Still the best videos you make, love that you don't have to sit and watch you unscrew all the screws, your humor is world class, and it's just great to see that you really know what you're talking about, that you're doing something real with the parts you take off and put back in the car - unlike other YTs you see who just think about shouting and advertising for whatever is thrown in their direction. The only thing is that it takes way too long between your videos ;-)

[@petehaver3122]

Above & Beyond I really do enjoy watching your channel or better see your thoroughly work and your work ethic. How it should be done. Chappo !

[@wertigo7827]

this gonna be the most impressive project

[@Barnagh1]

This is probably my favourite BMW. I remember seeing them when they were new and I was stunned by the beauty and the specifications. It’s right up there with the CSL, THE M1 and the 635. It’s a real pity the dry ice blast let you down. Maybe you should have done some degreasing before it left you, and inspected it in Stuttgart before it left there.

[@tahertoure9990]

You were very polite and diplomatic when describing the results of ice blasting...

[@duperjuan11]

Great work Sreten. You’ve motivated me to learn car mechanics so one day I can have my own shop. 👍🏻

[@canampatriot]

love it that you never settle for sub-par or mis-matched parts. Restoration means restoration.

[@VladiDusil]

My dad was a patent attorney in the 90s at Ate, the company that manufactured the brakebooster for the E31. For all I know, my dad patented that very booster. Right around 25:00 you see the logo on the booster body. Brought back all sorts of memories. Thanks, Sreten.

[@zeph1]

here you are in perfect timing to help me fall asleep 😊

[@zeph1]

in a good way

[@darknetcs]

Bit gutted that Ice blasting didn't go as planned, but elbow grease did work as charm

[@stevebodalenko5286]

Great episode... No fluff just action at a great speed with great editing.

[@Vytautas_Taz]

What an amazing work done!!!❤

[@PROBL32M]

love the intention to detail nothing more or less than perfection

[@clubsportr08]

You should call this on the BMW grunt video. 😉😉 Good job anyhow.

[@ItalianRebuild]

Instead of "Coming up" you should use " Coming off " when you take stuff from the car! Haha , Great as always Sreten. 😎

[@kostais]

Like your series because of attention to details

[@68stonesfan]

Great video, as always, Streten. One safety suggestion: Lower the car to the table and don't raise the table to the car. This is especially true if you're dropping an engine. It just isn't safe to have that much mass that high on a table top.

[@raz0rh]

16:32 Ah yes, this sound brings back memories of my BMW's.. either you're low on fuel or you engine just anihilated itself. good times. ;)

[@GYEON_official]

Having a bad experience is never nice and can be very frustrating. Dry ice can be wonderful but is too much “sold” as the new wonder solution to do all type of cleaning. Of course all starts with proper work ethic and finding the right skilled and professional people to deliver one’s expectations. Great job Sreten. Talk soon. Best regards, Y.

[@erwickline]

Sretan my goodness.. found your channel a couple weeks ago and was absolutely positively mesmerized. Fascinated and inspired by the level of restorations you achieve. Project Chicago was EPIC. One man sorted so many BMWs they should make a statue. It makes me want to go get an old forgotten 7 series and mow through it as all the myths and monsters 'are' in fact sortable and you [can] own and enjoy a luxurious older BMW. Thank you for proving this all the way out. Incredible work ethic my friend. Thank you for all that you do! - From Us

[@KapitanZbik2138]

E31 is one of the best looking chasis ever made.

[@purplepurplesaurasne]

Your channel makes BMW maintenance seem approachable, as an idiot doing all his own work on an F34 335ix GT, I love each of these projects.

[@johnkelly7264]

It is always a good day when one of your videos drop.

[@gplusgplus2286]

Mannnnnnn, my favourite project...!! I know its probably done already but since you took everything out you should have sent it as it was in the end to your Polish friends for a complete paintjob...

[@martin1203]

Can they do anything right in Germany?. Cannot respray cars now can't dry ice clean cars. You will have to check out your friends in Poland. See if they know someone who can do good dry ice cleaning at a reasonable price. This for future reference. Attention to detail is amazing as always with you. Very satisfying to watch you work.With a cup of coffee. Totally relaxing watching the craftsmanship you put into your projects. This one has been a long time coming. But the wait has been worth it. 😊.

[@KotatkoVonDrapek]

This gives me inspiration to go change the oil on my lawnmower

[@m4ci3j72]

The amount of work done and execution is just overwhelming 😮 excellent work 👍🙂

[@robertcazacu4149]

I was so happy to see F11 pulling your E31 😊 i’ve got the same F11🫶

[@pieschen09]

Epic work. My deep respect.

[@AdikTurbo2]

Just 31 mins? 🤯🤯🤯 Where's the Rest of that Episode!!! Stunnin Work as Usual 🍸

[@dcwebb1]

A time when BMW built and designed fine machines.

[@MrFuzzyjones]

Glad to see my favorite car of all time finally getting what it deserves 😊 looking forward to this build ❤

[@upreid]

Oooh, I've been dying for you to get back to the 850 (my favourite BMW barring an older 635csi - hint hint). Watching it though I was thinking 'has he gone too far this time, he will never remember how it all goes back together!'. Just a joy to watch you though (as always). Keep it up my friend you are living the dream for the rest of us.

[@sirremusrobinson1070]

My bro! You are by far a major inspiration to me! I truly love everything you are doing and have done! Showing how just taking care of your whip can make it last for years!! Instead of just junking what out there just because it's not new. BTW, in my opinion half this new stuff is rolling trash out the box 📦!

[@davemarkarjanc941]

dont ever stop making videos!

[@Marcelll88]

We learned a LOT from this episode, and seeing that you are willing to post the negative sides or should i say truly disapointing things is so so good!

[@louisfkoorts5590]

Disappointing result from the dry-ice blasting. Glad you mentioned "will come back to it". Thank you, eagerly awaiting the next episode.

[@BogdanFlorea86]

Exceptional, man!!!

[@maxlagewaard8959]

Triggered just a little bit when you cut that brand new looking brake line. Well played sir

[@paulwortman483]

I'd fly over to Germany tomorrow to help you put that car back together... You my friend are a wizard!!! Beautiful!!!

[@derekgee8504]

Just amazing the attention to detail and the video editing . A very brave man