An E39Source Restoration: 2001 BMW E39 M5

Here is a taste of what a thorough E39Source quality restoration does to a 2001 BMW E39 M5!
E39Source website: www.e39source.com
Help support E39Source by donating: www.e39source.c...

[@williammitchell3271]

Watching this video, I was struck by how far you've come in a few short years. It was not that long ago that your videos were simple BMW DIYs from a driveway with a buddy. Now, you've got a full scale shop filled to the gills with M5s. That is the American success story. You have a passion, a mechanical skill, and an uncanny way from behind the camera. And you turn it into a thriving business. Life was probably simpler back then, but now you can afford to make a good living from your passion. Congrats. I think that is great.

[@E39Source]

Thank you so much William! Greatly appreciate your support :D

[@denvernn]

I was thinking the same. Great job Ryan!

[@mastercodein6486]

agreed!

[@alejandrovelazquez2378]

Yea bro keep the video’s coming and Instagram content anything BMW related

[@dpassmor1]

Owner here. Thanks so much Ryan and all the folks at e39Source for the great work and wonderful video! I know where I'll be going if the car needs more work in the future, and can't believe how fortunate I am that you decided to move your shop to my city :) FYI, this batch of work was intended to focus on functional issues, and many of the repairs that could seem cosmetic (like headlights and wheel-restoration for example) were actually for functional reasons (like being able to see clearly at night, and removing small bends in the wheel) -- there are (clearly) tons of cosmetic things that could still be improved. Even so, I have a much bigger smile walking up to this car now than I did before. Very happy with the work.

[@E39Source]

Hi Dan, thanks for the commend! I should have made it more clear that this round did focus on mechanicals more than anything else. I look forward to working with your and your M5 in the future!

[@markd1059]

Glad to see your getting her back to life. They’re increasing in value so it was money well spent.

[@zkljaja]

Take care of it man, it seems like a good future investment to restore it to nearly mint, even with the high-ish mileage. Should go up in price in a few years..

[@nunom3]

Lucky bastard.... Congratz from Portugal

[@hannahudson7570]

Thank you so much for this. I just bought an '01 M5 about 2 weeks ago. I've known this exact car personally for 4 years because I know the PO. I have service history records back to 2012. I am owner #9, hahaha. So at least 4 owners kept good records. These cars are so intricate compared to what I am normally used to working on, so seeing videos like these really help me to know what people are talking about. You speak about things with exactly the right amount of detail so that it's not boring for experts but also not overwhelming for the novice. THANK YOU!

[@E39Source]

Thank you so much for this comment! I work hard to try to provide the right amount of detail. I remember being overwhelmed with the complexity as I first started to attempt DIYs 12 years ago, and I do believe there is a way to do this without making it unnecessarily difficult.

[@challis2009]

Had a 98 e39 and this channel was a huge help in solving the common issues that the car had, I’m now drinking an M-Sport F10 , even though I don’t have the e39 anymore I still tune into this channel, kudos to you Ryan.

[@E39Source]

Thank you for your continued support!

[@paulwatkins344]

Nice work Ryan. Glad to see your shop is thriving. Wish I lived closer for some ongoing maintenance on my car you refreshed in 2019.

[@E39Source]

Hi Paul! Hope SC and your M5 are treating you well

[@Enthusiast_Plus]

Crazy to see these vehicles get so neglected and trashed. Glad it went through a rejuvenation. Well done as usual

[@stevelimoncello3219]

Thanks for sharing this restoration. Glad to see your shop specializing in this type of work. Wish I lived closer for some future work!!

[@keithlestrange4249]

Your attention to detail is off the scale wish we had a ford ind garage with your work ethic ... Best wishes from Ireland

[@mikegradidge1200]

Thanks for the great video. I'm a big BMW fan here in South Africa, drove an E90 330i Sportpack for many years. Miss that car.

[@jongkeunlee]

It's been a while I have not have a chance to come across your clips. You used to use your garage to do DIYs on ur car and friends on east side of States. Now wow. Congrats.

[@E39Source]

Thank you! It's been a journey.

[@SDE90]

amazing! I would absolutely need fresh fog light housings, seeing as one is cracked as well as the fresh headlights - it just makes sense. However, I actually do respect the clients decision to keep the M5 badge with the patina, looks awesome and classic.

[@bigern79]

Awesome work, Ryan. Thanks for saving another one. Great content as always!

[@keithlestrange4249]

Ezcellent work E39 Source Ryan your attention to detail ia next level ❤

[@fluchtigziege3202]

what a beautiful car, its a shame so many are in disrepair, gotta love these magnificent vehicles

[@jaygrosse8365]

It's great to find you posting another video Ryan. As time allows, please include the "how to" technical teaching as well, especially for previously unrecorded teaching content. You erased years of neglect and delayed repairs on this vehicle; I hope your work will incentivize the owner to give it the care and attention it needs to keep it that way going forward. I own this car's little brother; a 2003 540i M Sport 6 speed. It's in very fine shape (I think). If I didn't live in Asheville NC I'd hire you to look it over.

[@E39Source]

Thanks Jay! Enjoy the M-Tech :)

[@JohnSchmitt3rd]

E39, the most beautiful car on the road... When I'm loaded with cash, I swear I'll get mine looking like this!

[@gamestree5318]

Yes he's back

[@atl_e]

Such a satisfying restoration. Mind me asking how much all of this cost? 15-20k? I really would love to find a neglected one and have you all bring it back to life.

[@computiNATEor]

Pricing on stuff like this is highly variable based on pricing of OEM BMW parts, which are not getting cheaper as these cars get older. A quote today would likely not be correct in 1 month

[@E39Source]

All of these jobs are different, like Nate says. Most of my clients land around the $10-$20k figure for these larger restorations.

[@rikwarren3999]

From experience, budget 2500 for start unexpected expenses. Then 2500 per 10000 miles. Keep a slush fund of 2000 for stuff. If you can do that you will be rewarded with by owning histories finest driving sedan.

[@PB200559]

Superb work, nicely presented video, and of course a beautiful car. Well done

[@ooozturk9195]

I would definetly have the door / trunk / windshield weather strips to be replaced. Awesome job ♥️

[@E39Source]

We did replace the front and rear window gaskets and cowl trims.

[@cparente7]

Great story, fun viewing. Hope your resto work is growing.

[@Christopherjones466]

Them cars are so attractive keep up the great work💪🏾💪🏾

[@youtoob1234567]

I should've bought an m5 instead of my 540i/6 sport 10 years ago, boy how the values have risen! The 540 has been fun though, I enjoy it.

[@jdang677]

Just curious, what’s the ball park cost for this amount of work if I were to send a car down in the future for servicing

[@E39Source]

Hi there! I'm unable to share my customer's specific figures, but we've completed E39 M5 restorations ranging from $6,000-$65,000. Each vehicle has unique needs, so we begin our process with a comprehensive MPI (multi-point inspection), and develop a service plan from there around the owner's objectives, priorities, budget, and timeline. Please email me at [e-mail] for additional information. Thanks!

[@slam44]

Nice work Ryan!

[@harryslemons]

this is awesome, i envy your attention to detail

[@captainfish1764]

Nice to see you back. I 've been waiting

[@jamienat.1943]

Bravo! You have the dream job!

[@ernstfrisch]

Oh my god, an absolute Dream-Garage.

[@makveldz]

7:30 for me the clinking sound did not go away by replacing the bearing but after lubing the universal joint

[@JaxinBlue]

Car looks good, nice job. I had to laugh when you mentioned the water pump and those f'ing o rings. Those f'ers gave me fits when I did mine! Just wanted to say, I feel yo pain brutha, I feel yo pain.

[@sjs5395]

Hey new content, thanks Ryan. I need to do this very same thing for my 03’ 525iA.

[@SinaBagheri]

Great job! would have been nice to replace the faded rear M5 badge as well.

[@stevenpower3780]

Wow what are transformation, great job Ryan!

[@E39Source]

Thank you!

[@chriscarbine504]

This is a fantastic video.

[@globe999]

Always informative and notice of things to look out for on mine!

[@bavariansleeper]

Great work Ryan!

[@kiehna84]

Man that think was BAKED

[@pilotvanquish3886]

😭😭

[@happinessemmanuel4660]

Good work you did

[@Christopherjones466]

Ay ay save one of those E39 for me o love your channel 💥💥💯👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@Wiktor515]

My dad once had a e39 m5 carbon swarz black

[@SpArTaNmAnR]

What did all this cost? Great work!

[@pierrecharles6359]

Awesome need to bring mine over Great job

[@nasosnasos8054]

Love love

[@wernerdanler2742]

I lived in San Diego for 30 years till 2010. In 06 to 07, I had an 03 530i. I love the E39. I think they are one of the best cars ever built. Do you sell cars?

[@E39Source]

I do not sell cars, just the service side. And I have to agree with you!

[@theenglishtrucker1849]

Id love your treatment to my Audi A4 B7, can you move your shop to England please? Personally Id have that horrible orange expansion tank replaced too. A new one of those will make a big difference. Probably do the screen wash tank too. Damn great job! 👍👍

[@djaylennox]

The left foglight is cracked. 😉 greetings from Autobahn country. 🇩🇪

[@rinx34]

Are those refurbished wheels also made same way - chrome shadow? Black base+silver top coat?

[@E39Source]

Yes, same process. The long way!

[@chosenchild8416]

Beautiful restoration. Do you have a link to those Headlights? I want a set.

[@E39Source]

I can supply these headlights for you, please email me at [e-mail]

[@thomasmcnally3650]

Did you fix that rear door quarter shade? I only ask because I just had to fix one of mine.

[@E39Source]

The customer declined repairs of the rear quarter shades if I recall. A repair is only possible during the early stages of failure before all of the plastic cracks away completely.

[@raehumcheema8075]

@e39source I was recently looking at 2 different e39 m5s with 2 different interiors. Could you explain to me please what the difference between nappa heritage leather and embossed leather strauss and which is better. Many thanks

[@E39Source]

BMW offered two types of interiors for the E39 M5: Luxury and Sport. Luxury interiors use Nappa Heritage leather in either black or caramel (beige). From 1999-2000, you could have the black or caramel luxury interior in either extended leather (vinyl dashboard, lower b-pillars, door panels, plastic steering column trim) or full leather (leather dashboard, lower b-pillars, steering column trim, and door panels). For 2001+, all luxury interiors were full leather. Sport interiors use the textured leather on the seat inserts and door panels in either silver (Silverstone), red (Imola), blue (LeMans), or black. For 1999-2000, you could have the sport interior in either extended leather (vinyl dashboard, lower b-pillars, door panels, plastic steering column trim) or full leather (leather dashboard, lower b-pillars, steering column trim, and door panels). For 2001+, all sport interiors were extended leather. I personally prefer the Sport interiors, as the leather traditionally holds up much better over time. The seats themselves were the same between the two, only the leather coverings differ. Extended leather is NOT the complete leather interior, it is called 'extended' because compared to the standard E39s (525i, 528i, 530i, 540i) they offered leather wrapped door panel arm rests, center console arm rests, and center consoles.

[@raehumcheema8075]

@@E39Source Thank You so much for your reply, you're such a legend. Edit: if a car has the extended leather, is there a way to convert it to the full leather package?

[@sunilparekh7344]

Did the rear parcel shelf fade from sun, i have same color combo and mine is black matching the headrest, Great work keep it up.

[@E39Source]

Yes, the California sun has faded out the rear shelf pretty substantially.

[@genmajgee]

I have a 03 that’s just needs headlights and it has a torque converter code in the refurbish you did here but it’s automatic but I don’t got that money that that guy has and I got this car from a kid from California I’m in New York he was a rich kid

[@raehumcheema8075]

Hey @e39source is there a buyers guide and what to look for on the e39 m5 video? Would love to see that if possible

[@E39Source]

I've wanted to make this for years, though it could be hours long to incorporate everything!

[@raehumcheema8075]

@@E39Source yeah I can imagine! Even if it's just major points which can be covered I think it could be really helpful to those who may be looking for an m5 from someone experienced like yourself

[@VictorLopez-wp6ik]

Jesus this is e39 heaven . Where are you guys located

[@E39Source]

San Diego, CA

[@esamalhayani2698]

Cool

[@dj1809]

Such satisfy. Much shiny.

[@adcampo7601]

Nice work. Satisfying project. Do you connect buyers with sellers?

[@E39Source]

This is not currently a service I provide, unfortunately. I recommend people watch Carsandbids.com on the buying end.

[@kcw9313]

I want to buy an E39 M5 just because his shop exists

[@JPDenali]

Tom Petty in the background. Nice 👍🏼

[@doublesidedtape1000]

Is there a reason you replace the entire rear swing arm instead of just pressing in new bushings?

[@E39Source]

It's more cost effective to replace the arm. The only available bushings to press in are PowerFlex which have some negative drawbacks.

[@rbarnard264]

What would you recommend for cleaning BMW 65 style?

[@E39Source]

Dish soap, clay bar, follow up with wax :)

[@kash0059]

Great video! Curious, who do you send the wheels off to for refinishing?

[@E39Source]

I use a local B2B company, feel free to email me if you'd like to get an estimate! [e-mail]

[@imranabbasi7871]

Good luck 👍

[@paulgilliland2992]

Ryan who do you use for abs module repair? I’ve had really bad luck with the usual suspects on this part.

[@E39Source]

Module Master

[@bluacuras]

M5 lifestyle

[@verdict17]

I have a 2006 bmw M5. In the morning when I pull out of my driveway and make a right turn onto the street, I hear a high pitched whining noise coming from the rear differential on the right side of the car. The car has almost 150k miles. Do you know what the problem is and how to fix it, thanks?

[@E39Source]

I have not heard a whining noise coming from the diff. Are you local to San Diego? I'd love to take a look at this for you.

[@verdict17]

@@E39Source I’m in Van Nuys California. What is your address and contact number?

[@hannahudson7570]

Here is the note from the previous owner of my '01 M5: groan while repeated turns at low speeds / diff oil change done with Mobil 1 75w140 / Might need top off of LSD additive / The sound is clutch packs loading/unloading Please take my information with a grain of salt. We have different model M5s and I haven't been able to repeat this issue since I purchased the car two weeks ago.

[@E39Source]

@@hannahudson7570 I'm wondering if the fluid they used was not the LSD specific. This is crucial. I would change the fluid to Royal Purple 75w140 WITH LSD additive, and see how it responds.

[@Sman1505]

Are the wheels painted shadow chrome or powder coated? How durable is it?

[@E39Source]

Firstly powder-coated then painted, just like factory. They're durable enough to use daily.

[@540i_be_fly]

Hey bro my 2000 e39 540i motor just blew.. can you direct me to a reputable company for replacement

[@E39Source]

I do not know of any, though I would search Ebay.

[@SuperCatbert]

2002 e39 owner here. did you ever try to restore the original headlights?

[@E39Source]

The headlights can be restored, though only to about 1/2 the quality of a new set. I have found that it is not worth my time and effort to attempt repairs or restorations.

[@Khan_Art_]

How much do those headlights go for now a days and do you mind sharing where you sourced them from? Thank you.

[@E39Source]

Please email me for headlight info! [e-mail]

[@rikwarren3999]

How about sunroof repair? My glass hits the wind deflector.

[@E39Source]

This is extremely common thing, I have not found a solution beyond replacement.

[@warrenforeigns4898]

What are you doing with the old headlights?

[@E39Source]

I have tons of old worn out E39 headlights in boxes at the shop. I figure I'll find an application for them someday.

[@Pseudoaaajdhdhdhdhd]

@@E39Source you could restore them by changing the lens, adjusters and headlight cover. In Europe, Romania at least this is a pretty popular thing. The cover usually come off by cutting it, as not all the headlights were sealed using the glue that gets soft once you heating it up.

[@E39Source]

@@Pseudoaaajdhdhdhdhd Quality lenses are no longer available, at least that I have seen. For this much effort, and the relative loss of quality compared to new, I think it makes more sense to replace them and renew all of the materials and components. Having said that, I am preparing for a day where the lights are NLA new, at which point I'll have lots of 'rebuildable' units to pick parts from!

[@TheCOWBOYRANCHER]

These cars were going for 15-22k about 4 years ago.

[@bergan1227]

Do you sell the Euro headlights

[@E39Source]

Yes! Please email me for more specifics. [e-mail]

[@GregoryEsman]

I'm currently shopping around for module replacement companies. Which did you use?

[@E39Source]

Ebay

[@GregoryEsman]

@@E39Source Sadly "eBay" is a very very big place so that's not too helpful. I noticed the sticker though. Module Masters right?

[@E39Source]

@@GregoryEsman When I need an LCM, I search "E39 LCM IIIB" or whichever version I am seeking. Or "E39 GMIII" or "E39 MKIV", etc.

[@aapaap8595]

Please put on a new M badge on the rear, respray the parcelshelf black, retrim the steeringwheel airbag and replace the rusty shadowline doortrims.

[@1995RangeRover]

Nice!!

[@jeancharlesrabaux5658]

Is one for sale in Amérique what is dollars one cars BMW e39 M5

[@Ayixlia]

My dad's friend has a Z3 with a E39 M5 motor in it and that thing is scary to drive

[@TrevorsExotics]

You should replace the faded M badge on the back

[@E39Source]

He requested that I not!

[@Tjallemeister]

Have you ever thought about dry ice blasting?

[@E39Source]

I have, but the equipment takes significant space and is a serious investment.

[@Tjallemeister]

@@E39Source it seems like you have outgrown your shop. U can never get enough tools😂

[@RPDBY]

so what was the total bill for labor?

[@E39Source]

I now specialize in E39 M5 service and restoration work, and labor can be about anything. Each vehicle has different needs, and each customer has different expectations for their BMW.

[@RPDBY]

@@E39Source what about that bill in the video, how much was it?

[@E39Source]

@@RPDBY I'm unfortunately not comfortable sharing that from one of my customers.

[@RPDBY]

@@E39Source can you share how much you charge for that kind of job in general?

[@E39Source]

@@RPDBY No two jobs are the same, but most moderate scale restorations are a $15,000-$25,000 investment. I have had E39 restorations go as high as $65,000.

[@paulazzar8936]

What is the cost for the restoration?

[@E39Source]

Each car's needs are unique! I'd be happy to inspect yours and quote a mechanical and/or cosmetic restoration if you'd like! You can submit a work request at E39Source.com

[@paulazzar8936]

@@E39Source Thanks for the reply. I have a 2001 540i stick shift. It has 190k miles but is in decent shape, like the inside does not need much at all. I'm just curious as to the range, low and high cost. I still drive the car and I'm in Florida, not sure where you are.

[@E39Source]

@@paulazzar8936 We are located in San Diego, CA. I've done $100 of service on some cars, and $25,000 on others cars. A driveline and (select) suspension and brake refresh including fluids and filters is usually around the $10k mark.

[@paulazzar8936]

@@E39Source The 10k does not include any engine work? I know my car leaks oil.

[@E39Source]

​@@paulazzar8936 Every single car is different, I've never done two that are the same. Some need more suspension attention, some need engine, some need both. I recommended starting with the MPI so we can build a plan suited to you and your vehicles needs.

[@joshuad1716]

could have at least helped my guy out with a new m5 badge for free as im sure he took a second mortgage to restore this beauty

[@E39Source]

He requested that I not replace it!

[@MrErickfl]

How much to restore the rims

[@E39Source]

Please email me regarding wheel refinishing! [e-mail]

[@happinessemmanuel4660]

my name is happiness am from Nigeria I used BMW e39 m5

[@jeancharlesrabaux5658]

In Amérique what is dollars the cars e39 M5 please y love it the cars thancs sir bye

[@wayneguy6043]

Not that many people will dump $20k + into a car like this…. Looks good though

[@gplusgplus2286]

Last good M5 the E39 is. #yodaspeak

[@therightnuke]

These expansion tanks are starting to look like cheddar cheese or yellow american

[@E39Source]

They definitely change colors, but at least they don't fail like the standard E39 ones!

[@nickwil493]

Just like my car lol

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

It kills me that people let these cars go to shit.

[@robertadrianwayne]

The rear bumber is a different color tho. UNACCEPTABLE!!!!

[@ll-wd7mv]

A pair of new lenses are literally 20 dollars

[@E39Source]

And those would be some hot garbage lenses. Several other elements of the headlights wear out and fail in addition to the lenses.

[@johnthomasmoulton8934]

Worlds cheapest e39 m5 (I hope)

[@E39Source]

Far from it

[@arts6535]

The cost of repairs exceeds the value of the car .. False economy...

[@E39Source]

Not everyone is looking to sell and clear a profit. This is an investment in an important car that will pay off for years to come.

[@richardpowell6096]

What was the final bill on that M5?

[@E39Source]

I'm not able to share my customer's investment in their vehicles publicly unfortunately. Our M5 restorations have ranged from $6,000-$65,000, with most landing in the $15,000-$25,000 range.

[@richardpowell6096]

@@E39Source okay thanks Ryan All I can say you do a damn thorough job but I can tell by your videos and your expertise all your builds come out first class

[@E39Source]

@@richardpowell6096 Thank you!

[@robertadrianwayne]

The rear bumber is a different color tho. UNACCEPTABLE!!!!