Can The Highest Mileage BMW E34 M5 Reliably Drive Across California? Pt. 2 : Roadtrip & Inspection

Welcome to Episode 2 of buying the highest mileage BMW E34 M5 in the US and maybe even the world!! Last week we spent some time getting this M5 drivable and to Monterey car week. This week we spend some time with fellow neglected BMW lover M539 Restorations, tackle a few more items, and then we start the trek down to LA so that I can get this E34 picked up and shipped home! Then we get it up on the lift and fully inspect it!
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[@mromagachi5194]

OMFGGGGGGGGGGG I WAS RIGHTTTTTTT THE BMW GODS ARE GETTING TOGETHER M539 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I CALLED IT LAST EPISODE (COOOMING UP ) ❤

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Hahahah I love the enthusiasm! Hopefully we will get together more in future!

[@bediakogodfred1574]

@@m3nameisjosh464get together bro. E34 meets E39

[@mromagachi5194]

@@m3nameisjosh464 u M539 jason from shoplife tv also jesse from elite motorworks mt Rushmore of My bmw hero's ❤️❤️

[@viperocco]

haha so true. BMW ballers

[@MaseBoogie]

It’s like 2 wizards hanging out lol

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Hahahah 2 wizards. Love this

[@silveriojohan]

Mr M539 is in the USA picking another neglected BMW 🤣🤣🤣🤣, keep it going Josh(cheers from Toronto, Canada).

[@m3nameisjosh464]

We both have an addiction!!! Thank you sir!

[@NemanjaM976]

Wasn't aware of this channel but thankfully Sreten posted it on IG. You just got a new subscriber 😊

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Im so grateful for that! Welcome!!!

[@DIYDUDE012]

@@m3nameisjosh464 two of them

[@brenden0311]

Hunter’s rig rips 😳 glad the trip was successful my friend!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

His car is so sick dude!!

[@bm-garage]

My type of m5! Love the series man can’t wait to see how it’s revived!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thanks dude!!!!

[@torygyberg8837]

I'm with Sreten, glad you are saving this classic!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Im glad too!

[@C0RREB0RRE]

Sreten works with bimmerworld in the US, maybe the can do something for you to. Perhaps not a full sponsorship, but some help with nla parts. I'm waiting for ages for Sreten to get his hands on a e34 m5. Maybe this inspire him, but sadly he has already so many projects. That I think it's going to take along time before it happens. This car was right in its alley otherwise. Good luck with bringing the car back to its former glory. 💪

[@C0RREB0RRE]

Ps loving you're big six project!! Something I would loved to see Sreten worked on also. But i guess now I will watch you for that. 😂

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Im working with Fcp euro as of right now ;). I tried to convince Sreten on an E34 M5!!! We can only hope it will have worked!! And thank you!

[@C0RREB0RRE]

@@m3nameisjosh464 The also know what the are doing!!! Congratulations on the Co op with them. Hopefully you get a good lift in the work shop in the forceable future. All do it's nice to see some else struggle as well 😉 because I don't have room for a lift, and some of you're techniques worked for me as well. Lol.

[@C0RREB0RRE]

@@m3nameisjosh464Sreten is only a one Men army, but if he can find the time. I'm surtain hѐ most definitely do so. 💪

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@C0RREB0RRE Unfortunately i cant get a lift because of heat in the floor, so we will continue to struggle together!!

[@y0057]

Very well done my dude. Every e28/e34 M5's are worth saving. These were cars built with love and they deserve all the love they can get. They are that special, if people know the stories behind how each of this special cars were made then they'd understand that they really are all truly special cars and i mean every single e28 and e34 m5 series only.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@y0057 you are so correct dude! Worth saving all of them!!!!

[@willjam465]

Absolutely love that you are saving this car. Red over black is a great combo. Love the E34; classic BMW design at its finest imho.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Completely agree. Any E34 deserves saving!

[@TheDaneJohni]

M539 restorations & M3nameisjosh😮 Whaaaaat!? My 2 favourite Beamer Guys ❤

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@TheDaneJohni 😎😎😎😎

[@1haitian1]

OH MY GOD ITS M539 🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@m3nameisjosh464]

The true GOAT!

[@really_unusual_edits]

i was actually refreshing this page waiting for this one ! thx

[@m3nameisjosh464]

You’re the man!! I appreciate that!

[@mikesphoenix_e46m3]

Great video as always josh cant wait for the diy repairs on this

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you Mike!!

[@drifter2090]

Cant wait to see the progress on this, a more track focused build could be cool too

[@m3nameisjosh464]

A track car is coming in the future. Just debating if I want it to be an M5. Im leaning no because the cost/ risk of S38s

[@startingtech3900]

@@m3nameisjosh464gutted track builds are overrated. keep it oem big josh!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@startingtech3900 a track build is coming eventually, unlikely this car

[@AstralStef]

WHAT A FREAKING LINK UP!!!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@AstralStef RIGHT?!?!

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

Looks like you really had fun picking up the M5 and meeting that E39 fellow. 101 is a great drive, if I had 2 days... Look to see how you rehab this M5.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@jpadicecoffee9812 it was an amazing trip!!

[@sva60_cyyz59]

Those are Canadian E39 M-Tech rims. They were on everybody’s 530i with the M5/M-Sport bodykit, a trim which I believe wasn’t sold in the US.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Same wheels as on 540/6 in US i believe. Pulled the set off my last 540. Nice wheels but not for this car

[@E39ForLife0]

Love the channel man keep up the good work

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@E39ForLife0 thank you dude!!

[@tiitsaul9036]

A really good base. I'd take some mechanical issues over rust any day. It mak s total sense to pull the motor along with transmission and front suspension put in one piece. It's way quicker and easier to accomplish all the work in the feont end in one go.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I know thats the best method but unfortunately I don’t have a 2 post lift to do this:(

[@disco_volante1062]

It's a WBS car so it needs to be saved! But it also needs a lot of work and money. I'm rebuilding an M5 E34 from scratch with everything new or refurbished and so far 50+K have gone down the rabbit hole! By the way, you can still buy a new front M5 bumper from BMW. It costs about 1200 USD or you can buy the M-tech one for half the price.

[@startingtech3900]

should have just bought a well sorted low mileage one with that kind of $

[@m3nameisjosh464]

WOW. That is eye watering numbers right there. But I can totally see how it gets to be that expensive. You are dedicated. This car wont be receiving the full nut and bolt, but it will be better! And thanks for the heads up!

[@knightrida6829]

Ambitious josh probably plagued with vacuum leaks especially by the linkage going in the itb manifold which is hardest to fix

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yup, will be pulling plenum off and investing everything

[@juancorrea9037]

Awesome, complete overhaul coming. Cant wait to keep on learning. Great content!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you as always Juan!

[@MrSkoda105s]

Hi Josh, that’s cool you’ve met Sreten from M539 restoration. Nice video and nice car. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@MrSkoda105s thank you my friend!!!

[@e34meister]

WHAT A COLLAB

[@m3nameisjosh464]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@1995RangeRover]

Awesome fellas!!!

[@DannysGarage]

Regarding the original thrust arms, more often than not, people would just press in new bushings into the original arms. On my 277k mile E34 540i6, my thrust arms were original, just with bushings replaced in 2010.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@DannysGarage good point! Id guess thats the case

[@1983dmd]

What a great project!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Cant wait for it!

[@1983dmd]

@@m3nameisjosh464 If you can, I would like a tutorial on adjusting the ITB since I have an M635CSi...Just asking !

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@1983dmd planning to buy a tool for it and give it a shot!!

[@King_Cooler64]

Loving the series. New subscriber alert

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Appreciate you!!!! Welcome!

[@JY-vr8ok]

I just like to give a shout out to the junkyard dudes and or women’s that didn’t crush this beauty!!! The save of the year!!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Seriously!!! Great people for recognizing its potential

[@Cindyl69vic]

Your content never disappoints 🤙🏽🥶

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you so much!

[@jamesbeck1600]

Man I can't wait for this series, I have a 93 M5 (southern car) that I'd like to do a suspension refresh to, and I know my resonance flap actuator isn't working either! Angry-ass actually went through the trouble to make an overbuilt new one because they haven't been made in a long time, worth checking out. Interested to see your process of diagnosing and replacing it!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@jamesbeck1600 thank you dude!!! Ill actually be working with Angry ass to get this thing running right! ;)

[@jamesbeck1600]

@@m3nameisjosh464 Even better!

[@Rob-tq5ym]

just found this channel. great content,old school BMW . Subbd looking forward to loads more content.Had loads of beemers,i do have the jcw clubman at the minute.Looking for a E30 M3,dreaming me thinks.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@Rob-tq5ym thanks for the sub!!!

[@craigsmith1354]

You know you have to do this right ,right . I would not do a track toy , just do a good OEM plus with all the trick parts coil overs and bushings ,ANSA exhaust, engine refresh ,Trans.... That motor and Trans have to come out ,you what I mean and yes I'm also looking forward to your restoration too 😂.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@craigsmith1354 couldn’t agree more!

[@thewedge8823]

Amazing.. Just shows you how durable and long lasting the S38 is.... Wish my M30 in my 1990 E34 would last that long.. I've already changed the block, and the head gasket.. only 80k miles lol.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Ouch man:(( they like to be driven. Higher mileage engines are typically happier

[@rj6110]

im in east iowa, all the clean cali cars have me wanting to move out there. you can buy a car and dry ice blast the underside, already looks better than my attempt at a restoration lol

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@rj6110 im in Chicago dude, I know the pain:(((

[@startingtech3900]

9:12 just did a weekend stay in santa cruz drove my e46 m3 down highway 1 it was an awesome coastal drive. anyway awesome episode w/sreten too we need a longer collab. josh in Germany soon?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I was in Santa cruz for car week!! How funny. Definitely hope to collab again. I need to go back to Germany!

[@MaseBoogie]

Let’s go !

[@m3nameisjosh464]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Ivkeeee]

Yeessir my friend Petar made it to the video at least in photo form 😂 great video keep it up

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Was a pleasure meeting Petar!!

[@mercedeslab]

What a nice surprise!!!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I thought so too😉

[@nikitaivanov1536]

4:27 damn, that`s comfy ))

[@m3nameisjosh464]

The comfiest😅

[@davidcombs8458]

I’m having my S38 water pump rebuilt. I think there’s a guy out in California that does it. It’s not cheap ($500), but not much else you can do.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yeah ive heard of that guy. Angry ass is working with him to stock water pumps. For full builds I will go that route, for now Ill keep using this one!

[@mnz19921]

I can watch Josh and Streten all day

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@mnz19921 we appreciate you!

[@Titansilber.540i]

Now you just need the Canadian M540i and the E34 Exodia will be complete.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I know right!

[@thewedge8823]

btw the E60 stock shifter drops straight into the E34... You could get a short shifter just buy getting that..

[@m3nameisjosh464]

My calypso has one!

[@aidancapell7813]

Great seeing you on 17 mile haha

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@aidancapell7813 ayeee!!!!

[@berwhaletheavenger]

I don't blame you not driving it back! A Z3 1.9 shifter is a nice straight swap. The driveshaft coupling is Giubo (joo-bow), short for giunto boschi. Mr M539 had a hissy fit when I corrected him. 🤣 You can replace the M5 engine mounts (same as M30 535i) with 525i M50 solid rubber ones, they're fine. It would be a shame to replace the 280 with a 260 535i box. There must be someone in the US who can replace the old synchroniser. A guy here in the UK can (just about) get the parts but Getrag and ZF don't sell parts. Scary how you cannot buy a water pump.😮 Can you remove the air pump and chuck in the trash? I'd do a top surface repaint and change the sills and lower bumpers to metallic grey (Nogaro silver I think) like the 3.8. Makes them look even less like a 535i. What wheels though? That E39 crap has got to go, M5 turbines are the price of a house. E38 Style 32's?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

As always, thank you for the info!! I’ll look into deleting the air pump. It’s a mess down there anyway lol. I think I have a lead on a 280 and then I will store this one for a rainy day. Since turbines are overly expensive Im leaning towards M parallels for wheels. Good looking and affordable! And technically correct for an E34 M5!

[@jdeckard1243]

Sreten made the video!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Of course! It was an honor!

[@stevenpike7530]

The boys (real deal)…

[@m3nameisjosh464]

😏😏

[@DannysGarage]

Thing's definitely had a bunch of paintwork, a Brilliant Rot car from 91 should not have any clear coat, it would have been single stage originally.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@DannysGarage walked around with a paint meter and the hood and top panels were resprayed. Seems like all the other panels are original

[@Teun]

noiceee

[@camerongh64]

There are some reputable s38 specialists in LA who will rebuild your water pump

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I know the one!

[@nicholasibarra1311]

If possible it would be cool/nice to find out where this car was serviced and find out the history

[@m3nameisjosh464]

It was in Discovery Bay California, but otherwise the extent of service is unknown

[@nicholasibarra1311]

@@m3nameisjosh464I’m my experience with cars this high in miles almost everything’s probably been touched or hacked together at least once

[@maryjko3692]

im dreaming of such a e34 m5 to have in europe with so hight millage im would do enything mechaniucally and would protect the car from rust and would drive it daili but the prise in europe are to hight

[@EstorilE36M345]

I think making this a street/track ripper would be cool. I wouldn’t personally worry about minting it out. Too many miles

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@EstorilE36M345 you’re so right on that. I think its oem’ness expired. Might as well make it cool

[@EstorilE36M345]

Yep! And this is coming from a guy with an E36 M3 with 223k on the engine/trans/chassis. I essentially daily it because why not

[@Tanker-boss]

New sub thanks to sreten!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@Tanker-boss very much appreciated!!

[@Tanker-boss]

@@m3nameisjosh464 great channel, there are of course many people who like in depth servicing and repairs on these unique cars… but also just sending it and road testing out issues etc 😂

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@Tanker-boss I do both😉

[@jonas22100able]

keep the red bmw m5, it suits the ferrari so well! also sell the other m5 and build the coolest turbo 5m it will be good conten 100!! think about it how many youtubers and made m5 turbo, just search the word bmw m5 turbo it will get million of the view. and great that you have mr 39 guy with you, you should do something more together 😁 applies to me for the next video with the red m5😍

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@jonas22100able i like your idea!!! Except for selling the Daytona M5. I need to keep that one🥹. Turbo M5 is expensive that is only issue!

[@jonas22100able]

yes, it's only engine parts that are expensive😁 but the thought of it now could be very cool😊 but won't there be another tuning project from you soon with a turbo where it's cream da li cream🙈

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@jonas22100able yes! My turbo E12 build is up next!!

[@Bavarian_M]

There a person on eBay that sells rebuild water pump for the S38 it’s $500 but better then nothing

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@Bavarian_M im in contact with him!

[@rapgamestevejobs]

What options do owners have when they do need a water pump? Do you have to send away for a rebuild or something?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yes a gentleman in California rebuilds them. As far as I know right now, thats only option.

[@gagygaginjo5217]

Sreten is there?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

He was!

[@serz1885]

2:30 ok get a room you 2

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@serz1885 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣