OEM+ Rebuild of a 37-Year-Old V12 Engine - BMW E31 850i - Project Marseille: Part 8

Can we build the old BMW V12 M70/M73 engine to look and make more power than when it was new? You'll about to learn that in this episode, as we increase the displacement of the engine, install ported heads, hot cams, custom headers and refurbish everything along the way. The end result speaks for itself!
Top Mar Motorworks - / topmarservice
Dbilas - www.dbilas.com/en/
Kohl24 - kohl24.de/
Ed, E31 fuel pumps & more - e31-v12throttle.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 - 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]

[@sr9tc]

And this, my friend, is why your channel is THE BEST BMW restoration channel on the web.. not just KZbin.

[@poplaurentiu4148]

Holly schnitzel that engine looks so fresh yummy..

[@ekialkovic4150]

No mate... This is THE BEST CHANNEL I GENERAL on the web 😉

[@Arnyyy94]

I can oly agree with you 🤝

[@migo70]

1000% agree, I've learnt so much about cars and the mechanics behind them due to this channel.

[@MichelOcampo]

Agreed, he is a master

[@Stranger2k1]

You just turned that Triebwerk into a Kunstwerk. Magnificent!

[@petermuller2583]

unterbewerteter kommentar.

[@radioactivegarage6967]

This literally looks like a piece from a bmw museum or a new old stock motor. It's simply incredible.

[@GardenGuy1943]

A real professional doesn’t use gloves

[@GardenGuy1943]

He should get a forge to melt and cast new parts. That’s what most professionals have.

[@mowax74]

@@GardenGuy1943 You mean the kind of professional, that messes up everything that goes beyond changing tires?

[@carlossanz1062]

I think that the merit is not only that you are a master Mechanic, you are also a brilliant editor. I can see all the video without stop or past anything.

[@hkmonaro8153]

That vapour blast machine is quite honestly the best invention ever, love how good parts look after a quick blast..

[@OggyXXXL]

Laser is better than that, but not for all

[@tcpnetworks]

This channel is more theraputic than educational.... Could watch you days building stuff.

[@teammusketeers]

Completely agree

[@essexginge9167]

"Engine go boom boom knock knock" is now my go to for explaining a blown engine

[@champagnepapi9428]

in my dreams, in a perfect world you would post one 3-hour video a week, you're a legend Sreten

[@alexcohcoaching]

same here haha

[@mitfreundlichengrussen1234]

Way better than any episode of any tv-series - thanks a lot Sreten!

[@azmiescinex500]

Couldn't agree more!

[@just_4_746]

After following your videos for a long time now, I (or rather all of us) just have to say thank you. I'm 21 and rescued an old Audi 80 B2 2.2 Quattro from the scrapyard and your videos have given me the confidence to tackle the engine. I have found detailed documentation and next month I will start. Many thanks for everything and keep up the good work!

[@martinwalsh7126]

You can do it. Exciting build. Best of luck.

[@runejonassen3893]

Those are among the best-looking cars of that era. Please share the progress and results with us...

[@flauschxger]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@runejonassen3893I agree, although I am a bred BMW and Volvo fanatic, seeing the progress of saving an old Quattro would be very interesting to watch.

[@SerbanCMusca-ut8ny]

Godspeed to you! And yeah, I'd watch that if you filmed and posted it.

[@seanmoore4653]

Gay

[@Khan_Art_]

I never knew watching gaskets being applied could be so refreshing.

[@hasangaimesh3139]

And just like that Sreten single-handedly redefined the phrase "Better than new"

[@karlmjay]

A 1 hr 18 mins episode over just like that. Sreten, you sir deserve more than just a beer. Seeing that old E31 V12 engine brought back to life with care and attention to detail is a sight to behold. A dearly departed friend of mine had one of these and invested many thousands ££ keeping it running. I'm watching the progress on this one with great interest in his honour. Well done! I can see one of your restorations ending up in the BMW museum one day.

[@seanmoore4653]

Gay

[@stefan_1989]

i think this is one of the most beautiful engines I've seen you build. BMW should seriously consider using you as their main car restorer for their museum.

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

I agree, but I visited the BMW Museum, and it was really odd, they seemed to focus on eco exhibits, more so than their history. It was kind of like they turned a cold shoulder to their past and not sure why, they built some great cars. Streten, makes me want to find an older BMW to restore. I live in the US and after doing research and driving a lot of cars, I picked a used BMW with an extensive service history. It's not as vintage as the cars on this channel, that will come later. I'm an aircraft mechanic and working on a car is a pleasure to me.

[@alexanderwoolley1623]

​@@Thomas-ul3uycorrection, working on cars is not the fun part, atleast for me, but the end result is always the best!

[@filkry8832]

@@Thomas-ul3uywhat did you get?

[@mrredfeet]

@@Thomas-ul3uydid you visit the museum in Germany (München) or the free BMW world? Because I was in the museum last year -> full focus on BMW history. Even plane engines and the foundry part. Also lots of racecars etc.

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

@@mrredfeet yes, the museum in Munich. There were cars, some construction going on and motorcycles hanging on a wall. There were more displays on the upper floors related to eco pursuits. I went to Porsche and Mercedes Museums, and they were done really well. I expected the same from BMW, but maybe they were changing displays out or something.

[@geofftefl]

Wow! Just wow. OK, for full effect I'm going further. Couldn't take my eyes and ears off this project, not only because of the outstanding workmanship on display, but also because I nearly bought one of these about 20 years ago and I'm sorry I didn't. Watching this rebuild is just amazing and the end result is perfection. Wow!

[@meto.v]

Maaan you are the absolute ICON of the cars restoration. I don’t have anything more to say! 🙌🙌🙌

[@bmwdinan5]

I love when you rebuild these older engines. I get so much satisfaction watching you relive the engineer designs of the 80’s and early ‘90s

[@shiftdnb]

I believe if Ice Cube were to write "It Was A Good Day" in this day and age, there would be a verse to include a M539 Restorations video dropping. OOOOoooooOOOO

[@TFT-bp8zk]

Cube got breakfast with no hog, there was no smog, he fkd around an hit a triple double, got laid, won at craps and dominos, the cops rolled right past him, and he didn't have o use his AK. That was a good day. BMW restoration videos on KZbin - probably still not on his radar.

[@fidelrios3839]

Only thing bwm related in that song would be him saying he made the girl he fkd leak worse than a bmw

[@mennovanleeuwen]

Shake’m up, shake’m up, shake’m up, shake’m 😂

[@seanmoore4653]

Gay

[@BrianBeauchamp]

I love this guy!! Blowing ‘dust’ off of the head gasket, just in case . . . He does know that most engines are reassembled in dirty garages all over the world. Still, the attention to detail is awesome!

[@Andy-mq6yv]

Thanks, love your work. I’ve never spent money on KZbin, but you deserve every penny

[@a20axf]

I really struggle to watch long videos nowadays as my attention wanders, but not so with this channel. Sreten you are an absolute master and you have the skills and funding to restore cars, parts and engines in a way that makes people with OCD seem disorganised. Seriously though, watching you build your skills and take on more advanced projects over the years truly is a pleasure to watch and feel part of it. Again, the only channel I deem worthy enough of supporting as a Patreon member 🫡

[@foundnotlost]

Said it before, Sreten is the best mechanic to date his knowledge and attention to procedures are unmatched. Who else contacts the sealant manufacturers main employee for confirmation on correct product choice. It would be a privilege to own any vehicle hes touched.

[@foundnotlost]

Genuine question Sreten, on a engine build this thorough, a total rebuild with original or superior parts so technically a brand new engine, can you legal reset the mileage? Big fan🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@traviswalker8933]

​@@foundnotlost that's not legal in Germany. That's why he restored the original mileage on the E92 M3.

[@cumbob]

The odometer tracks chassis mileage, not engine mileage. Also engine life is done usually in hours not miles. ​@@foundnotlost

[@seanmoore4653]

Gay

[@crackdofus]

Is this guy the best mechanic in the world? yes

[@Melvivio]

This video should be rated R for ridiculously clean. Man what a project. What an engine. What a car this will be.

[@tomyeplcharger]

This engine has to be on display at the BMW Museum first 😮

[@McMaster1500]

Watching your engine rebuilds is such a therapy. The attention to details is just amazing. Great work Sreten!

[@macmccarthy9828]

Absolutely love the perfection you use in your workmanship.

[@kawasakiwhiptwo5821]

Sreten,you have no idea how therapeutic your attention to detail is for me. I love that your giving some (alot of) attention to the 8 series. I can't wait for cosmetics (paint job,interior,wheels,etc...). The engine looks beautiful. Can't wait for the next video. ✌️❤️

[@antonvongarrel8995]

I said it before and I'll say it again: Sreten your videos are absolute masterpieces! The precision of your work and your work ethic is unbelievable. Combined with the fantastic camera angles which must be super hard to set up and the superb editing, you're taking us on a journey to witness the restoration of these beautiful cars. Thank you for these awesome videos, keep it up!

[@seanmoore4653]

Gayy

[@grantjohnstone9787]

Your commitment to PPE is commendable Sreten, safety never takes a holiday!

[@aserta]

You have one pair of lungs, one pair of eyes, one pair of hands. People who don't take steps to protect them are just stupid. That's the long and short of it. You pay up big time when you end up old and you curse yourself and live in misery. PPE and safety all the way. Cheaper than a prosthetic hand or a glass eyeball and the life costs that come with it.

[@boriss187]

@@aserta Unfortunately some people need to find out the hard way.

[@rkan2]

@@raviolisauce103 Charcoal filters react with air even if you don't use them , so yeah replace them!

[@AnastaseVIII]

I'm speechless. You managed to raise the level, again.

[@wader320]

The aviation gasket sealant is my go to for any resealing job. It’s NEVER let me down.

[@antanta]

I cannot believe you polished the throttle bodies with a brush and a dremmel ... What a guy ❤🍻

[@peterkogoj7028]

Watching you apply that gasket material with a brush makes you even more of an artist in what you do

[@andreasu.3546]

Let's paint a happy little gasket right over here..

[@Nick-ql1eo]

The best channel for BMW restorations. 💪

[@MoJaMa-ux2vu]

I'm not a BMW Guy and know nothing about them and the engines. But i love watching your work

[@discovolante2585]

Once owned an e34 520i.....NOTHING but trouble. Swored I will never ever buy a BMW again.... But watching these videos.....I really really want a 850i..... This channel is just about perfect. Friendly advice with some humour! Rock solid knowledge mated with true enthusiasm! Love it. Absolutely LOVE it. ❤

[@firstlast2857]

E34 525i was great car and no trouble.

[@dominicbarne5218]

I have a 1994 525i Sport in avus blau had it for 19 years no trouble, it is now in pieces because i’m giving everything a refresh it could take a while but will be very rewarding

[@firstlast2857]

@@dominicbarne5218 My car was fix Hartge cat back muffler oval out and I got comment, very sexy voice😀

[@garyderian4350]

My US spec 525i has been remarkably reliable and durable. Currently has 358,000 miles and finally needs a complete rear suspension rebuild. It is by far the lowest cost per mile to drive car I've ever owned.

[@sosober2353]

e34 520ia once owned, all that power and torgue from m20 engine with lovely automatic gearbox. Car was called as rust bucket, and for real reason.

[@st3althyone]

It’s good to see Project Marseille finally get some love . Seeing you finish up and put the finishing touches on that V-12 M73 engine was a joy. It’s a shame BMW couldn’t find a better way to seal all those castings, no wonder that engine leaks like a sieve. I love the way you always chose the best solution for the problems at hand, you’re a consummate professional. Thanks for always putting your best foot forward and giving us the best content on KZbin. Take care of yourself, Sreten, and we’ll see you on the next one.

[@catalinmariustudor9763]

It's absolutely magnificent what you do with the all BMW we'll done

[@thetruth7633]

After a hectic week of work and other annoyances, there is nothing more soothing than watching the master of self-taught DIY car tinkering 😁

[@lavre8045]

There are many automotive channels on KZbin, but none, is like this one. Still the best.

[@fransb8543]

The cinematics in the opening of this episode are out of this world!

[@seandavis6921]

Funny, I don't like them at all. Love his chirps and comments. Good to see it appeals to some.

[@alexpechersky475]

Великолепная работа! Двигатель - красавец! Вы просто молодец!

[@garryporton8458]

So beautiful to watch. Thankyou for capturing it all for us. Enjoy the beer

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Oh. I had a busy but pleasurable day at work. Then I get home, switch on the PC and find an engine rebuild video from Sreten. And it's one hour and twenty minutes! Even better! I can't put my finger on it, but these videos are just so satisfying to watch. Thank you, sir.

[@stefanudrea44]

I swear to God, when I get any KZbin notification, I scroll down the notifications bar hoping it's from Sreten. Absolutely addictive content, mister!...and because of that, you won our hearts, we (your audience) viscerally enjoy watching every second of your car movies. Unmatched professionalism! Thank you!

[@seanmoore4653]

Gayy

[@Deckzwabber]

Excellent job!

[@gags730]

SKF... That brought back memories. They used to make the bearings I used for my Skateboard in the late 80's. They were a name brand I remember paying more for them.

[@Die_Quelle]

What a piece of art. Magnificient work Sreten.

[@tupuxinguili]

Can’t wait to hear that V12 roaring again and watch my dream car rolling on the autobahn. Thank’s Sreten for all the good work you do.

[@Nigel999]

Brilliant, an hour and 20 minutes of pure joy. My day stopped until I watched from start to finish. And a thing of perfect beauty was created. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@st3althyone]

79 glorious minutes of pure bliss. I watched it from start to finish at least twice and probably more later. All of Sreten’s content is binge worthy!🥰🥰

[@tedfrisk4730]

Job well done Sir, greetings from a former BMW technician, from that era.

[@marksantos2276]

It is a work of ART Sreten.

[@mrmusic1880]

The joy of a new M539 video!🎉 It's absolutely brilliant to see the V12 back to perfection! Better than brand new😊

[@nickstathes5711]

That was one of the best episodes you have made yet! I have been waiting patiently to see the full rebuild on this. The S65 and Alpina H1 were great but this one takes the cake for me. Thank you thank you thank you for putting this together!!!!!!

[@TerrasClip]

It isn't only the rebuild itself but the information shared along it that is invaluable and often not shared.

[@markpirateuk]

A work of art, way better than OEM, should be a concourse winner once finished!

[@That_Stealth_Guy]

I can not wait until this 850i is back up and running. The E31 series is my all time favorite BMW and the whole reason I discovered this channel a couple of years ago.

[@JoeWolsing]

As I'm currently in Accra Ghana and have to watch unbelievable crappy vehicles of all kind and even use some of them as Ubers, this is balm on my soul. Thank you so much! Great episode!

[@JustStef018]

Thanks for everything you're doing Sreten, love the content.

[@robinrai4973]

it's crazy how they designed and built such a machine and yet the had paper sealing it all together!

[@davidgore3292]

I'm not a Mechanic but, I can't Stop Watching!! Your Videos of your Work is Amazing & Entertaining!! Thanks for Sharing & being "Cool"

[@looukasst.77]

Everything is better than factory,that should be the motto of this channel, that's all I have to say,perfection!

[@colinjenkinson3137]

Not even a BMW fan, still the best content out there, Sreten is a master!

[@elidjas]

What an absolute legend! Loving all the torque clicks paired with the satisfying vapor blast results. Better than new, no doubt. I'm speechless about the camera work and overall production quality. You are a true role model!

[@trivadpt]

I never used to take as much pride in the maintenance of my car (mercedes CLK W209) as I do since I have been watching your videos. You have massively inspired me and I am very grateful. Thank you.

[@danielbughius7762]

Glad to see another W209 owner here.

[@Antony_Jenner]

Awesome Sreten, After many years of Japanese and American cars I have recently swapped over to BMW. As a beginner to this form of Deutsche engineering i am amazed at how easy these machines are to work on relatively speaking. Great channel and great work, and remember "Beer not just for breakfast anymore" cheers from Australia.

[@asefarbab1241]

hi . i dont have a bmw but I watch entire video and that's enjoyable , thanks

[@richeydTV]

Best build channel because it’s so pleasing seeing the level of attention to detail 😍

[@franciscoop1063]

Yet another slice of V12 engineering OCD magnificence Sreten....Bravo!

[@heikomark5597]

This is just perfection. You created a piece of art. The best Channel on KZbin.

[@insto78]

LTFT. 1:16:52, chef’s kiss, indeed. Loving this and all E31 projects, and your passion and attention to detail especially. Respect!

[@tomcross263]

A masterclass in engine assembly well done 👍

[@yugo4576]

Just received notice from Patreon. First order of business is to like it and to praise excellent video, even though I didn't watch it yet. Yup, it's THAT GOOD!

[@sageyowns26]

the before and afters of the vapor blasting cabinet are SO satisfying

[@sageyowns26]

how you edit torquing several bolts is almost as satisfying

[@edwinndonga2740]

I just can't watch your videos whenever they pop up, I have to wait for when I am most relaxed with my favorite drink and snack. It's the best thing on youtube. Thank you Sreten, With love from Kenya

[@murrieteacher]

That is a work of aet and attention to detail that you cannot get unless it has Rolls in the name. I am proud to know you Sreten. I have only admiration for your workmanship.

[@arpadkal]

Your workmanship is unparalleled. Thankful for your channel!

[@luisrpa123]

44:45 seeing the bent wrench is quite impressive

[@NearCry91]

Or wrench bend?

[@duka_duka]

Perfect way to spend Sunday evening, or any other evening actually

[@zephaudi]

I love the explanation of the paper gaskets being trash and it's good lesson 👍

[@vovicande]

Hats off Sreten to your patience and attention to the details. It is definitely shaping up as one of the best E31 in the existence

[@mdacosta5882]

Best BMW rebuild show on KZbin

[@moog247]

Phenomenal video thank you, 80 minutes of poor joy

[@SilverRJediel]

Our best channel about engines I've ever seen, it explains everything and shows it in practice, I'm left speechless to describe how important what it does is. Congratulations on the work. 👏👏

[@paullaw5054]

I'm lost for words, really. Each and every comment echoes my thoughts exactly. One hour and eighteen minutes of pure bliss. This channel and Sreten are a class above. BMW, if you are watching, then I suggest you reach out to Sreten and offer some sort of sponsorship for showcasing your product.

[@goodfth]

Watching the journey of Sreten go from being restoration/reconditioning focused to slowly becoming a hotrodder and racer through this and the Alpina, M3, E39 Touring, and E46 Touring builds is priceless.

[@hussienabukhalil2012]

I benefited greatly from the beautiful information you mentioned in this beautiful video, thank you

[@vgoj]

Got love the diesel heater noise in the background

[@keithflynn5651]

The love and attention that you lavish on all of your builds is gratifying to say the least. Well done.

[@robpanchuk6795]

You're a genius, Sreten. Beautiful result.

[@MICHAELWALTON1]

Spectacular Result! I'm in awe of your skill and diligence! Thx

[@billturner6564]

I can't believe how good this channel is 👍👍👍👍

[@tironalex7919]

This channel should have x million subscribers, don’t understand how there are only 500k. Great video as always and the work, impeccable.

[@st3althyone]

Yeah. I know that there are a lot of gear heads out there, but I guess not too many of them love BMWs like we do. It takes a special kind of person to love these damn cars, they’re beautiful machines.

[@hpoonis2010]

@@st3althyone I only watch for the work, I appreciate his dedication. However, there is nothing that would encourage me to own another BMW. I prefer to be on foot than be a BMW owner again.

[@mikhailtronik4322]

​@hpoonis2010 Just curious what car do you have?

[@The_Noticer.]

@@st3althyone Actually a Honda guy myself and would never even think of buying a BMW, but Sreten just makes good content thats enjoyable for everyone. As to the subscriber number, do realize that it's a specific type of person that can sit there for 90 minutes watching a guy assemble an engine. Not many people these days have that kind of attention span. Now when you consider how popular tiktok and youtube shorts are. I would be so interested in Sreten's average watch time, but I bet a lot of them watch the full video. And if you can get 500k people to sit through 90 minutes of a video these days, consider yourself extremely gifted and lucky.

[@st3althyone]

@@hpoonis2010 It depends on the year/model. The early 2000s had some great cars being made, I’m a sucker for the E39!

[@stephencurry8552]

The king of engines. A V-12. Amazing to be able to see your work. Will assist me with my own projects. Very thankful for your work.

[@andrewpercival1427]

Stunning job and very therapeutic to watch...looking forward to the next therapy session.

[@SZAPT]

You my friend, are the only one who can make me spend 1h of my life on youtube, and i'm not even a mechanic or EVEN a BMW fan, I love my Audi eheh Wish you all the best and i'm waiting for Maserati pt2!!!

[@andreagt1987]

Only wow, I never saw a meticulous engine restoration like yours… the focus on the details, the precision of all torque value are absolutely amazing! And in every new video I see the improvements learned day by day.. please don’t stop enjoying us with this superb restorations!

[@jasonlouis5498]

Now that’s impressive. It came out extremely good. Looks like it could go in a museum.

[@XineasHD]

Very well deserved beer that, this is a piece of art. Wow.

[@algeniscorrea187]

Isn't she a beaut.... truly a work of art. I've been waiting a long time for this. Great work