How Much Work Can a Neglected BMW Need? - E39 530i Touring - Project Rottweil: P2

What does it take to rejuvenate a poorly serviced and neglected car? In this episode of project Rottweil, we focus on the engine and getting this old M54 engine in perfect running order. We replace the rod bearings, disassemble and clean the oil pump, secure the oil pump nut, replace the oil pan gasket, replace catalytic converters, power steering & coolant lines, water pump, thermostat, radiator, fan clutch, alternator, intake manifold gaskets, fuel injectors, fuel filter, CCV, front sway bar, propshaft flex joint (guibo), center shaft bearing (CSB), transmission and engine mounts, belts & pulleys, service the DISA valve, etc... in short, we get a lot of work done.
Jörg, Probesten Tech, all things Vanos - www.probsten-tech.de/
New Merch shop! - m539restorations.com/
You can support me on Patreon! - / m539restorations
Follow me on Instagram - / m539_restorations
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]

[@SalvaBarbus]

I love how changing the rod bearings has now become just a late-night discussion with the board members. If that isn't an indication of how much you've grown as a professional, I don't know what is.

[@KingGiac]

He was joking when he said board members. I think he just means his friends!

[@europass1]

​@@KingGiacduh!

[@nubcsabee]

@@KingGiac I am certain that the discussion was internal :D

[@manow4011]

​@@KingGiac Jesus wept at this comment.

[@typicalmountainbiker]

@T H Why? He knows how to change them as he's had experience and they were down to the 3rd or 4th layer. 4th layer is when they want to spin. Seems like it was a stellar idea to change them.

[@McMaster1500]

I'm not going to lie, I'd watch you rebuild a toaster, just for the enthusiasm alone. Absolutely amazing content as always Sreten!

[@SteveKirks]

"Coming up...."

[@MikeMacful]

@@SteveKirks I'll just vapour-blast this bread, and it'll look Brand New!

[@andreewert6576]

... just some residue burning off...

[@ukrainetrain84]

Some fogging oil for men on the toaster coils and only use OEM kitchen aid parts.

[@harrycalibra]

@@SteveKirks 🤣👌

[@vmm4858]

50 minutes that went by like nothing, it's so pleasant watching you work. Thank you.

[@ScholzMichael]

I have 4 E46 BMW in South Africa and I would give anything to have someone work on them with this amount of attention to detail. I’m a huge fan, watched all of your videos and I really understand these cars much better now. I hope to use everything I have learned from you to preserve my own cars. Would love to see some more videos on the E46. There is no other channel as good as this for BMW

[@goyewgfj]

Would love to see more work on E46 as well! 🙌

[@jungl3ist]

people wouldn t pay this kind of work and precision, because the workmanship would cost astronomical compared to the value of the car. So yeah, if you want this level of work, you got to do it yourself.

[@skythundersky1544]

Sounds awesome! You got Instagram by any chance? Would love to see the progress!

[@ituC1008]

🇿🇦

[@Markoboy99]

@@jungl3ist Which is why this is considered restoration not normal repairshop stuff, hence the channel name

[@jimtaylor431]

I'm disproportionately excited to see Sreten do a project to supercharge a humble E39 touring. I can't wait to see this project evolve.

[@machtschnell7452]

Boosted an NA engines are designed and built differently from the block out. If one wants a reliable boosted engine, install one designed as such. Sreten will be lucky to run 6psi of boost. Just not really worth the extra mechanical gear.

[@phillip3330]

@@machtschnell7452 Shhh, what do you mean?! You just cost of a few episodes of wrenching, watching Sreten fix the engine he blew :D

[@tamamboylekalsn]

​@@machtschnell7452 supercharger is not that harmful on engine like turbo at all. Factory spec engine should handle supercharger

[@fregyt]

@@machtschnell7452 I know people running 20psi for couples thousand ks no issue on factory m54. They dont anymore. Around this point the head starts lifting, so not good for long use I imagine, though people get away with it. Typically on factory unopened m54 shoukd run 5-10psi of boost, will notice no change in reliability at all.

[@SpFres1]

@@machtschnell7452 Greek dealerships were already selling 520i with the AC Schnitzer supercharger as standard back in the day, to counter the supercharged E-Class (W210/early W211). M52 was working great with the supercharger, the M54 won't have any issues either. It's pretty strong.

[@StraightSixGarage]

Yet another great build! Would be interesting to have an overall build cost in the end, like you used to present on the earlier projects!

[@herbertlappert96]

Agree

[@traviswalker8933]

He would present it most probably.

[@paullaw5054]

The only thing I'm disappointed in, is that the episode did not go on for another couple of hours. It's so entertaining and informative, it's just makes my evening. Thank you.

[@a8f235]

Still best youtube channel I've come across. It's informative without being dry and boring, and it just works. Could watch this for days on end. Quality shit, man.

[@gordonx145]

so much content . so satisfying to watch a Master Mechanic at work.

[@HasanTF]

Well, i geuss im gonna be late for work tommorow

[@bclk42]

Dentist*

[@CrispyMustard]

School*

[@kudzaishelawrence7957]

Bro I didn't finish it yesterday I dead slepty @4am was partially watching the whole now @ work faking stomach pain in the toilet ryt now

[@cjbrednev]

I have approximately zero bmw’s and don’t expect to have any, but somehow I love your content so much Sreten. The dedication you put into your work is so motivating, it influences everything else I do in my life. Thank you!

[@martinmalo]

SAME HERE!!! I was motivated to buy a used E46 in 2005 and years later a new E90, but I didn't. Currently they are very expensive for the PCI of my country

[@danhowell8629]

It feels like each one of those replacement parts would have taken me half a day. Make it looks so effortless. Nice work!

[@ADBBuild]

Having a lift really helps. Changing rod bearings while laying on your back is much more difficult. Lol

[@vitalybrateev5548]

@@ADBBuild been here, done that 😢

[@ADBBuild]

@@vitalybrateev5548 Gotta do what ya gotta do.

[@str8edgepunker]

23:37 STAHP IT! The resonance of that puller is wild.

[@brittoschristozachariah7280]

Its like a tuning fork

[@jorgex1604]

No cost spared on this one. I'm always kinda balancing in between the money spent on parts in comparison to the state and value of the car when working on my own E39's. Guess here the good KZbin content makes up for that. Love to see it all done so right 👌🏻.

[@fcnorris]

I thought the same. Wish I could justify replacing so much with OE parts on my E60 and E70. The cost just climbs so fast if you go to the lengths that you arguably should when doing a big job like this.

[@shaneskillzrepresent]

im sure the youtube money more than covers the expenses

[@el_micha]

@@shaneskillzrepresent Most probably. Mind also all fluids by LiquiMoly are sponsored, the new lifts are, huge set of quality Hazet tools as well. That being said Sreten started working without all of that comfort. Good on him, his work ethic enthusiasm and dedication to all this.

[@735337707]

There are SOME parts that I use on my BMWs that are not OEM. In my case it helps that I work with local BMW and Mini dealer. In most cases it's easier and in the end, cheaper to use OEM parts. And sometimes you can use other BMW OEM parts that are a little cheaper. For example, front springs for the E39 530d M sport are the same as stock E46 330d springs.

[@kitvexed8229]

EASILY one of the best mechanics on youtube..

[@physh]

€1600 car, €16000 repairs. Classic Sreten.

[@boski112]

No compromise! I love it.

[@DashDrones]

Thank you for making Sunday night so much better. For some reason I was worrying about my corporate job I have to go to tomorrow. Now I can dream of beemers, thank you sir 🙏

[@rsage_]

At 46:32, literally had some Knoppers next to my computer. Paused the video and joined you. Greetings from SLC, USA, my friend.

[@itsjustme9318]

MAGNIFICENT!!!!! You are a Master at bringing back to life all these beautiful BMW's!! Never known anyone to be as through as you are, every nut bolt and washer back to perfection!!! 500K subs just around the corner!!

[@chir0pter]

Definitely appreciate going the extra mile to show us once again how to refresh the bottom end of a crankcase!

[@user-nj2wk2ec2b]

"I'm not flipping you off, its my longest finger" Why we love Sreten.

[@jonathangiles4854]

I’m never going to do any of these rebuilds myself, but it’s fascinating and addictive to watch! Keep it up 🇬🇧

[@perfectox]

Not sure why, but maybe because this is much more relatable project to most of the cars we do own here, I am really loving this M54 work beeing done! ❤

[@VinceroAlpha]

You are literally one of a HANDFUL of auto youtubers that does amazing work consistently! Just love it!

[@TheDaf95xf]

Evening Streten. Your humour is absolutely fantastic 😊 That was a great call from the board members changing the rod bearing caps lol 😆🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Sf_Mason]

Absolutely love the attention to detail, this is from a mechanical engineer of 20+ years working on cars, mainly old BMW's and Opels. And a fellow E46 owner myself with that same M54B30 engine though mine's had been tickled a bit with bigger cams and a few other bits from ARP and a full dynamic balancing.. she's making 261bhp / 333Nm these days 😁

[@722garage9]

Loving this build series as it's helping educate me and my teenage son as we restoring our e39 Touring. I'm watching and re-watching as I spot something different each time. Thanks Sreten!

[@GetOffMyLog]

Good luck! Family projects are the best!

[@722garage9]

@@GetOffMyLog Thanks! We’re almost ready for summer!

[@control0073]

"We need to lube up the o-ring, or we will tear it." Words to live by.

[@spud8385]

Are you going to M-Sport body kit this one like you did the E46? Can't believe how nice the engine sounds now. Literally better than new, amazing stuff bro

[@M539Restorations]

This one is going to stay standard. I love the classic lines of facelift E39. :)

[@lollypop9580]

​@@M539Restorations Interior wise... Sport seats ? ❤️💋

[@lollypop9580]

​@@sys-administrator Oder "Buchhalter austattung" 😉😁

[@erqadezz]

Man you always make it look so easy 😄 great job. Can't wait for Alpina to come in next episodes 😎

[@JImmY1982MinG]

Been following for a while and I expected nothing less than excellence on this project, yet I'm still amazed at how smooth the transition and flow of your work every video, now I'm sick with Covid at home, I cannot watch or even listen to other stuff because it make my head ache, but your videos is something that helped me specially in the past week. I wish you success and longevity friend! Stay safe and try not to get hurt in the future videos....and more beers, please. =)

[@WaveMaster1406]

When I see you restoring and taking such good care of these jewels, I tell myself that my poor BMW E46 needs you to regain her youth. But I’m so far away... 😢😭

[@williammurare7386]

No better way to enjoy a monday afternoon than with a video from my favorite KZbin Channel!

[@chir0pter]

16:56 "because reasons" I sense nice headers went on 👍

[@matthewhook3375]

Thanks, I was wondering what those reasons might be and this makes total sense!

[@jonasl2549]

How is that allowed with the German TÜV? Dont think you can Just remove the kats

[@romainberger]

Yeah I'm curious too about that tuv inspection and using headers...

[@chir0pter]

@@jonasl2549 may have done something else then

[@patrikalenklint3607]

Hi, I have just bought a Oxford green 523iA -99 and these episods inspired me to start this project. Looking forward for episodes to come! I realy apriciate your chanel 😊

[@sakhiweshezi]

Congratulations on your brand new BMW E39!

[@CarViewsGR]

Hello from Greece! Love the content! Keep it up. I’m waiting to see the E92 M3 repaired. One of the best Bmw’s ever made.

[@jeroenvaneekeres9339]

More people watching from Greece!!!

[@Mj-uo7bc]

Gave me a big smile when I saw it was automatic. The perfect daily driver once you are done with it 🎉

[@e.t.2351]

E39’s are the best! But please continue the m3 e92 project it is a dream car for many of us.

[@skand4862]

I honestly can't think of a better way to start my day than another fantastic video from you. Thanks for that :D and I can't wait for the next one!

[@BlackArrow36]

Hi Sreten, great video! I just drilled the 2 "things" holding the baffle plate, cleaned the oil pan and then just tapped threads to put actual bolts which now hold my baffle plate and I just put some reinz seal on the threads just to be sure. Cheers from Bulgaria, love your videos!

[@mrmusic1880]

This was absolutely incredible to see! You are really the best when it comes to restoring BMW's, all OE that is the correct way😎

[@tonyalvarez486]

I look forward to these with incredible anticipation...keep up the GREAT work! Chao

[@briandavid1355]

Really appreciate your videos. Thank you for putting so much time and effort into your work. I had a 2001 328 ci cosmos metallic black. Manual with the M mag wheel s. Loved that car.

[@michaelhynds8035]

Fantastic work Sreten, well done as always, a delight to watch.

[@cygnusx7]

Great videos, you are moving fast on this project! Videos packed with content and edited tight! The channel keeps getting better. Thanks!

[@jamesemcclure]

I don't think I'll ever buy a BMW but I'm here every week watching and wanting more. That's how good Sreten is!

[@scottboyer8450]

You always keep me inspired to continue to restore and improve my '00 e46 touring.

[@combinasion8829]

So happy with Project Rottweil. Def love all the content from the past months, but very exicted with some more old school content too.

[@thomaslang6187]

What a great transformation this E39 is going through. In best hands it‘s being taken care of every single issue. I hope the Bodywork will be taken care of by this excellent guys in Poland who did this phantastic job on the Alpinia. Man this thing will look sweet, purrs like a kitten and will be a reliable daily - the M539 way of course - keep going Sreten 👍😎

[@JR-ii4lq]

Huuge amount of work, on the cars but also these epic long form videos. Thank you so much!

[@pmiguelfernandes]

Hahaha loved the technical jargon… “the engine goes boom boom”. Love this channel with cars being brought back to (high performance) life in style, comedy and professionalism.

[@939driver]

Great wrenching episode! Looking forward to you taking it out for a drive

[@Zxkyyy]

i found your channel recently and backwatched a lot. I'm glad i'm along for the Project Rottweil ride tho. Excited for the interior work you do too, absolutely incredible and meticulous.🔥🔥

[@theor.9219]

I love how you edit your videos, WUNDERBAR! Thanks for all the great content.

[@kawasakiwhiptwo5821]

Sreten, you have no idea how much of a pleasure it is to watch you work on your cars. Your degree of thoroughness is almost therapeutic. Can't wait for next video. ✌️❤️

[@zephaudi]

Thank you Streten for the amazing content you most. Very motivating for me

[@thomascibulski317]

Mahlzeit, ich muss schon sagen, dass deine Videos sehr gut sind , bin jetzt nicht so der BMW Fan aber wie detalliert du die Reparaturen bzw Intsandsetung erklärst ist alle Ehre wert!

[@JulianMichaelOnLine]

This is just hypnotic viewing with a true pro plying his craft. Superb. Thanks Streten

[@Where1smyCamera]

I almost feel like I couldn’t trust anyone else to rebuild a BMW. He does it with such love and care

[@stantrisinhro]

You have noticeably improved mechanical as well as video making and editing skills. Very nice and more and more as we hang in all together. Thanx!

[@rudykiller1874]

19:01 I was having the same problem ! Also with lemforder. One tie rod was made in Germany and other one in Malysia. They were not the same. Just looking by eye you can clearly see that they have diffrent dimensions. Fortunately I found two that were made in Germany. But the difference was huge !

[@alexp893]

Sad to hear and read this about Lemforder. There is a relentless decline in quality with so many manufacturers as they seek to reduce costs.

[@rudykiller1874]

Sreten will do for us stress testing which one will stay longer :D

[@abolsgrind5742]

I love the videos, the way you explain everything on how to do it, where to do it and etc. The attention to detail is insane

[@nothingandmore]

There are no words to describe your passion and quality of the work you do. Thanks friend.

[@blazbohinc4964]

Amazing work as always. Engine sounds brand new!

[@foadrightnow5725]

Always awesome content, Sreten! Your work is SO damn thorough and meticulous! You could be to BMWs what Singer is to Porsches! It's a direction you should really consider! I know you'd be quite successful! And I'm sure many would agree!

[@denishallahan3510]

How the hell do you remember how it all goes back together...absolutely amazing knowledge.

[@ethanphung6964]

fell in love with the e39 recently and watched all of project cologne to learn about the car. super excited to see you working on another e39 touring. I'm keeping my eye out for one over here in the states!

[@yossarian3]

You know things are getting serious when he gets out the carbon fiber towels. Thanks for the great vid!

[@michaelanderson5975]

You know this never ceases to amaze me the intricacies of what a mechanic goes through a good thurl mechanic much respect to these guys and for the gifted they have to know each and every little boat that's required to make a car run much respect my man I find myself watching in fascination with your skills I heard a mechanic one day say on the radio that I listen to a good mechanic is not expensive he's priceless I believe that to be true great job much respect here 👍💪😎🇺🇲

[@bernardosilva2540]

I love the amount of detail put into the editing. The little rythim created when thigtening the bolts is so satisfying

[@DjAdyyy]

I just love how clean you are working. It is very pleasant to watch. ❤❤❤

[@stephenbraddy9925]

Wow. You did top-notch work on this car while making a fantastic video at the same time. You are extremely talented. I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for you. Thank you for doing this. Much love from Tennessee, USA.

[@bernardoalmeida170]

Great video, Sreten! Your passion for BMWs and your expertise in maintaining them with genuine parts is truly impressive. It's so refreshing to see a professional who takes such pride in their work and cares about the quality of their craftsmanship. Your attention to detail is evident in every step of the process, and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us through your videos. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@zuzweitzurzeit]

Absolut perfekte Arbeit,besser geht es nicht!👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Vielen Dank für das Video🙏🏻🍀

[@frankruvalcabahomeloans944]

Sreten, its great to be part of all your rebuilds. I enjoy every project you have worked on!! Thank You!

[@gregorysmirnis7017]

Great content Sreten!! - only bad part is when the episode ends!!

[@phoenixosprey7455]

12:50 Try taking apart the ratchet mechanism and reversing the drive the other way. You can convert most torque wrenches this way to make them work CCW.

[@jonasholzem2909]

For one nut? I'd just go with good n' tight...

[@FilipMilenkovic01]

Seems like a lot of work for just one small job

[@phoenixosprey7455]

@@FilipMilenkovic01 I see you've never taken a ratchet apart. It's a 1 minute job.

[@caraddict9345]

Because of you now I am in love with BMWs and work on every piece and bolt the right way. Thank you

[@moataz3880]

I would say "perfection" is the least that can be said to explain that massive work, thanks sreten.

[@raver-um3iu]

Great video as always, thanks for showing the catalysator issue, I now know that I can safely replace them and that the rattling sound will be gone. My local Bmw Dealer wasn't sure what is wrong and I was afraid that after disassembleing I would figure out that the sound is still there. German TÜV always called it "cosmetic", AU was always fine. When I saw your previous video and heard that sound I hoped that you will come up with a solution to that issue. Wasn't wrong, thanks man, keep up that great work!

[@Bavarian_M]

Please put your extra set of M5 wheels on the wagon.

[@oschot58]

Your videos are rejuvenating as well. Thanks always!

[@mohammadhayatca3244]

Really well worth 50 minutes spent ... thank you

[@sorekuk]

This video is a great documentary for all E39 owners to how to properly maintain their M54 and cars. Big kudos for putting all those important info and torque specs. Question to you though - haven't you though going for Msport bumpers front/rear? Or you prefer sleeper look? Also I know you won't tell us which headers you used but I guess PNP ebay ones? :D Shameless plug - look at my channel for my solution for nice quad exhaust on my 530i! I love those cars, had mine for 9 years I plan to daily them for at least next 5-10 years!

[@siaubalas9638]

I'd love to know how much it cost to bring this old timer back to life once the project is done :)

[@stephenkayll5241]

Love the sound of the engine, great job.

[@D3nn1s]

Love the edit from cranking over to intro engine startup :D

[@Basti5792]

Sreten: meticulously cleaning the engine bay Also Sreten: "SOME CRUMBS FOR YOU AS WELL MY FRIEND"

[@Marus1233]

I'm really curious how much oil it's going to burn. My engine wasn't nearly as sludgy as yours, but the oil control rings were clogged up almost completely (it used to take around 300ml every 1kkm, which is not that much by m54 standards). I know you're probably not planning to take it completely apart, but if you ever decide to do so, I highly recommend using piston rings made by mahle. They're much more efficient than the original ones because they have large, oval windows instead of tiny holes. I've rebuilt the engine around 12kkm ago and so far there is no oil consumption whatsoever.

[@M539Restorations]

If the engine burns oil, you can try the 02pilot mod. My E46 pretty much has no oil consumption with it.

[@bobfrankish8883]

@@M539Restorations I have a 325Ci M sport with 114K miles, M54 B25. It burns a lot of oil. I am going to try the 02pilot mod if and when the weather finally warms up here in the UK. I would love to rebuild the engine but cannot really justify the cost, here's hoping the mod works.

[@Marus1233]

Yeah, I tried the O2 pilot mod but it didn't help at all - that's why I decided to do the rebuild. When the rings are clogged you can't really do much except doing a proper repair. After the project was completed, I deleted the CCV and now there is no vacuum in the crankcase. The fumes are vented through a catch can into the air box, underneath the filter. After 8kkm there was barely any oily residue on the filter, the MAF is perfectly clean as well as the intake. Fuel trims are also spot on. I know you're not a fan but it works for me, and I don't have to periodically chase lean codes caused by dipstick o-ring or some cracked plastic tube.

[@aguedoflorencejrjalin3742]

i am always amazed by the amount of professionalism and passion poured on every project. keep it up.

[@scottstevenson8849]

Love watching these videos, anytime I'm lacking motivation to do my car this gives me a kick up the arse.

[@davidgore3292]

Always Exciting To See You Fix These Car's!! Thanks For Sharing Brother. 😃🎶😃

[@mikhailnozdrin4904]

I was waiting for that kind of video long time, Finally its here 10 out 10 buddy, thank you!

[@ethandelafontaine]

this video reminded me once again why i fell in love with the E39 quality work as always Sreten!

[@ianfeast-vine3021]

I just got in from a rahter heavy day at work and also have a cold. Watching this just made me feel better :) Keep up the good work Sreten

[@interesting7906]

Fantastic from stalls to stars restoration. Engine bay looks just out of the dealership and sounds amazing. 🤩

[@Stian2001]

I have never seen someone change so many parts in one single video. Great stuff Sreten keep up the good work. So freaking satisfying to watch. It’s like enjoying a great resturant meal. I am definitely going to change some of the part you did in this video on my e39 with the m52b28 engine.

[@t16incho]

love the low vibration on start and rev ups on that engine!

[@evilbeaver267]

👍👍 absolutely hands down my favorite KZbin channel. To the point that I save the current upload knowing I won’t be disturbed. Very good. ❤❤