Can We Make Alpina B7 Roadworthy Again? - Project Chicago: Part 12

In this episode, we complete the final tasks and prepare the mighty Alpina B7 for German TÜV inspection which takes place at the end of the video.
The following work is complete in this video: replacement of the headlights, taillights, fog lights, wiring for the rear fog lights, windshield washer and headlight washer pumps, windshield cowl, fan blower resistor and motor, replacement of the A/C compressor, checking for leaks and recharging the system, diff fluid change, replacement of the rear brake pads and all brake lines, etc...
You can support me on Patreon! - / m539restorations
T-Shirts, hoodies & mugs - teespring.com/stores/m539-res...
Follow me on Instagram - / m539_restorations
Aqua (vapor) blasting cabinet - www.vaporblastingequipment.co...
Find Liqui Moly oil and additives for your car - www.liqui-moly.com/en/service...
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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]

[@caspervaneersel8531]

Just epic! Congratulations. No sponsoring, no music no nonsense bla bla. Keep up the good work! This format is just great.

[@adamt3332]

There is some sponsoring...

[@butwait]

@@adamt3332 yeah, but getting oil for free and having a banner in the background is a whole lot less annoying than another Raid Shadowlegends or Raycon spam bit

[@gianpietra16]

@@butwait if him reading a few lines or showing a product can help improve his shop, videos and overall quality of life I wouldnt mind sitting through it at all tbh

[@jamesrsk]

You get this content for free. I wouldn't mind the odd sponsorship if it keeps the videos going.

[@ivorvanwerven6210]

pfff such a relief if you look at the rest of youtube channels

[@alexpda2501]

Honestly, you are the only channel/youtube content producer that I genuinely get excited about when a new video gets posted, I actually plan/make time in my day to watch your videos. You are awesome, please never stop!

[@arthur_boi]

Same here :)

[@jacobdzik6238]

+

[@PressALT_228]

True AF

[@eggbirdtherooster]

Hell Yeah! Haha 😀 Same here! By far the best automotive channel on the entire interwebs I know so far!

[@daverobertson8034]

I concur.

[@urbanjungle9600]

Having been a long term follower of the channel I can honestly say that I would feel more confident buying one of your used cars than buying a new one straight from BMW! The level of attention to detail you take I can guess is far higher than a car being rushed off a production line. You are a great engineer and a superb content producer. Thanks for your videos

[@wisemansguitar]

+1

[@edeschanelle]

100% agreed

[@xtubalnet]

Same here. I’m actually not a BMW fan (Audi man I am). But, If opportunity hit I would buy one of his makeover cars in a heartbeat. This is used cars to the next level.

[@januarioqueiroz3122]

😊👍

[@georgemcmahon78]

Exactly what I came here to write, I would go a step further and say if I seen an Engine Stamped H1 by Alpina and another Stamped M539 i would be buying the M539. This guy is a Straight Up Technician

[@danh2622]

It’s sad that I was a BMW senior tech yet I genuinely think I has learnt more from binge watching your videos than I did on my UK BMW apprenticeship. Keep up the good work.

[@joeismissing]

I can definitely say that I remember PDI-ing these new and NONE our techs were as thorough when repairing then as he is . ATTENTION TO DETAIL

[@Super69racing]

This is the best BMW content on the whole of KZbin.

[@admiralfloofz658]

Its the best car related content on youtube in my oppinion, and Im not even into BMWs lol

[@calypso22]

Agreed. 100%

[@babyloncollapse]

For sure! BMW owns this guy allot...

[@Dutchdriftking]

The best automotive content. Just like fortnine.

[@xampart]

this and tasos!

[@DrRick-dq4bb]

Maintaining your sarcastic sense of humor throughout your videos makes them very entertaining. Congrats on the Alpina inspection!

[@greebj]

Make sure you put that somewhere where you step on it and break it. lol

[@azizhachimi8744]

I always take my time before starting Sreten's video, because I know the next hour will be epic and I do NOT want the episode to be over soon! So, I first get in the mood, grab some coffe or tea & snacks, and, then, finally hit play...I was eagerly waiting for this one and I write this comment before even watching it: I konw it will be Nummer eins, Super, Fantastisch! Thank you so much Sreten for this high quality entertainment! Our love and support from Canada!

[@peterdaginis7174]

Agreed, except swap coffee and tea for beer. Fellow Canadian here, so happy belated Canada Day, hope you had an awesome weekend!

[@ltbarkley]

Same here! When he posts a new video, it makes my day.

[@leehorn925]

Same here!

[@guidopalesa7679]

The only guy that can make a 1 hour+ video and have me tied-up to the seat the entire time. Amazing content! Greetings from Argentina.

[@markan667]

Same here, been binge watching for the last week. Every 1 hour video feels shorter then an average 20 min video with similar content

[@matthewromano8801]

That small flashing you see on the angel eyes with key on is the car doing the bulb check on the circuits to look for a blown bulb. On a filament bulb it's so minor voltage you won't see it, but LEDs will pick that low voltage up and flash

[@smorris12]

The cold bulb check can be coded out in NCSExpert. Very useful bit of s/w!

[@matthewromano8801]

@@smorris12 my X5 does it. At my age I don't even care anymore 😆

[@NMRoeten]

Bimmercode will be able to code them out. And the flickering will probably happen every so often. Had that myself too.

[@MapOfEurasia]

I coded out the "Cold Bulb Check" out on my E39 Touring because of the LED flickering ✌️

[@ibrhelmy]

@@smorris12 If you coded these out you won’t get a warning if the bulb is bad

[@gavdcookuk512]

This is fantastic, I thought this project might have a sad ending but you’ve really knocked it out of the park with the monster alpina. You should be incredibly proud of yourself 👍

[@acp4343]

Nice cameo! I think I recognize the voice behind the first few words on this vid 😂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3OvgmuobsqAnqs

[@barmetler]

"knocked" it out of the park? You're gonna give him PTSD 😅

[@Rockport1911]

25:55 Semi gloss black paint can be addictive. I remember respraying every black plastic part on my first car EVERY year to keep them look great :)

[@timaustin577]

satin black is Amazing 🙂

[@orln]

just beautiful bro, ur editing, ur voiceover, ur no nonsense mechanical work and just the general vibe. really appreciate the videos

[@BkSMedia]

Congrats Sreten, you've saved yet another special BMW from reaching its end of life. Truly a great money pit!

[@gammel167]

It's not a BMW, it's a Alpina :)

[@realjiver2]

Just a tip from a retired painter: Plastic primer adheres to the plastic; the paint adheres to the plastic primer. Plastic primer does not give flexibility. You have to add a softface additive to the paint to achieve flexibility. Remember the floppy spoiler/bumper covers of the 90s on Suzuki Swifts etc :)

[@rexe3139]

I see the E30 is back, Looking forward to seeing that car again!

[@trazos_d]

for real! my first thought the second after was "I NEED THAT VIDEO NOW!"

[@derMaex]

Regarding license plate lights: The bulbs for the original lights are available as LED from Osram, its called "Retrofit", they are not too bright. Maybe give them a try.

[@jebusglatze1285]

Illegal in germany, thats the problem.

[@TheRealThisIsAlex]

I like it when the license plate lights are bright. I got a pair for my E60 and when I’m retrofitting a reverse camera , it’ll be easier to see in the dark.

[@schnacks0r]

man i teared up when you read the HU-Bericht with "keine Mängel". I'm usually not very interactive, but i think your content is worth. just keep doing

[@poplaurentiu4148]

Right after he got TUV inspection ok, he quickly brought it back to garage to dismantle it again.. "I LOVE THIS CHANNEL"... (>_< ) !

[@farookalafandi2683]

I havent been this excited about someone uploading a video since a very long time , keep up the hard work sreten , just know we throughly enjoy what you put out for us👍🌹

[@SonicStan]

I can spend 1 hour of free-time on Netflix or I can spend 1 hour watching your video and I always end up here. It's nice to see honest work paying off. Also congratulations on the inspection you definitely earned it.

[@RemmoSRednaS]

I wrote this earlier: you’re a freakin’ hero! I think you’re a one of type a guy with a massive Bimmer-heart! No sponsoring or whatsoever! Congrats on passing the TÜV! Well deserved!!

[@BagerYZF750]

The BEST automotive channel on all of KZbin. Good work! I would LOVE to se a 635CSI!

[@darknetcs]

Another amazing episode, and at list this engine didn't fail during TUV inspection :D also on separate note, you didn't blur dealer plate while car was at aircon re charge. As I remember you were hiding/blurring them in the past

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you! They are plates from the shop that recharged the A/C so all good :)

[@darknetcs]

@@M539Restorations So, just like the TUV inspector said: Alles Gut

[@BmwMunze]

First thing I noticed!!!! God we are bunch of M539 Restorations nerds... 😂

[@TREXdudi]

Top spec technical channel on Yotube. And can’t believe all done by only one person.

[@TurdFurgison42]

So happy to see this car getting its official brought back from the dead inspection! Nice work as always!

[@LazyBoyZR1]

That "gotta clean first" edit was smooth !!! 11:27. What a great episode.

[@FrldyZX87]

You can always count on Sreten to have at least one clever edit in one of his videos!

[@Difaro5]

21:31 When it comes to number plate lights I find the best thing is to use blue coated halogen bulbs. You don't have to guess if there will be an error message or if they'll be too bright, in the end you will have a nice white light not that regular halogen yellow mess

[@renetnk]

Yellow lights are way to go, but on cars older than 95 :D

[@deividasbuskevicius6025]

Yes!! I use the same and they work perfectly

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you! I'll look into that.

[@ThreeWrap]

Sreten, subscribing to your channel a year ago or so was the best things ive done on KZbin. You are by far my favourite channel to watch. Everything about your videos is fantastic. No bullshit, just good old fashioned entertainment. Your channel has deservedly blown up, but please never sell out and become one of these cringe KZbinr/vlogger car guys, we got enough of those. Keep doing your thing, your way. Thats what makes this channel so great. Cheers from Australia!

[@xavielmejia2732]

Shout out from Dominican Republic sir, amazing job, your work ethics are superb, video quality and sense of humor on another level!

[@FatNFurious]

My wife has gone to see Ed Sheeran at Wembley Stadium tonight, I think I got the better deal here! *cracks open a beer to watch another M539 video. Cheers!

[@Rogue0770]

Congrats Sreten you've conquered the Alpina mountain, can't wait to see the finishing touches and maybe a little road trip? Thanks for sharing all the ups and downs of this journey.

[@pancho8334]

This channel gets better and better every time!

[@mugsir]

"Next time I see a polar bear hitchhiking" Too good. :) Keep doing what you're doing Sretan, you rock!

[@lukebradshaw]

When replacing a condenser, it depends on the car but there was probably about 30 ml of oil in the condenser.

[@kungfusing1]

Does the condenser manual usually say to drain the oil? Seems odd to match the old one, surely the reason the old one made noise was potentially low oil level.

[@cvnis957]

Wonderful, just wonderful. Love to see so much care being put into bringing these cars back.

[@donnyleong5298]

I don't own a BMW anymore (former proud owner of E46 Touring), or an ICE car, but this channel is addictive. Thanks from Victoria BC Canada

[@azizhachimi8744]

Dear Sreten, I know yoiu are humble and down to earth, but the amount & quality of work you are doing is incredible and you have every right to be more than PROUD of yourself: very few people can pretend to achieve such high standards!

[@McMaster1500]

Definitely a achievement to see Project Chicago finally has passed inspection. A job well done once again Sreten!

[@junaidkhalid9242]

My wife was like " oh noo. Is this cccoomming up again " and I said " you know what this means. 1 hour DND " another great video. Thanks Sreten 👍

[@XYZ56771]

"The hell happened here, sir?" :))) worked until 3AM last night, kept this gem for the morning, totally worth it! Made my morning, thank you!

[@LCOF]

Sreten is the reason why I'm now a proud owner of a manual E46 330i Touring complete with slow oil leak and, 48hrs after getting it home, abs and eml warning lights. God I love it already!

[@groperfish1348]

Greetings from Australia. Love your work and attention to detail. The after market license plate lights. If you put a single resister say 330 ohms 1 watt in line either ground or supply, use heat shrink to insulate. This will reduce the light intensity, higher resister for less light if you want to fine tune it. worth the time. Cheers

[@henryatkinson1479]

That exploded capacitor from the blower resistor module was impressive. And congrats on passing TUV. Huge milestone.

[@emanemanresuresu]

It actually didnt explode. The thing got so hot (not the capacitor) that the capacitor got desoldered and fell down on that molten plastic, where it liked to stick then. Really strange how many problems there are with those things.

[@GM-fh5jp]

I like this guy. What a fine job he has done, no frill, no fuss...just get it done and do it right. Looking forward to the final touches including the exterior paint buff and polish and the refurbished interior trim. Respect from a car guy in far away Western Australia, mate!

[@lucjanpetroniusz4970]

As Alpina owner and fan I need to thank you for this series with b7

[@jbrown7403]

Great episode as usual! LOVE the sophisticated “paint booth” 👍😉

[@mds2465]

I usually recommend wearing gloves when handling the headlight bulbs just to prevent any oils from your skin getting on the bulb lenses. If that ever happens you can always clean them with rubbing alcohol but I’m sure you probably already know that!

[@xbwang87]

the amount of parts replaced in this car is unreal. I couldn’t believe the amount of work you out into this

[@eggbirdtherooster]

By far the best automotive channel on the entire interwebs I know so far! Top notch! 🙏🏼

[@GuudFella]

I have a E39 530i that I thought I'll take it in to a shop to redo everything but from watching your videos, I think I'm gonna get my hands stuck in as far as I can... Thanks for your incredible content, I'm super happy for you from South Africa.

[@galileo_rs]

Those LEDs usually have current limiting resistors, if they are too bright replace the resistor with a higher value one.

[@savagesam205]

So much respect for restoring this gorgeous B7 (and all the other projects) while also filming every step in the process AND producing such high quality videos. No 'branded content by influencers who walk around the shop with a selfie cam', just honest, thorough and hard work and it's fantastic to watch. The rate at which you achieve the progess and post videos is insane, epic work! I can imagine the excitement of getting the thorough TÜV inspection OHNE MÄNGEL - and I wish you many safe and enjoyable travels with this magnificent B7. P.S. So happy to see project Marbais moving again!

[@nsdlsarn]

You're the top of the KZbin. Thank you for the quality of your videos and your work.

[@hatany76]

I just love the way he is fixing cars. Especially I love sense of humor and level of skills. Thank you man and please continue

[@ghadir1131]

Ich kann nicht oft genug betonen wie sehr ich deine Videos liebe ! Ich bin jemand der immer zu den "unterhaltsamen" parts springt aber bei deinen Videos genieße ich jede Sekunde !

[@cryptogold1]

Bravo Sretene. Kidaj dalje.👍👍👏👏💪💪

[@AlexanderMichelson]

People say pan Sreten is a Serbian legend.

[@Monuments_to_Good_Intentions]

This is the first video of yours I have watched, and when you said “lets go to the paint booth” I expected some kind of spray booth😂

[@gusser2121]

Congratulations! This was definitely a hard fought battle. I salute your resilience and tenacity. Of course, I'm sure you edited out the swearing and the tears LOL. But a great achievement sir. 👏

[@jim7540]

Your content is immensely enjoyable to watch, I'm so very proud of you. You are a legend.

[@no-morerpl-counsel555]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHO1k6KqataUa7c

[@iantyler4045]

You so deserved that to pass the roadworthy certificate. What an effort and a stunning outcome. When the roadworthy guys see you coming with another car they may as well just tick every box and send it through. Very well done.

[@stoyangeorgiev162]

Epic video as always! One quick tip for the h7 cbi night brakers, turn them on out of the headlight for a minute or two if you could because they have a coating that will evaporate in the headlight. That's the reason headlights become dim on the inside.

[@DashDrones]

You just made my last day of quarter so much better! Thanks for this 😎

[@MsKmshow]

That blower fan removal can't stop laughing 😂😂😂, amazing job 👌

[@nobass_stub1394]

My weekly dose of getting down and dirty with the BMW. Top job and massive congrats on the project.

[@Incoo]

Pure joy watching these videos !

[@iRDaBrit]

Just wanted to say thanks again for your hard work and these videos. We appreciate you and all you do!

[@e39lwd]

That was one nerve wracking project! It's so nice to see it's nearing completion. Can't wait for the last bit and of course the result of the paint correction and coatings.

[@alexanderpenev2974]

There is a light in the tunnel.... and it is not a train. 🤣 EPIC JOB! Greatings from Bulgaria 🇧🇬

[@dillanmistry]

Those headlights really transformed the whole appearance of the car BRAVOS

[@aakashmasand4299]

Everything happens for a reason, birth of the indestructible B7 🚀

[@ifixbones]

As with all your previous videos, your content rocks, and you my friend, rock!!! Awesome work, you proved the impossible!!! Just got my 22 Alpina B7 and ….what a car!!! Asked the dealer if it’s recommended to change the oil after break-in period (1,200 miles) and they said no, just follow the recommended BMW guidelines! I immediately ordered a bottle or two of Liqui Molí 0-30w and the proper filter and will personally change the oil and filter!! Wish me luck! Thank you again!

[@sampsauusipulkamo241]

If you change the oil yourself and down the road something happens to the engine, warranty doesn't cover it. Unless you keep quiet about it.

[@aleksandaraleksic4067]

Dude, enjoy the new car, don't worry about what might happen. Firstly, the break-in period varies from engine to engine, and it is usually associated with older or overhauled engines. If you are willing to give any manufacturer that kind of money for their product you should trust them. When it comes to BMWs the BMW knows the best! BR from ZF!

[@ifixbones]

Appreciate the comments. You both are right! I should just enjoy the machine! I am much older now and don’t drive as I used to in my early 40’s. The engine should be fine regardless. Thank you!

[@aleksandaraleksic4067]

@@ifixbones For sure. We must enjoy IC Engines before they murder them. Especially the ones like Alpina's, which is a quality machine. It can take much more than we think. Cheers.

[@xg5zm]

Good idea to paint with sun glasses on! I wouldn't thought of that my self. I am sure everything looks just perfect. 👌👌👌😂

[@AJGreen-cn8kk]

We do know where project Chicago came from. Did you know that in Chicago it only needs to pass emission inspection every two years? That entails pulling into the inspection station station, they check that the check engine light it off and the monitors are ready. That's it! Your German inspection will send it's head gaskets spinning!

[@l00b0k4]

I've seen a couple of births live and this one is definitely my favourite one despite the fact that it's a B7. May she have a long, healthy and happy life. It's a great project and it had a few hard lessons but you've managed it with resilience, good will and lots of knowledge. Respect!

[@kyleg112]

Always love instalments from this channel never fail to provide real world issues face by mechanics fixing bmws

[@geekdomo]

Before you started this series I had no idea what an Alpina was. Yesterday I saw one on the highway. Could tell it was one by the wheels first then saw the badge on the back. Pretty cool

[@marcusjohnson488]

*Cleans behind headlights and taillights where no one ever sees* I can definitely relate to this. 👌

[@Adrian-sw3nv]

What a huge milestone! Thank you for sharing your excitement. So far this is the best project so far, lots of ups and downs. Well done for not giving up!

[@3drace-logLive]

A small tip for painting semigloss paint out of the can. The paint sticks and lasts much longer, if you heat up the part you intend to paint slightly. And actually the surface will become smoother. Give it a try ;-)

[@jameslovering9158]

nice tip

[@matthewanderson9119]

Or just use boiled linseed oil on faded plastics to make them like new again

[@juggnautbitch]

@@matthewanderson9119 for about a week or until it rains, a better way is to just use a heat gun

[@matthewanderson9119]

@@juggnautbitch heard that too but oil seems to last for about a year on my 80 👌

[@HorizonsleatherBlogspot2012]

Those headlight washers are pure comedic gold. :)

[@ianmunro1427]

A remarkable man,a great mechanic and entertainer. Please keep the programs coming.

[@JaL3]

You sir, are quickly becoming my favorite car youtuber, bravo. Your videos are both extremely educational and entertaining. Keep up the great work!

[@opexo]

nice. Altho i feel i have to add, the electro-magnetic clutch has to be engaged so the a/c compressor's internals rotate too when you rotate the belt pulley. So all the noise you heard from your original one was coming only from the external bearing

[@holgerwittmann8419]

Always something new and interesting to learn with these things, it just never ends! ^^

[@unknown4630]

Yes, thats correct if you have a compressor that has a clutch in its pulley. This one doesn't. The job of this weird pulley is to deal with vibrations, nothing else. This is a variable compressor, which means that its always active and running, even if you turn the a/c off. The amount of refrigerant that flows through the compressor is controlled by the solenoid on the back of it. When you turn on the compressor with the clutch, its on 100% and its pumping 100%. But variable ones dont have to be at full throtle to work, they can go as low as 3-4%. In my experience, they are longer lasting because there is no rapid on/off action but its usually the solenoid that gets them. Also i dont agree with sreten on the oiling part. These compressors come pre-filled to speck and it seems too much but actually it gets spread throughout the system. He even said it himself! He probably did some research on this particular compressor but generally as far as i know, youre not supposed to drain oil from them.

[@Halloman56]

This project chicago is so in depth Its bscly a Big bulletin as viewing perspective, this is the project I look most forward always, every time something brokes it’s just sadly but exiting.

[@ramadhanisme7]

Looking at your work is like a therapy for me

[@markokuha7128]

Congratulations, you legend! And the car is already starting to look amazing after those minor fixes on the exterior.

[@Nico_335i_DCT]

Very nice job Sreten!. There was a recall on the blower connector, starting in the US, and later in Europe. The connector( + regulator) was replaced by BMW. The complete E9x series had this recall too. In the US(especially the hot states) there were a lot of car fires on the passenger side of these particular cars. SG Nico.

[@Keane-to-clean]

Very talented man, amazing attitude and attention to detail... Cars can be a pain.. But you make it joyfull to watch

[@davidgore3292]

Amazing Work Brother!! You brought this Car back from the Dead. Now, it's again a Sweet Ride. Thanks, for Sharing your Videos!! 😃😃😃 🇺🇸 🇩🇪

[@EdgeOfPanic]

Congrats on TUV inspection there was a lot of drama involved in this one but you persisted and for that lots of respect! 😎 👍 Hella indeed has best fit and finish, recently compared Hella vs Cibie rear lights and middle reflector on my friends Renault 19 16v and difference in fit&finish was in a huge favor of Hella, I also have the Hella ones on my R19 16v and they look by far the best.

[@kellyholbrook7912]

Hands down, the best content on You Tube. Your attention to detail is on point and it’s nice to see both the ups and down when making repairs. Keep up the fantastic work and can’t wait to see this thing back to 100%. Your the best and thank you.

[@mikhailg74]

Best Saturday morning! Drinking coffee and watching best BMW channel on KZbin!

[@BasilBadger]

Nobody does it better than Shreten! Pure zen to my silly little mind 😌

[@mcosta6423]

Point 1: I have NO idea why there are no millions subscribers on this channel! Seriously!!!! Best content by far in the KZbin for car guys! I don't even have a BMW but I watch every single freaking video more than once! Good job, my friend!!! Point 2: What about the suspension?! =)

[@wrxsubaru02]

I'm surprised that burnt module isn't a recall item. Thats kinda scary

[@autoservicegarage1984]

A guy like me who is been around since the US E46 to the 325i Touring i always think about the effort that this gentelman putting in this projects , even so im close to his garage /Mainz but never wanna disturb him well done bro well done job

[@joewilder]

I recommend this channel. You and Alex Palmeri of Legit Street Cars are my two favorites.

[@B7stuff]

Sretene, the US-spec cars did not come with the rear fog light switch (button) at all. The US-spec switch just has a single front fog light button and no nothing else.. Interestingly, for some reason the previous owner in the US must have installed the Euro-spec switch at some point which is why you have it on your car. Hey - you saved a few Euros. Treat yourself to some strawberries!

[@MrEmx2007]

Hi, I had same issue with number plate led lights on my e65 years back, as they was way to bright, what I did I masked with the tape just tiny stripe in the middle, and rest sprayed with mat black paint, that way it reduced the brightness like 4 times. Just saying, it's worth a try. 😉

[@nimalanperumal1294]

Never give up is the key 🔑 to success . All the very best

[@koliberk]

Im a AMG fan, but I love to watch your videos, your way of treating the cars makes my OCD brain calm!