Complete Interior Rejuvenation - BMW Alpina B7 - Project Chicago: Part 14

In this episode, formerly cheap Alpina B7 gets a complete interior transformation. With the car being 15 years old with 207k km (128k miles), the interior is pretty raggedy. We take apart the majority of it to detail, clean and fix damaged leather set bolster, remove soft-touch plastic, install new wood trim, steering wheel, fix comfort access door handles... as well as do PDR on the paint, refurbished the rims and a lot more.
Colourlock leather repair kit Germany - www.lederzentrum.de/colourloc...
Colourlock leather repair kit USA/UK - www.colourlock.com/Complete-L...
Wheel repair, Frankfurt area - alutech-felgenstyle.de/
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...
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]

[@karlmjay]

Mechanical repairs, detailing, upholstery repairs, electrical repairs, and comedy, this episode had it all. Sreten, I've said it before and I'll say it again. This is the best BMW channel bar none. BMW would be wise to get all of their apprentices to watch your series of videos before they ever touch a car. They would be master mechanics by the end of the course.

[@philipdenner8504]

Agreed

[@moritzbrandy1911]

BMW - Apprentice watching right here :D

[@aguedoflorencejrjalin3742]

superbly done.what a touch of a professional.certainly whoever wil buy this got d best restored car.need for a toast...congrats

[@rymes8497]

BMW doesn´t fix things. The just replace them

[@grinnerzadventures-rc1452]

Agreed again! If only the local BMW 'licensed' mechanics in my area could compare. Luckily I have your channel to teach me the correct way to work on my own car. Love my old E39 523i, not overly fast, but drives beautifully. Thank you Sreten!!!! You are beyond valuable to this community!

[@McMaster1500]

This car could not be in better hands than yours. Everything is done properly and even the smallest details is sorted. This is why i love this channel. It's simply the best. Thanks for taking us all along the journey with this car Sreten!

[@ikhoonyejelem2967]

Wish he was my mechanic

[@jcoul1sc]

Dash is gorgeous. Its a specific walnut species not generic American walnut, I think. Ecstacy shows your age.

[@DeadEndRestorations]

The walnut is stunning, completely changes the feel inside. Translated in Serbian ‘perverzija’!!!

[@johncoldwell340]

@@ikhoonyejelem2967 you wouldn't want the Labour Bill trust me, unless you just won the lottery

[@per-hakansvahn8044]

Couldn’t agree more. This channel is a gem. And i drive other brands.

[@sssyria]

I never thought i can spend an hour watch an obsession for detail restoration on any car let alone 7 series mid 2000s bmw I admire your work

[@mesutdegerli2189]

same here

[@Tariksayfon]

I love the way that this dude keeps his cars stock instead of putting 20’s dumb and unnecessary coilovers, black rims…..

[@MrChewymentos]

I agree fully. The steering wheel is where I feel he could shy away from stock because of the amazing options that fit so well, but end of the day, nothing like being able to say 100% stock and fully sorted. Sreten is a legend

[@s-dart1166]

There is nothing special about stock aside from it being factory spec. It's a matter of taste. I personally think stock is boring in most cases. I mean sure dumb tuning is dumb but at least it's a break from all the monotonous stock cars on the street. Stock is stock. It's a chicken breast with no salt, no pepper, and no spices.

[@SteffenSaethre]

@@s-dart1166 But there is also something Nice about making an old car look factory new, instendig of modifying the shit out of it. I’m fine with OEM+ mods, but stock looks great, especially on cars that are usually modified, like older BMWs

[@Tariksayfon]

@@s-dart1166 of course, as you said i was talking about ricers.

[@Stian2001]

You know that expensive coilovers have adjustable dampening right? So ride comfort will still be there. Personly I love good brand coilovers. Also if you are going to track your car or drive really fast I would advice for a set of coilovers. But, its all up to what you want to do with your car

[@3214342]

"I hope you enjoyed this long episode." Lemme be honest with you my man, it could run the length of the LOTR trilogy and I'd still binge it hardcore.

[@ichheissedamian]

All of project chicago combined already is longer than LOTR by a lot

[@3214342]

@@ichheissedamian true, true.

[@interesting7906]

I watched this twice, I only have done so for this and Project Binky. lol

[@ichheissedamian]

@@interesting7906 funny how almost all of project chicago has dropped since the last episode of project binky

[@woodendoorgarage]

Same here. But to be honest it would be troublesome because I discovered I like to watch M359 more than working on my car ... and the suspension and cooling system will not rebuild itself.

[@FullgasNoTraction]

I have to admit that this is the first time I have admired another man's wood

[@matmul4850]

😂😂😂

[@InsaneBimmer]

Everytime I think Sreten's OCD has reached its peak he posts these kinds of videos. I love it.

[@lolish1234]

Man, I was never a fan of wood trim of any kind….but this combination in this car is just incredible.

[@JayMaverick]

Before episode comes out: What could take 2 weeks to film? After episode comes out: How could he do all this in just 2 weeks?

[@joiuhgzftrdercfgvhbjn]

same :)

[@benjaminkaric2874]

He does it full time now 🖖

[@grinnerzadventures-rc1452]

He is a true legend!! keeps his integrity through fortitude and dedication to his art! Sreten for president of BMW!! lol!

[@Tyrant369]

The attention to detail and never doing anything half assed is stunning. I’m constantly impressed watching the content this man produces, deserves every bit of his success!

[@muthaflaco75]

Great job on the Alpina restoration! Can't wait for the other projects!

[@nebojsapavlovic8031]

Oh yeah ..... It's a work of Art. For now, this particular B7 should be placed in a Museum and then just polished until the end of time! That's how much I like it 🙂

[@laurenschreurs6542]

Your jokes will never grow old! “I went to the software store” at 30:20 made my day. And don’t forget the “carbon fibre towels” at 1:03:45.

[@ASUSROG4Life]

The matte wood trim is absolutely beautiful. Wasn't a fan of wood trims, but that's due to most of them being glossy. This is just stunning and fits very well with the hefty look of the B7. New steering wheel is a huge upgrade as well. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@theodor12]

Man, this was an absolutely INCREDIBLE job!! The commitment and patience of this man are amazing. It looks impeccable.

[@Andrew-dv8ns]

Best BMW channel on all of KZbin. Hands down.

[@mariusbujdula5480]

Man, your patience level is unsurpassed . You should be a fisherman.

[@bambambam21]

This deserves to be republished by an automotive online magazine!!! Amazing work, the walnut trim looks stunning!

[@jh544]

Because you edited your comment you lost the heart bestowed upon you by the great Sreten!! Sorry dude! 🤣

[@bambambam21]

@@jh544 if I know he gave me a heart its all that matters! :))

[@jh544]

That is exactly what I told myself when it happened to me 😅 Looks like you got it back, my secret mission all along 😉

[@bambambam21]

@@jh544 thank you my fellow car enthusiast

[@jh544]

@@bambambam21 Much obliged my good sir!

[@niallobrien6857]

First comment??? We love you Sreten.

[@NikoNeko.]

congratulations Sreten you own the most beautiful B7 in the entire world

[@arturssokolenko21]

Being in the country side, laying in the sun with a cold beer in hand watching this super-mega-satisfying video! You made my day! Thanks!

[@ef20syxalag]

Sreten is the awesome friend we all need in our lives. The cars and wrenching is just one thing, his personality radiates beyond these stupid videos. Absolute best car-related content ever on the internet. Cheers to you mate!

[@legioner9]

So true.

[@czdani]

Teljes mértékben egyetértek! Hihetetlen a srác, egyszerűen képtelen vagyok betelni a videóival! A profizmus, a precízség, a humor... Konkrétan tényleg a legjobb!

[@basedfaisal]

The American Walnut was an absolutely gorgeous choice for this interior Sreten, you have excellent taste my friend.

[@colin_g]

Imagine you are an old BMW and you become aware that your new owner is Sreten - what a great feeling 😌😌

[@totallybonkers]

Wow, that wood trim looks way better than the old glossy fake wood. 100% worth the $250 - $300.

[@timc5969]

That PDR guy is a master of his craft. Think how much it would have cost to have those dents conventially repaired. Thousands and thousands and a partial respray which would have inevitably not have properly matched. Well worth the €250 and he earned the €50 tip too. What isn’t so impressive is how many of the BMW parts have held up over the years. Who on Earth thought that plastic gears in the soft-close system were a good idea? They no doubt saved a few pfennigs here and there but they were always going to snap and strip their teeth.

[@crackgod1989]

In these kind of system there is always designed weakness on the cheapest part. You can make it entirely out of metal, but when you have some force pushing back, something is going to bend or motor will brake and the cost of repair will be 20x higher. Check window wiper mechanism assemblies for example. One gear is always made out of plastic.

[@26declanjones]

I believe one of the reasons they use plastic gears is because they're quieter than metal ones. I guess it's all a compromise at the end of the day though.

[@jagenaught]

Weren't the plastic gears in the under thigh support?

[@gabele5050]

The cricket part killed me 😂

[@codejackz]

There is 100% someone from BMW and Alpina watching this and taking notes for their next build 🤣. Fantastic as always Streten!

[@thejamiestarbuck]

Jesus Wept. That interior at the end looks brand new. Call me a sadist but I really like listening to crickets. You sir. Are a legend.

[@physh]

Part FOURTEEN! Hoovie junked his after part two. What perseverance!

[@interesting7906]

Hoovie who?

[@mattontop2262]

@@interesting7906 Hoovies Garage

[@BMPellogia]

hoovie's car was in way worse condition......

[@dot7107]

Hoovie's channel is just one of those typical american click bait channels. This channel, oh man, pure enthusiasm and aiming for perfectionism

[@daedalus_20v]

@@dot7107 Agreed. There are only a handful of automotive channels I subscribe to, because 97% of them are just fake, phony, over-hyped BS with a distinct lack of genuine interest in actually fixing or building something. "How much NOS can we throw at this 300k-mile motor before it BLOWS UP!?!?!?" I'm honestly not sure I could be less interested.

[@coneyboro2008]

Holy OCD, I love it. Work of art. Better than new and more OEM than OEM. The attention to detail is unparalled, I love watching your restorations. Keep up the great work!

[@omardiop2838]

Bro you don't kno how excited I am when I get M539 restoration video notification.

[@josh.h4196]

I’ve never seen you find something wrong and go that’s fine it doesn’t matter. You sir are a restoration god.

[@juliahughes7755]

Whenever I find myself discouraged by how much work my car needs, I come back to this channel and am immediately inspired to keep going and never cut corners :) what a stunning interior transformation.

[@joaopedroribeiro]

I would have taken several months to make all this fixes and upgrades

[@timaustin577]

Motivates Me all the time :-) and I own a Holden WH HSV Statesman 2000 model

[@jcct]

That steering wheel looks awesome. Usually not a fan of wood trim but these wood look so nice in the black leather. Perhaps this Alpina is a keeper afterall?

[@richardthompson6265]

The wood trim was a stroke of genius chap .

[@MTerrence]

One more episode and this will have gone from the cheapest E65 B7 in the world to what is, in all likelihood, the finest. Just incredible work. I would not believe it had I not have seen it myself.

[@NoorShaheed]

I watch with passion every second of this wonderful work. An entire hour seems like a minute has passed.

[@andrewpercival1427]

Love the format , so thorough and just feels more genuine than other car restoration channels, every few weeks always looking for the next episode.

[@neilquinn]

Replacing the seat motor plastic gear with a metal one was also super satisfying to watch.

[@whitehornet90]

Wow. Just wow Every BMW's wasn't born perfect until they met Sreten

[@WashburnD10]

"I went to the software store" - Hahah what an amazing sense of humour. You have such a brilliant attitude working through all this. Just marvellous!

[@ron4274]

Never thought I would be able to pick a favourite episode since each one is brilliant...but this might be the one. Simply fantastic!

[@patdwyer6274]

Agreed 🙂

[@8o08o]

Fearless and patient....the necessary qualities required to go this deep in "do it yourself".

[@Zubcho]

I have prepared one of my kidneys to be sold when this beauty is ready. I love your channel man. Keep up the good work!

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

The condition of that e65 before you touched it would be considered mint in Chicago lol

[@HNedel]

Lol, like one of those „Grandma only went to church and the grocery store with it“ in some ad for an X6 or G-Wagen

[@Richard--99]

Amazing episode as always, I honestly could watch hours of this🤣(can't wait for the e92 rebuild, it's my dream car too)

[@ReZhorw]

Just changed my own front brakes today for the first time, and it worked! Feels good to be in a small part of Sretens world!

[@xxzmk]

I am now watching this video for the 5th time. Its uneblievable how beautiful the interior ended up. Its the most beautiful Interior I have ever seen for Bimmer or generally any car. Crazy I always fall in love when I see it in KZbin as a Thumbnail!

[@krystofd02]

57:40 is the exact reason why I am watching this channel, something tickles me in just the right way when you are so excited by the fact the door handle works right. Keep up the good work!

[@mrnavaperez]

Agree with you! Love the way we can see his reflection on the door panel almost as if he wasn’t aware that we were there with him!

[@boontjes5528]

Absolutely insane, but what a result…. Its just stunning! The steering wheel makes such a difference as well!

[@FJRDavid]

I didn't understood this obsession with the steering wheel until you did it, this one is wayyyyyyy better, well done as usual

[@teah06]

Dude, what is the opposite of ADH, You have the patience of a saint, in a very positive way. Respect!

[@jessemurray1757]

250 euros for all of those dents is a killer deal. I was expecting more like 700-800.

[@Markoboy99]

I wonder how long it took the repairman. If he's been doing it for 10-15 years then I wonder if it was a 2 hour job for him or an 8 hour job.

[@qanti6582]

in my country is 10e each. for me 250e sounds out of this world

[@Markoboy99]

@@qanti6582 In Finland a regular car mechanic fixing your car can charge from 60-100e/h so that 250e doesn't sound too bad here.

[@qanti6582]

@@Markoboy99 wow

[@jessemurray1757]

in the US you can spend 100 per dent. Obviously less if you do more at the same time. I would expect that job to be no less than 500 though.

[@professorharenmans]

I can't believe the transformation this Alpina has gone through! From a neglected broken money pit, to a mechanically sorted car that looks great too! Impressive work Sreten and thanks for taking us all along for the journey.

[@90MinutenLang020Damsko]

My friends always say to me, that i am crazy with my attention to detail, but i'm starting to think You Sreten are even one step worse than me!😂👍

[@abdallaalali6236]

spent one hour watching this without any skipping. oh it felt good

[@nickH-worth1984]

Absolutely amazing results on the interior. This car has tested your patients and your perseverance is now paying off. Time for a beer or two, or three.

[@Davoet]

The interior is looking brand new. Perfection!

[@andrewmillion315]

I have to remind myself that you started doing this as a hobby! The amount of time, dedication, investigation & patience you put into these cars and videos is incredible! Must be why the cricket was an unwelcome guest! 😊

[@theflymo]

The Not-As-Noticeable Man used to be my favourite comic as a kid.

[@ossamaessbai7895]

Man! This is my favorite channel on KZbin. never a dull moment while watching you do your work. Just amazing content.

[@nikolaikola8925]

Can we take a moment to appreciate the effort it takes to film and edit all of this? We all know the work he invests is massive and detailed, but the path to KZbin is also impressive.

[@malekzin4788]

i can't believe you made the most hated 7-series one of the best looking one yet. impressive work.

[@matthewbell1968]

Even by Sreten's impeccable standards that was a masterclass

[@ChrisHale0629]

I've started calling them "Carbon-fiber" towels as well... It's driving my friends insane and I love it. Keep up the good work!

[@martonkoch1838]

Can't wait for the finale. This has been probably my favourite project. I wish I had the garage, time and knowledge (money should also help...) to do something like this. Amazing precision and attention to detail, I love how everything is fixed and restored, no matter how tiny it is, even if it takes days. Keep up the good work!

[@yogibreen]

I couldn't agree more. Excellent job Stretten.

[@RayFanful]

Amazeballs. 1hour and 10mins never went so fast. Ur awesome Sreten keep it up. BMW Grand master tier wizard.

[@donalqahtani8235]

Dude I’m addicted to your video’s now , but i ain’t going to the therapist, because i like this addiction ❤️

[@DavidSmith-qc5fq]

Yet another episode showing you love for these wonderful BMW’s and you infinite patience. How the hell do you know where every bit goes back too ?

[@Mateo.Sutalo]

Great way to end the day! 1 hour and 10 minutes treat

[@Mateo.Sutalo]

@Cekia Selmi ♋️ gtfo, we take cars over women here

[@tillpe6616]

I have to admit that I am a Mercedes-Benz fan BUT I appreciate your work that you perform on these BMW´s. I really love watching these videos. Keep up the great work.

[@S_r_i_r_a_m_S]

Dedication has a new meaning to me now

I think from all the channels I follow on KZbin this is the only one when I am genuinely excited to see a new video pop up and as soon as I watch it I can't wait for the next one. Love how much you pay attention to every little thing on this car it's going to be the best B7 in the world after you're done :) PS. Also can't wait for the next E90 episode :)

[@KirilPetrov472]

What you did in this episode is just amazing, a lot of effort and patience were needed here, congrats

[@alexg737]

That is honestly one of the nicest interiors I have laid my eyes on. Wouldn’t have believed it until I saw the results for myself, well done!

[@tired040]

Just discovered this channel. Im so addicted rn.

[@Verndroid]

That wood trim is absolutely gorgeous. Good choice!

[@328ronald]

WOW, this is why i love this channel. Every episode is educative, funny and interesting. Cant wait for the next one.

[@typedrew]

You’ve done this car an unbelievable service. My god man. That e60 m wheel is perfect. And that wood trim 😩. The whole package is unbelievable

[@Turder]

Best thing are those small touches and done in cheap, clever but yet somehow original way. Wouldn't know how it was done, and looks 100% oem. Killer episode, so satisfying. Transformation is incredible.

[@fedodargeldeboer2134]

We didn't break any clips! It's unbelievable!😁 I love the way the (wood)trim came out!

[@englishbob5146]

WOW JUST WOW,that wood with that interior and steering wheel is just beautiful.then topped off with the original alpina wheels{my favorite bmw wheel} stunning

[@Orgmont84]

Wow - what a really good work mate - it looks fantastic!

[@Nomaran]

The interior looks like the car just rolled off the lot. Impressive display of craftsmenship!

[@wanted.2480]

I wish it were humanly possible for you to put out videos daily, thats how much i enjoy them. Greatly informative once again and cant wait for this project to be finished. :)

[@ventsiboy]

I can't imagine having the patience to fix an issue similar to the easy access thing. This video felt so good 😍

[@andriescorneliusnienaber2327]

All the work you did on this car, wow. This will easily sell for top dollar for any collector worldwide.

[@michaelmcdonald5448]

"What's the point of putting an alarm in an Alpina. Steal it and it breaks down around the corner" had me laughing too much!

[@MapOfEurasia]

What an awesome episode! That steering wheel and that wood trim are gorgeous!! 🤩 Awesome work!

[@karraguer]

I’m revisiting the video, specifically chapters 13 and 14. They are magnificent; there are plenty of examples on how to take care of the interior of a car and fix details that are often overlooked. Please, more videos like these! Long live carbon fiber towels!

[@birdhater7563]

BMW needs to contact this guy. Clearly a person who is passionate about his work.

[@aliso8017]

I could say many things about how much I enjoy your videos and admire your take on things, but probably it's best summed up by saying: You, sir, are truly inspirational. You not just entertain and teach, but also are a model and set example for others to pursue their hobbies and even dreams. Keep at it man, we need more people like you on KZbin and in society in general!

[@Dwaynefreeman]

The valvestem in the center of the rim blew my mind. I’ve never seen that before

[@torocharles5283]

When he called the wind illegitimate 🤣🤣🤣 The sentiment of all waterfront hurricane folks from Texas to North Carolina along with all tornado dancing folks in the middle.

[@vtecispower]

This has to be the only fully functional BMW alpina B7 in the world, great job 👏👏,unfortunately still not worth the headache

[@rfreitas3298]

Custom engine, steering wheel and interior. Amazing work!!!

[@ace773]

Man this car really looks amazing now, the interior looks brand new as on day one! Beautiful job!

[@klpinfl127]

“Steal it and it breaks down around the corner” Best comment ever

[@lukeframpton3671]

This man is a great mechanic and always dose a proper job he is funny too 😄

[@deanward1716]

As always what a transformation Sreten, can't wait to see you get the 1M subscribers you deserve! The walnut interior was definitely the right move.