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

[@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?

[@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

[@Stranger2k1]

You just turned that Triebwerk into a Kunstwerk. Magnificent!

[@petermuller2583]

unterbewerteter kommentar.

[@mitfreundlichengrussen1234]

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

[@azmiescinex500]

Couldn't agree more!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@Khan_Art_]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@meto.v]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@Andy-mq6yv]

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

[@colinjenkinson3137]

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

[@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 🫡

[@tomyeplcharger]

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

[@Melvivio]

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

[@wader320]

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

[@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

[@antanta]

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

[@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 😁

[@AnastaseVIII]

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

[@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

[@McMaster1500]

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

[@MoJaMa-ux2vu]

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

[@alexpechersky475]

Великолепная работа! Двигатель - красавец! Вы просто молодец!

[@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!

[@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!

[@zephaudi]

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

[@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!

[@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..

[@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.

[@robinrai4973]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@TerrasClip]

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

[@macmccarthy9828]

Absolutely love the perfection you use in your workmanship.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. ✌️❤️

[@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. 👏👏

[@lavre8045]

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

[@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.

[@pubbiehive]

Thank you for the RTV PSA, people seem to not understand how that stuff works at all.

[@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.

[@SalvaBarbus]

Absolutely, under no circumstances, take a shot whenever you hear the word "gasket". You'll die. Or end up designing the new 5-series. All joking aside, I just love how this episode went. It's nothing new, but the fact that you took your time to research a new method for sealing the gaskets, and actually confirmed that it is a viable solution, it's such a sign of identity of this channel. And the results just speak for themselves, don't they? What an engine you've built, just glorious.

[@joeb2224]

I've said it before but your attention to detail is beyond compare. Your unwillingness to cut corners or use shoddy parts is to be admired by all. The channel is made special by your unique presentation style and I ALWAYS look forward to your next episode. Who needs cable TV anyway! Thanks.

[@broman475]

Everytime i see a video of this channel, i click on in and not even 5 seconds on it i click LIKE, before i watch it. Good work! I enjoy watching this. Nice work man, keep up!

[@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.

[@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!!!!!!

[@mrmv6290]

Totally amazing, that puppy should go in the BMW museum to show them how it's done.

[@catalinmariustudor9763]

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

[@mrmusic1880]

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

[@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.

[@benmiller2445]

Sreten you are the best! I look forward to your videos more than I 'd like to admit. But my oh my how I wish there was a channel like yours for Porsche's. A 951 rebuild series like this would be my absolute dream!

[@timclarkson9606]

Not a huge BMW fan but looking at the quality of the castings in this video this engine is a marvel! But even more is your attention to detail in the refurbishing of it and this is what makes your videos a must see every time you release a new one. Thank you.

[@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!

[@VexHD0]

A tip I learned from a wood worker a year or so ago. Use a plastic straw when removing excess glue/paint/etc. IT will form to corners and edges better than a cloth, or q-tip.

[@wowfreaker]

Welcome to Europe where plastic straws are banned.

[@matmul4850]

😂😂​@@wowfreaker

[@andreasu.3546]

@@wowfreaker While paper straws are no use as straws, they might actually work in this application.

[@tonykeast9966]

It doesn't get any better than that. Start to finish an example of sheer excellence. Porting the rubber gaskets to port match is exquisite. Sreten is exceptional. I'm all out of superlatives for him and his work. He's an alien I think.

[@polishpaddy1012]

Its my dream to some day get to that level of perfection when working on my car as you, great work ,cant wait for the next episode . Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱

[@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.

[@sageyowns26]

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

[@sageyowns26]

how you edit torquing several bolts is almost as satisfying

[@garryporton8458]

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

[@somachides963]

Incredible, outstanding, extraordinary, beautiful, awesome - I'm running out of adjectives. 🤩

[@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!

[@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"

[@TStrait21]

Man the vapor blasting never gets old. Amazing machine

[@vartan1986]

I swear these engine rebuild videos are like therapy, you're the GOAT dude!!!

[@looukasst.77]

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

[@luisrpa123]

44:45 seeing the bent wrench is quite impressive

[@NearCry91]

Or wrench bend?

[@eugenealymov2723]

I hope everyone truly appreciates the effort this type of work takes, and on top of that, the filming quality which allows us to see this. The filming is just superb! I dont think anyone comes close, in the car restoration realm. What an engine, from the time when plastic seemingly did not exist 😁

[@algeniscorrea187]

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

[@makam2089]

Sreten: brand new everything. Also Sreten: let me cut half of this impeller off.

[@M539Restorations]

It's only a couple of mils, and to be honest I still don't like it and it doesn't sit well with me. However, I did consult with another builder that's been doing these exact builds since 2014, he always grinds the impeller and never had any issues which is good. That said, next time I'm definitely expanding the hole on the block and not touching the impeller.

[@aserta]

​@@M539Restorations Be careful about cutting the housing, because of two reasons. Flow and thickness of the wall. It's better to modify the impeller for those reasons. Also, one thing more: put some PVA glue on the caps on the belt pulleys. They have a tendency to fall off with vibration and time. PVA glue is just strong enough to keep them in place once set, but not enough to resist being popped off with a blunt screwdriver.

[@chikunman133]

Hey it if fails....more content for us right?

[@M539Restorations]

@@aserta If precisely enlarged, there won't be any issues, you are expanding the sides, not into the block. I've never had a cap come off, but I guess that can't hurt. Thanks for the tip!

[@makam2089]

@@M539Restorations Just keep in mind that this reduces the pressure in cooling system that is needed to cool down the engine. Hence the name "pressurized cooling system". I would say in most cases, it will be fine.

[@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

[@Nick-ql1eo]

The best channel for BMW restorations. 💪

[@vgoj]

Got love the diesel heater noise in the background

[@heikomark5597]

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

[@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!

[@michaelgraystone7881]

Lovely not only can you drive it to work ,but you can then eat your dinner of the engine!.

[@Lou-f]

This car will need a road trip back home when it’s done 🌞

[@blademan7671]

Please do the coin on end when the V12 is broken in. I remember reading Car magazine when this engine was released. They drove the car in Germany and stopped by a dealer. The manager stood a german coin on it's end while the engine was running. The V12 is so smooth that the coin would continue to stand on end while running. Lovely video. I'm so happy for you about the success of your channel. I don't remember when I started watching, back when you had 1 bay garage. I love that you release the videos on a weekend. They are perfect to watch in AM with coffee, or in the evening with a beverage.😅

[@reivanen]

A good condition v8 will also do it. Even old ones like from e34

[@franciscoop1063]

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

[@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!!!

[@duka_duka]

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

[@arpadkal]

Your workmanship is unparalleled. Thankful for your channel!

[@mce32]

Sreten is the kind of a guy to produce a 20min video masterpiece on paper gaskets.

[@javierpadillaochoa375]

The greatest work that i've watch in my life, this is the way to do a quality engine restoration ❤

[@NoCompM2]

This episode was fantastic. Not only was the rebuild enjoyable but hearing your process and explanation of all the different sealants and gaskets was extremely invaluable. I wrote everything down so I can refer back to those tips later on.

[@jasonlouis5498]

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

[@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!

[@andrewmillion315]

Absolutely wonderful to watch. When it was done, I felt completely satisfied and proud of all the effort, which is strange because I didn't do anything 😂

[@richardstreet2104]

Another great video, love the fact that he watches Harry's Garage while having his lunch 😊😊