Owned for almost 20 years and sold in 2019 to a BMW enthusiast. The right kind of ending for a car this well documented.
ESS Supercharger Project
ESS VT1 supercharger, SuperSprint headers and full exhaust, new clutch, Zionsville aluminum radiator, and the engine pulled so the bay could be painted TiAG. 282hp becomes 410+. Full build thread on Bimmerfest.
Project Overview →MTech Conversion
Full conversion to MTech spec — MTech front and rear bumpers, M5-spec power folding mirrors, Shadowline high-gloss window trim, and body-color mouldings. None of it came on a US-spec car. 80+ photos.
Full Photo Documentation →Mirror Upgrades
Two upgrades: a rearview mirror with integrated compass, and Euro aspheric side mirrors never sold in the US. Both bolt straight on. The difference in rearward visibility is immediately obvious.
See Both Mods →Rear Bumper & Color Mouldings
This one was probably the worst excuse for a mod ever. I didn't notice it when I picked up the car, but the rear bumper had been repainted and they had done a terrible job. So bad you could see it in any light. Once I see something like that, I just have to fix it.
The trim moulding tabs are different between model years. Why they did this I can only suspect is to force incompatibility so ignerts like me wouldn't have an older car that looks newer. Nothing a Dremel can't fix.
Full install guide →SuperSprint Exhaust
This is one of the most enjoyable mods I have done to the car. If you like to hear your engine when it sings through the gears, a new exhaust will set your ears on edge. I ordered a SuperSprint from Performance Automotive — square tip, because I had seen it on Brad Otoupalik's E39 and was hooked.
On a recent long trip, with the radio off cruising at 80mph, my wife commented that she wanted the radio on so she could not hear the "drone of (my) car." It was then that I realized a) I'm really married. b) why they put the resonator in as stock. The radio works as a fine cover.
Full install guide →Celis Rear Brake Lights
I started with the pre-01 M5 rear clears to rid myself of the amber signals. Then went full Celis. They make the car look updated and they're really bright at night. The install involves drilling into the lens housing — a bag over the back of the area helped keep metal shards away from the Nav system.
Full install guide →Euro Dash Install
All I have are pictures from the install. About three hours — and that was with rekeying the glove box lock because we dropped it and lock cylinders exploded everywhere. Before and after, left and right.
See the photos →Voice Recognition
Without a phone, this doesn't make much sense. One day I plan to have a phone though, and it is kind of cool to tell the car's navigation to shut up.
See the install →StopTech Big Brake Kit
355mm rotors front and rear — 4-piston fixed calipers up front, single-piston at the rear. The fit at the rear was very close. The stopping was not. Full Zeckhausen-informed write-up on why big brakes matter.
Install Guide →Shocks & Springs
Lowering springs with matched shocks. Spring compressor work, before and after measurements, full two-page install documentation with the before/after ride height comparison.
Install Guide →Parts List
Every part ordered, sourced, and installed. Part numbers included. Last updated June 17, 2003.
View parts list →
