530iT (re)build

[AWDBOB]

Figured I'd start a little project journal for the new hoe.

Picked up this pig in all her glory for 1500 bones, with 5sp swap already done with a freshie clutch, trans, and flywheel.

Got her home, and started the cleanup.

Before





After




And my favorite part about the car...





Put the car up in the air to properly diagnose the problems.

Clunking on immediate throttle- Rear subframe bushings are totally shot. Have over 0.5" of movement with medium pressure.
Loose steering and wheel shake- Center track rod joint play. Way out of spec.
Generally drives like total ****- All tires have broken cords, alignment is ridiculously out, and all struts are blown to smithereens. Rear brake pads have but ~2/32" left on them.

SO THEN I

Replaced my front tie bar with an OEM piece (had a ton of play), replaced the front swaybar end links, and did Billy Sports and H&Rs, along with new swaybar endlinks, rear subframe bushings (HD), and wallah.

Progress pictures:





The old struts rebounded great haha.










Here's how the front looks unsettled. I think the ride height will be perfect with the M Parallels.





AND THE NEXT DAY I

Was stoked to find out that this car didn't have SLS on it! Was a nice plus. Did the rest of the shit, and wallah (pink scooter not for sale)

[AWDBOB]

Style 37 or Style 65? I can't make up my mind. Both would be staggard. I'm leaning towards 65s, as I have a lead on a decent set for a decent price.

Style 65







Style 37s

[IAm-Topik]

I'm a sucker for M Parallels myself.

My old touring on E38 M Parallels:

[AWDBOB]

I'm a sucker for M Parallels myself.

My old touring on E38 M Parallels:

That thing looks killer! What was your suspension setup?

I actually just picked up some Style 65s tonight for a killer price, so I'm just going to rock them for now, as I feel most run the M Parallels (for obvious reasons-not to bash your choice, as your car looks awesome).

[AWDBOB]

Too much stuff going on- need to prioritize so I can actually get things finished.

1-Install SSSquid chip and K&N Drop In
2-Paint Style 65s (get new center caps and 'M' emblems)
3-Buy Tires
4-Install KMAC Rear Alignment Bushings
5-Alignment
6-Drive

[rmdashrf]

Nice project. I want a touring.

[AWDBOB]

Nice project. I want a touring.

Thanks, man- they're sweet, and equally as practical.


Picked up some Style 65s for the touring-

18x9.5r
18x8f

Thinking about 265/35r and 245/40f. Conti DWs.

They looked like this when I got them:



And now they look like this:




I'm gonna blast 'em, and then they're going gunmetal grey.

[AWDBOB]

SSSquid magic for the touring!

[EyExR]

Nice project.

I think the gunmetal grey will get lost in the green. I would keep them silver if I was you.... but to each his own...

[rmdashrf]

Nice project.

I think the gunmetal grey will get lost in the green. I would keep them silver if I was you.... but to each his own...

I like gun metal but I can see that happening

[AWDBOB]

Nice project.

I think the gunmetal grey will get lost in the green. I would keep them silver if I was you.... but to each his own...

I like gun metal but I can see that happening

I could see what you guys are saying, but I'm really not a fan of style 65s done in silver unless its shadow chrome, which is way out of the question, unfortunately.

There are a few photos above of gunmetal on the green that I personally think look pretty cool, but that's just me.

[rmdashrf]

I could see what you guys are saying, but I'm really not a fan of style 65s done in silver unless its shadow chrome, which is way out of the question, unfortunately.

There are a few photos above of gunmetal on the green that I personally think look pretty cool, but that's just me.

Yeah man, you do your thing! It's yours to make you happy. I'm still in for pics!

[AWDBOB]

Yeah man, you do your thing! It's yours to make you happy. I'm still in for pics!

Right on, I'll definitely update once I get the wheels on!


Today I installed the KMAC trailing arm bushings and the chip!






All better!

[squidmaster]

Looking good!

[deutschman]

Oh man I want a 5 speed wagon so badly. Having a hard time finding one. They seam like elusive creatures. Nice ride.