BMW 8-Series E31 Post Purchase Projects
The Spotlight section of DigiRides will be used to highlight vehicles, projects and personalities that we find interesting and informative. Its impossible to scan all the social media posts, websites and forums to find these little gems, so we’ll do our best to bring them to you on a regular basis. If you find something interesting that you’d like to share, be sure to let us know!
BMW 8-Series E31
Most people will never own an E31 for a variety of reasons. They might not like the unique styling, may be afraid of the complicated electronics or just might not enjoy heavy grand touring cars in general. I fall into the other camp, having owned two so far and could certainly see another in the future.
Well maintained cars have seen a bump in both demand and value over the last few years with the best of the best (850CSi) seeing six-figure sale prices regularly. Today we’re going to look at a guy in Georgia (petejk) who purchased a 1991 850i (sight unseen) and immediately began the restoration process. Its a fairly rare and desirable car in Glacier Blue (1 of only 265 produced) and factory equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Let’s take a look at some of the projects he has undertaken during the restoration:
- Replacing missing or broken parts
- Coils
- Fuel filters and lines
- Fuses/relays
- Windshield washer container
- Charcoal Canister
- Throttle bodies
- Intake manifolds
- Valve covers
- Ground strap
- Water pump
- Radiator
- Cooling system hoses
- Spark plugs and wires
- Blower motor
- Brake calipers, pads and rotors
- Brake pressure accumulator (brake bomb)
- Injectors and o-rings
- Brake booster
- Pentosin canister
- Oil filter canister
- Springs, shocks and bushings
- Hubs/bearings
- Sway bars
- Master cylinder reservoir
- Fuel rails
- Interior cleaning / restoring
- Evaporator
- Power steering pump
- AC compressor
- Cooling fan
- Horns
- Lots and lots more!
By the end of the thread, the M70 engine is removed and a new M73 V12 powerplant is being rebuilt to replace it. The owner has some serious skills when it comes to wrenching and its really nice that he is willing to share all of this work with the community. Check it out!
Note: The threads can be found on Bimmer Forums (Restoration | Engine Swap), but you’ll have to register to view the images. I have provides a few samples below.
