Late-model German performance cars are notorious for their complexity. Even when in good working condition, they are challenging to work on and costly to maintain. Reviving one from a salvage yard adds an extra layer of difficulty. However, if there's anyone who can tackle such a task, it's Sreten Milisavljevic of the M539 Restorations YouTube channel.
Milisavljevic is renowned in the world of used BMWs for his extensive videos documenting the resurrection of broken or abandoned cars, spanning from the older E30-generation 3 Series to the iconic first-generation 8 Series, and later models like the V-8-powered M3. This E60-generation M5 represents his most formidable challenge yet.
Acquired from a salvage auction in California, this rare six-speed, V-10-powered sedan required far more than a simple refresh to return to the road. While it appears relatively intact on the exterior, a closer inspection reveals a significant hole in the oil pan, precisely where the oil pickup tube is located. It seems the car collided with a curb at high speed, tearing the hole and fracturing the subframe.
Despite the bleak outlook, the engine appears to be in relatively good condition, as it never operated with the hole in the pan. There's no metal in the oil, and the bottom end seems healthy. However, Milisavljevic encounters a problem when he discovers the engine won't turn freely. Removing the valve covers, he finds that the VANOS units, responsible for cam timing, were damaged in the crash.
What was intended to be a relatively straightforward repair and restoration has now escalated into a major timing job. Purchasing damaged auction cars, especially online, always carries risks. You might get lucky, or you might end up with something far more challenging and expensive to fix.
Undeterred by the daunting repairs ahead, Milisavljevic presses on, refreshing the damaged oil pump and replacing the rod bearings (a common wear item on this 500-horsepower V-10 engine). In the second video, he addresses the VANOS units and finally gets the car running. Despite the seemingly routine repair work, it's immensely satisfying to watch. If you enjoy seeing cool cars brought back to life, it's a must-watch.
