TIMMS BMW 840ci ACCIDENT - CAN IT BE SAVED?
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- Опубліковано 15 сер 2023
- Watch the first part before this one: • THE END OF TIMMS BMW 8...
Well, what's happening to the BMW 840ci? I must admit I had a little wobble and almost bought another one - but then I got better and started working on getting this one fixed. The rear suspension is badly mangled, some bits are not available from BMW (NLA) - but I have a cunning plan!
In this episode I show how to completely rebuild the rear suspension for very little money - certainly not ten grand! I will show you how you can do the same with a bit of ingenuity - Авто та транспорт
Glad to hear the E31 is gonna be saved.
Thanks, we'll get there in the end!
Hi Tim, I watch your content for many years now and could not withstand to thank you very much for all information you supplied. The way you show and explain is informative and pleasant to watch. I own a 2004 E63 Coupe and just cannot get enough of this car. I do everything myself and just want to let you know that you gave me lots of information and helped me to keep my beloved V8 the road. I wish you success with the repairs on your beauty.
That's very kind of you, and always glad to help!
Thanks for the update Tim, very informative on the bushings, Best of luck on the repair....and much respect for fighting the insurance company !
My pleasure!
What a shame it was involved in the accident 😢, I am glad you have decided to save it!
Thanks, yes, I'm giving it a go!
I feel your pain Tim, my E38 was damaged by a hit and run a few years ago, the insurance company said total write off damage bill approximately 16 thousand AUS dollars, they gave me the opportunity to buy it back for 500 AUS dollars . Hopefully soon it will be back on the road doing what it's built for. All the best Tim getting your beautiful E31 repaired and hopefully it all goes smoothly, btw your an absolutely legend in my eyes when it comes to E31 and E38.
Thanks, very kind of you!
It is good to here our lovely color E31 will survive. I am glad.
And from here I want to ask Lee. Lee are you engineer? No. I am sure. Read E31 manual books, develope yourself . How you let this car's under suspension sytem parts so rusty? You should offer to blasting + rust remover + 2k paint. Even Timm doesn't want it you try to persuade it. All rubber parts should be clean and rubbers shold be lubricated. Every 2 years you should checking nuts marking them. Also take photos of the car and save them in your computer. Bro you are just beginner level person.
Thanks! Lee will only do jobs I ask him to, so I have only myself to blame!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation I wish you best.
My 635CSi manual was killed in a similar accident around 1999, gutted. My E30 was hit in the rear quarter about 10 years ago but was repaired good as new. You're doing the right thing.
Thanks, yes it's the right way to go!
Despite me having suggested you let this car go, I must admit you are doing the RIGHT thing and I was wrong.
When I look at how achingly beautiful this car is, it's blindingly obvious that what you are doing is correct.
You're in for a 🎢 ride, but it'll be worth it!
VERY well done, good luck and waiting with bated breath for the next episode....🚙
(No reply needed)
Very kind of you! Yes, it's bumpy already!
Great to see the E31 saved iconic cars that I believe will only carry on going up in value.
Thanks!
Oh my gosh......I haven't checked on your channel in a bit and today I did and ....... NOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!! I can't believe it, your wonderful car is damaged. VERY glad you are saving it, the 840 is a terrific machine. From the bottom of my soul I shout: " GO TIMM !!! GET IT ON THE ROAD AGAIN ! ".
Thanks for the encouragement Tim!
You’re doing the right thing as a connoisseur 💪🏽
Thanks!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation you’re welcome
Good for you Tim. I did the same thing a few years back after a lorry went into my drivers side rear panel. Still have her and she's still going strong!👍
Thanks! Yes, hope to get it all done soon!
Great progress and update Timm! Looking forward to the next one!
Thanks!
Sir Timm, you are the only person that I can say that you represent the 8 series around the world and to fix the purple boy is not a nightmare for you, sk keep going and keep up the spirit. Keep us posted.
Mario from Raleigh nc
Thanks Mario, very kind of you to say - all the best from old Hampshire!
I am glad you are fixing it. I went through this same ordeal with exactly the same damage minus the B - pillar. The hardest fix will be the wheel if the center is bent like mine was, but I found a place that was willing to tackle it and it got fixed. Also its a good time to get to the fuel lines above the gas tank if it has never been done. Good luck with the repair.
Thanks, glad to report that the wheel is still straight, had it checked out at the wheel shop
Very pleased to see this . I knew you could fix it for a fraction of the cost stated!
Thanks, hopefully cheaper than 10k!
Superb Timm. Really happy you are not throwing in the towel on this great car. Fixing is much more environmentally friendly!
Thanks Rhys, very true!
Thanks for posting this update, I admire the tenacity you have with your E31 am looking forward to the day when you get your pride and joy back on the road, You and your clips are an inspiration and have saved me money with some of those fixes! Ultimate respect to you
Very kind of you!
Keep up the good work, glad to see progress
Thanks, will do!
Brilliant video as always Tim 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic Timm, so glad you’re keeping such a fantastic car. Thanks for the info on the bushes, overall, very informative video and good luck with all the work. Look forward to updates and to see it finally back in the road 👌🏻👍🏻
Thanks Fraser!
So glad ure saving it, these cars have always been a labour of love, just look at it as you’re having to put a lot more labour & love into it on a short term basis for a long term gain. Once it’s restored u will have forgotten about it & enjoying the beauty again. Best of luck chap.
Thanks! Yes, the more you put in the better it gets!
Follow your heart always. You love the car so give it your best shot. Good luck to you Timm.
Thanks Eoin!
So glad you're keeping this superb car alive, will be worth the time and efforts. Wishing you all the best for a happy and most successful conclusion and can't wait to see more vlogs during and after rebuild. All the best Timm :-)
Thanks, and good to hear from you!
I love how British you are 😊. Good luck on the repairs.
Thank you! 😃 English even!
Good news Tim! Sorry for length of this comment in advance, but it may help you and others. I have completely refurbished the rear suspension on my car, which included removing the axle carrier, blasting it, repainting etc. I have a nice sized garage (30 sq. m) and started work on the car on axles stands. There is so much hard pulling and tugging to do, I managed to drag the car off the stands. Luckily I hurtled out from underneath uninjured and the car jammed on a scissor jack which I had in place as a failsafe so was not damaged. I was shaking for about an hour. I went and splashed out £2000 on a Hamer Car Lift, best thing I ever bought. Gerry Speechley used to re-furbish those top wishbones, don't know whether he is still around or not, it has been many years since I was in contact, I managed to get some second-hand eccentric bolts from him, he also does some strengthening plates for the rear shocker mounts which are worth fitting whilst you are on with it, there is a common metal fatigue fault there. Unfortunately, you can only fully determine that the bushes/bearings/rose joints on those top wishbones are good when you get the full leverage of the wheel on the suspension. I love your re-greasing fix, but you may still have problems. There is only one problem suspension arm, called traction strut by BMW (33321133877), these were n/a at the time i did mine and are super expensive for what they are. Luckily mine were OK. There are several of those rose joints that give trouble, particularly the ones on the hub. At the time I did mine, they were available from Lemforder, the OE manufacturer, at about half the cost of BMW. You would be well capable of replacing them yourself by borrowing a mate's (Lee?) press. You will be very lucky if the larger trailing arm bushes are not shot, unless they have been replaced. These are not too bad to replace with a press, but are only available from BMW at around £100 each! Sounds extortionate, but a complete arm is about £1200 I remember. If you decide to refurbish the hubs, you will need new wheel bearings, not too bad money-wise, good quality after--market are available, but the real sting in the tail are the ABS sensors. They seize solid into the hub and have to be butchered out, and are super dear from BMW, around £250. I have adapted one from the E34, which are about £30 after-market. They are very similar, both physically and impedance, but you have to use the existing wiring and connector. I don't know whether it works yet, but hope to find out one day! You must anticipate having to replace the rear screen. It will have to come out to fit the new rear quarter panel properly. I have managed to get a second hand one with only slight delamination, but the new ones are £850 and the rubber trim round the outside of the screen is £300 unbelievably. You are most welcome to get in touch if I can be of any help, I will put my spare e-mail address on the 8 series forum and see what happens.
Thanks Bob, and great to hear from you. I'm glad to say that Lee is doing the work, I hate messing around with the suspension stuff, and I never get under cars these days - your example is the reason! Lee knows his stuff and has worked on the suspension a few times in the last years. But, if we have problems finding any parts I'll get in touch - thanks Bob!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation No problem Tim. Right from the early days of Meeknet, I feel you have helped me and many others so much, it would be a pleasure to give something back if I can.
Good luck wiht the repairs, I can't wait to see it on the road again.
Thanks!
Sorry to hear of the incident. In terms of bushes etc, I would replace them all... even consider polybushes if not standard parts. You just dont want to be back in here anytime soon.
Yes, that's a reasonable plan! Thanks!
Great to hear its progressing well. Im looking at a '97 840Ci here in the states and your videos are my go to source for E31 info.
My pleasure!
Enjoyable and comprehensive to watch. I look forward to seeing the progress.
Currently not a BMW owner but am thinking of a 630i E63.
Thanks, yes, the 6-Series is a good bet currently!
Hi Tim, well done Sir for both fighting the Insurance Company and for sticking with the repairs to your own car. Most informative is your vidio, looking forward to the next step on its restoration. Cheers.
Thanks John!
Glad things are moving forward. I now know why my wife’s car as written off based on all the bits you are dealing with. Keep us posted and best of luck!
Thanks, very kind of you!
Congrats on keeping her going Timm. It will be that much more satisfying when complete. These sorts of events can leave a bad taste but the perseverance to overcome them and restore the E31 will make it even more special. That colour combo is a rare one too, so she's worth keeping for sure.
Absolutely agree Jazoolz_e39....love that colour combo.
Thanks!
So unfortunate, glad you're alright. Can't wait to see her all fixed up again.
Thanks, it will take a while but we'll get there!
Hi Timm this is Alvin your number one fan. Thanks for keeping her. Blessings
ALVIN! Great to hear from you, hope your mission is going well!
You are doing the right thing by using those parts.
I had never realized how different the rear suspension is on an E31to an E38 or any other bmw.
Very different - I think they reached a level 10 on complication for the E31! However, it does make the E31 handle lot better!
Glad that you are saving it. :)
E31 is my dream car.
Thanks Sergio!
Bravo for repairing the car. I'm with you on this as I have a 2001 V8 X5 that I've had for 10 yrs. I quite often look across the ads for another but mine is just too good compared to the ones I look at.
The rear axle carrier on yours is similar to the E53 with the ball joints and eccentric bolts etc. I bought new bolts from BMW Cambridge for £15 only a couple of years ago. I had to grind my old bolts out as they were seized in the bushes. Harsh language and alcohol sorted that..
Thanks, and yes, I expect the ones under my car are going to be well stuck in there!
Well done Tim 👍
Thanks!
So glad to see you are fixing the old girl Tim, well worth the agro as not many looked as special as this one. As you say will also give you a chance to freshen the back end up amongst other things. Goes to show how well these things were built though as that damage is not at all bad at all for a 30mph t-bone. Bet the golf didn’t come out of it so well!
Thanks! The Golf driver picked up his number-plate and a bit of trim and off he went!
Great news, this car is so worth repairing. Looks like the "new" subframe also is in much, much better condition rustwise.
Be sure to also protect (wax) the insides of the replacement subframe against rust. Looking forward to the updates, but things are looking good sir.
Thanks! Yes, the last time I was under the car changing the differential oil I thought - this thing is RUSTY!
Hi Timm - sorry to hear about your accident with the E31. It's a beautiful looking car.
Thanks!
Great explanation and run through, great progress too! Maybe it's a all been a blessing in disguise as now it's going to get a comprehensive rear suspension refresh that will vastly improve the handling. Alas, the Insurance company is being typically mean and obstructive, happy to take exorbitant premiums year on year, but slow to pay up fairly when meeting their contractual obligations, stick with it Timm! Btw, liking the hair trim, looking very suave Sir. 😎
Yes, it is a blessing really, so much was wrong under there - it would have got through another year but it was felling a little loose! My wife cuts my hair so I'll pass it on!
My headlining started to come down like that about 6 years ago on my E38. I successfully fixed it using a syringe mounted to a trim adhesive can. Contrary to popular beleif its totally possible to soak that horrible rotten foam in glue and get it to stay up. It may take 3 applications of glue over 3 days for all those tight areas around the grab handles and visors however my ones are still good 6 years later. I think I have glued the entire roof by now as more came down over the years. STP brake clean removes the excess glue from the fabric and can even be used to unglue if one creates a crease.
Thanks Andrew, I've got the glue and syringes and will be giving it a go soon!
Was wondering what the latest story was with the car. Glad you're repairing it.
You and me both!
Brilliant video! you got the Adam Faith vibe going on too .
He's my Dad - thanks!
Well done happy to see her being repaired, keep on at the insurance. A friend of mine had a claim and it took over a year but they paid in the end
Thanks Darren!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
Your videos give a great insight in how to keep my 840 going and improve it
Timm, you could try using two sockets and a bolt to remove the hub ball joints that need replaced. Use a socket that fits into the ball joint on one side, and an oversize socket on the other side. Feed a bolt through the holes, attach a nut and tighten it up. Could save you a few more quid!!
Thanks! I am going to leave all bushes to Lee Shannon - it's the sort of job where I will break something!
You do what you want, I'm not a fan of e31 but that's my opinion, YOUR opinion is what counts when dealing with YOUR car.
If it was my favorite car I'd bend over backwards to fix it and this is a classic that will only go up in value.
Thanks, and yes, it will get fixed!
Great news the car will be saved and I fully understand your rationale. As I am around the corner let me know if I can help in any way with tools or time.
Thanks for the offer Lloyd!
Glad you not replacing her in all relationships there are ups and downs, arguments 😂 and you feel like getting a new one. my advice it to keep her you know you'll have peace in the long term.
Thanks, yes, I only wavered for a few minutes!
When the body shop removes the quarter panel, they can cut it back so the striker will open along with the door. It's a 5k fix.
Thanks, yes, that makes sense!
Great news Tim. Sentimental value has no price.
Thanks David!
i am doing a refurb on my 525tds brake and fuel lines alloy subframe bushes but have no accident damage .E39 is magic car ( 5.6 liters to 100 klm ) 1440 kg . engine is a M51 manual 5 speed. the last 525TDS E34 M51 i owned had 670000 klm before the body fell off,,,,,,modern BMW after 2003 are nightmare longterm to run for sure
I do like the E39, but always preferred the E38, I've had three of them!
I'm sure the valuation is a lot more than 20k. Glad u r making plans 2 resurrect your car and find the rear axle and other parts.
Thanks Mark!
Rear axle carrier/rear subframe with new rubber mount bushes will make it drive so much nicer
I hope so Lee!
Hi Tim, you passed on some advice on my 645.
Not long after, I was rear ended, while stationary at 45mph, by a transit van.
Told by the instructor will be cat S.
So started to go down your road.
Buy it back etc, made the mistake by letting Copart take the car.
Two hours latter, had an email, the car is now Cat B, never saw it again.
Was sold as such, what was left, was crushed.
That was the reason I didn't let anyone take my car away - I hid it at Lee's garage and then got a friend with a low-loader to stick it in my garden! Sorry to hear about the 645!
Good luck timm. Lee is a top guy and I bet he’s upset about this. Keep the updates coming.
He is, but he's doing all he can to get this done!
When we were offered a hire car I asked for a letter confirming under no circumstances would we be charged for it as the third party admitted liability, they would;t give me the letter so we din't take the hire car, fortunatel we had another car like you but very concerning if you haven't got one, keep up the great videos!
You just can't trust them!
Glad to hear it will live on!
I have a cooling system question for the guru himself. My E38 750iL has started to overheat on idle. Came from nowhere after a longer roadtrip. The auxfan is working, but I noticed a strange thing yesterday. When I put the inside temperature to the max, the coolant temp drops again. Do you know why and how do you suggest me to proceed in my troubleshooting. Thanks Timm 😊
If you overheat at idle then the first contender is viscous-coupled fan. You told me that the heater still works, that means you are OK for coolant level. Here's some help: ua-cam.com/video/XGIk8IXSGIE/v-deo.html
In you case, I think the most dramatic part would be the body repairs. It would be a pity to cut and weld such a lovely car. Maybe it is worth to try the dent removal, like here on this channel: www.youtube.com/@DentDiscountPDRBodyShop/videos or the spotter pulling like here: www.youtube.com/@tussik01/videos. Then put some filler to the pits and paint that rear fender. The door could be also replaced and painted. The rear subframe replacement would be the easiest job here - you could even do it yourselve on your driveway with 4x high jacks and a hydraulic jack to lift the subframe - could save some quid.
Thanks, the body-shop is using new panels in the repair, still available from BMW!
I'm with you Timm, if you need moral support. Best I can do from here in Nor Cal!
Moral support always welcome - especially for Nor Cal!
Great to see the progress. So new door, new rear quarter section, refurbish the rear carrier and refresh anything around there that needs it. And then the painting and alignment. Question Please : Does that mean that the "z kink" in the bracket saved the unibody from going out of square ? ( Note : I know nothing ).
Yes, it probably helped - however the axle carrier is well supported and could take it!
Glad to see your getting it fixed it’s a really nice colour combo while your at it complain to the council they should cut all the trees and make it safer .
Good plan Steve!
You definitely made the right decision, it doesn't make sense to buy another car when you can save this amazing example. Is sourcing all the needed bushings and joints difficult?
Thanks! The big problem is the spring carrier (or cross member as BMW call it), £1200 per side and no-one replaces the spherical bearing - just hoping the ones I have are good!
Did my rear suspension, and couldn’t get the lower bushes (x4) at the time. Can now be bought at ‘v12 throttle’. I ended up cross referencing the dimensions and turning down a set from another car to fit… but the solution on the curved arms was easier, it’s a same as another car, but can’t remember what right now. Maybe a 90’s Rover?? And they went in a treat and were only £30 each. Took ages to prepare the four new joints and get them pressed in.. factory originals were not available. I used the lemforder cross reference chart with all the dimensions etc. did all the joints including the trailing arms front large ones…. You must mark the angle of the horizontal to get the mount holes to remain accessible when offered back up. Car runs fine now. I wonder if I was looking at your new subframe after contemplating refurbing another frame to swap mine straight out instead of my own one. P.s. I’m not far from you if you want to have a chat etc.
Thanks for the info John, if, after I have this all sorted out, you need the axle carrier I will have one spare - still not decided on which one to use yet!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation my rear end is all done now.
I never thought you were 65. I figured you were in your mid-50s.
I'm still 10 years older than you. 😂😅😂😅
At my age, I'd have dumped the car.
I know you love it, so I hope you get it all fixed up and back on the road.
Was there a stop sign on that road that the other driver couldn't see because of the foliage? Might be a legal case against the council.
Good luck, Timm. 😊😊
I almost forgot. I saw a guy on youtube replace his brake lines with nickel/copper lines. It will never rust. He had a roll of it and just made the flares and put the fittings on it. Since it was slightly flexible he didn't have to put bends in it and just used the original clips to hold it in place.
I don't know if it can be used for fuel lines but this car is old enough you may have a hard time sourcing oem lines made to fit.
Just a thought. Ciao! 😊
Is he 65? Then he should record some advices on how to care him as look as it. Haahha
Thanks Werner! Tempted on the brake lines - but there again, these ones lasted 25 years!
If you do it yourself, from used parts it's a couple of grand 💪🏴
That's what I'm hoping David!
By the way, Artur Tussik is based in Lithuania, Vilnius. You could save some quid by fixing your car at his garage, I guess this would be much cheaper than in UK and a good UA-cam content for Artur by fixing your car :-)
It's hard enough getting the car to Bentley let alone Eastern Europe!
Similar situation happened in my 530i E61 recently when my wife was driving. Whilst you seem very level headed about it now, I'm sure for the first few days you were somewhat less level headed. Couple of quid in the swearing jar I imagine
I'm more frustrated than angry, it has been sooooo long and I still am not back on the road!
Question, on a 2009 335i Engine Air Intake Hose Air Filter Hose for BMW , I would like to know how to take off the bracket that the engine air filter set in?
Sorry, never had a 3-series!
Put the monthly insurance premium in a savings account. Next time you need it, the funds are there. No begging and bargaining.
True enough!
Question Please : Does the insurance company share the repair quotes with you ( the 18k ), and if so, does the price look reasonable for quality work at quality garages/ body shops ? And does the insurance company share with you how they arrive at the salvage value of 5-6k ? ( I've never had to do an insurance claim, so forgive me if this is a silly question )
Not a silly question, but the insurance company did nothing - I got the quotes for Lee for the suspension and got the body-shop down to have a look over the car. 8.2K for the bodywork is not bad and I am quickly understanding why it would cost 10k for the suspension!
Old car but stunning car
Thanks!
Timm
Im refurbing some spare rear arms I have . Could you point me in the right direction for the kit you used to do yours.
Thanks in advamce
I will in the next video - unfortunately the upper wishbone bearings are too far gone after cleaning
Better the devil you know..........and it is a lovely car so good decision on the repair.
Thanks Christopher!
what insurance company is good when running a 25 year old bmw as a daily tim?
Adrian Flux
Looks really expensive 😔😔😔!
It is!
Hi Tim, Young here from Kingbolen, I want to send our BMW scanner to you to test.
I'll give it a go - but be aware that the BMW E31 is OBDII for the engine, gearbox and ASC+T but is OBDI for the rest of the electronics!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation OK, If you have car support generic obd2 scanner, Let me know how to connect you. We also have car battery tester.
Of course it got to be saved! They wont be making any more of them! Save the E31:s, even if it's not a V12... 😉👍👍👍
Thanks Mikael!
tim i have a few bitts and bobs laying about for a rainy day if you need anything i may have it
Very kind of you, thanks!
5k for a written off 8 series lol
On yer bike mate!