SDi Shop Car

Project: M5Hunter 2.0

Specs:

2002 BMW 530i Sport Package

5 Speed Manual Transmission

It was inevitable...

I knew I'd build another E39, I just wasn't sure when or to what level.  I personally spent 5 years (2012-2017) building/driving/testing a record holding 5 series.  That particular example, a 1999 528i, had the original driveline swapped out for a built LS1/6 speed combo with a midsized turbo making a bit over 800whp.  I dubbed the project "M5Hunter" because at the time I was trying to outrun a supercharged M5 that held the 1/4 mile record.  Ultimately I was able to beat that record by almost a full second and as far as I know, its the only E39 chassis that has made a 10 second 1/4 mile pass at a legitimate, sanctioned track.  The adjustable suspension components SDi offers were originally created for and tested on this car.  Tens of thousands of miles were put on that setup, it truly was a daily driver for me.  

In late 2017, I made some changes in my life and felt like I needed to move on from that project.  If I could go back, I would have not let it go but I'm sure all of us can relate to that.  The next 2 years were spent pursuing other projects.  The opportunity to purchase a fairly clean 530i came up and the price was right so I snatched it up with no real plans of what to do with it.  I fixed some common problems and enjoyed driving it on a normal basis.  The thought had crossed my mind several times to sell it and turn a small profit but every time I came back to my appreciation for these cars. 

So that leads me here.  M5Hunter 2.0.  No intentions of chasing records or trying to beat up on M5's but the name just seems right as a continuation of something that was such a large part of my life.  I can't even tell you what the plan is but it started by putting on a set of M Parallel replica wheels to pay homage to the OG car.  There is little doubt in my mind that a ride height adjustment and some forced induction will be in the works.  I'm intending to put together some YouTube videos along the way to catch some highlights of the build.