Parts procurement/installation strategy for M5T

[Elekta]

I will need to have on the ground ready for installation on the Elekta M5T:

third brake light for the hatch
US headlights (already have my elipsoids from smiley swap)
glass for side mirrors (I guess things must appear closer than they really are in US)
a full US E34 M5 Cat back exhaust system.

Now I've read that most have just purchased a rear hatch window with the 3rd light in place, but looking at my Euro spec Touriing, it appears as though mine was installed with long strips of velcro. Should I just pick up a used rear hatch and make a velcro ready 3rd light setup, or plan on just swapping out. My thoughts are toward the former.

The E34M5 exhaust system purchase is going to suck. I'm told that the Euro cat is further up the exhaust stream, and that that is the main reason it will always fail the cold start emissions test. Others have told me that if the Euro cat is brand new or near new, the engine can be tuned to pass. My guess is that if Saliya is always selling Euro Cats, it's because he couldn't pass Cali emissions tests without a US cat.

But do I stand to pass a cold start test in Houston? Will I need the entire US setup...what's that going to cost me?

thanks in advance for any assistance

obligatory pic of M5T instrument panel...loving that MPH speedo and 90l tank
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/DSC00426.jpg

geoff

[Kalevera]

Let's see pics of the elekta! Is this one of the cars you found in the UK? I love the interiors on those things.

Have nothing else useful to add to this thread :)

[Elekta]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/DSC00430.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/elekta3-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/DSC00388.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/elekta5.jpg

[Elekta]

update:

I am definetely going to need a new ceramic US M5 Cat.

I will need US headlights and buckets (apparently if the buckets are on hand and the the US lights are fitted with Euro quick connects it saves $$$) so I am looking for decent shape US buckets. I have the headlights. I am trying not to rob my 530iT so the next owner can get a pretty sweet deal, though I am on the fence as to whether to keep my stars as a second set.

I will need front and rear rub strips with sidemarkers. These also need some quick connect on the end to encourage decent splicing into the euro harness.

Rear third brake light

side mirror glass

new plugs, oil, 02 sensor (are there one or two sensors in the M5 exhaust?)

speedo is thankfully MPH

Sadly DOT destroys all Euro stuff so it can;t be re-used or re-sold. Aint that a bitch.

Anyone think I might save money getting the cat cut in over there?

$3k per smog test, so I am trying to get registered importer to sign contract with unlimited testing, but dunno. I mean what a racket. Hook M5 up, turn on computer, fire up engine, check monitor...mmmm FAIL, that'll be $3 large pal...cha-ching

getting psyched tho

[stilljester]

I'm sorry as I might have missed your first posts but did you import this car yourself?

[Ross]

Buy a wrecked car, register it and use the plates. No muss no fuss, nobody gets hurt. Hell, your in Texas. Right?

[shrike071]

Buy a wrecked car, register it and use the plates. No muss no fuss, nobody gets hurt. Hell, your in Texas. Right?

Get pulled-over by the fuzz, they decide to run the tag against the VIN and oops - you get 'attached tag not assigned' and go straight to jail since it is a felony.

[winfred]

yea texas is a bitch (atleast they were the last time i sold salvage to tx, i don't do that any more, pita) you even need vin#s for used parts from the car they came from


Get pulled-over by the fuzz, they decide to run the tag against the VIN and oops - you get 'attached tag not assigned' and go straight to jail since it is a felony.

[Alexlind123]

What color is that interior? It almost looks like indigo. Me <3 full leather :)