Reviving & Driving 600 Miles a Broken V12 BMW E31 850i While on Honeymoon - Project Phoenix 

We love supporting Sreten and his crazy BMW projects because its the most relatable content on RU-vid to date. Sreten is us. We are Sreten. In a world overflowing with horrible content creators with their hands always out begging for free parts for brand new cars we have a humble and talented guy who lives and breathes BMWs (we don't penalize him for the Maserati) and has the same passion as our own BimmerWorld employees and its REALLY refreshing to see. We are looking forward to helping out all his fans either get their BMW on the road or keeping it on the road or getting it on track! Let us know how we can help! And as always - THANK YOU SRETEN for letting us help. Can't wait to see you back in the US. It better be an East Coast trip!!!

Thank you again for getting my father's car running again. Lots of memories in it for my father and stealing it when he was out of the states when I was younger for me. Cannot tell you how happy I am to see him so thrilled that it's running again. It's not every day I get to see him this emotional, this car was his baby from the time I was 8 years old. Thank you again from the bottom of my whole families hearts.

"I'm going to Hawaii on my honeymoon and I'm going to make a video." The recorded video is 1:06:39 long. Of that, the Hawaii scene lasts a total of 39 seconds, and the rest of the video is BMW-related topics. You gotta love this man

50:35 - "We're going out to dinner, to celebrate the revival of this car!", he said to his wife on his honeymoon, legendary!

Hearing how emotional Doug was about seeing the car alive again was so heartwarming, a true carlover who kept this car in basically immaculate condition. Thank you Doug and Sreten for saving another E31!

Sreten is singlehandedly saving doomed BMW's on 2 different continents! Man deserves all the recoginition he gets and then some.

Mr. Freeze did a great job, now that's what Dry Ice Blasting should be like.

You are unbelievable. You shipped all the necessary parts to Phoenix, then you flew there and worked in someone's garage to bring the old E31 back to life. What a beautiful story, kudos to you man.

@50:27 "I'm getting the look.." we've all been there 🤣🤣

Guy nearly shipped the dojo abroad inside those many boxes, an absolute maniac . LOVE that!

I dont have the smallest attention span, but the fact that i just watched this 1 hour long video without pausing once is amazing! you truly know how to make good videos!!!

Shout out to "Mrs. 539 Restorations" for being an awesome Spouse. Good job to everyone involved, the original owner did the right thing, it just took the right person to come along and get the work done.

02:35 "...this is my Sixth, or Seventh E31..." Not a comment one hears every day!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

You must have the best wife, because you dated her for several year's, and then she married you knowing that you have a slight car addiction lol. The part about her reading while you drive has always cracked me up, especially when you said i believe it was the Alpina that passed the reading test. Tthe stuff you did on the honey moon is great to, at least you married a woman who understands your passion for fixing these car's. You have saved many that would have ended up as parts car's, and the n saved a few that would have been destroyed by an owner who would have just driven them to their death, or the salt would have gotten them. Thanks for all the great content, and all the long hour's of working on the car's, and then all the time involved in editing and getting the video's for us to enjoy. You have the best humor, and whenever you get hurt or surprised, the way your voice changes to a high pitch cracks me up. I struggle daily to keep moving and to be as active as i can, because i do not want to be in a wheelchair, which is why i work on car's when i can. I have progressive MS with muscle wasting, and old injuries from a bad work accident that leave me in some tough pain. I just came in from doing some work on my 1954 m38a1 jeep willys, and every time i do anything the pain before and after is beyond my being able to think straight half the time. My neurologist told me that if i didn't keep trying to move and build back up my muscles, I'd be looking at the wheelchair. I was happy to see a new video from you, because it helps get my head straight through this pain, and when i laugh, it just helps. So thanks Streten, you help people in ways you don't know. G-d bless you, the wife, and that dang cute mutsy.

One oft the MOST UNDERRATED RU-vidR in this century.

This is why I been following M539 restorations for years; seeing Sreten bringing those classic BMWs back to life makes me happy. Great episode!

Man, that man Harold from freezeblast is very kind. You can tell from his face he is a good person.

This man has driven, owned, and worked on more E31s than most people have ever even seen. I can't speak highly enough of your skill and passion, Sreten! Cheers from NC!

It's a heartwarming moment to see Sreten eyes glowing when e31 rise like phoenix form eternal sleep. That 850 is the unicorn of the e31! Everything is original, wow! Great job again Sreten!

Harold is a GREAT dude. A WEALTH of knowledge! He used to be a staple in bimmerforums when I was active there.

Welcome to my home of Phoenix Sreten. The home of rust-free classics.

This Video is so wholesome, you can hear in Doug's voice how much it means to him that you revived that Car Well done as always Sreten!

I miss my Mauritius blue 850i -92 (Manual) with white seats... 🥲 Bought the car in Eslöv (Sweden) 2000 and sold it 2007 for a fraction of the buying price. 2006 i drove with my old mother in the back seat from Stockholm to Skåne on E4 in ~3,5 hours 550km... Perfect marching speed for this highway train! She didnt even notice that i was way, way over the speed limit for that road until we got home in such short time and got angry with me for driving that fast...😀 Sold the car for two reasons... Sometimes the engine only run on 11 cylinders (didnt find the fault) and i could not fit a child trolley in the boot... Loved this car so much! 🥰

Amazing trip. Your comment, "What happened to you BMW", sums up my feelings about their current range.

This is how a BMW should sound nowadays... A good engine with a good gearbox and with three pedals ❤ Man, I love your US videos 😊

How has this man not got more subs he is by far the best mechanic and in depth knowledge of vehicles on RU-vid by far massive loves from the uk

I would never recommend this channel, you make everything seem so easy and straight forward it'd give anyone the confidence to open up their car, love the content

Hearing the emotion of Doug in the moment the car cranked was special.

Just laughed so hard when the torque wrench started clicking bolting the wheels

As much as I appreciate Sreten's attention to detail, the Santa Barbara connection always wins me over.

For everyone that loves car and these real BMW s you are doing gods work.

Bimmerworld ships the fastest and has been the best vendor I’ve used for my BMWs. Love them and this collaboration :-)

I'm a die hard Audi guy but there are some BMWs I have always loved as well... the 850 being one of them. Love seeing them revived and definitely appreciate the level of OCD Sreten has when going through these cars in his shop. I wish I had the time and space to do the same with my Audis. Added bonus hearing Doug's reaction to the car running... I get it. Bless you sir.

‘Divorce?’ had me in tears 49:50 😂

This is a special build because you took time off your honeymoon (thank you to your wife for always letting you do what you love) to respond to Doug. You passionately restored a classic BMW in the man's garage and you gave him one last ride. Thank you for sharing these moments.

This might be my favorite M539 episode ever! Thanks for sharing your time hear. What a special E31, and Doug seemed genuinely happy to see it running again. Also much respect to your wife to put up with your crazy car journeys.

Very touching, how happy the owner is!

"Honey, can I please fix a broken BMW on our Honeymoon?"😅😅😅😂😂😂

You know he is kind pure hearted guy, not a single hate comment in this entire section. Man he loves his work and we love you working on these.✌

54:50 - "What happened to you BMW...?" Sreten, I felt that rock on my heart too :(

I was so excited to see this episode in my inbox. I am now riveted to the screen. The best channel on you tube by a country mile. My only Patreon subscription - and always will be. Just amazing to see how you can raise these old BMW's from the dead. Awe inspiring - Thank you.

I thoroughly enjoy the juxtaposition between Sreten's way of doing things properly with vintage BMWs and Junkyard Digs's "if it spins, it'll run - and if it doesn't spin that doesn't mean it won't run" 😄 Both very enjoyable!

Carmakers used to make cars worthy of the love and care that Doug showed this wonderful car. How many cars of that level are made today? 😔

The climate in arizona has kept this car free of rust.

I also own a manual E31 850i, and it's been sitting for about 10 years, but I aim to get it back on the road very soon! They are just wonderful cars.❤ Thank you for the inspiration.

Oh yeah the southern hospitality and the fact the owner is glad someone from so far away can come and revive this icon is absolutely beautiful! Love the video as always. Enjoy the trip!

Man those old beemers are just something else, German engineering ❤

You GOTTA do more Survive & Drive segments with different BMWs…Top tier production as always 🔥.. Sretan the 🐐❗️

Your wife is a saint!! Thank you to her for allowing you to make this video on the way to Hawaii!! Love the car and the story behind it, always one of my favorite models of BMW. Your work and videos are always a highlight when they drop. Cudos to the old owner for keeping the car garaged and in such great shape. I was so excited to hear him on the video and he sounded so excited meeting you and restored his car. Enjoy Hawaii, if you can watch the sunrise on top of Mt Haleakala you won’t be disappointed.

What a great save! BMW Gods have chosen Sreten as their Earth representative doing good deeds!

I've scrolled through hundreds of comments and there is not one bad comment, only admiration, gratefulness, and genuine love... Sreten, you've broken the Internet, well done sir 👏 Another excellent video, I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for ice blasting redemption on your E31

What a beautifully emotional episode, thank you Sreten for the content you create and the cars you save! A lot of thanks definitely has to go to your missus for the support she gives you, you absolutely shine!

I live in Phoenix and have my personal little fleet of rust free BMW’s and Mercedes. There’s a robust BMW community in the Phoenix area with several Indy BMW shops. To see the ease of this repair Doug could have had this car up and running with local support and been enjoying this E31 all these years. Definitely brave to take this car back to California. I-10 is a long, much of it desolate 5-6 hour drive through a lot of desert.

Amazing new international adventure! Beautiful specimen indeed. Your channel has generated so much love for so many car enthusiasts around the world, it's truly remarkable. Hope you never get tired of reviving those mechanical jewels

Jeremy Clarkson was right when he said: "we do this (car show) now, tomorrow someone else will replace us..." Utterly enjoyable. Great car but also great nature and stories. Keep it going!

Once again world slows down for an hour and there's peace. Thank you Sreten, and what a honeymoon that is! :D

Only Sreten fixes e31 on a honeymoon! Congrats and best wishes🎉🎉

What a warm episode, Steten. Greetings to your best half for supporting you on this journey 🎉

My E34 has a host of issues and was having a bad day when this came up... therapeutic 1 hour of awesomeness. Now I'll get my car done and dusted

I was wondering how much longer I would have to wait to see a Black on Black E31 and I'm glad to say that I wasn't disappointed. Every video you upload is time well spent and new things learned, Sreten. On behalf of myself and my fictional character Signorina/Miss Vienna Della Neri©™ allow me to say GRAZIE for reviving this great beauty. P.S My congratulations to you and Maria. I hope it's an unforgettable honeymoon. Hawaii is wonderful.

Not even a Bimmer guy but love your channel. Dont ever change mate.

Svaka čast tvojoj ženi kada trpi da i na medenom mesecu padne neko sređivanje starih bembara.

Not even half of the video and I'm extremely moved. Thanks for sharing that moment! Wow! ❤

The world needs more guys like yourself and doug and not forgetting bimmerworld

This is extra special to watch living in Phoenix knowing you were so close and saved this beautiful, classic BMW. Love this channel 🙏🏻 Btw, after watching the rest of the video you were minutes away from me in Scottsdale quarter. That Mexican food was from Sol I believe 😂

This was one the best episodes ever, what a beautiful car, what a beautiful journey. thank you so much for sharing this with us, can't say how much i enjoyed it. also wish you and your wife the happiest life. much love

And a dream for me to have one. But I can't afford it so I will stick to watching your videos and just dreaming to see one of this pieces of art with my eyes in person. Amazing man, no more words!

Great video! Glad Mr Freeze showed you the possibilities of dry ice blasting, and there is a M539 approved shop in the area. I’m going to make an appointment for my W124 E320 soon!

Awwww what a lovely guy. I choked up when he was so happy it started.

Fantastic! And wedding gifts for your new wife! A socket set and used fuel pump! I can see the delight beaming from her face !

Cudos to your wife for putting up with all this since most would use a rental😊 you should make a character for one of your videos that give you “the look”😂

The way you started the video, I was thinking, he's a dead man, LOL! Good thing you followed through on the Hawaii thing. Plus congrats on tying the knot!!!

Your reaction when you get it back on the road is pure joy

M539 is really the Doctor of E31

One of the best episodes to watch so far! Loved every minute of it, thanks for taking us along

Great episode! Happy to be a Patreon!😊

like a classic concert, in order, with system and a program. Or like a jazz session. All the instruments / tools are in their place and working their part. A pleasure as always. learned a lot through your vids and even if i dont have my own shop, doing a lot by myself on my own, working in hobby shops. i really started to like it. thanks a lot appriciate it as always. Thanks my friend, and a honour to see you rejuvenate the cars from my M town back to life, pure love to see.

"I wanna buy that, but it needs to be broken" .... just golden!

Killer episode - V12 madness again!

Love getting the notification of a new episode right as I sit down for lunch.

Well, well....long time fan, but today I find out Dr. Sret makes house calls !!!......his expertise, enthusiasm ABD dedication are second to none. A close second for Bimmerworld !!! I am Inspired, thanks y'all !!!

As a Gaucho I approve of the freebirds love! Always nice to see you back in beautiful SB

Congratulations and future blessings on your marriage. Great video !

Wow, hearing the guy get emotional and thanking Streten hit me kinda hard. That was just beautiful. ❤

One of my favorite projects you have had, and respect for restoring this beautiful E31 back to road.

Wow. Guy came through with a real ice blast. Car looked amazing. Stunning example. Such a shame you are not taking it back to Germany.

Yeeesssss! Running in instructions on the windscreen, I miss those from my E36 M3. Love the MK Motorsports rims on the red E31 look great, had a set of those on an E36 back in the day too.

Sreten, you are the guy. A proper legend! And the owner seems so happy! Well done.

Classic. Pro Tip for the Twist seat issue. Pull the inner square spring cable out and hit it with a hammer on a hard surface while rotating the spring wire. This is a better alternative then cutting the outer sleeve guard. Done it on my E31's and my E39.

Awesome video Sreten! enjoyed watching this journey. Very happy to see another E31 being saved by you.

It’s nice to see the old trademark orange display lights. I miss that glow

Beautiful. But I've come to expect nothing less from you Sreten. I always get excited when you fly out to the US cause you always surprise us with a beautiful restoration. Best channel on RU-vid.

The spacious, dry and well vented garage saved this BMW's precious life.

Absolutely love it! Love everything about it.

Glad you had the perfect honeymoon dude. Man I love 850is, dream car..

This is better entertainment than anything on UK TV (inc SKY) on 17th April 2024!

I have the same toolkit. It's fantastic! Been handling anything I threw at it AND I still have all my 10 mm sockets!

It's a timeless classic. A proper beautiful and astonishing BMW. It's not some fake crossover FWD 3cyl shit.

Even tho i never owned a german car but i still love it and i was so happy to watch these moments and felt like i owned an E31 for a while keep this journey alive

C'est absolument hallucinant l'état de conservation de cette magnifique e31 !!! tout est magnifiquement d'origine telle qu'elle devait être à sa sortie d'usine ! Merci beaucoup de nous avoir fait vivre un tel moment à cet endroit ! Bravo et encore merci ! En effet Bimmer World est très intéressant ;-) De plus je viens de découvrir l’existence de Dinan 7 & 8 v12 Bi Turbo, c'est juste incroyable !!! Alpina n'y avait pas pensé le faire ? It's absolutely amazing the state of conservation of this magnificent e31!!! everything is beautifully original as it must have been when it left the factory! Thank you very much for giving us such a moment at this place! Well done and thank you again! Indeed Bimmer World is very interesting ;-) Moreover I have just discovered the existence of Dinan 7 & 8 v12 Bi Turbo, it’s just incredible!!! Alpina hadn't thought about doing it?