<![CDATA[BMW v8 engine coffee table project]]>Who doesn't want a piece of a car in their living room? (besides your wife)

Well I do! Been drooling over engine coffee tables everywhere I see them, and I love model building, so it was inevitable for me to do this.

The opportunity presented itself when I bought a blown-engine e34 for the rest of the drivetrain, so I saved a bunch of the parts to make this happen.

I'm sure you've seen plenty of these projects, but usually they just take the block and spray paint it and call it a day.

I'm taking a different route and using the top end of the m60 instead of the block.  It will be the heads, the intake manifold/throttle body, and I'm going to carve a replica portion of the block out of wood to save weight and size.

Step 1: Disassemble

This is pretty straight forward, and I didn't take any pics.

Only special step is I rented a valve spring compressor from autozone and made a custom tool out of conduit ( 3" long x 1" conduit), as the spring tool does not have the reach to get down in the lifter holes.

Here's a picture of the valve stem seals after the valves have been removed.

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Step 2: Clean

I'm individual washing and scrubbing every part.

The heads were really gross, and cleaning inside them is far too difficult, so I had Kyle chemically wash them at his shop (Thanks Kyle)

After cleaning

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Step 3: Prep and paint

I'll be cleaning/polishing all gasket surfaces that will be visible, as well as the hydraulic lifters, and some various bits.

Here i've done the polishing on one head and masked them for paint

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I'm spraying the heads and various parts with duplicolor silver wheel paint. it has a good metallic finish that looks alot like bare aluminum to me. I've used it on some wheel refinishing with good results.

Paint finished on the head and lifters and valve springs cleaned and reinstalled.

XHZEOve.jpg

I'll update with more pictures as I go!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/topic/4015/bmw-v8-engine-coffee-table-projectRSS for NodeWed, 16 Sep 2026 05:45:41 GMTWed, 30 Sep 2015 18:01:14 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Thu, 19 Jan 2017 01:49:17 GMT]]>Nice.

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75885https://wibimmers.com/post/75885Thu, 19 Jan 2017 01:49:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Thu, 19 Jan 2017 00:29:43 GMT]]>My first thought when I read that "she wants a BMW engine coffee table" was

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75883https://wibimmers.com/post/75883Thu, 19 Jan 2017 00:29:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 23:40:35 GMT]]>8c95cf22ead6ab93d80cd4ede4dedd4b.jpg

Want cute kids: "marry hot". Bonus if likes cars. She was envious when I got my x5: "when do I get mine"!?

Answer: 3.5 months later. We have his n hers 2001 e53/M54.

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75882https://wibimmers.com/post/75882Wed, 18 Jan 2017 23:40:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:50:58 GMT]]>that makes sense! black was definitely the fall back color if the chrome turned out crappy.

i tried the latex caulk, too, just as you describe,  but the beads were very round (not flat like stacked coins). then i tried to flatten the beads, but the latex just smears when you touch it, even with water or oil as a barrier.

your wife WANTS an engine table? you, sir, are winning.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75876https://wibimmers.com/post/75876Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:50:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:05:34 GMT]]>

straight6pwr said:

part do you think piano black would be good for?

The header plates. It wasn't clear when I first posted, I thought you were simply going to cover the exhaust ports with the flat piece of wood. What you did was perfect really.

I'd have used some "low quality latex caulk" for the welds because after a few test beads you should be able to simulate welding bead. Your solution is probably better long term as it will be harder and less likely to flake.

The circ. saw blades have come a long way. I have a "bad blade" designed to cut anything so I don't have to switch blades to cut a metal bar or a framing board. I do have specific blades that go much faster through metal or wood though.

Showed my wife the latest pic of your project and her reply "I want one of those in my living room". Guess that is some good feedback.

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75875https://wibimmers.com/post/75875Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:05:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 18:11:50 GMT]]>my-brain-is-full-of-fuck.jpg

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75863https://wibimmers.com/post/75863Wed, 18 Jan 2017 18:11:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 18:03:36 GMT]]>thanks.

still - what are you talking about? there is no 'wood grain' anywhere on the table....

the only wood is the exhaust header plates, which were filled/sanded/painted chrome and someone couldn't tell they are wood by looking at them.

what part do you think piano black would be good for?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75861https://wibimmers.com/post/75861Wed, 18 Jan 2017 18:03:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 17:41:56 GMT]]>Unless perhaps black and rubbed to a smooth hard finish. Yeah I went there. Seriously though piano finish black vs wood grain. Absolutely love the engine block table and super smart to add the wheels

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75859https://wibimmers.com/post/75859Wed, 18 Jan 2017 17:41:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 06:31:02 GMT]]>

andrewwynn said:

Wood doesn't feel right I'd have used clear plexi or metal/paint the wood (maybe with BMW logo and the black/gray stripes like engine cover) otherwise fantastic idea.

huh?

wood doesn't feel right - that's what he said.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75844https://wibimmers.com/post/75844Wed, 18 Jan 2017 06:31:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Tue, 17 Jan 2017 22:03:07 GMT]]>Wood doesn't feel right I'd have used clear plexi or metal/paint the wood (maybe with BMW logo and the black/gray stripes like engine cover) otherwise fantastic idea. I have a rim from my first favorite car been aiming to do similar for a while

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/75838https://wibimmers.com/post/75838Tue, 17 Jan 2017 22:03:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Mon, 08 Aug 2016 22:15:18 GMT]]>thank you sir!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/71020https://wibimmers.com/post/71020Mon, 08 Aug 2016 22:15:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Mon, 08 Aug 2016 21:43:19 GMT]]>lVQOvxM.jpg

My Gawd. Nice work man it looks epic!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/71018https://wibimmers.com/post/71018Mon, 08 Aug 2016 21:43:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:32:03 GMT]]>Thanks, guys!  fortunate/unfortunate that I get to rock it right in the living room for now.

REKIII said:

Very cool.....gonna be a pain to dust though.

do you mean powerwash? :)

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70621https://wibimmers.com/post/70621Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:32:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 22 Jul 2016 11:52:33 GMT]]>Beautiful job!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70607https://wibimmers.com/post/70607Fri, 22 Jul 2016 11:52:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 22 Jul 2016 10:15:38 GMT]]>Very cool.....gonna be a pain to dust though.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70606https://wibimmers.com/post/70606Fri, 22 Jul 2016 10:15:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 22 Jul 2016 09:14:41 GMT]]>It aint no LS E30 project, but I guess its alright. [emoji14]

Not only is the execution great, but the design and how you chose what to keep/remove from the engine.

Im going to show this off to everyone now

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70605https://wibimmers.com/post/70605Fri, 22 Jul 2016 09:14:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 22 Jul 2016 02:20:05 GMT]]>Thats incredible

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70603https://wibimmers.com/post/70603Fri, 22 Jul 2016 02:20:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 22 Jul 2016 02:18:33 GMT]]>Amazing!!!!!!!

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70602https://wibimmers.com/post/70602Fri, 22 Jul 2016 02:18:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 22 Jul 2016 02:15:08 GMT]]>Wow...I need to find a spare m42 now

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70601https://wibimmers.com/post/70601Fri, 22 Jul 2016 02:15:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 22 Jul 2016 01:27:33 GMT]]>dun dun dun! finally finished with photos - didnt get great shots, lighting was a little dramatic, but they'll have to do.

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70600https://wibimmers.com/post/70600Fri, 22 Jul 2016 01:27:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 01 Jul 2016 23:56:45 GMT]]>lol, leadballs.  apartment to apartment in the same building, so no agent. homeowner-ship? then I would have no monies for dumb stuff like engine tables.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70188https://wibimmers.com/post/70188Fri, 01 Jul 2016 23:56:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 01 Jul 2016 23:38:48 GMT]]>Where did you move, and more importantly was leadballs your agent?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70186https://wibimmers.com/post/70186Fri, 01 Jul 2016 23:38:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 01 Jul 2016 20:37:25 GMT]]>ok so no update in a while for a number of reasons, but mainly i had to move this month so i didnt want to do final assembly only to tear it down and do it again.

here's a sneak preview of all the parts, should be together in a couple days.

ZcejNWp.jpg

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/70178https://wibimmers.com/post/70178Fri, 01 Jul 2016 20:37:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to BMW v8 engine coffee table project on Fri, 15 Apr 2016 05:16:16 GMT]]>

Doorman said:

Etched glass as in etched on the top itself?

wont that get ruined by spilled pop, pizza, juice boxes, those little white speckles on sno-caps and mess up doing lines of coke on the top?

I vote laser engraved plaque!

lol lines of coke.

glass would be etched (in reverse) on the bottom of the glass. leaning towards the plaque since its possible for the glass to be lost or broken.

getting quotes/feasibility from a few places, but if anyone has a source for this sort of thing i'm all ears.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/67985https://wibimmers.com/post/67985Fri, 15 Apr 2016 05:16:16 GMT