M5 Bumper Conversion (in full detail and pics)

[Jo@EuroDyne]

moved...

[328iThizz]

thats hot

[S54MATL]

looks great!! where did you purchase from? did it come pre painted?

[Jo@EuroDyne]

i got it from this vendor based from taiwan. had it prepainted from them as well. $715 painted and shipped. thats why it took 3 months. if i were you, buy somewhere local...

[Jo@EuroDyne]

thanks by the way for the compliments...i just hope this thread will help future m5 convertors...=)

[SHWELL]

Get us some more pics. I want to see how it lines up to the fenders. Great looking ride, shit I thought it looked great b4 the conversion... That HID conversion also seems straight forward... Nice job...

[98bimmer]

nice ya more pics please, and you saw it on ebay prepainted right?

[oekundar]

excellent...about time...I know you were debating this for a while...welcome to the dark side!... :)

[WagOnBagz]

Do you have any day time pix??

[dinan e39]

sick, sick, sick. damn that looks good! great job. can't wait to do that to mine.

[Alpina540i]

Awesome looking great job...
Can you take pictures of the bolts that must be un screwed in the fender liners?

[sunnywala]

looks great...good write up.
did u replace the fender liners with m5 ones? what about the under engine bay cover?

[brandon5069]

Thank you!!!!
I'll be printing this out and using it this weekend.

[PJB]

Very nice ride ... before as well as after

[e39dream]

hotness.

I had a friend help hold mine when I put it on. def. recommend a helper.

If my name were Brandon I'd be installing my bumper like oh, 3 days ago :)

[328i e46]

:eek: SIC!!!

[brandon5069]

hotness.

I had a friend help hold mine when I put it on. def. recommend a helper.

If my name were Brandon I'd be installing my bumper like oh, 3 days ago :)

:rofl

I have to work, bro! Cut me some slack :D

I did install my M5 rear swaybar after work the other day....:dunno

[Ellicit]

sweet!!!!

[Jo@EuroDyne]

thanks for the comments guys. really appreciate it. and nope i don't have day time photos yet. i did just install it last night and though doing the write up was more a priority. I'll take pics of it maybe tuesday since that's my next day off...now for the concerns of lining up the bumper with the vendor, that's where I was surprised. about a quarter of inch apart. i'm a perfectionist, and it actually didn't bug me at all...if i worked with another person, i bet i couldve done better. i also didn't mess with adjusting the plastic latches on the side. if i did, it couldve been lined up perfectly.

98bimmer, yup got it from xci sport. not really recommended. very slow on shipping. but if ur willing to wait go for it.

sunnywala. not necessary at all. used the same fender liner. as for the under carriage cover, not either since i plan on putting on a hamann or ac schnitzer splitter first eventually...

[TommyT]

Did you not attached the bumper to the middle metal carrier piece using rivets?

[Quiksilver7]

So the normal fender liners work with the M5 bumper?

I need to replace mine (both the liners and the bumper) and I wanted to make sure that things will line up.

Thanks

[justinsan]

great write up. ill refer to this in the future

[540-S3]

Were the brake duct rings located in the grill something you did. If so how? Also, are they functional?
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3395.jpg

[Jo@EuroDyne]

So the normal fender liners work with the M5 bumper?

I need to replace mine (both the liners and the bumper) and I wanted to make sure that things will line up.

Thanks

yes it does...only time id suggest changing to m5 liners is if you intend to put 20's on your car...which you shouldn't! =P

[Jo@EuroDyne]

Did you not attached the bumper to the middle metal carrier piece using rivets?

"8. time for the new bumper! i have my lights prepped with the bulb already attached to the main fog light housings and fog light borders. since i worked alone, i had a difficult time. prior to adjusting bumper on the securing side hooks, i had the fog lights connected, dangling, and already attached to the bumper...i screwed one bolt on the right side. once centered, i screwed the other bolt on to the left fender liner...i had much difficulty with the latter side so i decided to remove headlight housing for a better snug fit, then placed the headlight back on. i then placed the rivets on from center and slowly worked my way to each side..."

^yes i did.

[Jo@EuroDyne]

Were the brake duct rings located in the grill something you did. If so how? Also, are they functional?
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3395.jpg

"1. prepare all the goodies...made sure the bumper is laid on bubble wrap to avoid scratching...also placed the the fog light housing and border (bulb not yet) and the aa brake vent onto the spikes that hold the vent all around...don't worry about it falling, itll eventually be held tight by the radiator vent."

^active autowerkes from florida had this original concept. i bought this from a vendor for active autowerkes here in cali. many people have done knock offs by simply using metal casino cup holders or sink drains. yes they are functional. it allows more air to vent to the brakes and also to your air dam...

[540-S3]

^active autowerkes from florida had this original concept. i bought this from a vendor for active autowerkes here in cali.
I could not find anything on AA's site. Can you tell me who the local vendor is? Thanks!

[Jo@EuroDyne]

I could not find anything on AA's site. Can you tell me who the local vendor is? Thanks!

it's not on the site anymore. there are two people who do it here in cali. one is www.beastpower.com (http://www.beastpower.com). select 5 series, then scroll down along the left you'll find it. the other is a guy who gets it direct from his hook up at AA. he sells it on ebay. He's the only one who sells it there. search for "m5 brake grille."

[540-S3]

Got it - Thanks! Here is is: http://www.beastpower.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BMI&Product_Code=AA-BE39M-FG&Category_Code=aa
http://www.beastpower.com/products/aa/aa-cai-new3.jpg

[Alpina540i]

Why does it say that grill in the pic above costs 399.00 ?????

That must be for the bumper too... But why does it not say that?????????

[Hoss]

The Package Includes:

Front grille with 2 built-in CNC'd ducts





in addition, it only lists it as 15 pounds. so, i suppose it is just really expensive. and i dont think the bumper plus that would be only 399, if so, i think they would be doing A LOT more business....

[540-S3]

No wait! For only $899 you get all this:
http://www.beastpower.com/products/aa/aa-cai-m5-product.jpg

The link: http://www.beastpower.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BMI&Product_Code=AA-BE39M-CAI&Category_Code=aa

[Alpina540i]

So let me get this straight he paid 715.00 for the bumper and 400.00 for the grill and then 150 for xenon kit? so 1,265.00 should get you a good start thats if the bumper came with fog lights and trim.

1,300.00 for a bumper ??????????????

I would do unitzma - 400.00 bumper w/fogs 150.00 paint, 150.00 xenon.
700.00 done front bumper....

[Jo@EuroDyne]

So let me get this straight he paid 715.00 for the bumper and 400.00 for the grill and then 150 for xenon kit? so 1,265.00 should get you a good start thats if the bumper came with fog lights and trim.

1,300.00 for a bumper ??????????????

I would do unitzma - 400.00 bumper w/fogs 150.00 paint, 150.00 xenon.
700.00 done front bumper....

Let me get the total straight for you.

M5 Bumper with Foglight Housing (Alpine White Paint Inclusive) shipped: $715
Xenon 8000K HID Kit shipped: $100
AA Brake Vent Grille shipped: $320

Total is $1135.00.

You forgot the shipping charges from Unmitza. Also the brake vents from AA is different from the included grille with Unmitza. Another thing to is your paint job is really cheap. I guess that differs from state to state, taking into consideration standards of living. If I had it painted here with decent quality, I wouldve been charged around $300.

[Jo@EuroDyne]

No wait! For only $899 you get all this:
http://www.beastpower.com/products/aa/aa-cai-m5-product.jpg

The link: http://www.beastpower.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BMI&Product_Code=AA-BE39M-CAI&Category_Code=aa

you don't need all of that though...:D

[16valex]

When it comes to paint, you paid for what you get. In New York the minimum is $300.

[Alpina540i]

Well I must say I love your cars apperance just not the price. But it was worth it!!

I can get a great paint job for 200.00 in VA.

[Jo@EuroDyne]

Well I must say I love your cars apperance just not the price. But it was worth it!!

I can get a great paint job for 200.00 in VA.

Wow, $200 is what I was charged to get my previous oem lip spoiler painted. Thanks for the compliment...yeah it is a bit pricey, but needed to get the end result =)...

[racerx0911]

looks tight... love alpine white!

[brandon5069]

Thank you for creating this thread. I printed it out and used it to install my M5 bumper. Thank you!!!

Alpineweiss is so FTW!!!!

[quacktoduck]

Thank you for creating this thread. I printed it out and used it to install my M5 bumper. Thank you!!!

Alpineweiss is so FTW!!!!
alpine weiss ftw +1... now mtech front and rear... and i will feel better about myself...

[jonmcc]

looks awesome Jo!! cant wait to eventially see the rear one on there too :) and Im definitely feelin the brake duct grille, very cool

[Raff]

Hoy Pare, that is looking good man. More pics.

[Cb4h]

hey quick question as far as the rivets. I know maybe a stupid questions but did you reuse the rivets or did you have new ones? Thanks

CB4h

[Jo@EuroDyne]

hey quick question as far as the rivets. I know maybe a stupid questions but did you reuse the rivets or did you have new ones? Thanks

CB4h

a stupid question is a question not asked. that's a very valid one. anyway, i was able to use most of the old ones again, but i did break 4 of them...am fortunate enough to work for the dealership and my man inside hooked me up with 4 17 cent worth rivets...lol...

[Jo@EuroDyne]

looks awesome Jo!! cant wait to eventially see the rear one on there too :) and Im definitely feelin the brake duct grille, very cool

the rear is being painted as we speak! =) took a while for the order to come in since it was in backorder status for a month from germany. thanks for the compliments my friend...yes the brake vent grille gives it a nice distinction...

[Jo@EuroDyne]

looks tight... love alpine white!

thanks!!!

[Jo@EuroDyne]

Thank you for creating this thread. I printed it out and used it to install my M5 bumper. Thank you!!!

Alpineweiss is so FTW!!!!

not a prob man! hey brandon where in socal you at?

[Jo@EuroDyne]

Hoy Pare, that is looking good man. More pics.

thanks pare! i'll be seeing you at canyon meet right? anyway i just finished washing the car and promised others of daytime pics...here are some and more are coming...

the gaps that is starting to annoy me...very subtle, but you know its there...
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3404.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3405.jpg

grrr....
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3406.jpg

meow...
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3410.jpg

and just for kicks, wanted to share with you guys a future master tech/pit crew head...
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3403.jpg

[Jo@EuroDyne]

one more...
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3407.jpg

[GTP540]

Nice pics and great job. Welcome to the "Alpine Weis Hotness Mafia"!
I did the brake ducts myself. 3.25" hole saw bit and sink drains from home depot =$27.00 Fully functional with the old brake ducts. I have a great system for plumbing to the alternator as well!
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z40/GPerinis/Pictures038.jpg

[brandon5069]

not a prob man! hey brandon where in socal you at?

Car looks GREAT!!!!

I'm in Santa Ana. Right next to the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

What is this Canyon meet you speak of?

[Jo@EuroDyne]

Nice pics and great job. Welcome to the "Alpine Weis Hotness Mafia"!
I did the brake ducts myself. 3.25" hole saw bit and sink drains from home depot =$27.00 Fully functional with the old brake ducts. I have a great system for plumbing to the alternator as well!
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z40/GPerinis/Pictures038.jpg

$27??? oh well...i wouldn't be able to trust myself with drilling...thanks for the invitation to the mafia!

[Jo@EuroDyne]

Car looks GREAT!!!!

I'm in Santa Ana. Right next to the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

What is this Canyon meet you speak of?

I used to work there..then that means you have no excuse to miss out this meet!

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231997

[GTP540]

$27??? oh well...i wouldn't be able to trust myself with drilling...thanks for the invitation to the mafia!


Time to update that sig!!! Send it to the sig maestro's for a custom job ...there is a good thread where you can post pics and they'll hook you up!

[Jo@EuroDyne]

lol, no need sir...i'll be doing it myself. just waiting for the right angle of the sun for better picture taking...around 3pm the new sig will be up.

[Jo@EuroDyne]

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3421.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3417.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/m5%20bumper%20conversion/IMG_3415.jpg

[oekundar]

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!....love that Alpine white....:D

[Jo@EuroDyne]

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!....love that Alpine white....:D

thank you oekundar! always nice to hear it coming from one of my gurus!

[jonmcc]

ZOMG <3 <3 <3!!!!!!

[MCE39]

thanks by the way for the compliments...i just hope this thread will help future m5 convertors...=)

Thanks for posting your M5 bumper project. I also own a 2000 540 wagon in white with gray interior. I bought the Umnitza bumper a couple of months ago and have yet to fine the time to take it to a body shop for paint. Seeing your post has motivated me to get off my a$$ to get it done.

I check the Active Autowerkes website and could not find the brake vents. Is there another place I can purchase the brake vents?

Thanks,

Mike

[Jo@EuroDyne]

there's a guy in daly city who sells them! he also sells them on ebay. you can arrange pick up with him over there...here's a link to one he just sold, contact him through there...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=130160000136

remember these are originally AA's and not sink drains. if he doesn't have any, check also beastpower.com but theyre full priced at $400

[reelizmpro]

So....I just did my M5 bumper install and it was a littler harder than it seems from this write up. There were 4 hidden grommets that you have to remove from underneath and behind the grills in addition to the 6 behind the front trim. Also don't forget the 8mm bolts that secure the fender liners to the back of the bumper too.

Other than this, everything went alright. When I first installed it, the bumper appeared to be wayyyy short where it meets the fender so I'm going to realign it tomorrow when I have more time. Brandon??? any tips about the guide rails?

I also broke several of those plastic grommets/rivets as they were very brittle. I'll probably just order up new ones.

[kaptom540]

try moving square piece .. but not sure if this will help

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/kaptom540/bumperadjustmentside.jpg

[Jo@EuroDyne]

So....I just did my M5 bumper install and it was a littler harder than it seems from this write up. There were 4 hidden grommets that you have to remove from underneath and behind the grills in addition to the 6 behind the front trim. Also don't forget the 8mm bolts that secure the fender liners to the back of the bumper too.

Other than this, everything went alright. When I first installed it, the bumper appeared to be wayyyy short where it meets the fender so I'm going to realign it tomorrow when I have more time. Brandon??? any tips about the guide rails?

I also broke several of those plastic grommets/rivets as they were very brittle. I'll probably just order up new ones.

yup as stated on my 3rd step...

"3. there are 6 visible plastic rivets and 4 rivets underneath the bumper. push in the middle inserts of these rivets, then pull out the remaining."

the plastic grommets/rivets are $0.17 each from the dealership! =)

[reelizmpro]

yup as stated on my 3rd step...

"3. there are 6 visible plastic rivets and 4 rivets underneath the bumper. push in the middle inserts of these rivets, then pull out the remaining."

the plastic grommets/rivets are $0.17 each from the dealership! =)

My fault...I was going by memory at the time and didn't see them because they are hidden by the plastic grills. I was like wtf is still holding this thing on? I didn't want to force and break anything but I got the grill out and found them after about 20 minutes of messing with it. Haha.

I wonder if there is any adjustment in the bumper carrier at the shocks? I'll play with the guide rails tomorrow.

[kaptom540]

My fault...I was going by memory at the time and didn't see them because they are hidden by the plastic grills. I was like wtf is still holding this thing on? I didn't want to force and break anything but I got the grill out and found them after about 20 minutes of messing with it. Haha.

I wonder if there is any adjustment in the bumper carrier at the shocks? I'll play with the guide rails tomorrow.


i believe you can turn clock wise or counter clock wise with the bumper stops (not sure what it is called)

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/kaptom540/FrontBumper-TStop-A.jpg

[reelizmpro]

Hmmm interesting. I'd also like to add a reminder to this thread. When I sent the bumper to the paintshop I forgot all about the little square tow cover that comes with the rest of the trim pieces!

[reelizmpro]

Just picked up 5 new expanding rivots from South Bay BMW @ 0.71 cents each. They seemed to have updated them. The washer part is smaller and the plastic pin now has a head on it. They said that was the part they had for E39 and it should work fine. I had a hard time with the rubber behind the front grill and the upper bumper seal kept coming off each time I took the bumper off. The bumper ends are still short but I got tired of working on it and just let it be. I also installed my Ebay wide grills too =D. I'm very pleased with how the front turned out. Pics will follow.

[LuvMy328is]

Wow, $200 is what I was charged to get my previous oem lip spoiler painted. Thanks for the compliment...yeah it is a bit pricey, but needed to get the end result =)...
Where did you get the OEM add on lip? OR do you have the P/N? Wanna sell it?
~Phil

[Jo@EuroDyne]

Where did you get the OEM add on lip? OR do you have the P/N? Wanna sell it?
~Phil

I got it on ebay. It's not OEM. It yours with the bumper for $200 + shipping.

[supark]

i believe you can turn clock wise or counter clock wise with the bumper stops (not sure what it is called)

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/kaptom540/FrontBumper-TStop-A.jpg

Oh really?? That actually would solve my bumper alignment issues...

So to clarify - you can twist the red boxed fender support bracket to make it go in and out?

[reelizmpro]

Can anyone confirm this? I mean it looks like it's just a bumper shock and turning it would do nothing.

[Armonk25]

I'm just about to install my M5 bumper this thread has been most helpful -- but I have one question is it necessary to jack up the car and take the wheels off to take off the fender liners?
Jay

[Jo@EuroDyne]

I'm just about to install my M5 bumper this thread has been most helpful -- but I have one question is it necessary to jack up the car and take the wheels off to take off the fender liners?
Jay

no need to take off the fender liners! =) as for jacking up, not necessary too =)

[kaptom540]

Oh really?? That actually would solve my bumper alignment issues...

So to clarify - you can twist the red boxed fender support bracket to make it go in and out?

Im not sure .. had a gap issue with my bumper with the bodyshop and he mentioned he had turned the bumper stop ... plus I told him to play with the square piece on the side of the bumper .. there is slight movement

bumper is now perfect ..

[Doru]

moved...

So where did you hide it?

[Jo@EuroDyne]

So where did you hide it?

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234698&highlight=

[forcemax]

NOOOOOOOOO. You are WRONG !!! you cannot turn it anywhere!!!!:mad

i believe you can turn clock wise or counter clock wise with the bumper stops (not sure what it is called)

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/kaptom540/FrontBumper-TStop-A.jpg

[infinitjazz]

I just got my euro-dyne M5 bumper and I am curious as to how you addressed the alternator cooling duct? I was thinking about purchasing the oem foglight bezel with the cutout for the alternator duct and the duct itself but does anyone know if it will fit on the euro-dyne bumper?

[forcemax]

I just got my euro-dyne M5 bumper and I am curious as to how you addressed the alternator cooling duct? I was thinking about purchasing the oem foglight bezel with the cutout for the alternator duct and the duct itself but does anyone know if it will fit on the euro-dyne bumper?

EASY:) I`m put HAMANN [ copy of it ] fog light cover on my car and simple connect with ALTERNATOR !also will including pics of it!:buttrock

[infinitjazz]

EASY:) I`m put HAMANN [ copy of it ] fog light cover on my car and simple connect with ALTERNATOR !also will including pics of it!:buttrock

Thanks for the input, but I'd actually like to keep with the oem look so I just wanted to know if those parts would fit specifically with the euro-dyne bumper.

[jamesdc4]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234698&highlight=
Good job on getting Adam at M-Spec Performance to stop using your pic.

[forcemax]

Thanks for the input, but I'd actually like to keep with the oem look so I just wanted to know if those parts would fit specifically with the euro-dyne bumper.

What do you mean? This part [ HAMANN fog light cover ] simple plug and play with M5 bumper ! EURO-DYNE have exactly same bumper !!!