Originally Posted by David Williams' date='Dec 8 2004, 09:49 AM

No I'm not a lawyer (an engineer actually) but I work with enough to know how this song and dance works.

It is doesn't carry the same part number, it isn't the same part.? If it isn't the same part, the testing done with one part doesn't apply to the other (unless there are provisions in the regulations to qualify the part by analysis to similar parts which means you are spending money on engineering calculations in place of testing).

Also, even though they look like the same part: are they the same material, the same thickness, do they behave the same way when they run into a crash barrier?

By the way, crash testing is just one of the hoops that manufacturers have to jump through to sell their cars in the US. It is not done to protect them legally; it's just needed to meet a regulation.? And yes you can change the bumper out after you recieve the car.? There is nothing illegal about that.? You are not the manufacturer.? If I were a dealer, I would think twice about swapping out the bumpers since it is considered a safety part.?

If you were to have an accident and there was an injury that was the result of or had an increased severity due to your replaced bumper, you might could be held responsible for damages.? A long shot I know, but lawyers have made lots of money on stupider things.

Originally Posted by speedracerF4i' date='Dec 8 2004, 11:08 AM

I say, if M-pack was available for 03 E39 540i, then they shouldn't have any problem importing and test-crash the new m-bumpers.? I don't think BMW will bother putting a new bumper for E39 on its last production year, if the gain in sales would not offset the costs of making it available.?

There is no reason fighting BMW on their stand.? If you really wanted the m-bumper, you can wait till the M5's parts becomes available, and hope it will fit your E60. Or get Bekker's bumper.? Or wait until E60's last years, I am sure BMW will offer it to spice up sales dip of the outgoing model.

Originally Posted by speedracerF4i' date='Dec 8 2004, 11:08 AM

[quote name='David Williams' date='Dec 8 2004, 09:49 AM']No I'm not a lawyer (an engineer actually) but I work with enough to know how this song and dance works.


There is no reason fighting BMW on their stand. If you really wanted the m-bumper, you can wait till the M5's parts becomes available, and hope it will fit your E60. Or get Bekker's bumper. Or wait until E60's last years, I am sure BMW will offer it to spice up sales dip of the outgoing model.

Originally Posted by e60beast' date='Dec 16 2004, 01:02 PM

and don forget $1400 for dealer instal fee <_<


Hey guys,

Just to add to this...
I had a MY2001 e39 530ia, and I wanted to add the M sport Package (front bumper and rear apron available in MY02/03 in North America as an option) and apparently there was a slew of other parts needing to go into/under the aprons to get proper fitment! in fact, a total of 48 other parts on top of the aprons!!!? ? plus labour. I think it amounted to quoting nearly three times the price, CA$1600 for the kit (front and rear aprons) CA$1400 labour, add another CA$2000 for other parts and painting, ie, lower engine cover, air ducts, clips, M5 wheel liners, washer jet replacement, PDC re-wiring, buffer strips, exhaust overhaul, what looked like a $1600 kit - suddenly became a $5k project just to make the kit fit!... Things could be totally different for the E60, and I could be totally wrong... Im just putting in my two cents cause I dont think this is a just a bolt-on kit, and kinda preparing you guys for the worst.
Keep us posted though, the M-kit look amazing!

Cheers

Originally Posted by speedracerF4i' date='Dec 16 2004, 04:14 PM

If the m-bumper was costing this much to have, I would probably just get the Hamann one.? Or maybe just leave it alone.? After owning your car for a year, you'll probably loose any interest in modding it.

Originally Posted by m630' date='Dec 16 2004, 03:41 PM

.. it makes the car, IMHO, and i plan to keep my E60 5-6years as it will be optioned out,? and its not just bumpers, its a complete package from interior, to exterior, steeringwheel, rims, door sills , and color choices....