norsecarnut

I'm confused a little, I assumed new bumpers were pretty much required and already are part of the M-tech kit...? What year is yours? Mine is 08 so it has parking sensors. I thought our 08+ cars were "LCI" ?? I also thought this Mtech stuff wasn't even available in the US as an option until 08+ so they ought to just bolt right on.

I think I missed an important aspect somewhere... and I'm sure anyone else interested won't mind the redundant clarification just to be sure

Thanks

TLO03

Ok, m tech kits were originally made for pre lci cars. It was juss the molded abs or whatever material. I believe it was an option pre 08 (pre lci). When the lci 's came out they actually made some structural changes. Which would be the bumpers. Bottom line is if you have a pre lci e60/61.that would have a production date before 02/08. And that would not be a 535 xit cuz that's the date they started making them. Before that, they would be a 530xit usdm. All you would need to buy from the BMW accessories catalog would be mtech. I think it's $1700 paint it. Remove the bumper covers and replace with your new paint m tech kit. It's a ground effects kit. For lack of a better term.

For lci cars you have to do all of the above plus install pre lci bumpers. When I say bumpers I mean the hard parts you can't see unless you take the covers off.

I know I am a tuff read I hope this helps.

My next post will include pics..lol

TLO03

here's a clear breakdown of whats needed.. post #19,, this is pretty easy wait till you want m5 mirrors.

https://5series.net/forums/topic/103...t/page__st__15

norsecarnut

perfect, great info and that list is most helpful too. Not I know what you meant by "bumpers", makes sense, not just bumper covers but lots of junk behind them too. thanks!

janfrb

The cheapest way to mount m-tech on the E60/E61 with PDC after facelift, is to buy the bodykit without pdc, and drill holes by yourself, before painting There are marks (+) back of the bumper where the holes should be, make 18mm holes Then move the pdc holders from your old bumpers, attached with double-sided tape (easy to remove with a knife), and attach them with new tape Then you can use the pdc and wires you already have

alexio

ok, thanks for this. I was wondering how all these U.S. cars that are post LCI (I just learned what that means) have these nice sporty bumpers. I just bought an 08 535xi where an M5 bumper was placed on front end, and I think it needs the correct rear bumper badly. So, to recap... I should buy a Pre-LCI bumper and then just drill out the holes and use existing parts to finish the PDC install... I think this is the first complete answer i've found, great!

What is the best and/or cheapest brand that manufacturers these bumpers?

alexio

Just talked to a dealer, and they told me the PDC sensors CANNOT be re-used as the ones on the m-tech kit are bigger than regular ones... (maybe this is where you're referring to drilling 18 holes?)... doesn't make sense to me though.

Anyway, this is what I was quoted for the rear bumper:

These are the parts needed for a conversion

51127897267 Bumper cover 583.00
51127897269 Tow flap 9.65
51111973721 H/ strap .62
51127897215 Cover diffuser 43.00
07149156623 Screw X 4 .56
07146954937 Nut X 4 0.14
51127897195 Mount 24.00
51127897196 Mount 24.00
51127897144 Guide 20.00
66206989105 Sensor Black? 156.00 X 4
61126928366 Cable assm 58.00
Total 1389.03
Plus shipping

janfrb

http://nettbutikk.gsbildeler.no/open...lder/27333.gif

Look at this link, the text is in Norwegian, but the part numbers and the picture should be helpful When i change rear bumper i used 51127897195 and 51127897196 (5 on picture), 51127897144 (6 on picture, 7 is for trailer hitch) and 51127033712 (1 on picture, I think you just can remove the old, to save some money) I also change the cover under air compressor (14 on picture in link under 51717897205)

http://nettbutikk.gsbildeler.no/open...lder/27827.gif


http://nettbutikk.gsbildeler.no/open...lder/29597.gif

The tow flap 51127897269 and 51111973721 H/ strap, was attached to the bumper cover 51127897267 (51127897266 without pdc), so i donīt think you need it....

screws and nuts: I used the ones I had...

Sensors and cable: used the old like described in earlier post Use bumper cover 51127897266 without pdc, and move pdc holders from your old bumper...

Looks realy nice on my car, and the sensors are less visible

alexio

thank you so much for such detailed information. Knowing that someone has done this is confidence-inspiring, so I think i can go ahead and order parts now.


One last question, I noticed that some aftermarket vendors sell the bumper cover (the visible part) for quite a bit less than the OEM BMW part... has anyone used any aftermarket vendors? (I think I use Umnitza mentioned?...) or should I go for the OEM and play it safe as far as fit and finish go?

alexio

Guys,

i talked to Umnitza today, and they have a shop called FederalAutoBody around the corner from them who have performed 15+ e61 LCI mtech rear bumper installs... the people at federalautobody were incredibly well-informed about all the fit issues, and modifications required. Their email is federalautobody@gmail.com, tell them Alex sent you as i promised them I would spread the word about their excellent level of customer service and knowledge.

they also suggested against the v3 as with a wet-noodle chassis structure like our E61's have, these are too stiff. The suggestion was to go with the BMW sport suspension shocks/springs as these would lower the car without compromising ride. I realize this may be a controversial subject, so I'm just relaying what I've heard, have no opinion on the matter.

hope this helps.