THE E39 M-TECH BUMPER CONVERSION- By BCM

I have noticed some ommissions on Peter's M5 bumper post. I hope this parts list will be helpful for comparing and correcting.

I have done extensive research into the M-Tech modification and completed the job on my 1998 Arctic Silver 528i Sport. If you are considering this modification, know that doing good research is critical to getting this job done right. First, understand that some parts in this conversion will vary if you have a V8 or I6 BMW E39. Your local dealers computer will not always have correct data about the parts needed. The computer will say that cars from certain years are incompatible with some of the needed parts. BMW does offer a Retrofit M Aerodynamic kit, (Part number: 51-71-0-027-250), this kit includes the front and rear bumpers and many of the parts below, but there are additional V8 or I6 specific parts that are necessary to complete the job. Most importantly, you will need to get front wheel liners and F.L. brackets to hold the new lower engine cover and the bumper on. Some parts in the kit will be left over because it includes V8 and I6 parts.

A: The M5 front wheel liners (listed below, 989,990) do not have cut outs to allow air to reach brakes, but they can be cut out to work. The M-Tech liners listed next (899/832) are made to be used in this modification and have the cutouts. Both liners have an essential support piece that attaches to the bottom of the front bumper.

B: The aluminum F.L. (Fender Liner) brackets, also called screening, vary between the I6 and V8. They are critical to attaching the front engine cover (also called “engine belly pan”, “undercarriage”, or “screening”) to the vehicle and routing air back to the brakes.

C: The I6 uses a special fog light frame on the driver's side that allows air to be funneled back to the alternator. M5's and the 2003 540i Sports that I have seen do not use this system. The BMW retrofit kit includes both styles of driver's side fog light covers, just make sure not to neglect duct work that could over heat your alternator.

D: There are two styles of fog lights available. This is purely a cosmetic decision. The ones listed as “clear” are like those on 2003 540i Sports. The ones listed as “ribbed” are taken from the M5 parts list. The plugs on the M fog lights are different from your standard E39 and need to be spliced with the four new contacts and two plugs.

E: The M-Tech rear bumper is the same for 540/530/528/525. Parts listed are for a single side exhaust. There are a few choices for exhausts. You can modify your factory exhaust with a new tip (for around $150) or purchase a new OEM or after market exhaust. If you want the cosmetic appearance of a M5 quad exhaust there are a few aftermarket options out there (Eisenmann). A real M5 quad exhaust will require a different lower insert and major modifications to your undercarriage and spare tire well. M5 rear wheel liners are an option.

F: The M-tech grill mesh (280) is designed to connect to the ducts for the brakes. It has attachment points for the “T-grill” that snaps in the middle of the large air intake. Personal preference will decide if this is for you. The M5 grill mesh (285) can be modified to work by drilling holes in the mesh and using cable ties to hold the ducts on.

G: I'm not sure why there are different part numbers for the actual front bumper piece. Just make sure you order one that will be compatible with your PDC or headlight washers if you have those options. I got the 507-part number from the M5 parts list. I got the 377 with my kit and it did not have headlight washers. The BMW parts screen had a “M-PDC” notation next to the 377 in the computer. I guess it meant “minus PDC”. My car does not have PDC and the 377 bumper installed perfectly. Most people do the install with the 507. Also note that some hardware can be reused in the install.

SPECIAL THANKS: SS, SVTWEB, FOLSOM530, PJ, LEE AT MAGNUM COLLISION, COLIN AT GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW, AND THE ROADFLY E39 COMMUNITY.