M-Technic Grille with Brake Ducts

Steve Beswick · 29th December 2001, 16:29

I just ordered the M-Technic Grille with the brake ducts and lower inner fender panels, that I expect should be in today.

Has anyone installed this themselves? Since I always have a shop or dealer install everything, I thought it'd be nice if I actually got my hands dirty this time.

I've searched the "Tips and Tricks" section, but only find the personally modifed brake ducting thread.

If anyone could help before I tear it apart, that'd be fantastic.

lear · 29th December 2001, 16:57

Did you check out the post by our leader greg? I think it is exactly what you are looking for:
Click here for the brake installation thread

Good Luck, let us know what happens.

Teutonaddict · 29th December 2001, 17:21

Steve-

I've done the mod twice, on my own Beast, and later with JonB here in ATL. We both used the version that replaced the grill insert (vs. drilled the stock one), and thus required removing the front bumper. Jon and I both have the body-colored 'splitter' insert that comes with the euro-spec grille. This is about a two-hour job.

Here's the page that best describe's Greg's method:
http://www.bmwm5.com/greg/brake_ducts/

Our process differed only by the removal of the front bumper by either popping off or drilling out the plastic pop-rivets that hold the plastic front bumper fascia to its aluminum subframe, and removing ALL of the bolts that hold the three shields (L/R wheelwells, plus center belly pan). [The pop-rivets are located under the L/R rub-strip inserts, and at the top of the lower grille opening.] Then it is possible to slide the plastic bumper fascia (with a little coaxing) directly off its mounting place.

It's important to note that since you are likely to destroy those plastic pop-rivets while removing the front bumper, you should acquire about a dozen or so replacements from your friendly BMW Parts counter. I think they were less than $0.30/each.

Otherwise, the job is the same as Greg describes it. Let us know how it goes for you. Good luck!

-Dave

FAST4DR · 29th December 2001, 19:20

Steve,
Could you post pics of the M Technic grill, please. I would like to see what it looks like vs the stock. I will def be adding the ducting before my next track event at VIR on 2/23-24. Thanks!

Stem · 29th December 2001, 21:19

Do you have the part number for the euro grille?
Just trying to get my ducks in line for the 2002 that I'm trying to order.

Does anyone know if you can get this as an option
when you order the car?

Zman · 30th December 2001, 01:31

What is the part #/#'s for the grill?

Steve Beswick · 30th December 2001, 02:42

Zman, Stem, FAST4DR - The parts I ordered are as follows:

Grille Insert - 51-11-2-495-280 $43.13
Air Duct Left - 51-11-7-890-013 $25.67
Air Duct Right - 51-11-7-890-014 $25.67
Web Center - 51-11-7-893-048 $49.61
Lower Cover - 51-71-7-008-689 $19.18
Lower Cover - 51-71-7-008-690 $19.18

These are located in the BMW parts catalogues under the Euro-Spec 540i/6 M-Technic. The Grille Insert comes primered and must be painted to color.

I don't think you can order this as an M5 option, but I would see no reason why it couldn't be ordered by the dealer and installed by the dealer prior to pickup. I have seen photos of an M5 (I think it's Terence's, or tfung as he's known on the board) who has his grille insert painted with the M stripes. very cool idea and it looks great. Maybe he'd be kind enough to show us a photo?

Lear - Thanks for the link to the brake duct installation thread. I will definitely check that out and print it out.

And last, but not least, Teutonaddict - Thanks so much for the detailed info.
I do intend on replacing the grille with the pre-drilled one, since I ordered the ducting and the lower fender inserts. Since the parts guy told me the splitter comes primed, (I do intend on having it painted titanium silver, maybe with the M stripes), but do I have to install that if I don't want it?
I'm a little concerned about removing the entire front bumper ! Should I get someone else to help me? It sounds like a two person job?

RAREM5 · 30th December 2001, 04:15

Steve,

Jason (Atomic80) has M Tech grill with painted M colors. It looks sweeet!!

Calling Atomic80!!!

Sang

atomic80 · 30th December 2001, 05:56

Hey guys,

I don't have any CLOSE up shots of the actual brake ducts but I do have some general shots of my painted M-technic grille splitter for you guys to see.

The thing I was concerned about the most was the little vertical **** right underneath the horizontal splitter but so far it hasn't proven itself to be a sore point for me. I'm very happy with the upgrade and would do it again.

One of the greatest benefits that you could possible have by making this upgrade is getting less brake dust. I'd imagine that with the combination of mintex brake pads and the ducts you'd be looking at an entirely brake dust free wheels!

I considered trying to do the install myself after hearing about HawaiiM5's experiences but the part about "breaking" off the tabs didn't appeal too much to me so I elected to have the shop do it for me. I'm glad I did. They did a good job.

Jason

HawaiiM5 · 30th December 2001, 11:52

Steve,

A little correction, I designed those M-stripes on the splitter and had them custom painted by a local shop here in Honolulu. After putting them on my M5, Jason liked them so I had the shop duplicate it for him. Glad you like them, they really stand out on the front of the car, its even better in person.

HawaiiM5