Front Brake Air Duct?

bdeutsch · 9th April 2006, 00:44

Greetings to all from a finally dry Northern California...

A few weeks ago, the front left, plastic wheel liner on my 2003 M5 was damaged by something I hit while on the highway. This is not the large liner, but the front piece that attaches with three screws to the large liner and about 4 bolts on the underside of the vehicle.

Anyway, went to dealer to order a replacement front liner. Dealer asked me if it was equipped with the air ducts that feed front brakes. It was not, but dealer indicated it was not a big problem to add the ducts to a set of liners that were configured to accept them. So, ended up buying replacement front liners for both sides of the vehicle that would accept the air ducts, plus of course the two air ducts.

Started pulling the old front ducts off vehicle today and honestly cannot figure out where the air ducts go (doh!). I thought that there was a blanked out area near the fog lights (where dealer said to look), and of course, this does not appear to be the right place. Found another plate, or at least something that appears to be a removeable plate, behind the lower mesh grille, but immediately behind that is an aluminum air box that leads to the brakes. Needless to say at this point I am a bit confused (so what else is new?)

Anyway, I am hoping that one of you kind folks has perhaps gone down this path before and can provide some guidance.

Thanks for the help.

Bob

bgregg · 9th April 2006, 01:10

It's all here...
http://www.bmwm5.com/greg/brake_ducts/

You'll find a lot more with the search feature too. -Bill

mikeoski · 10th April 2006, 15:50

I have them on my car. There are plenty of posts on this that you can search on. I simply drilled the front plastic mesh, purchased the ducts and everything went together smoothly. You will not need the tie wraps that another member's guide illustrates. Good Luck!

bdeutsch · 10th April 2006, 15:54

Bill, thanks for the reply. It appears that there is an option to purchase some type of M-Technic grill that makes allowance for the air ducts...pursuing that course today first with dealer than if necessary, Dinan.

Bob

bdeutsch · 10th April 2006, 15:55

Mike, thanks for the reply. Appear there is an option to purchase some type of M-Technic grill that makes allowance for the air ducts. Finding out about that option today.

Bob

mikeoski · 10th April 2006, 16:57

Yes, there is that option and I looked into it too. I think it costs $63. You will also need to have this plastic piece that goes across the grill just like on the '03 540i sport. I did not like the look, so I drilled the existing one with a 1/2" bit.

EdP · 10th April 2006, 16:57

The M-Technic grill is found on the '03 540 sport -- it has a prominant t-bar running across the mesh grill. You may or may not wish to change the look of your M5 by using this part.

But you can easily add the brake ducts without resort to the M-Technic part by following the directions in the link posted above. That's what I did, except I did not use the small zip ties to attach the ducts to the mesh grill. I used very large zip ties (~3/8"-1/2" wide by about 18" long) and secured the ducts to the bumper posts. Invisible from the outside and very secure once the bumper is reinstalled.

cosioboy · 10th April 2006, 21:29

Maybe this would be helpful:
Part number needed for Euro Lower Engine Cover WITH Brake Duct

bgregg · 10th April 2006, 23:05

For more discussion on the M Technic approach, and part #s
M-Technic Grille with Brake Ducts

I did everything except the splitter across the mesh grille, since I didn't like the look. I didn't want to do zip ties if I could avoid it, either. So I ended up in a bit of a compromise solution.

mikeoski · 11th April 2006, 23:30

I have attached some photos of my car with the brake ducts installed up against the stock grille with the drilling done and not zip ties. I think it works quite well. When everything comes together the ducts fit into place snuggly and do not need any help from zip ties.