Installed 540 brake ducts

[brodee]

Last night I decided to put on my 540 brake ducts. After reading all the instructions and tips I could find I chose to pull the bumper off to do it. I did this for a couple of reasons. One, it's easier to mess with the bottom of the bumper when you can turn it over. Two, it's damn hot out here and since my wife was out of town I found out the air hose would reach into our air conditioned breezeway in the house. Nothing like running a die grinder with a cutoff wheel cutting black platic over white carpet (did I mention my wife is out of town?)

Install went pretty well. This is definately one of those jobs you wish you could get a second chance on. The first side is a pain to get right but once you do you can use it for a template to make the second side go pretty quick. One tip for you - buy all the bolts you need BEFORE you start the job. Nothing like making a trip to Home Depot with no front bumper cover.

Here's some pics of the install. It was dark by the time I put the bumper back on so I'll get some better pics in the light. I'm also going to get the lower part of the bumper all painted white to match the car soon so that will definately bring out the ducts.

http://www.tmdnet.com/album/albums/Cars/1992%20525M/Brake%20Ducts/normal_540Ducts05.JPG

http://www.tmdnet.com/album/albums/Cars/1992%20525M/Brake%20Ducts/normal_540Ducts07.JPG

http://www.tmdnet.com/album/albums/Cars/1992%20525M/Brake%20Ducts/normal_540Ducts10.JPG

http://www.tmdnet.com/album/albums/Cars/1992%20525M/Brake%20Ducts/normal_540Ducts12.JPG

I also got my clear corners yesterday, but decided not to tackle them in the dark last night.

[Jason]

Im looking fwd to seeing it cleared and the lower parts painted

[Jeff N.]

Nice work Brodee. Did you just install the front pickups or did you also put in the aft duct behind the pickup?

I've been very happy with mine - the install has held up well. No sags or anything horrible like that (even after some 125mph sessions at the track).

Cheers!

Jeff

[Anton CH.]

Did all 540s come with that? There was a 540i6 parting out in my area. Well I couldn't locate the brake ducts on it.

[brodee]

Nice work Brodee. Did you just install the front pickups or did you also put in the aft duct behind the pickup?
I just installed the pickups, none of the ducting, this car will never see the track as long as I have the e30.


I've been very happy with mine - the install has held up well. No sags or anything horrible like that (even after some 125mph sessions at the track)
After putting them on and tightening all 6 of the bolts on each one I honestly think the bumper is stronger now. The way the bracket fits really reinforces the lower corners of the bumper.


Did all 540s come with that? There was a 540i6 parting out in my area. Well I couldn't locate the brake ducts on it.
They only came on the '94's and I have been told were an option on '95's. They also came on some e32 7 series, but I'm not sure what year. Since you say this car is a 540i/6 that would make it a '95 and it most likely doens't have them.

Here's info on the install and part numbers if you haven't see it -
www.bmwe34.net (http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/540_ducts.asp)