So today my wagon experienced its first official modification:
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/New%20Bumper/DSCF2242.jpg

More pictures to come tomorrow...bumper was ordered from Jesse in the group deal and the fog lights are projector ones off ebay...I will post more of my experiences with the install and impressions tomorrow.

you've definitley got my interest. i need more pictures, quick!!!!!

what did the whole thing cost you including install?

Holy sh*t, that looks GREAT! Can't wait to see more and read the details.

Brief History:

First things first, I will like to thank Jack for the inspiration for this thread, as the detail he took in putting his together kept me occupied for several days.

I bought my wagon in August of 2006 from the original owner with 94,000 miles on it. The car had been babied but was certainly abused on the highway by rock chips. Nonetheless, I got a great deal on what I consider one of the top 5 affordable cars of the last 10 years.

After visiting this site, as well as bimmerforums and the m5board, I was determined to make this car look and perform like BMW should have.

The first modifications to the BMW were lighting related. I found and ordered smoked side marker lights as well as headlight covers to get rid of the oem orange which just made me :eyecrazy

Upon searching on here I found that Jesse was having a group deal on the M5/M-tech bumpers, which was certainly to be on my mods list, and I got in on the deal. I was originally planned on purchasing the bumper with the foglights as others had, but for another $7 I could go with projectors....(Thanks Chivas/Dan), so that was an easy choice, projectors it is.

I found a bodyshop close by to me who agreed to paint the bumper and my eyelids at a great price $175 using PPG paint (of course). I removed my gas filler cap and left it with the shop for color matching purposes and picked the bumper up 2 days later.

Had to travel for work so everything stayed packed in the box.

pictures, more pictures!!!!!

On to the Bumper installation and impressions.

In removing the stock bumper, I realized that the previous owner did not know how to drive, as the bumper paint was cracking from the stress...in any event removal required actually pulling off the bumper support in order to access the plastic pieces that secure the bumper cover to the bumper support.

Now in getting ready to install the new bumper, I originally thought of first attaching the bumper support and new cover together, basically reversing the operation of removal. Well...in during my lunch break, I decided it was going to be easier to attach the bumper support first and then the cover later, as it would be lighter to deal with.

Here I recruited my wife in helping me with one side of the bumper while I lined up the other side. Here was where I noticed that the new bumper does not match up with the fenders. I did everything I could in matching them up, but the bumper is just short. It is not a noticable to an untrained eye, but certainly to anyone that knows anything about body work and cars.

Overall the fitment of the bumper could be better, but I am certainly happy with the look. Actually happy is not even the right word...I am estatic, as the bumper gives the car another look. The car now has a "mean" personality...enough to turn MANY heads in its first 24 hrs as a "new car"

On to the fog light installation. I had to tap into the factory harness, and kept the stock connector on if I should some day decide to go back to stock (which will not be very likely) The lights fit as advertised, however I need to check the securing screw, because I see that they shake a bit during regular driving. I do love the cutoff, which I will take pictures of.

On to the pictures.........>

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/New%20Bumper/IMG_2614_1.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/New%20Bumper/IMG_2613.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/New%20Bumper/IMG_2618_1.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/New%20Bumper/IMG_2622_1.jpg


Bumper Gap:
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/New%20Bumper/IMG_2623_1.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/New%20Bumper/IMG_2619_1.jpg

Nicely done! You're right, it gives the car a whole new look and feel. It's a good looking car already but this takes it to another level. Sucks about the fitment issue, though...

What else are you planning to do for mods, by the way?

Looks pretty good. Not really feeling the eyelids. Shadowline trim, M5 grilles, a drop and some rims :) and you will be all set. Great color.

Nicely done! You're right, it gives the car a whole new look and feel. It's a good looking car already but this takes it to another level. Sucks about the fitment issue, though...

What else are you planning to do for mods, by the way?

Yea, but honestly the fitment issue is not that bad, but if I had to do it again, I would likely go with a better fitment bumper ie, Bekkers...other mods will include tint, new wheels/rims, suspension-as I don't have the air suspension :alright and I plan on doing the audio system upgrade while keeping it looking stock...more to come on that...I will continue to update this thread

Looks pretty good. Not really feeling the eyelids. Shadowline trim, M5 grilles, a drop and some rims :) and you will be all set. Great color.

I totally forgot about the M5 grills, will be another mod...but I am a fan of the eyelids...and the shadowline will only be on the door/bumper moldings...I will keep the window trim the way it is...at least for now.

Thanks for all compliments.

Looking good, its a good start.

Sexy wagons!!!

You look to be on the right track, however you should invest a few hundred dollars into a porter cable buffer and some Zaino for your paint. That color would POP if you got all those swirls out of it.

You look to be on the right track, however you should invest a few hundred dollars into a porter cable buffer and some Zaino for your paint. That color would POP if you got all those swirls out of it.

Already on my list of things to do!:buttrock

Good looking car and cool mods, sir!

Just for my reference, do you have a web link for those foglamps? I'll purchase these as replacements if and when my OEMs get busted by road debris.

Thanks in advance.

nice dude - I actually had the same bumper alignment issues with mine... I had assumed that it was actually because the car had been in a crash previously and had been improperly repaired, but looking at your pics it looks like it may be the bumper itself...

Looks great though - just needs a drop and rims now!

Good looking car and cool mods, sir!

Just for my reference, do you have a web link for those foglamps? I'll purchase these as replacements if and when my OEMs get busted by road debris.

Thanks in advance.

Here is the link from my ended auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200066441428&rd=1&rd=1

Seller is A-OK!

nice dude - I actually had the same bumper alignment issues with mine... I had assumed that it was actually because the car had been in a crash previously and had been improperly repaired, but looking at your pics it looks like it may be the bumper itself...

Looks great though - just needs a drop and rims now!

I recall, but I can confirm its the bumper, I wonder if any of the ones from the group deal actually fit flush.

more to come...maybe sooner than we all think...:devillook

hey great mod, that was one of the first mods i did on my E39 aswell, i love those fogs...my OEM glass ones already shattered on one side due to debris on the road, so im definatly gonna go with these as a replacement, how was the fitment? i remember it was a pain getting to get the OEMs in, but i just want to know if they fit right with the surrounding fog trim.

Wow that is a beautiful wagon. Is it a 5 speed to boot?

hey great mod, that was one of the first mods i did on my E39 aswell, i love those fogs...my OEM glass ones already shattered on one side due to debris on the road, so im definatly gonna go with these as a replacement, how was the fitment? i remember it was a pain getting to get the OEMs in, but i just want to know if they fit right with the surrounding fog trim.

The lights fit well, but I need to recheck how I have them mounted...I want a snugger fit, but they perform well, which was a concern of mine, and I may end up putting in HIDs...:evil2

Wow that is a beautiful wagon. Is it a 5 speed to boot?


Thank you sir...and sadly no...but I enjoy the automatic. Hopefully after more pennies are saved, I will upgrade all software (tranny/engine)

Nice touring!!!

can you post some higher resolution shots of that bumper gap? both close up and standing back? i would really like to see this as i'm going to put a deposit in very soon.

oekundar - looks good! why are pics so hard to see on black or dark blue cars ..

check out this link .. has the upper lids like you .. black e39 ... totally blacked out .. your should consider black grills .. Keep us updated !

http://forums.eurocca.net/showthread.php?t=19912

oekundar - looks good! why are pics so hard to see on black or dark blue cars ..

check out this link .. has the upper lids like you .. black e39 ... totally blacked out .. your should consider black grills .. Keep us updated !

http://forums.eurocca.net/showthread.php?t=19912

Kaptom,

Thanks for the link...checked it out early this AM, and I am considering the black grills...although I like how the chrome breaks up the car...and since I am going to keep the chrome trim around the windows I think I may go with Chrome versions of the M5 grills...I will definitely keep this updated.


*UPDATE* Realigned the fog lights and I love the output, in fact I will post pics soon, the cut-off of the projectors is sweet!

Hey Ola. I have seen this bumper installed on 3 other E39 5ers... no alignment issues. I think your bumper carrier either didn't get set fully into the bumper, or the mounting nuts are not completely tight. Your bumper could also be pushed to one side slightly, as I see that the 'shortness' is only an issue on the driver's/left side. ;)

Looks friggin awesome man! Thanks for posting the pics. :thumbup:

Here is the link from my ended auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200066441428&rd=1&rd=1

Seller is A-OK!
I could have sold you those same fogs for cheaper. ;)

I could have sold you those same fogs for cheaper. ;)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/projectorfogs2.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/Projectorfogs1.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/projectorfogs5.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/projectorfogs9.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/projectorfogs10.jpg

:D ;)

EDIT: Bad links

Hey Ola. I have seen this bumper installed on 3 other E39 5ers... no alignment issues. I think your bumper carrier either didn't get set fully into the bumper, or the mounting nuts are not completely tight. Your bumper could also be pushed to one side slightly, as I see that the 'shortness' is only an issue on the driver's/left side. ;)

Looks friggin awesome man! Thanks for posting the pics. :thumbup:

supark seems to have this same problem...

i REALLY want to buy one of these, but the gap would make me crazy. if you're telling the truth about the non-fittiment issues with the other e39's you've seen, i'll probably still do it. pics???

supark seems to have this same problem...

i REALLY want to buy one of these, but the gap would make me crazy. if you're telling the truth about the non-fittiment issues with the other e39's you've seen, i'll probably still do it. pics???
Supark? That is the bumper that I saw was fine. Do you have a link to where he said he was having problems?

read post #18 on page 1 of this thread.

and if you look at supark's thread.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=663316

the 5th and 6th pics on the 1st post, you'll see that the bumper sits about an inch or so off the fender.

i'm not here to discount your product, i'm sure all your stuff is amazing, otherwise no one would buy from you, but i need to know if there's a fix for this.

i'm really anal about this stuff :)

oekundar .. did you make an adjustments to your bumper ? Someone indicated that it is an installment issue .. need to adjust to the right? whatever that means .. ?

Oekundar, the Touring looks great. Thanks for sharing the pics.

oekundar .. did you make an adjustments to your bumper ? Someone indicated that it is an installment issue .. need to adjust to the right? whatever that means .. ?
What I said is that sometimes if you install the bumper and it is pulled to one side a little it will create that gap.

I left a message for Sung to look at his bumper in person. I will personally uninstall and reinstall it to see if there is an issue with the gap. If there is I will raise all hell with the manufacturer...but in my experience they manufacturer is very anal about their products, and installation issues are very easy to come across.

Ola, Tom, and Sung are making me want to get a 5er now!! :D

are you interested in oem m5 wheels ? i may have a set freeing up rather soon

What I said is that sometimes if you install the bumper and it is pulled to one side a little it will create that gap.

I left a message for Sung to look at his bumper in person. I will personally uninstall and reinstall it to see if there is an issue with the gap. If there is I will raise all hell with the manufacturer...but in my experience they manufacturer is very anal about their products, and installation issues are very easy to come across.

Ola, Tom, and Sung are making me want to get a 5er now!! :D

can you please report back immediately after? if you manage to make it work, i'll send a deposit right away... otherwise i'll wait for you to raise hell with the manufacturer. :buttrock

thanks!!

Jesse...

I didn't know you carried the foglights...u should have said something. PUNK!!

Regarding the bumper....the bumper fitment issue is on both sides and it actually even. I have double checked and triple checked the install, but if there is something that needs to be done, please let me know. As I have said, I am pleased with the bumper.


Oekundar, the Touring looks great. Thanks for sharing the pics.

Thank you sir....There are some more mods up my sleeve, and I will continue to update this thread.

are you interested in oem m5 wheels ? i may have a set freeing up rather soon

PM me with the info.

Thanks ALL

Jesse...

I didn't know you carried the foglights...u should have said something. PUNK!!

Regarding the bumper....the bumper fitment issue is on both sides and it actually even. I have double checked and triple checked the install, but if there is something that needs to be done, please let me know. As I have said, I am pleased with the bumper.




Thank you sir....There are some more mods up my sleeve, and I will continue to update this thread.



PM me with the info.

Thanks ALL
Well you just told me you no longer needed them. If you would have said that you were looking at projector foglights I could have substituted them! :D

Well you just told me you no longer needed them. If you would have said that you were looking at projector foglights I could have substituted them! :D

Ah...next time I'm in Seattle I will be sure to get with you...be nice to put a face to the name

Pics of the foglight cutoff
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2643.jpg

HIDs and foglights
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2644.jpg

Washed the waggin' tonight and took some pics...ENJOY!
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2684.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2689.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2690.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2693.jpg

Close-up of the gap:
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2701.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/projectorfogs2.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/Projectorfogs1.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/projectorfogs5.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/projectorfogs9.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f340/EEEEeeee36/M-Technic%20Other%20Products/projectorfogs10.jpg

:D ;)

EDIT: Bad links

EEEEeeee36,

id like to order a pair of these....if you have any?

how much?

that gap isn't too bad, but i'm sure it'd make me mental.

find a fix yet jesse?

that gap isn't too bad, but i'm sure it'd make me mental.

find a fix yet jesse?
Sung (supark) is taking care of some stuff because he just moved. As soon as he is ready though I am either going over to his place, or he is coming over to mine, and I am actually going to uninstall/reinstall his bumper. Let me be clear though; these are exact replicas of OE M5 bumpers. They were made from OE M5 bumpers and should be identical in every way. The manufacturer is adament that they install flush. I will wait to meet up with Sung and we will look at his to see why this might be happening. If you ask me, I think it's how the bumpe carrier gets instlalled in the bumper wrap - that is very easy to do incorrectly. But, I'm just speculating from the 10 million bumper installs I've done on BMWs. :D

j/k

sweet HID .. btw, your left (driverside) seem a bit high? do you get on coming traffic flashing at you? I thought the left side beam should be slightly lower than the right side? I might be wrong.

From your close up bumper pics the pass. side bumper appears to be pass the alignment from the fender. I am assuming the driveside is not aligned with the fender? But overall it looks great. i would beat you couldn't tell the difference if you were looking at it directly in person?

When are you getting some new wheels? Dan aka Chivas is selling his FISKE 18's

Pics of the foglight cutoff
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2643.jpg

HIDs and foglights
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2644.jpg

Washed the waggin' tonight and took some pics...ENJOY!
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2684.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2689.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2690.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2693.jpg

Close-up of the gap:
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/January07%20Photoshoot/IMG_2701.jpg

Sung (supark) is taking care of some stuff because he just moved. As soon as he is ready though I am either going over to his place, or he is coming over to mine, and I am actually going to uninstall/reinstall his bumper. Let me be clear though; these are exact replicas of OE M5 bumpers. They were made from OE M5 bumpers and should be identical in every way. The manufacturer is adament that they install flush. I will wait to meet up with Sung and we will look at his to see why this might be happening. If you ask me, I think it's how the bumpe carrier gets instlalled in the bumper wrap - that is very easy to do incorrectly. But, I'm just speculating from the 10 million bumper installs I've done on BMWs. :D

j/k

No one wants to hear any of that possibly sensible talk you've got going on there BUDDY!...if you figure it out, be sure to let me know! :)

sweet HID .. btw, your left (driverside) seem a bit high? do you get on coming traffic flashing at you? I thought the left side beam should be slightly lower than the right side? I might be wrong.

From your close up bumper pics the pass. side bumper appears to be pass the alignment from the fender. I am assuming the driveside is not aligned with the fender? But overall it looks great. i would beat you couldn't tell the difference if you were looking at it directly in person?

When are you getting some new wheels? Dan aka Chivas is selling his FISKE 18's

Kaptom, Thanks man...I haven't gotten flashed at all, but I do know I need to re-aim the fogs as my cut-off on both are a bit skewed....nothing major...and quite honestly I barely see the gap, and it really doesn't bother me that much.

I tried PM Dan but he's ackin' like an internet noob! :devillook

Love the cars, i am looking for a front bumpers like yours. Is it just a M5 bumper or did you get it somewhere else.

Thanks
Michael

Love the cars, i am looking for a front bumpers like yours. Is it just a M5 bumper or did you get it somewhere else.

Thanks
Michael


here is the link to the group buy ... m5 replica bumper ..

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=597303&page=17

Love the cars, i am looking for a front bumpers like yours. Is it just a M5 bumper or did you get it somewhere else.

Thanks
Michael

here is the link to the group buy ... m5 replica bumper ..

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=597303&page=17

Thanks Tom! I will have one in stock ready to ship Wednesday... and more in stock on the 19th! :D

Thanks Tom! I will have one in stock ready to ship Wednesday... and more in stock on the 19th! :D

Sage...Jesse :lol is your guy...do I get commission on this sale? How about sponsorship?:stickoutt

Sage...Jesse :lol is your guy...do I get commission on this sale? How about sponsorship?:stickoutt
Buy a Supercharger from me and I'll give you a free set of LED bulbs, AND a sticker!! :rofl

Buy a Supercharger from me and I'll give you a free set of LED bulbs, AND a sticker!! :rofl

So how much is this supercharger you speak of? Payment plans? is the sticker a nice size? (I don't do big)...

3/23/2007

The Wagon has undergone several changes and additions since this thread, namely new wheels/tires and upgrading the stock audio system, and a complete exterior detail.

Here are some pictures of the wheels

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/March07/DSCF2508.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/March07/DSCF2509.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/March07/DSCF2504.jpg

Audio upgrades:
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/subwoofer/subbox2.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/subwoofer/DSCF2479.jpg

Night shots of the Waggin'
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/March07/DSCF2521.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/oekundar/March07/DSCF2525.jpg

Enjoy...

Hey Ola.... guess what? Sung (supark) no longer has a gap issue with his M5 bumper. :D

He had a 528i before, and he just got a 540i. When he installed the bumper on the 540i the fitment was perfect with no gaps. He told me that he suspects that the 528i had previous front-end damage and that is what was causing the bumper to not line up correctly (he suspected this before he bought the new bumper from other things that were a little off in the front end).

Your bumper looks like it fits tighter in the new pics also. Did you make any changes??

Hey Ola.... guess what? Sung (supark) no longer has a gap issue with his M5 bumper. :D

He had a 528i before, and he just got a 540i. When he installed the bumper on the 540i the fitment was perfect with no gaps. He told me that he suspects that the 528i had previous front-end damage and that is what was causing the bumper to not line up correctly (he suspected this before he bought the new bumper from other things that were a little off in the front end).

Your bumper looks like it fits tighter in the new pics also. Did you make any changes??

Hey Jesse - yeah I've updated my earlier thread with my old 528i - fitment is fine on my 540i. I may be getting some M5 mirrors from you soon...

One thing I'd recommend with fitting this bumper to the reinforcement bar is to use some washers and nuts and bolts instead of the bmw expanding rivets. Not only are they cheaper, but they affix the cover onto the car much more securely as well as ensuring that it's sitting flush with the reinforcement bar.

Thanks for the update guys...as it turns out my car did have some previous front end work...I haven't done anything else to the bumper..just not as noticable