those that have added 540i brake ducts...

[shragon]

...do any of you have a set of instructions that goes into further detail than the ones posted on bmwe34.net? like how does the bracket attach and so fourth? is the center lip part supported independently after making the cuts to the bumper?

tia!

[Jeff N.]

Going from memory but if I recall, it works like this:

- The metal bracket is the key part to tying the duct corners together. The inner part of the bracket bolts to a mounting point used to secure the lower dam. The outer part of the bracket ties to a tab in the new pickup scoop.

- The outer corner of the pickup scoop essentially wraps around the existing lip on the dam. You have to put in a small notch in the corner of the lip so the tab pokes thru to the back side of the lip. This is where you attach the outer side of the bracket.

- The top, back part of the scoop attaches to bracket with some slide clips and machine screws.

All of this works to nicely secure the scoop part. Mine have been in a for a couple years now and I've had zero problems.

I recall it being pretty obvious as you get it apart. I may also have some photos squirrelled away that shows some of these steps. Let me know if you get really serious about doing this and I'll see if I can find and post them.

Cheers!

Jeff


...do any of you have a set of instructions that goes into further detail than the ones posted on bmwe34.net? like how does the bracket attach and so fourth? is the center lip part supported independently after making the cuts to the bumper?

tia!

[shragon]

thanks jeff! from bruno's site, i can see how it's cut and drops in. i was just wondering how the bracket attached, and i think you did a good job of expaining that.

do you have any pics of your car? would like to see how they look on a black e34. thanks!!

[Jeff N.]

Glad that helped...

I can take some...give me a couple days. They look absolutely like any 7 series or 540 with them installed. Can't tell the diff from the factory to the retrofit.

[shragon]

cool jeff. only if you have time. no biggie. :)

[Jeff N.]

Mounting Bracket on the duct... note the tab in the lower right.

http://home.comcast.net/~jsnord/pics/brakeduct1.jpg

Bracket installed. Note the screw on very far left.

http://home.comcast.net/~jsnord/pics/brakeduct2.jpg

[Jeff N.]

Duct installed. You can see the bracket screws in the center and on the right. The left corner uses the tab.

http://home.comcast.net/~jsnord/pics/brakeduct3.jpg

All buttoned up. Friggin wrong light balance on the camera... :D

http://home.comcast.net/~jsnord/pics/brakeduct4.jpg

[shragon]

wow, thanks for the pics! i can totally see how the bracket is attached now. these big pics are very helpful. thanks again!

[liquidtiger720]

I love those brake ducts, but I am just way to scared to cut my bumper up. I would love to do the mod some day.

Great pictures by the way.I need to save them. =)

[winfred]

i did mine without chopping up the bumper, ill take some fresh pics when i get a chance


I love those brake ducts, but I am just way to scared to cut my bumper up. I would love to do the mod some day.

Great pictures by the way.I need to save them. =)

[liquidtiger720]

i did mine without chopping up the bumper, ill take some fresh pics when i get a chance

I can't wait to see how you did that. :D

[shragon]

i did mine without chopping up the bumper, ill take some fresh pics when i get a chance
did you attach yours below the bumper?

[winfred]

yep, i didn't want to do all of that work to just have a 540 bumper, everybody that's seen it likes it, looks like a aftermarket add on spoiler extension

[shragon]

cool... yea, if you get a chance, lets see some pics!

[Jeff N.]

Our goals may have been different as well - I wanted functional brake cooling for my track days. Went with the "factory" approach as I figured it would work best and stay on the car at 120+. :D

Jeff


yep, i didn't want to do all of that work to just have a 540 bumper, everybody that's seen it likes it, looks like a aftermarket add on spoiler extension

[digitaldragon03]

Did all 540's come with the brake ducts? Because mine didnt.

[Ted K]

Jeff how long did it take you to do all this?

[Jeff N.]

Ted - it's been a while. I think it took four or five hours to do both sides. Much of that was planning cuts and making the needed templates (didn't post those pics). It was one of those measure 12 times, cut once things.


Jeff how long did it take you to do all this?

[Jeff N.]

I think they came on the 95's...maybe the 94's? One year had 'em, one year did not. Have to check ETK to be sure.


Did all 540's come with the brake ducts? Because mine didnt.

[winfred]

heres 3 old pics
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/spoiler1
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/spoiler2
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/spoiler3
this is the back side of the center piece i made to fill the space between the ducts from a old bumper, the piece is actually made from the same part of the bumper that it's atached to now, just cut and trimmed
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/spoiler4

[shragon]

I think they came on the 95's...maybe the 94's? One year had 'em, one year did not. Have to check ETK to be sure.
94 540's.

winfred: interesting way of doing it. nice custom work!

[winfred]

heres the back of the ducts where they atach with sheet metal screws
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/spoiler5
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/spoiler6
they have been on there almost 2 years and are tough, i've grounded and curb'd them several times with no breakage
these are the only pics i have of them before i added the center piece
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/ducts2
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/ducts3
i just haven't got around to adding the duct work as it's a low priority, that and the ones i have are a little squished and don't fit too good. they didn't blow off at 135 so i think they are on there pretty good

[Jeff N.]

Nice. You going to be able to fit the aft ducts that direct the air to caliper in there? Looks like you didn't need the bracket either - just top screwed them to the bottom of the current lip?

[winfred]

i have the deflectors that clamp to the sway bar links that direct the air into the center of the rotors, the duct work will fit when i get some that's not torn to hell, no brackets just screwed on, it's flexable enough to not shatter when wanged but is still solid enough to not be wimpy, it seams to perform some aerodynamic service too besides looking good http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/lol.gif


Nice. You going to be able to fit the aft ducts that direct the air to caliper in there? Looks like you didn't need the bracket either - just top screwed them to the bottom of the current lip?