E53 front bumper skid plate replicas

[squidzilla]

Will it work on my 2001 3.0?

[Kristophe]

Originally Posted by squidzilla

Will it work on my 2001 3.0?

ABSOLUTELY

May we add you to the list?

[squidzilla]

Where would I get the mounting hardware since it does not come with it? As specific as possible please.

[Ricky Bobby]

The 5 lower holes are used with screws that already exist on the lower edge of the bumper. You would need 3 self tapping screws for the top, just need a coarse thread to screw into the bumper and hole it in place, I recommend stainless hardware or zinc so it doesn't rust, and using a rubber washer under the screws up top.

There is no standard size just go to Home Depot and get 3 screws that are long enough to screw the top portion in the bumper, and are small enough to not be too thick to fit in the holes on the skid plate.

Make sense?

[nigwhyrito]

Ricky bobby when I get mine it will just wait in the garage until you cough make the pdf install guide lol. Also paint reccomendations too since I'm going for that oem titaniun silverish look. Heheh.

[Clockwork]

you can NOT mess up this install. its the simplest thing EVER.
you remove the 5 screws on the bottom of your factory bumper, and fit this plate in and re-install the 5 screws on the bottom of the plate & bumper while a friend holds the plate.
THEN you get a small and I mean SMALL drill bit and predrill a hole, through the plates existing MOUNTING holes, into the black portion of your bumper. then install 8mm black screws available from BMW. ANY 8mm screw will do. AND if you want to be super careful, you CAN just buy some smalll rubber washers and put them between the screw and plate.
I've got mine mounted with no rubber washers and mine has never moved.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

you can NOT mess up this install. its the simplest thing EVER.
you remove the 5 screws on the bottom of your factory bumper, and fit this plate in and re-install the 5 screws on the bottom of the plate & bumper while a friend holds the plate.
THEN you get a small and I mean SMALL drill bit and predrill a hole, through the plates existing MOUNTING holes, into the black portion of your bumper. then install 8mm black screws available from BMW. ANY 8mm screw will do. AND if you want to be super careful, you CAN just buy some smalll rubber washers and put them between the screw and plate.
I've got mine mounted with no rubber washers and mine has never moved.

That's a perfect explanation Mike, I'm sure as well you can get some M8 Black screws from Home Depot as well, I prefer using a plastic/rubber washer as well because I don't like tightening a metal screw to a painted piece and not having the "buffer" in between.

If you want to go absolutely OE on the top 3 bolts, you'd have to drill larger holes in your bumper and use 3 well nuts and bolts, again, available from your local Depot:



I may get some well nuts and bolts, as well as 3 M8 bolts and washers and see how I'm feeling on "install day", I do like what Mike is saying, with the M8 bolts you don't have to drill as large of a hole as the well nuts. If you want it to be double secure you could prob use a larger drywall anchor in the hole prior to screwing in the M8 bolts if you are worried about it ever coming loose LOL!

I'll be getting my Skid Plate painted Topaz Blue to match my exterior and give some added depth to the front bumper, however, painting Titan Silver is an option that would look good on ALL color E53's

[Clockwork]

the one I'm sacrificing is Titanium Silver and looks beautiful to match the titanium silver kidney grilles and hood vents.

[Kristophe]

Rustoleum has a Titanium Silver; will a rattle can suffice on a large surface of ABS plastic? Or are you guys have yours professionally sprayed?

[Clockwork]

get it pro sprayed. its worth it!!!!!
Cost me to get mine $400 but thats cause Calgary is very expensive