Freestyler, sending overseas at the buyers expense should not be an issue. the box will be large (4-5 ft long and 2 feet wide and tall approx) but the weight is very light.
will let you know. I'll hold off on putting you on the list for now, but PLEASE keep this thread in mind and check often (subscribe to the thread)

Thanks. You can be sure i will. :thumbup:

Clock, I think if you will simply copy the design, "they" will come after you...

if you will ask their permission to use their design, since there is a possible demand, and the part is no longer available, "they" might have an ongoing contract with the previous manufacturer that might prevent granting permission to a fourth party
if "they" grant you permission, "they" will expect the piece to be to "their" specs, so it will require you to use "their" molds, dies and whatnot...

On the other hand, if you do not use "their" design, but you are "inspired" by it and have your own design, you might (just might!) get away with doing what you are considering doing...

I am not sure if I need the skid plate or not, but hereby I am subscribed...

How does the plate attach? Existing holes? Does it fit on a 4.6?

It uses existing holes but for you 4.6/4.8iS people, the piece will not fit over your existing front bumper lips!

This decorative skid plate is only for "bare bumpers" E53 guys as it is an add on to the front


As far as "copying design" goes, if it was something that was just backordered or something like that goes, I understand, but we have a source at the factory saying these will never go into production again, so I would not be too worrisome about "them" as its not like you are taking an existing design and re-making it.

Our "over the pond" friends in Latvia make replica 4.6/4.8 diffusers and don't seem to get in trouble? I would just not use the same name when coming out with the manufacturing, instead of calling it decorative front skid plate how about "Add-on lower valance for non-iS bumpers"?

While I previously mentioned an option would be to contact them, I would not recommend doing so as there is no reason for them to say yes. Even if they do I think there would be cost and/or significant delay before you could proceed. I would change the design and/or shape. Under not circumstances would it be a copy. I agree with naming it something different.

keep in mind, there are much stronger patent/copyright laws in the US than in Latvia... for example, the copyright law protects the original author for the duration of his lifetime + 70 years after the death of author... patent protects for 20 years from the first registration... same item can be patented and copyrighted...

change design, call it something else, no need to contact anyone - similar to "stealthOne", or Resler ibus reader - those items are used in the car but unique to their authors...

Might be a good idea to put this idea over on Bimmerforums and Bimmerfest to see if you can get E53 owners interested.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Literally you can add an extra mounting hole and it won't be copyright infringed, the design can stay as is

ok, so here's the word.
I just got a call from Slimmbones (resides on the M5 forums and makes parts for those models usually) and he said he can make the plates in black polyurethane and paintable and sell them for $275 USD shipped within the continental USA. They will not be painted before shipping as its smarter to get the paint job done when it arrives and the painters can match the color of your vehicle.
IF outside the USA, its $250 + shipping to you.

NOW, heres the fun part, Slimbones is asking for a minimum 10 ppl to get this going and also for everyone interested to pay half down now, then the other half after they have been created.
I know this is instilling a lot of trust, but its very fair to do so since he will be putting up his own money to pay for the mold/man hours to do this.
Anyhow, please continue to let me know if you're interested/still interested.
AND as soon as I get 10 people to buy into this, he said he can get them built within 3 weeks.
So let me know