What is this

It's under the bumper of a 1995 540i I attempted to find it in the manual, nothing.

Is it the front or rear bumper? It looks like some sort of air duct, but I can't really tell from the picture.

I would suggest that you go to realoem.com, plug in your VIN information and then you should be able to determine what part it is and the part number so you can order a new one if you need it.

if it was zoomed out more so i could the location of other parts around it it might help

At a glance looks like an air duct as suggested before, might I suggest tracing it to see where it leads?

I've taken this part off before to clean it. I believe it's the cooling duct for the alternator on your M60.

If you are concerned about a vacuum leak, this hose is not connected to the vacuum system. It is a good idea to seal it up to prevent oil/road debris from entering it though.

I couldn't find it on realoem.com, not sure what it would be under... This is the closest thing, but it doesn't have the tabs for bolting on to the plastic shield underneath the engine...12311747185 http://www.ecstuning.com/ES29617/PriceAlert/

OK, got something (just by browsing the other threads)... in this picture http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps866e781f.jpg in this thread http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=672538 you will see that exact cooling pipe in the bottom right of the picture. It appears it goes back up and under the alternator.

I say you clean it with brakleen or engine degreaser, tape it up well and let it rip!

I enlarged the pic and it doesn't look broken. It looks like it might be one of those slip on joints similar to the air box ducting.

I sealed it up noticed no change.

I'm going to post the part number for you guys in the am.

Originally Posted by BMR_LVR

I enlarged the pic and it doesn't look broken. It looks like it might be one of those slip on joints similar to the air box ducting.

Steve, it appears in the OPs pic that right below the collar the hose is broken.

It is not a big deal since it's the alternator cooling piping, but it's best to block the hole from dirt and dust, otherwise the alternator may meet a premature fate. I would be interested in the P/N.

Originally Posted by goosefoot33

Steve, it appears in the OPs pic that right below the collar the hose is broken.

It is not a big deal since it's the alternator cooling piping, but it's best to block the hole from dirt and dust, otherwise the alternator may meet a premature fate. I would be interested in the P/N.

Yeah. I was basing the possibility on the part of the duct that appears to have a collar. But as you say, best to seal it up to get full air flow.