Let see some early model E30's with bumper swaps

[torreira]

'86 325es with late model plastics, rear valance welded in, and euro trim.


IMG_6204-edit by Bret Gerding, on Flickr


IMG_6180-edit by Bret Gerding, on Flickr

whats wheels?

[BlackSpeed66]

Very nice. What lip is that? Also, what fogs and brackets do you need to get them mounted in there? Wheel specs?

Nice looking car. :up:

The lip is the standard one that came on many US and Euro models. I made sure to find one with the knockout in the center since my car has the factory oil cooler. I used spray on bedliner and it came out pretty nice. The fogs are actually mounted to the valance - this is the correct "Euro" valance needed for the bumper swap that I found form a forum member here. The fogs/brackets bolt right into it and are unique to the Euro cars and M3, I believe. The wheels are the standard TRM C1 in 15x8".

[fiveightandten]

whats wheels?

-Apex ARC8 17x8 wheels
-215/40/17 Front Yokohama S-Drive (rolled fenders)
-235/40/17 Rear Yokohama S-Drive (rolled fenders)

[torreira]

-Apex ARC8 17x8 wheels
-215/40/17 Front Yokohama S-Drive (rolled fenders)
-235/40/17 Rear Yokohama S-Drive (rolled fenders)

ty

[fiveightandten]

The lip is the standard one that came on many US and Euro models. I made sure to find one with the knockout in the center since my car has the factory oil cooler. I used spray on bedliner and it came out pretty nice. The fogs are actually mounted to the valance - this is the correct "Euro" valance needed for the bumper swap that I found form a forum member here. The fogs/brackets bolt right into it and are unique to the Euro cars and M3, I believe. The wheels are the standard TRM C1 in 15x8".

Thanks for the info. I'm E30 ignorant.

So you've got the Euro bumpers with a Euro valance and a US lip? Does the Euro valance bolt right up to the early model US car? I'd need to paint it and mount it?

Also what are the fogs? Are they different from US spec?

Sorry for all the questions. It's actually surprisingly difficult to find this stuff spelled out for you in any of the archived threads.

[Swanny]

All these early models with plastic swaps make my heart sad.

[pantelones]

Looks like it's coming out well. What are you using to fill the gap in the rear? Also, why so expensive? Are you welding a late model rear valance, or just the plastics? $700 before paint does seem high.

Shipping mostly ($200), but I bought new hardware ($50+), new trim, new IS lip, all of the sand paper, epoxies, and so on... The stuff adds up quickly.

And I will be using the lower half of an e36 rear bumper. Epoxying tabs on the valance, and mounting to the body using (mostly) existing holes/mounts. Not my photo, but an idea...

All these early models with plastic swaps make my heart sad.

Yep, totally regret it since I have seen nice complete euro bumpers in the $900 range... Live and learn I guess.

[rabbitude]

Hers a few of my old car


IMG_3926 by wonderwilley, on Flickr


IMG_3881 by wonderwilley, on Flickr


IMG_3887 by wonderwilley, on Flickr

[Spectre]

Here's my '87.... someday I'll get some better pics.

Beautiful car! I love the Euro bumpers over the plastic conversion. What's the weight difference? From what I understand the plastic is heavier..

[F34R]

'87 with euro swap

[Bmwdayz]

87 325is with euro bumper swap, using late model front valance

[BlackSpeed66]

Thanks for the info. I'm E30 ignorant.

So you've got the Euro bumpers with a Euro valance and a US lip? Does the Euro valance bolt right up to the early model US car? I'd need to paint it and mount it?

Also what are the fogs? Are they different from US spec?

Sorry for all the questions. It's actually surprisingly difficult to find this stuff spelled out for you in any of the archived threads.

The plastic lip was used between the US and Euro cars. From what I've seen, there are a few different styles available but they all look/fit essentially the same. The valance is a bolt on piece - painted sheetmetal like the rest of the car. The Euro bumpers will fit with the US valance but there will be some gaps. The fogs are unique the the Euro vehicles and M3 only. The eS/iS fogs will not work.

[Jand3rson]

My '86 with late front/rear bumpers, and late rear valance. I have more/better pics somewhere...

[Boltspeedman]

Hers a few of my old car

IMG_3926 by wonderwilley, on Flickr


IMG_3881 by wonderwilley, on Flickr

IMG_3887 by wonderwilley, on Flickr

I am now a sucker for early model tails. Look at that rear end view. I really like the way smaller tails look with plastic bumpers. Awesome car man

[Hooffenstein HD]

All these early models with plastic swaps make my heart sad.

You and me both. Sure, it's an upgrade from diving boards but Euro chromies are really the only way to go.