Euro-Bumper Conversion Concerns

[Zasz]

I've been wanting to re-create a 325i that was in my family until it got totalled about 6 years ago.
I just bought myself a 4 door 325 SETA to do so, but the bumpers on it are starting to become a concern as I'm a noobie and am worrying about how much of a pain I might have to go through to replace them with "nice" ones.

Here's an example of what I want mine to look like:









Can I get a heads-up of what problems will/might arise when doing the bumper swap, and can anyone provide me with parts #s and/or a place to shop for this stuff?

Also, I know I'm being finicky enough, but is there a way to include side markers on these kinds of bumpers? My side markers and other lights are all working great, and I don't want those electronics to go to waste.

Thanks a bunch.

[Wishno87]

I'm guessing you have an 88 right? It won't really work with the body you have.

[Van Westervelt]

I'm guessing you have an 88 right? It won't really work with the body you have.

Correct. If its a 1988 model with the larger tail lights, you will have a few issues. I think you can get around it by ordering convertible specific euro bumper side pieces though. I might be wrong on this. And the back wont look the same anyway due to larger tails and lower arches.

[Wishno87]

Correct. If its a 1988 model with the larger tail lights, you will have a few issues. I think you can get around it by ordering convertible specific euro bumper side pieces though. I might be wrong on this. And the back wont look the same anyway due to larger tails and lower arches.

Ya he can get the vert rear end pieces but there will still be a gap under the bumper and the valence all around. Unless he wants to do some cutting and welding.

[Van Westervelt]

Ya he can get the vert rear end pieces but there will still be a gap under the bumper and the valence all around. Unless he wants to do some cutting and welding.

Unless you put on a tech 1 valence to match the front that he wants. :)

The image of where the rear bumper meeting the wheel arch in the back will look like this:



The whole car looks like this:

[RainierHooker]

Exactly what they all said. If your car was an '87 or earlier the swap is very very easy. The front is a direct swap and the back just requires drilling two holes (which are already there from the factory, they are just filled with putty prior to paint on NorthAmerican Spec cars). The '88 or later would be simple for the front but the back end would be very very difficult to make it look anywhere near correct...

Edit: unless you want to go full M-Tech I like Van said, but even then there will be the gap between the bumper trim and body.

[Zasz]

I actually don't care about the valence at all XD but now I'm sorta bummed about changing the back bumper.

Thanks everyone, really helpful info. Now I need to go find out how the hell I can do something similar without making my car look like shit.

[Wishno87]

If you really want to do it sell your 88 and buy an early model. You may even come out on top since late models are generally worth more than early models.

[Van Westervelt]

I dont think it will really be a problem if you get the vert pieces, the rear isnt as bumper specific as the late model front,

[rThor432]

Here's an example of what I want mine to look like:

You should just buy the car, it's for sale!

My wheels sure do look good on it..

I dont think it will really be a problem if you get the vert pieces, the rear isnt as bumper specific as the late model front,

Hey Curt, your car looks great with the M-tech stuff. Are those fairly recent pictures? They make me miss my old white 323i with white bumpers.

I've been trying to remember to text you forever now.. I've been real busy with work stuff. Sorry about that..

[Zasz]

You should just buy the car, it's for sale!

My wheels sure do look good on it..

Sorry man. Literally $100 in the bank, and I've got bills to pay. Also, NC is a little out of my reach. I'd buy it in a heartbeat if I could, I'm lucky I was able to get my $1150 beater.