Early Vert - How to remove factory front metal valence?

[Panici]

Not sure if it helps in your case (I have a different valance), but I always remove the bumper shocks with the bumper.

That is to say, I unbolt the bumper shocks from the car and remove them still-attached to the bumper.

[m2d2]

Greetings,

I apologize for the thread bump, but I've scoured the internet far and wide for the answer I'm looking for and this contains the most detailed description I've found (Thank you Ceeker ). I'm looking for some help regarding my '87 vert front bumper. Last night, while attempting to remove the front bumper, I was able to access 2 of the 4 nuts holding the bumper shock to the bumper. Luckily, it appears the PO had the same issue and therefore only these 2 nuts were installed, thus I was able to remove the bumper. However, I would like to reinstall it correctly, ie, all 4 nuts. My problem: I see no physical way to access the inside nuts (circled in yellow in picture below). I cannot fit my hand in there to access these nuts, and I've tried every combination of extension, ratchet, wrench, swivel and wobble imaginable, to no avail. There is simply no clearance whatsoever. Am I missing something? I have searched for hours and every writeup or video pertains to the later model bumpers with accessible hex bolts from below. I would greatly appreciate any help! Few pics attached to illustrate my struggle. I remain perplexed. Is there a way to adjust/install the bumper with more clearance between it and the lower front panel?

TYIA,
J

[Mk2dude]

theres's also a gap on corner where fender meets bumper, that will be noticible if a US (early) or no valance is used.
get a euro unit with slot for oil cooler !

mt1 fronts come for Automatics with no oil cooler slot and manual with single or dual slots ;)

fogs mount to mt1 not valance and MB fog lights can be used a frenchie low/hi beams

here's my us 87 325ic, from db's to mt1 with euro valance from manual transmition car.,
notice that mt1 fog mount points clear through the valence opening



single slot :(




my Dual slot :)

Which mb fog lights work with mtech 1?

[achtunge30]

Thanks guys!
We were successful!

[achtunge30]

Thanks guys. Did quite a bit of cutting tonight just to discover I will have to cut
my driver side tow hook and it should fit like a glove by tomorrow!!

I am single slot right now by the way and considering going dual slot.
I guess down the road if a euro valence becomes available I will grab it.

[fporro]

Oh yes, item # 7 it's built in for US and separate item
for euros ... http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...35&hg=41&fg=10

At first I cut away to clear fogs until buying euro version.

[M-technik-3]

No AC was a single slot as well. New oem will be both holes closed and you trim it accordingly.

[fporro]

theres's also a gap on corner where fender meets bumper, that will be noticible if a US (early) or no valance is used.
get a euro unit with slot for oil cooler !

mt1 fronts come for Automatics with no oil cooler slot and manual with single or dual slots ;)

fogs mount to mt1 not valance and MB fog lights can be used a frenchie low/hi beams

here's my us 87 325ic, from db's to mt1 with euro valance from manual transmition car.,
notice that mt1 fog mount points clear through the valence opening



single slot :(




my Dual slot :)

[achtunge30]

Damn - thats what I was afraid of...good to know - may just do that rather than waiting another 1-2 months to find a euro valence then convince the seller to ship it to me - thanks for the info!

[M-technik-3]

Yes and no, if you do so your fenders flap in the breeze. If you have fogs, mock the valance and just trim out the offending area..

M tech I fogs are E30 M3/ E28 fogs if yours are pitted.

[achtunge30]

Can the euro bumper and mtech 1 be mounted without any valence behind it?

[M-technik-3]

Early valance US for oem NA fogs


Tech I minus the fogs mounted with same NA valance fits fine but with fogs does not.

[achtunge30]

My car has front and rear euro bumpers. I read in another thread that I do not need to run any valences underneath as it did not matter since the mtech 1 mounts over top of it.

The Mtech 1 bolts up to the front euro bumper and I already took care of mounting my euro bumper to the car. Eyeballing the existing US spec valence and the mtech 1 - the fogs sit up higher and that was my concern if the fogs would hit the US valence.

[M-technik-3]

you need a non North America valance other wise as you noted the fogs will hit the valance. Iassume your Tech I is cut out already and has fogs?

[achtunge30]

you don't need to remove the valance to install the m-tech 1 (early m-tech that is) I have one on my 87-vert as pictured.

You will need to remove the bumper. either the bumper shock from the frame 4 bolts or the bumper shock from the bumper. you can see in the first pic this has been done.

I lined up the spoiler to show the existing holes in the valance line up to the brackets that are on the spoiler. You need these brackets to afix it to the valance. the valance is pre-drilled from factory to mount the spoiler.

the last pic shows you the finished product.

note: it will be tricky to get the upper nuts tightened so be patient.

GL

Thanks but thats not the Mtech 1 I am referring to, thats the ES/IS front spoiler.

The mtech 1 looks like this.