Bumper Shock Differences late vs early

[brokecollegekid]

So I have a late model e30, build date Sep 12th, 1988 but I think the previous owner replaced the bumpers to the metal ones since I think it was in a slight accident because the headlights are broken and glued back together. I found a set of plastic bumpers but do I need to change out the bumper shocks? Are the early model shocks different than the late model shocks? I know I have to buy the plastic bumper clips and hardware.

[ELVA164]

The later shocks are shorter, not sure if the bolt pattern is the same.

[brokecollegekid]

The later shocks are shorter, not sure if the bolt pattern is the same.

Do you know much shorter?

[TimeMachinE30]

Search the forums for a thread titled "Bumpers Bumpers Bumpers".

[stonea]

The 88 year although a late model came with factory diving boards. However its very easy to convert. My ix is an 88 and I did the plastic bumper conversion and it was 100% bolt on. You need the bumpers, shocks, and alignment tabs.