E30 Valence Delete and Floating Fog Lights?

[Mihir]

Alright so I've got a 325es, but the big old valence from the "s" fell off with the previous owner. I'm kinda liking the no valence look however, and I was wondering if anyone had info as to how to clean up the metal under there and mount the fog lights there without the valence.

Wasn't sure if there's a kit or something, but I haven't been able to find one. Any info would be great.

I found this picture, and it's exactly what I want. Just couldn't figure out who posted it originally.

[efficient]

Those metal bumpers I think have holes in the bottom to mount the fogs

[Mihir]

Oh sick really? I clearly haven't spent enough time with the car. I'll check as soon as I'm home.

Is there some sealant or something I could cover up that bumper bit with? Kinda looks like crap...

[efficient]

When you take off the metal bumper you can put a valance on.

[ELVA164]

I'm not understanding. Your car has that same metal valance under the large plastic one you lost. Those fog lights just mount to the bumper as mentioned. They're a different design from the ones which were mounted in the plastic valance. What would you have to seal?

[Swanny]

Thats what all early models look like if they didn't carry the IS air dam if equipped with fog lights. The fogs were square and held on by an L bracket to the bumper that had reliefs to rotate and lock their positioning. My 84 318 and 86 325e all came with that set up.

[JasonC]

You just need a lip to attach to the metal valance that is on your car already. But the one pictured is a 85 and back lip. The one you need will be on 86-87 models and 88-early91 convertibles.

[Mihir]

I'm sorry for all the confusion. If it wasn't completely clear, I'm new here and new to the e30 in general

My car is an 86 325es. As I understand it the S came with a large valence (is that also know as an air dam?). The previous owner said that this was knocked off quite a while ago.

Regardless, now there is an unsightly bit of body work visible under there, and the fog lamps gone with the valence. I would love help in finding the trim used on the car pictured originally. I get that I can just bolt the fogs on without the big valence, just need to figure out the other trim piece.

In other words, given the current state of my car, how do I make it look like that picture!

If there is some major misunderstanding I have (fully possible) I'd also appreciate clarification. Thanks everyone for the help!

[ELVA164]

Ah. The black piece you see at the bottom is part number 51711911983. That's the one with the brake ducts. If you prefer one without them, it's part number 51711933402. If you want the larger original piece, you'll have to buy used. You could use a front spoiler valance from a 325eS or a 325iS; the only difference is the iS valance had two extra holes for an oil cooler (which your car doesn't have). Those spoiler valances also require special brackets which are usually broken by this point.

[ELVA164]

Also, 325eS spoiler valance:

325iS (my car):

[Mihir]

You are awesome man, thank you so much!

That first part number you posted is exactly what I needed. Thanks again, I'm gonna go get that thing in the mail.

[JasonC]

You are awesome man, thank you so much!

That first part number you posted is exactly what I needed. Thanks again, I'm gonna go get that thing in the mail.

And it will not fit. The one with the brake ducts is for a 83-85 model. You have a 86 that has a slightly different valance that uses the 86-87 lip and 88-early 91 convertible lip. The piece of trim you are looking for is called a lip.

Here is a picture of the two. The one on the left is the 85 and back and right is 86-87 and the convertibles like I said.

As you see the one with the brake ducts is shorter on the sides and shaped slightly different in the front.


It's this one here is the one you need,

There are two different lips like this one. One has a hole in the center for a oil cooler, and the other don't. The picture shown is the one without.

Then there is this lip also, it's little more sporty then the other one that is flat looking.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-116544-51711943867-genuine-bmw-part/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw-Mm6BRDTpaLgj6K04KsBEiQA5f20E-a_sEUE5QaZXcNd41UgBTSbsrjZEh12rTEv4CljnDIaApef8P8HAQ

Ignore the bumper and fog lights in the valance. Those are euro parts. The euro valance is shaped just like the US one but the euro has fog lights.

[Mihir]

Aight, so I haven't ordered it yet, seems like thats a good thing.

Do you have a part number for that lip? And to be clear, this lip bolts on in place of the valence correct?

Thanks man.

[ELVA164]

Whoops, I've seen them retrofitted and assumed. You know what they say about assuming...

[JasonC]

Aight, so I haven't ordered it yet, seems like thats a good thing.

Do you have a part number for that lip? And to be clear, this lip bolts on in place of the valence correct?

Thanks man.

It's the second part number that ELVA164 gave you. It does not replace the valance, it screws/bolts to your existing valance that's under your bumper.

Whoops, I've seen them retrofitted and assumed. You know what they say about assuming...

It's all good! Been there done that lol.