Valence conversion?

[NickL]

Hello. I currently have an 87 325is with this front valence.



What is involved in replacing it with this valence? Is this just an earlier model front valence with an i lip? Im not sure what to call it, but what is involved in swapping them?



And also picture credit goes to people in the front end thread.


Thanks, -Nick

[Asbradley21]

Take off the bumper, shocks, old valence, put on new valence and the bumper and shocks. Not that hard really.

[JMil86]

Do it.

[NickL]

Alright thank you. I was just wondering if there would be any type of modification needed.

Will the two middle slots on the early valence provide enough air for the oil cooler as the two slots on the is front valence do?

And also is it just called an early model valence? Did they change from year to year besides the 87 is,e?

Thanks for the replies and sorry for all of the questions.

[nosignal]

The one you want to convert to is actually a late model valence (88+). It's on my to-do list as well. :)

Early ones didn't have the integrated fogs, among other differences.

[MR 325]

From what I understand you will have to remove the front tow hooks. The rest is all bolt on. You can keep your diving board with the late model valance too. The one shown has a late model iS lip on it.

[416stroker]

From what I understand you will have to remove the front tow hooks. The rest is all bolt on. You can keep your diving board with the late model valance too. The one shown has a late model iS lip on it.

You are correct. You have to cut off your tow hooks.

[NickL]

Alright thanks for the info. Is the mounting of it pretty self explanatory? Ive had my current valence off before and it was just removing it from the 3 brackets on the hanger in the front and the two bolts in the wheel wells. The late model valence obviously doesnt mount like that so is it pretty much common sense once I get the bumper off?

Thanks for all of the replies.

[325ix]

Is there a such thing as an early model valence with the integrated fog lights?

[nosignal]

Is there a such thing as an early model valence with the integrated fog lights?

From what I understand only early Euro valences.

[RainierHooker]

Is there a such thing as an early model valence with the integrated fog lights?

Yes, ROW (rest of world, ie not North America) models used this valence from 84-85:


A similar one was used from 86-87. Both use the same ZKW fog-lights as the M3, just with different buckets. Cars ordered without fogs had black plastic grilles in the fog-light holes.

[MR 325]

Alright thanks for the info. Is the mounting of it pretty self explanatory? Ive had my current valence off before and it was just removing it from the 3 brackets on the hanger in the front and the two bolts in the wheel wells. The late model valence obviously doesnt mount like that so is it pretty much common sense once I get the bumper off?

Thanks for all of the replies.

There is a metal valance behind your "sport" valance. That is what you're swapping out.

[325ix]

Is it possible to use an early model valence on a late model?

[mcr_driver]

You are correct. You have to cut off your tow hooks.

sorry for a n00b question but how do you cut off the tow hooks? just hacksaw/power tool it? details appreciated...

[jamiholzbach]

Yup!

I did it with a Dremel tool:)