Newbie valance question...

[CompleteCustoms]

I found a local junkyard that has an '85 318i. My question is, will the front valance from that car fit my '86 325? It seems to me like it shouldn't be a problem, but I was hoping someone could confirm this for me.

Also, does anyone have an illustration of the front bumper assembly so I know where to mounting points are?

[MR 325]

Are you talking about the lower lip or the complete front valance?

If you're referring to the lip, it will not interchange. The sheetmetal front valance on the 84-85 cars is different than the 86-87 cars. The actual sheetmetal valance will interchange though but I'd just look for the correct one.

[CompleteCustoms]

I'm looking for the complete lower valance (metal valance and plastic lip). The one on that car was pretty trashed so I didn't buy it anyway. I'm not in that big of a hurry to get one, so I don't mind waiting to find the right part.

From what I've read though, it seems that most body parts are pretty much interchangeable on 84-87 cars regardless of model (318, 325) and trim (e, i, is, etc). Is this correct?

[MR 325]

You're right on interchangeability, yes. But the valances ARE different.

[AndrewBird]

And FYI, RealOEM.com has good diagrams.

[CW325]

Iirc the 85 valance is 2piece and the 86+ are a single piece

[MR 325]

Iirc the 85 valance is 2piece and the 86+ are a single piece

Also correct, 84-85 are 2 piece and 86-87 are 1 piece. On the 2 piece valances the section just below the kidney grille and headlight grilles will separate from the valance.

[CompleteCustoms]

Thanks all. I'm going to hold out for an 86 or 87 valence. If anyone know someone that has one they're looking to unload, and are willing to ship or are located near West Michigan, I would appreciate a heads up.

[CompleteCustoms]

And FYI, RealOEM.com has good diagrams.

Thank you so much. That's going to be really helpful.