Front air dams! What's original???

[UpOn3]

Hi, I'm new to the E30 community and looking to get my first.

Can someone help me discern what the original front air dam design and finish is on the plastic bumpered cars?


Is the painted portion below the bumper supposed to be a textured (chip resistant) or smooth? Or does that apply only to the side section of the font dam?

The two horrizontal cutouts below the bumper, are they cut out (free flowing) or does one or both have a black colored blank?

Are the bottom extensions (lips) painted or black? Is the center section more shallow?

Is the "is" different than the "i" coupe or the "i" sedan?

While we are on the topic, what was the rear valance (below the bumper) originally like with respect to paint and finish?


I'm sure this has been covered before, so if anyone has a link that would be great. I haven't been able to find it. Thanks!

[delatlanta1281]

Too much to answer.
There are two different lips, one is an I lip, one is an is lip (the one with the dip). Center sections both have inserts, however I believe there are different types due to whether or not there is an oil cooler present.
The painted portion should be textured iirc .
Rear valence was textured with two tone... Body color up top, black down low

[ELVA164]

Here is a list of 325i vs 325is differences. The title helped.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=95199

Also, the 2-door and 4-door (all E30's are sedans, FYI) are identical aside from the doors and door cards, center consoles (different number of buttons according to number of doors), only 2-door front seats fold all the way forward (although all front seats have the mechanicals inside), and 4-doors have vents under the front seats for rear airflow. I think only the 4-doors have that...

[VinniE30]

There are 3 main different valences (and 2 special ones which are more uncommon)

1. early iS (sport) - this was on 325iS and other models that checked off the sport option or sport appearance package.

2. regular early valence - this was on all other early models with some exceptions

3. late valence - this was on all late models (89 and on) both i and iS with some exceptions

exceptions: there was also the mtech 1 and mtech 2 bodys. mtech 1 you won't see much here since it didin't come on US models, only euro and other countries. mtech 2 was a option that did come on some US models but it is also uncommon to see.

[ELVA164]

This thread should be a great resource for any and all valance questions:

http://e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98746

[AndrewBird]

There is also the early eS front valence. It is identical to the early iS front valence, except the eS was missing the cut outs at the bottom center to allow air over the oil cooler, which was only installed on i cars.

[UpOn3]

all great info, in a jiffy. thanks guys.

So regarding the bottom extension on the late 89+ plastic bumper cars, is the factory unit painted body color on the "is" cars but not the i or were they all unpainted black?

on the same, late model cars were all the fog lights identical? with the black frame? Are fog lights desireable to have?

Where do the two ducts next to the fog lights lead to? brake discs, or are they fake?

[fatsooo]

all great info, in a jiffy. thanks guys.

So regarding the bottom extension on the late 89+ plastic bumper cars, is the factory unit painted body color on the "is" cars but not the i or were they all unpainted black?

the 'iS' lips/bottom extension are supposed to be painted the color of the car
it is not uncommon to find a lip from a volvo to be retrofitted to replace the 'iS' lip, which is why you're probably finding unpainted lips.

i don't think the 'i' lip came painted

on the same, late model cars were all the fog lights identical? with the black frame? Are fog lights desireable to have?

yes. working fogs are desirable and late model ones are identical, but are a personal preference. most of them came with fogs but having them working is another story. it's a very common part and there are many aftermarket applications as well.
like I said though, all personal preference.

Where do the two ducts next to the fog lights lead to? brake discs, or are they fake?

they are supposed to have "piping" running into the inner wheel well cover. purpose = cool braking components