is or es spoiler?

[LateFan]

Is this an is rather than an es front spoiler? I've read here that it has the two extra slots in the middle. Was that for an is oil cooler?



It's on an '86 ES coupe, so maybe somebody whacked the original years ago. It's in good shape but sags a bit from the bumper in the center.

Is there a standard steel valance behind this?

What would it take to get to a stock euro look like this? Do you need a completely different steel valance than what's on an ES?
Thanks -

[Rigmaster]

that's a stock 'is' front airdam, the extra slots are for an oil cooler that came stock on all 325i/is, but not on the e/es cars. The 'es' airdam is basically the same, without the extra slots. Probably was a replacement part like you guess.

Ths euro front is a different valance (the metal part under and behind the bumper) as well as the euro bumpers (chrome steel as opposed to aluminum or plastic like on US cars).

Yes, there's a steel valance behind the airdam, it's different than the euro valance, but the main difference is the bumpers. Good clean Euro bumpers and valance are getting hard to find, expect to pay $$ for nice ones.

[delatlanta1281]

Dang rigmaster on point per usual. Thanks for saving us from all the mis-information that would no doubt come down the pike....

[reelizmpro]

I must say that late 325eS model year 87 325eS did come with 4 slot airdams so it's not entirely accurate to say this is an "eS" or "iS" airdam. BMW consolidated to the 4 slot airdam for the 87 model year as it would work with both eS and iS cars. There weren't many 87 eS models sold but my mom used to own one.

[slammin.e28]

I was always under the impression that eS and diving board iS dams were the same part.

Then again I'm usually wrong.

[LateFan]

that's a stock 'is' front airdam, the extra slots are for an oil cooler that came stock on all 325i/is, but not on the e/es cars. The 'es' airdam is basically the same, without the extra slots. Probably was a replacement part like you guess.

Ths euro front is a different valance (the metal part under and behind the bumper) as well as the euro bumpers (chrome steel as opposed to aluminum or plastic like on US cars).

Yes, there's a steel valance behind the airdam, it's different than the euro valance, but the main difference is the bumpers. Good clean Euro bumpers and valance are getting hard to find, expect to pay $$ for nice ones.

Thank you. SO many noobie questions I have. Do these spoilers have any value now, to sell used?

The valance is a bolt-on, not weld-on part?

Yes, I love the small euro bumpers - anything is better than DBs! Do you have to find them in european salvage yards? I've seen them new for Big Bucks.

[reelizmpro]

The 86 325eS didn't come with an oil cooler so the airdam didn't have the two middle slots on the bottom. Then when the 87 325iS came out with cooler, the airdam changed to the 4 slot style to accommodate it. This later airdam was then used on both eS/iS models.

[mcr_driver]

The ES/IS front Airdams do carry a bit of value depending on condition, a lot of spec e30 guys will run them for more "aero." It's bolted on via a metal hanger in the back that connects the Airdam to the metal front valence. Some guys will even run them with plastic bumpers but that naturally requires modification to look/fit "right." Also both are correct the original ES Airdam was a 2 slot but in 87 they all became 4 slots like the IS's.

[LateFan]

... the original ES Airdam was a 2 slot but in 87 they all became 4 slots like the IS's.

Right, so someone whacked it when it was 3 or 4 years old and still insured, and that was the available new part.

Then there's a small plastic lip on the bottom of the euro valance? Are they completely different fogs? I sort of like the black fog blanks.

[MR 325]

The Euro valance is a bolt on piece and replaces the sheetmetal valance on the US car. The one behind the eS/iS front spoiler. The 2 Euro cars you posted actually are 84-85 cars which have a slightly different valance than the 86-87 cars. In my opinion the 86-87 Euro valance is the best looking unit. It will share the same black plastic lower valance as the US 86-87 cars. Euro valance fogs are specific to that valance.

[tonerrrr]

'86 ES for anyone's reference.

[LateFan]

...In my opinion the 86-87 Euro valance is the best looking unit. It will share the same black plastic lower valance as the US 86-87 cars. Euro valance fogs are specific to that valance.

I think these pics are the 86-87 piece. Do I have that right?




realOEm shows that panel with the center vents as 41331933772. I just searched under euro 87 320i. It appears you can order it from a dealer in the US for around $250, but there ought to be some used ones around. I just heard from a guy who scrapped one because of lack of interest (!). #8 below, although this drawing shows 4 vents - I thought the euro had only two rectangles..?


So the plastic lip is the same part # US & Euro?
realOEM shows the part # 51711933402.


But then it looks like none of this matters if you don't have the bumpers....

[MR 325]

You are correct that's the 86-87 valance. The lower lip is the same as US. As far as the diagram on RealOEM, it doesn't always depict the exact part.

[LateFan]

Thanks -

I think this is the exact part.... (German ebay, $$$$)

[Tzzantaru]

Isn't this what you are looking for?

PS : sorry for the excessive dust :D It's been siting in the atitc for 2 years.