Rocker/Fender differences - who can tell me why there are two types?

[bmw325_num99]

Does anyone know why the e30s sometimes have different rocker/fender bottoms? Most are curved inwards but some are flared outwards. I am not talking about fiberglass/plastic side skirts from the IX or the aftermarket but what appear to be factor steel ones. I am asking because I am looking for replacement fenders for my UK-market 1989 320i touring. I have the B style which seem significantly rarer but I havent figured out why a car as one type vs the other type. Looks like RHD tourings have the B style but not other RHD models but I haven't confirmed.

Why are there two types and what determines which is fitted to an e30? Here is what I mean:

[AwakenNoMore]

B-style is just the iS side skirts, they attach to the fender. The actual fender isn't any different. There's however apparently a difference between early and late fenders and convertible fenders.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

B-style is just the iS side skirts, they attach to the fender. The actual fender isn't any different. There's however apparently a difference between early and late fenders and convertible fenders.

what he said

[Das Delfin]

^ convertible fenders have a metal plate welded from the top of the fender under the hood to the shock tower to aid in structural rigidity

[bmw325_num99]

Well Ill be d@$%ed, I thought they were metal and part of the structure. OK, thanks guys.

[bmw325_num99]

Probably also means the skirts are hiding rust from all the moisture trapped in there.

[JasonC]

^ convertible fenders have a metal plate welded from the top of the fender under the hood to the shock tower to aid in structural rigidity

It's not welded to the fender. It's attached from the strut tower to the main structure itself.

[justin_l_]

^ convertible fenders have a metal plate welded from the top of the fender under the hood to the shock tower to aid in structural rigidity

This is also found on some non verts.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Probably also means the skirts are hiding rust from all the moisture trapped in there.

if you seal it up properly no it shouldnt be rusty

[reelizmpro]

This is also found on some non verts.

Because someone installed them.

[xcx4x]

Do u think b looks coolet


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[bmw325_num99]

Do u think b looks coolet


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Come again?

[JasonC]

Come again?

I think the Cali sun has baked his brain lol.

Think he is saying, Do you think that "b style" looks the coolest?

[613EDRTY]

b style ftw lol

I have some 1 piece "is style" skirts to install

[bmw325_num99]

Yeah B style is best even though I have never had it on any car before this one (which i technically dont even have yet)