Eurostop replica M-Tech 1 rear apron. Trying one for the team

[netcsk]

They should workie now. I had a little trouble when I uploaded them (they went to the "tiny" size in photobucket).

[netcsk]

A much needed update!
All Pictures are clickable for larger size. And an even bigger size of them all are here: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v3...r/Paint/Large/
Note: It is not done! (and already dirty)
It is done enough for me to go home for Thanksgiving. The car does not have glaze and a few spots still need wet-sand/buffing and we need to fit things a bit better (fenders need to come in at the top & bumpers need a little adjustment). The hood is the best looking spot at this point, but still it doesn't have glaze or wax.

First: The car as a whole.



Now for the rear valance.


Problems:

- The rear strip does not reach all the way around. My thoughts on this are that there is an m-tech strip (rear large molding piece) and a non m-tech strip. I'm thinking that the m-tech strip is longer than the non piece. Can anyone confirm or deny this? It is this short after heat gunning, clamping, and pulling. Its not going to reach.



- The rear strip does not sit flush with the bumper now that the rear valance is in place. Like above, I'm thinking the design of the m-tech rear strip is different and has a larger "top" side to reach up to the bumper. Again, can anyone confirm or deny this? I wonder if the "synthetic strip" (#4) in the first drawing is the fix for this?

The rear strip is a little under a $100 from online dealers (Tischer BMW is who I use -- GetBMWparts.com).


I'll give a short writeup on mounting. Excluding the above problems, which should hopefully be solved by the m-tech rear strip. This assumes that you already have the rear euro bumper and have put it on the car without the this rear valance.
It is very easy if you have a straight bumper.

All you need to get is:
drawing1: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...79&hg=51&fg=15
~14 bolts (#13): 51121932230
~14 nuts (#14): 51451868108

drawing2: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...40&hg=51&fg=15
the m-tech end pieces (#13, #14): 51121953711, 51121953712
possibly the m-tech rear strip (#8) -- I'll confirm this at a later time: 51121953890

The bolts slide in the center channel on the strip, the valance goes between the strip and the bumper (see bolt holes in the valance from previous pictures), and the nut tightens on the back of the bumper. Then you just mount the whole assembly on the rear like you would normally.

The replica piece that EuroStop sells is a very nice piece and I would recommend it. I'll update this thread again when I figure out the issues with the rear strip. And the ass of the car looks sooo much better.

I'll get a proper photoshoot this weekend and again when it gets finished.

[cabin]

As far as I know, the bumper strip should be the same between the M-tech and non-M-tech. I think the only difference between the two is the rubber "end caps" for the bumper. However, as I'm sure you know, the non-M-tech caps can be modified to work with the kit.

I had the M-tech kit on my previous 325is, and never had the problem you have shown above with the rear bumper, however, I bought the car with everything already installed for me.

[netcsk]

Thanks for the comments.
I'm starting to think the fiberglass is a bit thick/too tall where the strip meets the bumper. We'll pull it back apart and see if it can be figured out.

[N2MYE30]

Thanks for taking one for the team. I doesn't look that bad. Why the angle on the rear bumper?

[netcsk]

I've got to adjust the rear bracket to get it straight. There is enough play in it to get it to straighten up when I loosen up the nut and pick it up while tightening it. The whole doing it when it is this cold is the problem point :).

[TwoJ's]

I just saw this thread. Good work, and I like your car a lot. In my humble opinion, the mtech 1 kit is so much better looking than the mtech 2.

[netcsk]

I just saw this thread. Good work, and I like your car a lot. In my humble opinion, the mtech 1 kit is so much better looking than the mtech 2.

Thanks for the compliment. I agree on the mtech 1 - I prefer the metal bumpers actually.
The car is now back getting finished! Rear bumper straightened, polishing the chrome trim, wetsanding what still needs it, rebuff glaze and wax the paint, etc. etc.
I'll post a proper photo shoot when it's done in members ride.

Next, I'd really like to find a nice 16" wheel at least 7.5" wide. Hartge's are probably my favorite.

[EvoStevo]

As I understand, none of these pieces will fit on late model plastic bumpers. Is that correct? I really love this look.

[mikeedler]

the bumper strip is a different one for the techI-- it is longer and has a bit of a cutout on the lower side so that the rear valance sits correctly with the rubber strip.

the end caps are also different too.

is it even legal for that company to just outright copy BMW parts like that? not that I care or am upset.

[netcsk]

As I understand, none of these pieces will fit on late model plastic bumpers. Is that correct? I really love this look.

The sideskirts will fit, but the front and rear valance will not work at all. Thanks for the compliment on the look.

the bumper strip is a different one for the techI-- it is longer and has a bit of a cutout on the lower side so that the rear valance sits correctly with the rubber strip.

the end caps are also different too.

is it even legal for that company to just outright copy BMW parts like that? not that I care or am upset.

Awesome. Thank you much for the advise on the strip. I got the new end caps, but had not done the rear strip since I had not heard that it was different.

I doubt it is legal, but you have to look at how many others do it as well (wheels and body parts). I think it is just one of those things that doesn't hurt them enough to chase after.

[naplesE30]

How is the quality of the materials used on that kit?

[netcsk]

I assume you mean the rear valance, as that is the only thing not original. I am very impressed with the workmanship on the valance. The fit was correct and the lines and everything are perfect. Can't say anything bad about it.

[naplesE30]

I assume you mean the rear valance, as that is the only thing not original. I am very impressed with the workmanship on the valance. The fit was correct and the lines and everything are perfect. Can't say anything bad about it.

Yeah the valance, I am contimplating buying a reiger lip from eurostop and wanted your opinion on the materials they use, good to hear you like their products

[scabzzzz]

Nice... Im totally copying you now.