The Comprehensive E30 Dashboard / E30 Dash Thread

[DEV0 E30]

So, you've got a cracked dash, or want to read more on this topic, I'm going to add all the information I can find and post here as options for those looking for solutions.

At the end of the day, if you have an old dash --- it is probably going to crack, it's just a matter of when.

Most dashes have some warpage around the AC vents these days, others may have grand canyon sized cracks all over.

Live to learn with this fact, because it is probably unavoidable.

Now, let's move on to what to do if it happens, and if there is anything you can do to minimize wear on the dash.

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What causes a dash to crack?

What causes cracks is different expansion/contraction rates between the vinyl and foam in the dash. One shrinks more/less then the other and you get a crack. As vinyl gets older and is subjected to UV rays, it becomes less and less flexible. This is why it is a good idea to use a protectant to keep the vinyl pliable so it can flex/stretch more.

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If you've had your dashboard rewrapped or have taken steps to maintain it, please post your thoughts and measures below - would like to turn this thread into a jumping off point for anyone looking to get their dash tended to, or re-done. Again with the caveat that this is possibly a fools endeavor.

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Stock Image from Ebay:

Ah, so pretty and crack free.







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Diagram from REALOEM:

Part Number: 51451941532 ------ $1276.41 ENDED ------ Now NLA Again, for a short time BMW sold new dashes out of a newer material.












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Dashboard Maintenance - Extend the life of your crack-free dash

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1. Park car in garage when car is not in use, this doesn't guarantee anything though.

2. Keep the windshield covered when it's parked in the sun, a good quality sunshade is a good idea.

3. Windshield + window tinting - there are invisible films that cut out 80-90% of UV rays, not a bad idea, also skin cancer sucks, so it's for you too. *Note* in many states applying windshield film is illegal.

4. Temperature / humidity fluctuations. If you live in a non-moderate climate, your dash is likely more in danger. Extreme heat and extreme cold especially.

5. Apply quality product to the dashboard or diluted mixture of products [Many people have conflicting opinions on this] the accepted opinion is to NOT use Armorall products on dashboards though, the formula will actually harm the dash. Some think any sort of solution added to the dash is a waste, or can actually harm the dash. As more people with more experience in this area and more opinions are shared I will try to add suggested products.

6. Learn to live with the crack(s), because cracks are coming for all of our dashes / dashboards. The material itself is not like what current generation cars use and your money could probably be spent elsewhere on the car.

(to update with more info)


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Recent Topic: How rare is an uncracked dash these days

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Options

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1. Live with it.

2. Get a cover for your dash, carpet / dashcap.

3. DIY Fixes: Fill cracks, re-wrap, etc.

4. Swap in a crack-free dash - NOTE: No guarantee this new dash won't crack.

5. Flock / Leather wrap your dash - DIY or Professional

6. Pay to have a professional rebuild/rewrap the dash.

7. Buy *New* OEM E30 Dash from BMW (currently NLA) some resellers are selling these, but be careful as this is a hot-spot for scammers. [Old Info: Part Number: 51451941532 .]







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Dash "Carpet" / "Suedemat" / other material Covers:

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Carpet Cover Examples:

• Ebay
• Fit My Car
• Ebay
• Suedemat
• Dashmat

R3v Thread --- "Non-Carpet": https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...arpet-dash-mat
R3v Thread --- Dash Mat / Dash Discussion: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...-more-problems
R3v Thread --- Cover: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...dash-mat-cover


Conclusions / Opinions: Some believe adding a material cover of any kind may superheat the dash below, something to keep in mind. My first e30 that had 10+ massive cracks came with a carpet cover, mind you it was a car that was not care for and had 20+ years at the time of sitting in the southwestern region (Arizona and California) sun. At that time, I thought the carpet dash cover was better than the horrendous cracks.




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Dash "Cap" / "Overlay" Covers:

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One piece molded/moulded cover to fit directly on top of your dashboard.
There are quite a few options out there, probably all from the same mould/mold.
They are about $100 or less, and are glued/adhered directly on top of your dash.
Fitment and appearance can leave something to be desired.



Examples:

• Pelican Parts
• Amazon
• Ebay
• Ebay
• Ebay
• Ebay

R3v Thread: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...se-dash-covers

Reddit Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/E30/comment...s_pretty_good/

Reddit Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/E30/comment...lded_dash_cap/

DIY Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NC3RBWzgGs



(links and resources will be added / updated)

Conclusions / Opinions: See threads.








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DIY Dash Repair / Fixes / Flocked / Wrapped Dashes:

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This could be an intense project for some, and how far you want to take it.



Dash Repair / Wrap Examples:

Dash Repair 101 --- https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...ash-repair-101

Repair: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...pair-Pic-Heavy

Repair / Flocking: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...racks-refinish

Flocked Dash: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...t=flocked+dash

Vinyl Wrapped Budget: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...my-dash-for-20

Flocked Dashes Thread: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/e30-technical-forums/appearance-cosmetic/interior/299826-flocked-dash-interior

(links and resources will be added / updated)


Conclusions / Opinions: See threads.











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Professionally Repaired / Rebuilt / Rewrapped Dashes:

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Professional rebuilt / repaired/ and/or rewrapped dashes.





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Just Dashes:

Just Dashes Thread: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...justdashes-com

https://www.justdashes.com/bmw/e30/b...d-restoration/
https://www.justdashes.com/services/...d-restoration/

Featured On Jay Leno's garage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb3BQhDFWOI
Facebook video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2820548074672132



Direct Link to Example (Below): https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...d#post10087028


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Dashboard Doctor (Location: Melbourne, Australia)

Data point for this thread, but mainly to Australian members:

https://www.dashboarddoctor.com.au/

Example below in comments.

Direct Link to Example (Below): https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...d#post10087046


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Vintage Dashes:

They do other models, but unsure how many E30 dashes they have done.

https://vintagedashes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/vintagedashes/

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AMX Performance / Ricardo Max [ Location: Poland? I think --- Europe - Worldwide Shipping]

You may have drooled over his work over the years if you've been into E30s as long as I have.

Via their/his website: " Custom Car Seats Centre . Custom Car Interior . Individual Car Interior . Luxury Car Interior "

--- Be sure you are speaking directly to him, he's had a lot of imposters scamming people.
--- His work is well known, but it is expensive.
--- Mostly he does leather wrapping for dashboards. He has other services too.

https://amx-performance.com/

https://www.instagram.com/amx_performance/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/AMXPerformance/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/9863...0010688778833/

E30 Interior Parts: https://amx-performance.com/bmw-e30-interior-parts/ --- I've looked at this page too many times over the years.


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Milan Milich [ Location - Europe --- Russia I believe. ] --- If he creates a website or another way to contact him, please notify in this thread.

Leather wrapped dashes.

A few people have purchased from him, he does great work. I'd like to have another form of contact for him outside of social media.

R3vlimited Group posts below:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/R3VL...2336341597627/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/R3VL...1667167352627/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/R3VL...2701418617627/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mi_mi_sr/

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E30 Worldshop / Alexandr Krupko

--- Seller can delay shipping items: This may be pending removal, as I don't want to have questionable resources listed.

Does factory-looking vinyl dashboards, and other parts.

NOTE: https://www.reddit.com/r/E30/comments/pngdwa/has_anyone_purchased_an_mtech_2_kit_from_e30/

https://www.instagram.com/e30_worldshop/?hl=en

https://www.e30worldshop.com/

https://www.e30worldshop.com/product...ashboard-grey/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/R3VL...2662128707627/

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Carbon Fiber and FRP / Fiberglass Dashboards

I've always liked the idea of having a material that won't shrink/deform and crack like vinyl/rubber/whatever our factory dashes are made of, so dashes made out of a material that won't have that problem has always intrigued me, but they are usually only seen in race cars for good reason. A stock dash is going to be less harmful in the event of a crash to your face / body. There are multiple companies who make CF/FRP/FG, this list will grow as I remember them / locate them / etc. I believe there were 2 or 3 companies in the UK and a few in Germany. Again - will update as time allows.




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2M Autowerks [Based in USA - Vista, California]

They make dashboards from CF and FRP.

https://www.2mautowerks.com/product/...n-coupe-wagon/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/e30o...5894064424867/

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This resource will grow over time.

[[[ If you know of a professional and can verify their work, I will add them to this list. ]]]

[DEV0 E30]

Examples 1:

To be updated.

[DEV0 E30]

Examples 2:

To be updated.

[DEV0 E30]

Examples 3:

To be updated.

[prisonerofdoom83]

Just dashes 7 month wait just over 2k$ I live locally so I was able to drop off and pick up . I assume if you were to ship and have them ship back it would be a 3-500 ontop just a guess . After they receive the dash they send you an invoice with a due date which is when they are getting ready to start .

[DEV0 E30]

I gotta say, it looks impressive.

[Ritzace]

wow great write up and thank you! I have a (knock on wood) un-cracked dash and am waiting for that dreadful day when one starts to appear. I also saw this guy on Instagram who also does new re-coats of vinyl for dashboards based in LA I think. His IG is:@ e30_worldshop. I have no idea of the quality or price, but just giving another option out there.

[E30-325iS]

This guy did a great job wrapping his dash.

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/e30-technical-forums/appearance-cosmetic/interior/382874-i-wrapped-my-dash-for-20

[Tzantushka]

Agree - excellent resource.
Can add a data point for this thread, but mainly to Australian members:

Dashboard Doctor
(Melbourne, Australia)

https://www.dashboarddoctor.com.au/

Finished example for me in 2021:








Understand 2022 Cost is circa AUD $1000+ (USD $700) plus shipping to and from.

[DEV0 E30]

Thanks guys, updated first post. Going to try to add permalinks to all posts in this thread to show examples, make it a useable resource.

[Mike36]

I added 80% ceramic tint to my windshield mostly to protect my crack free dash. Made a huge difference in dash surface temperatures and the tint was barely noticeable especially being from CA where windshield tint is illegal.

[flipper325es]

From the other dashboard thread:

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/e30-classified-forums/for-sale-wanted/parts-for-sale/10079377-fs-brand-new-oem-dashboard?p=10087164#post10087164

[DEV0 E30]

From the other dashboard thread:

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...4#post10087164

Updated main post, thank you.

[ghrays]

I would love to get a new dash from BMW. According RealOEM, the part number for the dashboard for USA E30s is 51451941532. 51451884482 is listed for European E30 models with RHD.

[prisonerofdoom83]

So I emailed just dashes to see what they recommend for car cleaning protecting the dash . They told me lemon pledge!!!! Lol idk how I feel about that one .