Just wanted to offer some basic info and pictures on the newer BMW e30 style dashboard versus the original dash. Ive had a lot of requests about differences since I mentioned I picked one up in a FS ad.
Here's a link to another thread that briefly discusses the newer style dash with a higher res picture: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=54498
Impressions on the dashes side-by-side:
The new dash has a sticker stating it was made in South Africa, from BMW however. Its made of the material that newer BMWs use for the dash, like whats in an e39. The material is much firmer, with a robust, rubbery feel to it. It looks nice and black, and has an insulation liner on the inside (same material used in the sound deadening insulation behind the rear seat of your e30). Due to the texture and material used, it has more of a matte finish, so it doesn't reflect light like the original dash does when all shined up. Good if reflection from the sun has been a problem, bad if you like a super shiny dash. What I like most is the better resistance it has to cracking in the sun. Also, the material seems much less likely to flex and warp over time, so no gaps around the vents or the HVAC panel. The texture might be a concern to some, it is slightly different up close and might not be a 100% match to the consoles or glove box. To me, its so subtle it won't be obvios when everything is installed, and because the dash and other panels are in different planes and different light. The new style seems to vary in price, listed at $550 in the ^thread in 2005, but Ive seen them on realOEM (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...06&hg=51&fg=30) and other online vendors for $800-1250.
Pictures of dashes side-by-side:
New style on top:
new style on left:
Original:
New Style:
Ill publish photos of the differences installed once I finish getting the new dash in this weekend.
Hope this offers some insight in to those who asked, and to anyone else thinking of getting the replacement dash new.
-Ryan
Here's a link to another thread that briefly discusses the newer style dash with a higher res picture: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=54498
Impressions on the dashes side-by-side:
The new dash has a sticker stating it was made in South Africa, from BMW however. Its made of the material that newer BMWs use for the dash, like whats in an e39. The material is much firmer, with a robust, rubbery feel to it. It looks nice and black, and has an insulation liner on the inside (same material used in the sound deadening insulation behind the rear seat of your e30). Due to the texture and material used, it has more of a matte finish, so it doesn't reflect light like the original dash does when all shined up. Good if reflection from the sun has been a problem, bad if you like a super shiny dash. What I like most is the better resistance it has to cracking in the sun. Also, the material seems much less likely to flex and warp over time, so no gaps around the vents or the HVAC panel. The texture might be a concern to some, it is slightly different up close and might not be a 100% match to the consoles or glove box. To me, its so subtle it won't be obvios when everything is installed, and because the dash and other panels are in different planes and different light. The new style seems to vary in price, listed at $550 in the ^thread in 2005, but Ive seen them on realOEM (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...06&hg=51&fg=30) and other online vendors for $800-1250.
Pictures of dashes side-by-side:
New style on top:
new style on left:
Original:
New Style:
Ill publish photos of the differences installed once I finish getting the new dash in this weekend.
Hope this offers some insight in to those who asked, and to anyone else thinking of getting the replacement dash new.
-Ryan
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