Dash longivity

[reelizmpro]

I've never had the dash crack in any of my E30's but I realize I live in a fair climate. My M tech had a cracked dash when I bought it though and I quickly swapped it out when good used dashes were just $100. Anyway, heat expands, cold contracts and UV will break down dash material as well. Try not to expose the car to too much cold or heat and you'll be fine. I guess some of you will have no choice but there's always car covers, dash pads, sunshades, dash treatments, etc that all help.

[g.ruff561]

I have spoken to the local BMW parts department and they have me thinking the new OEM E30 dash is made of the newer dash materials that do not crack. Hot weather, cold weather or UV rays. Does anybody here have any info on this?

Price is around $800.00. Would not be that bad a buy considering $200 for a crack free used one that is 25 years old. The way E30 prices are going up. A new dash would be a great selling point. Considering how much a swap cost, suspension upgrades, a good set of 4x100 E30 produced wheels, $800 is not that bad a deal. IJS.............G...........

[AndrewBird]

I have spoken to the local BMW parts department and they have me thinking the new OEM E30 dash is made of the newer dash materials that do not crack. Hot weather, cold weather or UV rays. Does anybody here have any info on this?

FYI, brand new dashes use the newer style vinyl found in E34/36's and is much less prone to cracking.

[mrcheezle19]

The new dash's are a newer type material. There have been threads/pictures posted. The material doesn't quite match the look of the old so it's off with the center console. Someone on here purchased all the parts I believe so everything matched. For $800 I'd think having the cracks filled and then the dash wrapped in leather would be a nice alternative. Of course then leather wears eventually.

here's some pics

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1073117-FS-NEW-E30-OEM-Dash-new-in-box

edit: didn't see the quote above but that is correct.

[g.ruff561]

Not having a match in color should be expected considering the rest of the interior may be 20 + years old. In my opinion the new dash is the best option. Much respect for members who can't afford one right now. Life gets in the way. I have been there. But keep it in mind when your pockets get deeper.

All the best.........G......

[88BlackS-ETA]

New dash texture....Just got it today and just cleaned it up...

FYI The new dash comes with NOTHING, the marks for the holes are there but they are not drilled out. I knew this when I purchased it but some might not know.

[DesertBMW]

wow. Is that new from BMW? Can you see anywhere on it date of the production?

[88BlackS-ETA]

wow. Is that new from BMW? Can you see anywhere on it date of the production?

Just got it from the dealership...It says it was made in South Africa on 10/09/03

If anyone wants to know it was $726 picked up..(Prices may vary) It took Tischer 2 days to get it in stock and I drove 1.5 hours one way to get it from them, also got a new drivers side fender (they had it in stock, they are certified for classics) for $174....

[DesertBMW]

$800 is very reasonable if it is new material that won't crack just from age.

[einstein57]

After replacing my dash twice i had it wrapped in vinyl. Much nicer, half the price of a new dash, and should last me 20 plus years easy.

[Rev Run D]

got pics einstein?

[einstein57]

Only pic i could find

[reelizmpro]

Nigel's dash has that same new texture but is much cheaper than new and looks nice with the stitching. It's definitely a good alternative. BTW, is that damn fly in the picture?

[MC Hammered]

Guten installed a new dash in my touring and it is made from the newer e36 foam material.

I believe them when they say the dash will still be around after the car rots to the Earth.

Only way to protect the dash and interior from UV damage is to tint your windows and windshield to block the UV rays out.

[einstein57]

I have the old texture too. Its made by katskinz.