1993 Convertible - front grill, something rare?

[RaabsIn513]

I'm about to be the proud owner of an E30 convertible. The exact color combo & trans that I've always wanted!

Though I don't have my hands on it yet - the seller tells me that he thinks this front grill appears to be factory. Car has a clean carfax, no accidents.

I noted the production numbers here.
Is it possible this is the last car (01/1993) that they may have done differently? He tells me the chrome on the grill appears gold as well as the 325i on the rear. I asked him if he could ID the grill as OEM.

Here are some pictures from the seller.




I've searched the VIN & only got general information, no production date or anything like that.
The side moldings appear as part of the body, something that I believe only the IS models did. Thoughts?

[kronus]

the side moldings, grills, bumper impact strips and badges on your car were repainted at some point in its life by a person with poor taste

[RaabsIn513]

the side moldings, grills, bumper impact strips and badges on your car were repainted at some point in its life by a person with poor taste

no doubt, the grill and side moldings look better black. I guess i'll know more when it gets to me. :D

[M_3_X]

If/when you get that car PLEASE get it to its original glory ASAP!

[flyboyx]

unfortunately, i agree with kronus. that car was "whited out" by what looks to have been a hood rat. i would compare this to a previous owner taking a shit on a filet mignon.

on the positive side, that car is pretty darn rare. they only made a few hundred '93's. there is a slim possibility you might have a factory oem cd player or an a/c compressor designed for r134.

[M_3_X]

Can you post the last 7 of the VIN?

[RaabsIn513]

can you post the last 7 of the vin?

ec07010

[M_3_X]

ec07010

So did you hey the car? Base on the production date and numbers this car is among the last 234 E30 convertibles produced.

[RaabsIn513]

The car is bought, just waiting on shipping. That's more information than I could find. Thank you!

I'll post more pictures asap. I should have it 8/20 :D

[M_3_X]

Great!

[RaabsIn513]

finally here!

Just took delivery of the car a couple hours ago.



I was able to take a closer look at the grill and surround.








Then I found this:



Car was originally from California, it came with all the service records and the original window sticker. It has 101k miles on it. The paint is in pretty good condition.



I'm not feeling the white grill at all!!

How'd i do for $5500?
Going back out for another cruise :D

[M_3_X]

Just took delivery of the car a couple hours ago.


I'm not feeling the white grill at all!!

How'd i do for $5500?
Going back out for another cruise :D

Not feeling that white everything! lol
Never heard of a gold edition, maybe some West Cost customizing company thing?

Based on the mileage, condition and the fact that, plastic bumper-facelift tail lights-convertibles are more rare than an E30 M3.....it is definitely desired and a nice find.
Price wise, I'd say if everything works-including the a/c, and all the maintenance is up to date, including the timing belt and valve adjustment, top and all gaskets are in good shape, etc...you've got an average deal.

Keep the gold badge and grille if you want, but get that and the moldings and door handles back to black ASAP! It will look sooo much better!

[flyboyx]

the gold edition is really cool in that 80's kind of way....but you may notice that the instruction label doesn't say bmw anywhere.....i really don't think the gold is factory. i'm about 99% sure it is not. maybe it was a dealer add on would be my guess. personally, i would remove the gold parts and set them aside, replacing them with standard chrome. i would also replace the "whited out" trim with standard black parts. this is just my opinion though. its your car so you do you.

it looks like a really nice car. being a 93 it is really very rare. as stated above, around 300 built. i don't think the price was a steal, but i think the car appears to be well bought.

[uturn]

Congrats on your purchase. Now to dig in on bringing it back up to par. Get the euro black grills and ask the seller to send back some money.... car fax didn't state the issue with the front end damage. The separation at the fender and valance means there was an issue that wasn't properly repaired.

[reelizmpro]

CA dealers offered many 3rd party services as options. Tinted windows, hofco alarms, gold plated emblems, fender trims, pinstriping and chromed stock wheels were very popular at the time.