e30 tail lights

[Leggins325]

I’ve owned and looked at many e30s, and I’m looking to buy a 1991 325iC. Well the pictures the owner has up have the earlier style tail lights on it, and I was for certain BMW changed them in 1988, but he claims it’s a 1991 and that the tail lights are original, I don’t doubt him on it since the car has airbags and the taillights are pretty hard to swap. I’m curious if anyone can tell me why this 1991 BMW has the early model tail lights and if my facts are just wrong for the tail lights. I’ve looked around and can’t find much on the tail lights besides that the M3 stuck with the early ones. Thanks!

[e30_troy]

Welcome to the forum. Search function is your friend for questions like these...

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=323933

but in short,
for the American Market verts got facelifted later than coupes:

...Convertibles continued the "early-model trend" until 1991 where convertibles produced for the late-1991, 1992, and 1993 years came with the updated late model systems and plastic bumpers. Only convertibles were produced in 1992/1993. The standard e30 coupe/sedan ceased production in 1991...

[Leggins325]

So it is a 1991! Good to know because he said the car ran and drive well, so if he lied about the year I was curious as to what else he was lying about...hm. Thanks!

[M_3_X]

So it is a 1991! Good to know because he said the car ran and drive well, so if he lied about the year I was curious as to what else he was lying about...hm. Thanks!

Yep, 91 was an interesting year. The first half, you have the verts with older bumpers and tail lights, from July (or could be August) on, you have the facelifted ones. It creates confusion, since most people thinks all 91s are facelifted.....

[ariachris56]

Still looking dear?