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Differences between early and late models
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I don't know about sedans, but i know that the front windows between early/late are not interchangeable.
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For coupe and sedan 325i, 1989 was the final "most-desirable" year. It came with no airbag, elipsoid headlights, plastic bumpers, horizontal-style tailights, low rear-arches, late-model valences/lips, and pop-out rear windows. 1988 e30s had everything the the 1989 came equipped with except US aluminium bumpers. E30s further produced for the 1990 and 1991 model years were converted to airbag systems (as per new safety regulations at the time), were reverted to sealed windows and sealed beams as cost saving measures, but kept the late model revisions (taillights, valences, etc.)
1988/1989 can be regarded as "early"-late-model while 1990/1991 are considered "late"-late-model. 1990/1991 don't come as fully equipped as 1988/1989; however, the 318iS was only produced in 1991 and was the only 318i offered as a coupe in 1991 (bar convertibles).
ALL e30s 1987 and prior had sealed beams, high rear-arches, early model valences/lips, pop-out rear windows, vertical-style taillights, and US Aluminium bumpers.
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.
Gas tanks were different early vs late aswell, but I don't remember the exact numbers that go along with that (13 gallon early/15.5 gallon late?)
I think that about covers it for the American marketLast edited by JinormusJ; 05-16-2014, 05:49 AM.
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Originally posted by Panici View PostInteresting!
So these in-between models came from BMW this way. :o
I did notice the facelift valance, and was very confused to see it under a metal bumper.
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Interesting!
So these in-between models came from BMW this way. :o
I did notice the facelift valance, and was very confused to see it under a metal bumper.
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Originally posted by Panici View PostHey guys,
Sorry for the n00b question.
Up until yesterday, I thought I knew the difference between pre-facelift cars and the facelifted versions.
Pre-facelift:
Smaller tails
Metal bumpers (North America diving boards)
Higher rear arches
Facelift:
Larger tails
Plastic bumpers
Lower rear arches.
That was until I saw an e30 up for sale with larger tails, lower rear arches, and Metal bumpers (diving boards)
[see attached pics, also I'm not interested in buying this one, but was intrigued by the bumpers]
Was this combination ever offered? Or is this a custom/collision shop special?
Cheers!
P.S - Are there any mechanical or structural differences between early and late?
I know gas tanks are different, airbags on some cars.
You'll notice the valances are also different, identical to the plastic-bumpered cars. Late models also have a different intake boot, headlights (interestingly, the 1990 had the shittier early-model sealed-beams). Obviously the plastic splash shields are also different.
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Oh, and don't ever look at a 'vert, period. They have their own... pattern...
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Most likely that was an 88 (9/87-8/88 production). It is in between the early and late models.
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Differences between early and late models
Hey guys,
Sorry for the n00b question.
Up until yesterday, I thought I knew the difference between pre-facelift cars and the facelifted versions.
Pre-facelift:
Smaller tails
Metal bumpers (North America diving boards)
Higher rear arches
Facelift:
Larger tails
Plastic bumpers
Lower rear arches.
That was until I saw an e30 up for sale with larger tails, lower rear arches, and Metal bumpers (diving boards)
[see attached pics, also I'm not interested in buying this one, but was intrigued by the bumpers]
Was this combination ever offered? Or is this a custom/collision shop special?
Cheers!
P.S - Are there any mechanical or structural differences between early and late?
I know gas tanks are different, airbags on some cars.Tags: None
Leave a comment: