Bought a few new parts

[george graves]

I bet it is. Ever see an e39 or other later bmw with a cracked dash?

I've seen X5 with bubbles in the dash top. Granted that was a LA car that never saw a garage. The owner bought for the maid to use, so they didn't have to look at her 1990's minivan in the driveway every day.

[MR 325]

Some nice goodies. I need to install my new dash someday too!

[shingles]

I have read a few posts claiming the new dashes are of different material. It is possible. These new bits feel different. Where as the original dash feel rock hard, the new one has some springiness to it. Could be that it hasn't been baking outside for 20 years.

As for the new car smell: I think between the old carpet and the even older e21 seats, it is holding back any new part smell.

[nando]

I want a new dash so bad.. I could afford it, but the wife would be pissed, lol.

[reelizmpro]

It is different material. The original dash is foam and vinyl. The new dash is "rubberized" like those found in newer bmws. They have a matte, anti-glare finish to them and the finish is more scaly. I am concerned about the new dash matching the old consoles and glove boxes. Seems you would have to replace all the pieces so they match.

[Benjamin_Button]

Hey shingles if I buy a new rear center console will the materials match with the original stuff (front center console and dash)?

[Stanley Rockafella]

It is different material. The original dash is foam and vinyl. The new dash is "rubberized" like those found in newer bmws. They have a matte, anti-glare finish to them and the finish is more scaly. I am concerned about the new dash matching the old consoles and glove boxes. Seems you would have to replace all the pieces so they match.

wouldn't it be cheaper to refinish an old one with the stuff the new ones are made of?

[E30 Wagen]

wouldn't it be cheaper to refinish an old one with the stuff the new ones are made of?

Yes, just very difficult. I'm debating doing that with one of my dashes that has only a small damaged spot. The center console and ebrake surround would be easier, and then they would all match.

[shingles]

Benjamin_Button - it may not match. In my case it didn't. That's why I bought the front piece as well even though mine is in decent shape. I want a new glovebox but they are NLA. I will check and see if anyone have then hanging around.

[reelizmpro]

I have a new glovebox. Just debating if I should use it or convert everything over.

[shingles]

So I was wrong: new glove boxes are not NLA, just expensive. :)

[Habla]

You've gone too far to turn back now...

Better get a pillar trim, visor panel and visors, and o shit handles too ;)

[RCM3]

I have read a few posts claiming the new dashes are of different material. It is possible. These new bits feel different. Where as the original dash feel rock hard, the new one has some springiness to it.

I did a basic side by side comparison in a thread a while back. You can see the matte finish and different color and texture of the new dash over the original:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=290418

[anabolice30]

I've seen X5 with bubbles in the dash top. Granted that was a LA car that never saw a garage. The owner bought for the maid to use, so they didn't have to look at her 1990's minivan in the driveway every day.

Dude what........

[shingles]

I did buy new A Pillar trims. They are only $10-$12 new. :)