1991 318is M42 Refresh Journey

[udubfl]

Here's the bumper pieces.

The gray is original piece that cracked. The white/cream colar version to the right is the new OE piece.











Assembled it all in the house with carpeted floor to ensure I didn't scratch anything up. I picked up the freshly painted silver bumper, added all new new trims and lights. Reused (cleaned it and painted) some of the metal brackets.

When ordering new black plastic trims, I decided to keep the U.S. version (with yellow reflector/light on side). I do like the Euro look as its more cleaner though.

[udubfl]

It's a puzzle and there's an order to put it all back together. For example, I remember you have some push pins/fasteners you need to before adding the black trim piece.



Here's how the inside bumper fits into the outer shell (painted) bumper for reference point. This picture below is the damaged version.

[ehrawn]

Where do these parts go?

[RustFixer]

Hello all, I've benefited from this forum for various projects. Figured I would add some new content for those that are still here.

I've owned my 1991 318is since 2016 and been working over the years refreshing it as it needed to be. I say refresh and not restoration because while I am trying to restore its original state with OE and OEM parts, I am making some minor changes or leaving things as-is along the way. Overall, it's been pretty reliable and enjoyable to drive, worked on and own. On and off over the 9 years, I've used it as my daily driver. I figured I would start sharing and documenting some of things I am working on now and work myself backwards. Also, I could use some help along the way from you all as information and support are getting harder now as E30 and parts are becoming harder to find.

Vehicle Facts (as of 4/29/25)
Year: 1991 (production May 1991)
Model: 318is
Engine: M42
Color: Silver
Mileage: 191K (purchased in 2016 @ 171k)

Nice, always good to see another long-term owner sticking with it. A ‘91 318is is worth the effort, especially if you’re keeping it mostly OE/OEM.

I like the “refresh over restore” approach, keeps the car honest and usable. Definitely start documenting, even the small stuff. It helps more people than you think, especially now that info and parts are getting harder to come by.

What’s next on your list right now?

[udubfl]

With 197,000 miles now (as of April 2026), this one is not meant to be stored in the garage/covered. It’s definitely meant to be driven!

I’m currently working on the front struts. Figured with all the new front suspension/subframe bushings and control arms, etc., might as well tackle this one. I have the front struts pulled off and dissembled, Trying to figure out what’s what. The existing/current set-up has been in place since 2012 with H&R red sport springs and Bilstein yellow struts. Finally figured out I have a E90 Drop Hat too. It was hard to find this in the internet unless you were looking for it. I did not even know this was a thing until now.

Getting my orders figured out. In the meantime, sent the two struts to get it blasted and powdered coated. I think I will go with Koni strut inserts, keep the drop hat and H&R spring. I like the current stance. Will post when I get all the parts.

[udubfl]

Where do these parts go?

😂. Good eyes! Part of my daughter’s school stuff that my wife was working on. We used to put it on people’s front yard as a fundraiser. school mascot is a rattler.