Member
It's free if you have the tools and time. And as for advert effects I'm not sure if there would be any.
Member
Have you considered just buying a newer car? Owning an older one requires more time and knowledge, or at least an ability to do research.
2011 M3 Sedan
2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD LBZ
1999 323i GTS2
1995 M3 - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
1990 325is
1989 M3 - S54B32/GS6-37BZ
Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo
Hers: 1989 325iX
BMWCCA MEMBER
don't really have the tools or time unfortunately. From what I've read it seems like an easier task that makes a difference. I just want to be sure there aren't going to be any troubles later when I want to install new bumpers.Originally Posted by Loganwept
Member
I tucked mine before doing the swap. Ran it like that for a few months before the swap. No issues.
2003 530i -- DD; 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe -- fun car; 1990 325i convertible -- sold; 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 -- sold; 1989 325i sedan -- sold; 1983 633CSi -- sold; 1982 323i -- sold
Member
I'm throwing mine on today, I'll post pics
Member
Certainly a spirited topic! I'd love my 86 325 if it wasn't for the diving boards, what a crappy thing to do to an otherwise great looking car (NA import regs I know). I've been planning the tuck as it seems the easiest way to improve the cars look. Turns out you can't compress a bumper shock when it's seized from 20+ years of salt air! If I had my time back I would have searched an 89 or later.
James Lewis 1986 325e
Member
If I could do it over, I wouldn't have done the tuck on this car. Yes it was free but it was a mess and it took way too long.
Unlike the bumper shocks in my E24, the ones on the vert were filled with some oily styrofoam-looking crap. Plus whatever protection was offered by the shocks before was gone.
Granted the plastic bumpers will probably disintegrate on impact but at least there is some shock absorption.
Man, it's ultimately going to be your decision for your car. Live and learn, right? If you decide to tackle any work yourself read up on it, be patient and go slow. Or better yet, hold out for a plastic bumper car
2003 530i -- DD; 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe -- fun car; 1990 325i convertible -- sold; 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 -- sold; 1989 325i sedan -- sold; 1983 633CSi -- sold; 1982 323i -- sold
Member
And here I am with questions/my problem. The bumper I purchased seems like it lines up perfect, but there are 2 L shaped brackets at the top of the valance that go absolutely NO WHERE and they push the valance forward a good 3-4 inches so I can't attach them. Please reply ASAP, I have work in an hour :O
Member
Do you mean where the valence attaches to the front of the car with the 10 mm bolt? Shouldn't be any issues provided you cut the tow hooks off. My only snag with the valence was fitting the bottom corners of the fenders. Took some patience but I got it on there.
Last edited by Alpinweiss E30; 07-08-2012 at 06:30 PM.
2003 530i -- DD; 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe -- fun car; 1990 325i convertible -- sold; 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 -- sold; 1989 325i sedan -- sold; 1983 633CSi -- sold; 1982 323i -- sold
Member
And you were going to "throw them on there today". I'm sympathetic really since I learned from experience (mostly getting in over my head) to do research, assume things are harder than they seem and know when to punt and get a pro. It only took me 30 years. By the way, the rear is the hard part.
Member
^^Absolutely. Also, always budget more than enough time to do a job - even something as simple as a drive belt change, but especially a labor-intensive task like body work.
Agreed on the rear. It isn't as straightforward as the front but is definitely doable.
OP don't get frustrated. If possible get a ride to work if you can't get it back together. Get some rest tonight and try again in the morning.
Last edited by Alpinweiss E30; 07-08-2012 at 07:16 PM.
2003 530i -- DD; 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe -- fun car; 1990 325i convertible -- sold; 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 -- sold; 1989 325i sedan -- sold; 1983 633CSi -- sold; 1982 323i -- sold
Member
Unlike OP, I didn't do research at all and just wanted an E30 and picked one up. Love the car but yes the front bumper kinda kills it. What makes it worse is that the previous owner painted the chrome part of the bumper black, wouldn't be so bad if you couldn't tell it was spray painted on there. I'm going to read this thread again,but I believe someone mentioned that you can put the factory euro bumper on the pre '88 models depending on what year/month it was produced. Really that's all I'm looking for a well. The only after market bumper that has really caught my eye is the Breyton and I don't think it's sold here in the US.
BMWCCA MEMBER
ya I would go with the euros.
BMWCCA MEMBER
Looking at a 1988 325. At least it will be an easy bumps swap.
Member
Sounds like a good idea.
Member
Cool. Let me know if you get it. I have a pair of sliders for the rear that weren't used for my conversion. You can have them for the price of shipping. Pretty sure you will need them for the '88.
If needed, I can also source a rear bumper assembly sans trim (shocks, reinforcement bar and cover, possibly the side markers and connectors too). It's at a local salvage yard and should be very inexpensive but shipping from LA to CA will be a killer because of the size.
2003 530i -- DD; 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe -- fun car; 1990 325i convertible -- sold; 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 -- sold; 1989 325i sedan -- sold; 1983 633CSi -- sold; 1982 323i -- sold
Member
I have a 1987 e30 and don't like the look of the diving board bumpers. I would like to get a different bumper like an m tech or something. but I was also thinking i could just do a tuck and getting a new valance. anyone know where I could get bumpers that would fit or what would be a better option. not sure if I can get full bumpers because of the year
- - - Updated - - -
I have a 1987 e30 and don't like the look of the diving board bumpers. I would like to get a different bumper like an m tech or something. but I was also thinking i could just do a tuck and getting a new valance. anyone know where I could get bumpers that would fit or what would be a better option. not sure if I can get full bumpers because of the year
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks