3D Printing NLA Parts

**David9999999** · 08-22-2017, 02:00 PM

I commented about this in the "For Sale" section, but figured a thread here would be more appropriate.

As we all know, some of the plastic trim pieces on these cars are NLA and impossible to find. I am considering 3D printing some replacements, but would need original parts to model from. Is anyone interested in doing this? Specifically, I'd like to start with 51111970220, the small grille that is part of the front license plate delete. I would print the part using Shapeways.com, or similar.

**72tpik5** · 08-22-2017, 02:59 PM

I am interested in the final product.

**Gary Knox** · 08-22-2017, 03:12 PM

I am also interested in that part. Please keep me advised. Gary

**Mike in CT** · 08-22-2017, 04:04 PM

Also interested in this part

**6speeder** · 08-22-2017, 04:20 PM

"patting myself on the back" for this idea... i think i deserve a discount LOL. 2 hours already 4 interested people, did i not call it or what! +1 interested

**adwebinc** · 08-22-2017, 05:25 PM

I did this for coil mounting brackets. I think it's a great idea.

I would be a buying (at reasonable price of course) for the license plate delete piece.

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**dabenthusiast** · 08-22-2017, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by 72tpik5

I am interested in the final product.

Add me in verry interested.

**David9999999** · 08-22-2017, 10:28 PM

Nice to see that there is interest. The problem may be finding someone who will lend me an original to copy. Any takers?

**clubE31** · 08-23-2017, 09:14 AM

old idea.....https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ting-and-parts

happy to see others picking it up as well (and some parts we could make BETTER using stronger or better materials).

**bruinbro** · 08-23-2017, 12:20 PM

I have one somewhere...

**David9999999** · 08-23-2017, 01:17 PM

Looks like I may have one on the way. Will post updates on this thread, likely next week.

**David9999999** · 08-25-2017, 02:24 PM

Still looking for someone who would be able to loan me their piece, if anyone is interested in the project. Let me know!

**cartoonz** · 08-25-2017, 08:19 PM

So you don't want mine now?
Patience dude... lol

**UNEEKONE** · 08-29-2017, 11:20 AM

Damn! I was going to do the same thing! Looking forward to seeing the final product!

**PabloRock** · 08-31-2017, 11:03 AM

This has come up quite a few times in the past year or two, but no one has done it yet. It would be great if you can actually pull this together. I'd be interested if you get it done (as well as probably another 100+ people). I think more and more people are removing their license plates and finding an empty spot. Keep us posted!

**dabenthusiast** · 08-31-2017, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by PabloRock

I think more and more people are removing their license plates and finding an empty spot. Keep us posted!

I got pulled over for no front plate in 8.
Car only came with one, so i ordered new tahoe california plates!
Now my plate is in the dash hopefully i dont get pulled over again.

**dragon850** · 08-31-2017, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by dabenthusiast

I got pulled over for no front plate in 8.
Car only came with one, so i ordered new tahoe california plates!
Now my plate is in the dash hopefully i dont get pulled over again.

I remove front LP from every car I own.
They look stupid and a good spot for cops laser to bounce off and red light cameras, just no good all the way around.

**PabloRock** · 08-31-2017, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by dabenthusiast

I got pulled over for no front plate in 8.
Car only came with one, so i ordered new tahoe california plates!
Now my plate is in the dash hopefully i dont get pulled over again.

I hear they bust humps for no front plate in NY, but in CT I haven't had an issue. I was cleaning my car one day, and took the plate off to get behind it. When I went to put it back on, I realized the front plate broke off my Durango years before and never had an issue. So into the trunk it went. No issues for over 5 years. Hopefully David9999999999999999 will be able to get this 3d thing to work and I can fill in the empty spot.

**mbarrett635** · 08-31-2017, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by dabenthusiast

I got pulled over for no front plate in 8.
Car only came with one, so i ordered new tahoe california plates!
Now my plate is in the dash hopefully i dont get pulled over again.

Probably the only good reason to live in Pennsylvania is that there's no front plate. While it might be heresy, I think the non-CSi nose, with the filler where the license plate should go, actually looks better than the CSi front. If I'm not mistaken, the drag coefficient is better on the non-CSi car. However, I do have a CSi spoiler on the rear.

Mike Barrett

**dabenthusiast** · 09-01-2017, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by mbarrett635

Probably the only good reason to live in Pennsylvania is that there's no front plate. While it might be heresy, I think the non-CSi nose, with the filler where the license plate should go, actually looks better than the CSi front. If I'm not mistaken, the drag coefficient is better on the non-CSi car. However, I do have a CSi spoiler on the rear.

Mike Barrett

After i got pulled iv seen so many cars without front plate i guess its just the town i live in cops are real annoying.
Although when he pulled me and ran the plates he did say, "iv never seen a bmw 850ci before."
Made me laugh.

**e24e31** · 10-23-2017, 08:22 AM

I need one of these as well...have searched the earth for it...nowhere to be found.

**PabloRock** · 10-23-2017, 11:23 AM

David9999, have you gotten anywhere with sourcing an original? Would still love to see a 3-d printed version.

**David9999999** · 10-23-2017, 05:10 PM

Hi Pablo- No, not yet. If/when I get one, it would likely be <1 week before I could send out a file for printing as it's a fairly simple part. I will update the thread when I find one.

**TxGR8White** · 10-23-2017, 05:13 PM

How about the Heater Valve cover in the engine bay?

**pollack138** · 10-23-2017, 06:39 PM

I 3D printed some MSD coil adapters and had a slight problem - they melted! Unfortunately my original, industrial 3D printer was replaced with a far cheaper one and it is only capable of using PLA material which has about a 20 degree C lower melting point. We are getting a new printer soon that has the better ABS material capability so I will give it another go. Another issue that many people are not aware of is the surface texture of typical 3D printed parts are not the same as molded plastic parts - I'm by no means an expert but I can't see how you could make a decent smooth part without a lot of post - production finishing.