To fix or not to fix the e21 back end.

[dlguadiz]

This issue is first and foremost about aesthetics first, and about function second. I do not know how to proceed and was hoping our combined good design sense might help (hey, we bought our e21s because we love its design, right?).

My e21 back-end is not your usual euro or us spec e21 design. It has an e30 bumper attached to it. See pictures below.

Back with e30 bumper.jpg

At certain angles, it looks great. But side-view is another story. The e30 bumper is too large and looks hideous.

Profile with e30 Bumper.jpg

Wanting to fix the sightsore, I removed the bumper to see how it looked. No surprise there -- its not the 'standard' backend. The back and front looked unbalanced, however.

Back without e30 Bumper.jpg

If you were me, and assuming cost is not an issue, would you: (1) Keep the e30 bumper as is, (2) Remove the e30 bumper but keep it as is, (3) Refab to make it look like the standard spec e21, (4) Fab it some more by removing the bulk of the spare tire compartment and putting in there a diffuser to look similar to this --> http://diesel.elcat.kg/uploads/month...1367343261.jpg

Im leaning on #4 but I might mess it up big time.

[Eek21]

I like it as it is. I suppose if you have a collectible and want to put it back stock that is one thing, otherwise go with what you like. I really am not a fan of the diving board bumpers on mine but they seem to work well at mitigating damage in the event of a light tap.

[jaredmac11]

Its certainly not hideous. Ive seen bumper tucks that look worse and my E21 will look a bit funky at the rear valence when I install the euro bumpers.

[epmedia]

Yea, the bumpers look great. I think there could be a more pronounced chrome line separation on the wheel arches. Maybe either just trim, or small flares in Matte Black. Maybe someone can experiment with Photoshop, or something.

[dups]

so what did they do, tack on the early e30 body parts?

[hotdish]

What's going on with the rear fenders? Was half of the e30 fender grafted onto the e21 fender?

I would also leave it as it is

[dups]

And how about the front? Is that modified too? Looks like an e30 bumper also.

[320iAman]

Its a matter of preference, if you want original fix it, it does not look bad.

Randy

[dlguadiz]

And how about the front? Is that modified too? Looks like an e30 bumper also.

Thats an e21 euro bumper. My e21 is an original euro version - it has German markings at the fusebox and dash.

What's going on with the rear fenders? Was half of the e30 fender grafted onto the e21 fender?

I am the 3rd owner of the car. What I know is the 1st owner (1981-1988) crashed the poor thing and while fixing it, changed the whole back side to an e30 -- complete with e30 tail lights. There is no apparent change in the undersides and the trunk lid, so I think the change is limited to the back fender and the tail lights and bumper areas. Some grafting may have been done.

My dad, the 2nd owner (1988-1998), fabbed and changed it back to the e21 tail lights. Unfortunately, this was pre-internet days, so he had to rely on pictures and the available e21 taillights he was able to buy. So the change was not complete.

Im currently contemplating what to do with it.

[hotdish]

I am the 3rd owner of the car. What I know is the 1st owner (1981-1988) crashed the poor thing and while fixing it, changed the whole back side to an e30 -- complete with e30 tail lights.

Wow, do you have a picture with the full e30 rear end?

[OLD MAN]

I am with most of the replies - I like it the way it is.

[tlapham]

Nothing will make the lines look right, unless you install a rear euro bumper. But since it may not fit onto the grafted E30 body, you will probably just have to live with it.

[dlguadiz]

Wow, do you have a picture with the full e30 rear end?

I wish I took a picture back then. That time, my Dad asked me whether I wanted it refabbed back to an e21, or keep it as an e30. I looked at him thinking -- what the hell is an e21 and an e30?

Had a lot of fun with this car/wingcar. Once a date did not know how to open the door. I leaned over to open the door -- and got a kiss out of her...


Ok. Will keep the bumper. But will remove a portion of the lower back, flatten the spare tire cavity, and put a diffuser in there...