Trying to figure out the proper install of this front air dam. Ive removed the front bumper in preparation for the euro bumper installation. Figured I could try to get the air dam on now. It's a late air dam on my early e21.
I guess what you need to know is where to drill the holes. The dam has studs. The lower edge of the metal front valence has holes drilled to accept these studs. I can look at my car. I removed the dam. The holes are still there. This pic will not help. I don't have many pics of it in any event.
Camera Shots 013.jpg
BMW e21 Front Valence holes.jpg
This picture shows two holes for mounting the dam. See them? One near the wheel well around the side, and the other around to the front above the crease. The one around to the front should be easy to see, it's quite rusty.
The one around the front is 3 and 7/8 inches above the lower edge of the metal valence as measured with a caliper, ie straight measurement, not following the metal angle.
Last edited by okieflats; 08-31-2018 at 11:24 PM.
My valence holes mustve been patched/filled at some point. They are further up the valence. That picture helps Okie!
Last edited by jaredmac11; 08-31-2018 at 11:40 PM.
Here is mine, shows you the 4 bolt locations in the front...
Last edited by BMWonly; 09-01-2018 at 12:06 AM.
Looks good! I think those will just have to screw right in to the valence. Are the valences between early and late different?
Okie, Im assuming the air dam bolts through that hole to the far back, close to the tire? I do have 2 holes there but the air dam doesnt seem to want to wrap all the way to both sides.
Last edited by jaredmac11; 09-01-2018 at 12:59 PM.
I don’t know if it makes a difference or not, but this is off my euro valance that was “federalized”.
Past, Present, and Future
1974 BMW 2002tii (RIP)
1995 BMW 325is w/ FULL S50 swap, track prepped (SOLD)
1988 BMW 325ix Zinno/Black (RIP)
1988 BMW 325ix Alpine/Black (Sold)
1988 BMW 535is Alpine/Pacific Blue (Going Away...)
1982 BMW 323i (Current Project/Paper Weight)
2003 BMW 325i Sport Touring (Daily Driver)
Perfect. This verifies Ill have to make new holes, but gives me an ideal of where they need to go.
Awesome! Glad I could help. Also glad I hadn’t junked it yet!
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Past, Present, and Future
1974 BMW 2002tii (RIP)
1995 BMW 325is w/ FULL S50 swap, track prepped (SOLD)
1988 BMW 325ix Zinno/Black (RIP)
1988 BMW 325ix Alpine/Black (Sold)
1988 BMW 535is Alpine/Pacific Blue (Going Away...)
1982 BMW 323i (Current Project/Paper Weight)
2003 BMW 325i Sport Touring (Daily Driver)
Looks like the same two holes in my picture only with the studs though, and nuts on.
For those that have retrofitted an iS front air dam, does yours sit flush to the side (last stud by the tire)? My iS front spoiler is “built up” where the studs are and the spoiler does not sit flush to the sheetmetal. I’d have to cut down 1/2” or so to get it flush.
- Doug
Beverly, MA
http://www.e21323iblog.com
http://www.douging.smugmug.com/Cars/1980-E21-323i
Doug that's what I was finding. I'd have to trim the air dam. Haven't really moved forward on it since I installed the lowering springs. afraid it'd rip off anyways.
Here’s what I’m up against:
I’m going to Dremel cut the plastic around the stud until it will sit flush. Hopefully I don’t weaken the anchor for the stud.
- Doug
Beverly, MA
http://www.e21323iblog.com
http://www.douging.smugmug.com/Cars/1980-E21-323i
It is supposed to be angled. Only the top edge will be flush with the metal. The bottom edge gets "kicked out." Don't cut too much.
Camera Shots 722.jpgCamera Shots 723.jpgCamera Shots 724.jpg
- - - Updated - - -
Looks like your air dam is twisted or warped. You need to push the top edge in a lot, till it touches the metal, and pull the bottom edge out, away from the car.
That's original. the way it is supposed to look as far as the plastic around the stud. It's at an angle. If you were to tighten the nut with a really large washer under it, the washer would touch the top edge of the air dam.
I see what you’re saying. I haven’t tightened it down at any point so it is loosely hanging there and looks twisted. I’ll snug it up and see if it improves. Thanks!
- Doug
Beverly, MA
http://www.e21323iblog.com
http://www.douging.smugmug.com/Cars/1980-E21-323i
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