Conversion question: Early valance to late valance

[ck3k]

So, I was reading how to convert pre-facelift to facelift and I'm interesting in doing that to my 1984 E30.

Here is current look:


They are easily removeable, and I did it following the writeup at the wiki.

While buying an late model valance, I got an offer:


Pretty clean, and cheap too. But looking at my current valance (black), and the one I got offered (silver / euro), there is a huge difference in width:




Why? Are they interchangeable and can I use the silver one on my car. The part is around 200km from my city so I'm willing to go and get it.

[HairyScreech]

They should be identical? They are both face lift, the only difference is that one has the oil cooler grill.

Have you put a tape measure across them? Could the black one be bent?

[ck3k]

Right? That was what I thought at first. I checked it yesterday and they are identical so it was my bad. The picture made it look like the black one (the one that I have) is bigger then the silver one. Lucky me, I was wrong.

Thanks HairyScreech! Cheers.

[Brianmoooore]

The extra slot in the darker coloured one is for air con. All valences have the oil cooler slot, which is fitted with a grill or a blank, as appropriate.