Pattern body panels vs genuine

[james2711]

I have just bought my first E30, 318is. All good accept it could do with a new drivers side wing and bonnet. As the wing is dented and the bonnet has had something shut underneathe it.
Euro car parts sell pattern parts (Ԛ£30 for a bonnet and 20 for a wing) seems very good value but i'm concerned about the fit. Has anyone had any experiance with these parts? Or am i better off sourcing second hand parts. If anyone has got these parts, pariculalry in silver I would be interested.
Thanks
JAmes

[steedymorgan]

hi there i've found over the years that they never fit perfect, if your a bit handy with the hammer it's no prob, might be better to go for second hand stuff plenty of peps on here will help you out.

best of luck with it

[A1BMW325iSport]

i tried fitting a pattern front wing other week but i wouldn`t line up very well, so using s/h bmw wing which fitted straight on 1st time

[johnono]

pattern pannels = headache

prob is that theyԚ´re probably not cut out right to begin with, and when they are formed, the mould isnt "exactly" perfect.

also the guage of metal used is thinner, so the likelyhood of the pannel rotting quicker is that much higher.

Pattern pannels are a quick fix, but when u take painting into account, its better to drop the extra Ԛ£100 on it to get oe parts and save on the stress

(advice given is in no way endorsed by bmw, and takes no responsibility for any damage, injury, late nights, lost girlfriends or the empty pockets it may incur)

[6potWil6pot]

Ive had a pattern bonnet and its was completely w@nk! Alot thinner and lighter than the orginal thing, and left huge shutlines! Altho its gone to good use on a certain car on this forum as a "weight saving panel"

[Gwynleym10]

Ive had a pattern bonnet and its was completely w@nk! Alot thinner and lighter than the orginal thing, and left huge shutlines!

Never told me that when you tried to sell it to me! :

[6potWil6pot]

Neither did the person who sold me it and hes a zoner too but nevermind about that. I gave it away in the end cause i realised how bad it was

[A1BMW325iSport]

i noticed a weight difference between pattern and genuine wings so def. thinner metal used

[BenE30]

I bought a pattern n/s/f wing and i noticed that the edges that run right down the side of the car where alot sharper as the Genuine one was smooth edged not sharp!!! And you can't go wrong with genuine IMO just very costly new!!