e30 facelift front end

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mark_i
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Sat Apr 06, 2013 4:42 am

a month to go before I ship me and the 2-door back to UK.

Only issue is the front body section (slam-panel?) that sits between the wings and supports the rad and aircon condenser got bent in a front ender last year. Managed to pull it out but the bonnet still sits about 1/4 inch too far back.

Is this going to be a problem when getting the
car UK registered?

Cheers
daimlerman
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Sat Apr 06, 2013 2:10 pm

Most unlikely.

A UK MoT tester will only check that the bonnet opens and closes.

I had a youngster MoT my cabbie this week,he found and operated the release OK,then had to go and ask his manager when he failed to be able to raise the bonnet from the front....
Then he came to me to ask where the speedo reading was displayed! :D

You will need to present your car to a DVLA office for a VIC check(vehicle Identity Check)it will be helpful if you have your Assie registration document with you.
All the guy will be looking for is the VIN number,he'll check both the scuttle and the label by the o/s headlight,and the engine number,to make sure that they agree with the information that you have supplied on the form.

Your real problem will be obtaining insurance,as you will need to produce a current MoT and insurance cover note BEFORE the car can be registered.
mrLEE30
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Sat Apr 06, 2013 6:05 pm

silly point perhaps but can you not sell E30 in Oz for silly money?

and given the fact that you point out the car is far from concourse with a front end bash...why not sell it, save the shipping and buy a 2 door from UK??
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mark_i
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Sat Apr 06, 2013 9:44 pm

all good points, thanks

the reason for bringing with me is that the iS body is rust free and unmolested.
I'll be selling the touring to pay for the shipping so should have some cash left over to pay for UK registration, insurance, MOT etc.
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mrLEE30
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Sun Apr 07, 2013 7:15 pm

OK makes sense. if you are selling the touiring why not swap the front panels around, they wil lbe the same except the colour
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mark_i
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Tue Apr 09, 2013 4:44 am

true, but the bonnet support member is spot welded the chassis arms and also has the manufacturers plate and VIN...
I really dont want the hassle of an over zealous DOT inspector giving me grief and/or a whining aussie complaining the touring isn't the original.

Once its UK registered I'll get another brilliant red support member and do the swap after
its on the road.
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harry_p
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Tue Apr 09, 2013 11:34 am

i think the previous post is confusinf the valance with the front pane;, which as you say is not a bolt off, bolt on part!

I very much doubt it will cause any issues getting your car registered, as long as everything is properly attached and there are no dangerous edges etc. panel fit is not part of the mot requirements, and as you say, you're probably better off leaving the original panel and vin plate etc on until it's registered.

I wouldnt bother trying to source a secondhand panel in the correct colour when you can buy a brand new, perfectly straight, 100% rust free one for £50, and it's going to need welding in and painting over the joints etc anyway.
cheers,

harry
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