Dechroming

[twenty]

Hi Everyone,

The underside of my PFL 325i cab’s rear bumper has developed surface rust and looks like the best course of action is to get a new bumper or get it rechromed. The former seems to be (surprisingly) more expensive (what a time to be alive).

I was wondering if instead of getting a new bumper altogether, what if I just painted the bumpers matching the body colour and do the same for the front spoiler too?

Question... would a non factory dechrome like this come across a bit... erm... chavvy and decrease the value of the car? Or should I just suck up and get new bumpers?

Thanks!

[Cloggy Saint]

I could be wrong but didn't some models of early convertibles have colour coded metal bumpers?

[Satan]

I could be wrong but didn't some models of early convertibles have colour coded metal bumpers?

Think it was the post facelift ones.

[Satan]

Hi Everyone,

The underside of my PFL 325i cab’s rear bumper has developed surface rust and looks like the best course of action is to get a new bumper or get it rechromed. The former seems to be (surprisingly) more expensive (what a time to be alive).

I was wondering if instead of getting a new bumper altogether, what if I just painted the bumpers matching the body colour and do the same for the front spoiler too?

Question... would a non factory dechrome like this come across a bit... erm... chavvy and decrease the value of the car? Or should I just suck up and get new bumpers?

Thanks!

If you can't "really" see the issue then clean up the rust and hammerite it, if it bothers you then you can get replacement sections, I am going for this to try out as someone put a dent in my rear centre section.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-SERIES ... 5237853f73

also this company has the side sections but I haven't tried them, Maybe get the bits and new fixings clean your old one up and sell it on as you should get something back from it, also they can be a sod to take off as the bolt with the section that sits under the trim will spin, usually only the one /VOE

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrome-Bumpe ... Sw92hecUMh

[tha881]

I could be wrong but didn't some models of early convertibles have colour coded metal bumpers?

Early motorsport convertibles with an m tech 1 kit had the bumpers colour coded.

[DanThe]

Chrome plating is a process that is being lost due to lack of demand and the forcing of environmental policies, this is why its so expensive for a 'proper job' that is anything like the original quality of bumpers, lots of cowboy outfits that are a waste of money, for a proper job contact Howells in Walsall

[Ukhozi]

I just bought a new center section for my chrome E30 and it wasn't that bad, 105€ with free shipping, have a look at 247 on Ebay or Google it.

Keep it kosher for retaining value. I made the mistake of respraying a one year old Vespa SS from red to blue, lost 30% on exchanging it for a new all white SX200. Not one to learn I did the same with a Lambretta Vega, going from red to metallic red, same result. Buyers will always knock you down for any modification, even colour, trim, seats, wheels.

[twenty]

Hiding isn't a bad option. WRT the bumper parts, why buy 3rd party when genuine BMW parts are still available? I think they are priced reasonably too?

Hi Everyone,

The underside of my PFL 325i cab’s rear bumper has developed surface rust and looks like the best course of action is to get a new bumper or get it rechromed. The former seems to be (surprisingly) more expensive (what a time to be alive).

I was wondering if instead of getting a new bumper altogether, what if I just painted the bumpers matching the body colour and do the same for the front spoiler too?

Question... would a non factory dechrome like this come across a bit... erm... chavvy and decrease the value of the car? Or should I just suck up and get new bumpers?

Thanks!

If you can't "really" see the issue then clean up the rust and hammerite it, if it bothers you then you can get replacement sections, I am going for this to try out as someone put a dent in my rear centre section.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-SERIES ... 5237853f73

also this company has the side sections but I haven't tried them, Maybe get the bits and new fixings clean your old one up and sell it on as you should get something back from it, also they can be a sod to take off as the bolt with the section that sits under the trim will spin, usually only the one /VOE

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrome-Bumpe ... Sw92hecUMh

[twenty]

Thanks. That will explain why it's so expensive. There's a place in London (where I'm based) called Colonnade that comes highly recommended but I couldn't get a quote as they are closed for summer.

Chrome plating is a process that is being lost due to lack of demand and the forcing of environmental policies, this is why its so expensive for a 'proper job' that is anything like the original quality of bumpers, lots of cowboy outfits that are a waste of money, for a proper job contact Howells in Walsall

[twenty]

That's a very good price assuming it's genuine BMW. I'll keep an eye out.
Message received on keeping it real

I just bought a new center section for my chrome E30 and it wasn't that bad, 105€ with free shipping, have a look at 247 on Ebay or Google it.

Keep it kosher for retaining value. I made the mistake of respraying a one year old Vespa SS from red to blue, lost 30% on exchanging it for a new all white SX200. Not one to learn I did the same with a Lambretta Vega, going from red to metallic red, same result. Buyers will always knock you down for any modification, even colour, trim, seats, wheels.

[Satan]

That's a very good price assuming it's genuine BMW. I'll keep an eye out.
Message received on keeping it real

I just bought a new center section for my chrome E30 and it wasn't that bad, 105€ with free shipping, have a look at 247 on Ebay or Google it.

Keep it kosher for retaining value. I made the mistake of respraying a one year old Vespa SS from red to blue, lost 30% on exchanging it for a new all white SX200. Not one to learn I did the same with a Lambretta Vega, going from red to metallic red, same result. Buyers will always knock you down for any modification, even colour, trim, seats, wheels.

Another option is to fit the spare then sort your one out at your leisure,

[Kedge]

I could be wrong but didn't some models of early convertibles have colour coded metal bumpers?

Early motorsport convertibles with an m tech 1 kit had the bumpers colour coded.

Early Motorsports (most aren't fitted with an M-Tech kit)
Tech 1 325i Sports
320i S Edition

These are the only models I can think of that are always dechromed from the factory, not sure whether it was an option on all E30s at the time. Only way to do it properly is to completely remove the chrome. Also, would think it'd look at bit weird with colour coded bumpers and chrome window surrounds.