The next retrofit...

[onthames]

I'm gonna be fitting a electric rear blind to my E30.

The next retrofit.png

Am not 100% sure which model I'm gonna take this off yet, as need to find out measurements to get one closest to the e30 size. But, I'm sure one will fit. I plan to remove the mechanism from an existing parcel shelf (or purchase on its own) and fit onto a spare E30 parcel shelf I have (I don't want to ruin my good one with a manual blind on it). The rear blind is useless because It involves getting in the back of the car. It's near impossible for me to get in the back as I'm 6'4, so this is worthwhile in my opinion.

Some of you may know that this was an option for E30's. Some of you may not. For those who don't believe me:

C5AD7110-F47F-4591-9115-4B68680952E1.jpeg.53633dde0b3e3110fdb6328a37d80ca1.jpeg

(This is a page out of the e28 options but note the E30 part number)
Not many people know about it and they are extremely rare. I don't believe I'll ever find one so this is the next best thing.

Once I have found the model with the best measurements for the E30 I will fit and write up a guide as I did with the electric rear windows from the e46. As before, I plan for everything to be easily reversible.

More to follow...

[flybynite]

I'm sure that has been done before, if it is the type that uses opposing 'wipers' to raise it. I am not sure what mechanism the original e30 one had. It was a FaceAche post from a long while back that I can't find now.

Not sure what car they used the blind from but I don't think it was 7 series. I would check the width first as I vaguely recall it being an issue. The height could be adjusted by changing the angle or trimming the arms but width is harder.

I think it will be much easier on a later shell (late chromie onwards) as they have more space under the parcel shelf.

Interesting to see how this one works out

[onthames]

I'm sure that has been done before, if it is the type that uses opposing 'wipers' to raise it. I am not sure what mechanism the original e30 one had. It was a FaceAche post from a long while back that I can't find now.

Not sure what car they used the blind from but I don't think it was 7 series. I would check the width first as I vaguely recall it being an issue. The height could be adjusted by changing the angle or trimming the arms but width is harder.

I think it will be much easier on a later shell (late chromie onwards) as they have more space under the parcel shelf.

Interesting to see how this one works out

I'm thinking E39 may he the best one but still waiting on better measurements from a few sellers. The E30 one works in the same way to the one in the picture in my original post (wipers). But it just sits atop the parcel shelf in its own little box parcel shelf material - it's quite the odd design but looks to work well. An e28 one may be good but I only found one for sale and was around £750 (ouch). I spoke to a few old timers from another forum and they told me they'd only ever seen one E30 electric blind for sale in over 15 years. I have an 88' with manual blind and I think there is enough space to mount under the parcel shelf.

[kdevitt]

I would have thought an E46 one would be closer in size?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274787187407 ... SwCr5gk5Pq

These just need 12v and ground.

[onthames]

I would have thought an E46 one would be closer in size?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274787187407 ... SwCr5gk5Pq

These just need 12v and ground.

Could be... Will look into it cheers

[martauto]

Yet another very good idea
looking forward to seeing the outcome.

Mart.

[coopman]

Interesting project, but do you really need a blind? Is it a requirement of the UK dogging scene or something?

[onthames]

Interesting project, but do you really need a blind? Is it a requirement of the UK dogging scene or something?

Exactly... Ahaha
Nah I just have lots of time and am a sucker for cool accessories and moving parts.

[steve_k]

i'm gonna be keeping an eye on this one as i'm collecting the parts to do the leccy pops outs.

[onthames]

i'm gonna be keeping an eye on this one as i'm collecting the parts to do the leccy pops outs.

Manage to find any? I got mine just mass messaging E46 breakers on eBay

[steve_k]

i'm gonna be keeping an eye on this one as i'm collecting the parts to do the leccy pops outs.

Manage to find any? I got mine just mass messaging E46 breakers on eBay

i've got a mate who works ar a massive breakers in Lincolnshire, gave him the list & he's on it for me.

[onthames]

Update... Does anyone have an E28? If so could you measure the rear screen for me please? Would be greatly appreciated.
The E28 ones are just as rare as the E30 ones but I've found one. For a good price too. I'm thinking that it'd probably fit but would like to check.

[onthames]

From what I can tell.. It looks as if the E30 and E28 rear electric blind are very similar. I'm no good at diagrams though so could someone else take a look? Just want a sanity check!