anyone selling a pre-73 euro panel like this? TY!
- Thread starter Tomme9
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Well, since everyone has three, please allow me to hijack (or get on the band wagon). Just yesterday I took my panel off (Euro version with fog light). But I confirmed that some JAPO (jack ass previous owner) had drilled holes through the Euro panel to install '73 license plate lights. Assuming availability, I've decided to replace the panel with another un-drilled Euro panel, and install the bumper lights in lieu of the panel or bracket mounted lights. So please put me on the list after @Tomme9 
Stephen, Your coupe is a US 73 so those holes and lights were installed at the factory, the fog was added by a P.O.
I (think) I may have found one brand new for $150 - is that good. https://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/Well, since everyone has three, please allow me to hijack (or get on the band wagon). Just yesterday I took my panel off (Euro version with fog light). But I confirmed that some JAPO (jack ass previous owner) had drilled holes through the Euro panel to install '73 license plate lights. Assuming availability, I've decided to replace the panel with another un-drilled Euro panel, and install the bumper lights in lieu of the panel or bracket mounted lights. So please put me on the list after @Tomme9
TY Markos!!My understanding is that every e9 owner has three of these!
Why does everyone keep saying that his car is a 1973? It is a 1974 with a small bumper conversion.
We are talking about Stephen’s, 2240723 is a 73 unless there is another coupe.
Ahh sorry. @Tomme9’s car was referred to as a 73 the other day. I was surprised that his first name wasn’t Tom.
Sorry I do not have pics yet, but in my estimation the rear aluminum panel was replaced entirely with one from a Euro car (along with the fog light). The fog light hole is clean in the aluminum. But the drilled holes for the LP lights (2-fasteners and 1-for the wires per side) look like someone used a dull flat blade screw driver to ream the holes through the aluminum. It is pretty pathetic.
Follow up question: would the LP lights have been attached to the original rear panel, or would they have been attached to one of those license plate brackets with the ears on each side for the lights? I assumed the latter, and that the lights would never have been attached directly to/through the panel. But from @HB Chris comment, I am guessing I am wrong.
Follow up question: would the LP lights have been attached to the original rear panel, or would they have been attached to one of those license plate brackets with the ears on each side for the lights? I assumed the latter, and that the lights would never have been attached directly to/through the panel. But from @HB Chris comment, I am guessing I am wrong.
Always through the panel, only 74-76 2002s had the black metal panel that held lights and license plate.
Thanks for that clarification. Well, that leaves me with a second option, I guess. Which is to source (2) good Hella LP lights and maybe keep the "original" appearance (save for the fog lamp). But I think those Hella blister lamps might be more unobtanium than an un-drilled panel. :eek:
I thought about trying to weld the drilled holes up. But that aluminum is wafer thin and once polished will show any deformation. That is beyond my skill level for sure.
Like the "wafer thin" reference - Monty Python all the way! I did find some non oem LEDs that will work for 74 LP lights. Close (enough)... Cigar? They are $14 each.Thanks for that clarification. Well, that leaves me with a second option, I guess. Which is to source (2) good Hella LP lights and maybe keep the "original" appearance (save for the fog lamp). But I think those Hella blister lamps might be more unobtanium than an un-drilled panel. :eek:
I thought about trying to weld the drilled holes up. But that aluminum is wafer thin and once polished will show any deformation. That is beyond my skill level for sure.
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I discovered there are two different in-the-bumper Hella license plate lights. One is a little sleeker and prettier, the one I chose for my bumper than the other.
It's like the Supreme Court's definition of pornography(I am allowed to use that word, right?). The court can't describe it, but we know it when we see it. For you lawyers out there this is a loooose paraphrase of one of my SCOTUS favorites.
Steve
Any chance you know the part number of the replacement?
Is this the part? If so, I could not find a description of number 16.
