converting bumpers

[hoarker15]

I have an '84 325e, and want to know if it is possible to replace the chrome (3 piece) bumpers with the painted (one piece) bumpers? I believe the painted bumpers were put on the e30's starting in 1989. I talked to my local dealer and they said they don't bolt directly on to my older '84, so I was wondering if anyone has gone to the trouble of converting to the later style bumpers? If so I would like to know how you did it, and how dificult it was (is it worth the trouble?).

Also does anyone know of some good front air dams for the older chrome style bumpers? Most of the ones I have been able to find only show pictures of them on the later painted style bumpers. Web sites and brand names would help.
thanks,
Sterling

[Jeff at WallWerks]

If you have an 84, the newer bumpers will not fit without great
hassle. BMP makes a kit that approximates the look of the later bumpers and is quite a bit lighter.

Or if you have a freind in Canada, convert to the even lighter euro
bumpers!

Zender makes a pretty nice front air dam for the older bumpers
or you can go to a junkyard and get an IS air dam pretty reasonably.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

As far as I know, converting to the later bumpers is straight forward on 88 and up cars, however on the ealry cars, you will have to modify the existing mounting points, as well as the bumper shocks.