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Replacement front bumper for E46 M3

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Daniel1000 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Daniel1000 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Replacement front bumper for E46 M3
    Posted: 19 Oct 2015 at 9:50pm
Having previously sought advice from this forum regarding brakes and tyres, I am hoping once again to dip into the pool of knowledge that resides here!

After three years of regular track day attendance, I had my first minor contact with the barriers earlier in the summer.  I would probably have got away without damage but the bumper split as it deformed around the towing-eye.

The bumper is still firmly fixed in place and the damage is cosmetic (I had the car double-checked by the independent specialist that looks after it for me, to be sure) but I intend to repair it.  As it happens, I had been planning modifications to improve brake cooling anyway.  Despite finally solving the issue of pad deposits building up on the discs it still seems a good idea to get as much cooling in as possible.  I had in mind the Hard Motorsport kit that replaces the fog-lamps with a duct and piping that Ian recommended to me.

Plan A is to get a second hand OEM bumper from ebay, have it repainted in the right shade and fit the HM kit.  However, I had a conversation with a BMW CC member in the garages at Snetterton, who had manufactured a replacement bumper specifically for the E46 M3 that had such ducts built into it.   I lost the details and can’t find anything on the ‘net.  Has anyone got any experience with non-OEM bumpers for the M3?

Cheers,

Daniel

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Cabrio View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cabrio Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Oct 2015 at 11:03pm
Several options but if you want copy ones and its for track use you can use the FG versions that are in production like CSL style with or without a splitter and undertray depending on use - I can put you in contact will suppliers but depends on budget and use

E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers
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Daniel1000 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Daniel1000 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Oct 2015 at 7:23pm
Thanks for your response Cabrio.

Whilst I drive to and from the circuits it is essentially just a track car, so I am after something functional rather than a styling addition or weight saving measure. The only modification I am really thinking of is more cooling for the brakes (all I have done to date is remove the brake duct covers).

I guess this militates towards cheaper fibreglass models rather than carbon fibre.  Whilst I don't know much about these things I wonder whether aftermarket splitters and under trays that have not been tested in a wind tunnel are likely to make much difference to performance, so I would lean towards a simple design.

Cheers,

Daniel  




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Cabrio View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cabrio Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Oct 2015 at 11:21pm
The ones we use are copies of bmw ones that have been tested and used on track ...many options and depends on budget ...cheapest option is a used bumper and it's rare for the kuhmo cars for example to have brake cooling issues at most circuits

Depends what looking for looks function or cost
E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers
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Daniel1000 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Daniel1000 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Oct 2015 at 7:50pm
Copying works BMW race designs makes a lot of sense.

It is function that I'm looking for rather than looks and probably erring towards lower end of the price range.  Can you tell me who the suppliers are?

Cheers,

Daniel
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Cabrio View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cabrio Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2015 at 12:55am
I have done these myself with a friend for our cars so we own the moulds if that helps answer your question...they are a big item so will be more than a used original bumper but less than similar items out there ...if you are on s budget maybe you can find something on ebay and then make your own splitter from ply and just use ducting if you feel need cooling

I can send you some pictures if it helps you make your mind up
E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers
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Daniel1000 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Daniel1000 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Oct 2015 at 12:01pm
That would be very useful, thanks.
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