body and interior Part # Confirmation For Late Euro Nose?

[Taymar]

I'm fairly sure I have the right part number here, but would appreciate it if anyone could confirm or deny if this is right & if it'll fit my car please. I'm looking for the late model euro nose panel, and the part # I have is 41331828984

 

I'm not sure if there's any variations on this part that I need to be aware of, my car is a US spec 1975 2002, 12/74 build date.

 

thanks very much for any advice.

[Mike Self]

I checked the number you posted on RealOEM and that's what is listed...

 

mike

[nbcbird]

Just so you know, the quality of 2002 sheetmetal isn't very good lately.  I took me three right quarter panels from the dealer before I received one (supposedly hand picked) that was in useable condition.  It still had defects.

[Taymar]

Hmm. Thanks. Assuming this nose is still available, I will have to figure out what's the best way to buy it. I can get it mail order for a decent price but if it's damaged sounds like I'm in for a lot of headaches.

[Mikesmalaga72]

If you order the part through BMW dealer you should be able to complain if it is too damaged there. Make sure your frame measurements are in specification and

 If you try to put it on the car and it doesn't fit you should really take it back and keep them ordering them till you get a "good" one that fits. Ask me how I know. 

[Taymar]

Where was it out of alignment please Mike?

 

I ordered it online today (cost savings too large to pass up vs. local dealer).

 

I will probably leave the replacement to a body shop, although I guess I could remove the old nose and test fit beforehand. If you've got any tips on which areas to check specifically, I would really appreciate it.

[Mikesmalaga72]

Unless they have a frame machine to check I urge you make a critical first step before going to the body shop. Lots of folks are satisfied but...

 

These cars have been around awhile! LOL bumping into things or being fender bent at one time, or another so.

Before starting my restoration I had my car "x" checked and checked for straightness on a frame machine at a frame shop. On my new early version nose I had alignment issues at the right frame rail area and inner right front wheel housing area being 10mm off also with with the inner sheet metal of the new nose The third one I received fit like a glove. I`m sure some improvisation could have been done but it would have looked just too obvious. I made sure the vehicle, frame rails, and front inner wheel housings were square before calling on BMW to send even the first one. All the new BMW early noses that were reproduced were mfg in Italy known for labor issues etc so. BMW quality control has been somewhat lacking from the ole days...

The late version 02 euro nose you are getting may fit better though, and will enable you to install chrome bumpers.

[Taymar]

Thanks Mike. My car has had the nose replaced once before (from an accident). I am planning to have the bodyshop measure it all up on the frame bench and pull it if necessary.

 

It sounds like the nose panel is no cancel/no return and with the information you guys have given me here, I think I will be better off cancelling it and paying the extra at the dealer.

 

I think I will take off the old nose, assuming I can come up with some sort of bracing.

[Mikesmalaga72]

It would be better for body shop to look at while dissecting IMHO.!! See if you can use your 10 percent discount there if you are a bmw cca member.

[Taymar]

Makes sense, I guess that way they can see how the old one went together. I'll leave it alone! Thanks Mike.

[Mikesmalaga72]

Keep us posted Thanks!

[Taymar]

I was able to cancel my order, and can get it from the dealership. They confirmed that they would not mind sending it back if it didn't fit well.

 

I'll try and remember to post pictures of the new panel and the fitment. Thanks again for all the help, you guys saved me from a potentially costly mistake here.