body and interior terminology for grill surround

[rjd2]

hi all-possibly daft question. the metal surround for the front grill of the 2002; what would that be called? i'm looking to see if it can be sourced-i need one-but all the search terms i'm using(grill, chin, air dam, etc) aren't pulling up the actual body panel i'm looking for. thanks, rj

[Mike Self]

Not sure what you're describing by the "grille surround"  Roundies and squarelights use entirely different grilles, but they're both essentially one piece--at least that's the way they come from BMW.

 

If you can attach a picture with an arrow pointing to the part you're seeking a name for, we can better answer your question.

 

You also say "body panel" in your question--if that's what you're referring to--the sheet metal that forms the front of the car, that's simply called the "nose" or "nose/radiator support."  On a 2002 that's all one piece from the factory, and is welded to the inner fender panels to form the engine compartment housing, and also hold the radiator in place.

 

mike

[rjd2]

thanks, mike. i'm bad with photoshop, but the piece i'm speaking of would be the white painted piece of sheet metal that resides below the grill, and above the air dam, in the top most photo in this link:

 

https://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/2002-body-chassis/02airdam.html

 

it sounds like if the nose is rusted out, it might actually make sense to have it repaired, rather than trying to source a new piece, eh? thoughts?

[Conserv]

Around these parts we tend to refer to that as the nosepiece.  It's generally (often) replaced in its entirety, which includes the radiator support and the panel that joins the radiator support to the front fascia.   Walloth & Nesch still sell copies of the nosepiece and someone sells repair panels.  In addition, used nose pieces and even NOS OEM nosepieces are still out there!

 

Regards,

 

Steve

 

[TobyB]

However, it's really common for it to rust where the 2 layers of it meet, at the bottom of the

nose opening.

 

That can be fixed.  It takes some work to get all the rust out, but it's pretty straightforward.

And not very visible AND usually covered with chip guard from the factory, so I usually fix 'em

if they're OK otherwise.

 

t