1972 Rear bumper bracket on 1973

[Jvaz]

Hello guys 

I have a 1973 2002, and I’m trying to close the big gap on the bumpers, I was told that all I need are the brackets for the 1972 front and rear.

I got bought them 

now I’m in the process of replacing the brackets on the rear bumper but the holes in the brackets do not match the body.

i try moving them around, trading places, up side down, they just don’t fit.

 Here is a comparison picture of the 1972 vs 1973 brackets.

Any ideas ?

thanks

JV

 

[nbcbird]

Holes need to be spaced about 3-1/2 inches.  Looks like new part is defective--either elongate holes more or find used part. 

[nbcbird]

Wait, wait--you can't elongate holes because of captive nut.  Assume bracket is same part number for a '71.  Looks like finding used ones are only option as I don't think you'll get much of a response from BMW Classic for fixing problem.

[nutbehindthewheel]

I'll bet you've got a big gap !

 

Bracket you bought is correct ( 68 - 73 )

 

Your car and/or bumper has been modified for use with those big brackets

[Jvaz]

The car holes look stock and I have two bumper and they are the same.

[Mike Self]

AFAIK the bolt hole spacing for all chrome rear bumpers is the same--this includes all '68-72 cars (US and Euro cars used the same bumper); Euro and US 73 cars (Euro cars used the same brackets as the 68-72 cars, US cars use the loop) and the squarelights.  US squarelights have the mounting holes for chrome bumpers (used on Euro market cars), plugged by little oval caps, as the Euro and US cars used the same rear panel stamping.  

 

So something is whacky with what you have--either the bracket was made incorrectly or your car has been modified.  Do the two mounting holes on both old and new brackets have the same spacing?  They should.

 

mike

[Jvaz]

51 minutes ago, mike said:

AFAIK the bolt hole spacing for all chrome rear bumpers is the same--this includes all '68-72 cars (US and Euro cars used the same bumper); Euro and US 73 cars (Euro cars used the same brackets as the 68-72 cars, US cars use the loop) and the squarelights.  US squarelights have the mounting holes for chrome bumpers (used on Euro market cars), plugged by little oval caps, as the Euro and US cars used the same rear panel stamping.  

 

So something is whacky with what you have--either the bracket was made incorrectly or your car has been modified.  Do the two mounting holes on both old and new brackets have the same spacing?  They should.

 

mike

Yes they do have the same spacing

[nutbehindthewheel]

It would seem that the new bracket you bought is incorrectly made.

 

If it was me, I would bend/modify the bracket and make it work

- could maybe add small extender with piece of metal, or try another bracket,

but I'd get a hammer and a pipe wrench and just make the thing work !

[Jvaz]

2 hours ago, nutbehindthewheel said:

It would seem that the new bracket you bought is incorrectly made.

 

If it was me, I would bend/modify the bracket and make it work

- could maybe add small extender with piece of metal, or try another bracket,

but I'd get a hammer and a pipe wrench and just make the thing work !

I’m trying bending them, also I’m trying to find used once.