Simufly
Well-Known Member
I dont really get all the 4 versus 5 bar controversy, so what is the most desirable and why?
I dont really get all the 4 versus 5 bar controversy, so what is the most desirable and why?
I don't think there is a controversy. There is a technical debate (mainly between myself and Chris) as to whether the five bar came on the CSL only or if it was found on some '74's. Chris is following clear BMW documentation and I'm leaning into mounting anecdotal evidence.
I personally think the five bar looks better both in polished aluminum and in black anodized. Honestly, anyone can remove the slots from their aluminum grille and anodize or paint them. I don't mind the aesthetics of the four plastic bars, but I'm not a huge fan of the 'chubby' surround. I much prefer the skinny surround found on the five bar. Once you notice the difference between the two it becomes very easy to differentiate the two.
From a value perspective, I would place them in this order:
5 Bar Black - NLA
5 Bar Polished Aluminum - NLA
4 Bar Plastic + Aluminum - Available (correct me if I'm wrong here, 51131826809)
Omg, just realised my CSL has the 4 bar grill. The upside is it's brand new shinny and looks mint which fits with the condition of my car. Downside is that based on the info on this thread seems like it has been replaced sometime and my CSL is missing an origional bit - first non origional bit I have discovered so far .
Oh well something to hunt for on eBay and coupe.com. Hopefully a 5 bar might turn up for sale some time. Personally I quite like the full silver bar version like in the photo of this red car below. Does anyone know if these silver 5 bar kidneys versions came on UK RHD CSLs or only the black 5 bar version?
View attachment 23951
That picture of the back side makes me think this change was a 'cost reduction'. Probably significantly less expensive to produce the plastic 4 bar than the original 5 bar.
Did you ever find a 5 slat grill? I have a 5 slat polished aluminum one in very good condition to sell.Omg, just realised my CSL has the 4 bar grill. The upside is it's brand new shinny and looks mint which fits with the condition of my car. Downside is that based on the info on this thread seems like it has been replaced sometime and my CSL is missing an origional bit - first non origional bit I have discovered so far .
Oh well something to hunt for on eBay and coupe.com. Hopefully a 5 bar might turn up for sale some time. Personally I quite like the full silver bar version like in the photo of this red car below. Does anyone know if these silver 5 bar kidneys versions came on UK RHD CSLs or only the black 5 bar version?
View attachment 23951
Can you let me know the price? Also I am currently researching to find out if the UK CSL came with brushed aluminium kidneys.Did you ever find a 5 slat grill? I have a 5 slat polished aluminum one in very good condition to sell.
my 74 came stock w/ black 5 metal
my 74 came stock w/ black 5 metal
$125. I will post a picture of it in a little whileCan you let me know the price? Also I am currently researching to find out if the UK CSL came with brushed aluminium kidneys.