bumperette question

autokunst

autokunst

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As I scour images on the internet, I see at least (4) different orientations/configurations for the front bumperettes. Wondering if there is a correct solution? Does it differ depending on model, year, delivery location? Original versus replacement? Weird preference?

These four images capture the idea ( pilfered them from the internet - I apologize if I've used an image of your car):
- rubber aiming up/metal seemingly vertical?
- rubber and metal aiming down
- rubber aiming up / metal aiming down
- rubber aiming up / metal aiming up
zzz-bumpers down up.JPG zzz-bumpers down.jpg zzz-bumpers up down.jpg zzz-bumpers up.jpg

Thank you for your insight!
 
I'd say pic #1 and #3 are the same, -73 US bumperettes.
Pic #2 and #4 are the same bumperettes, they are installed correctly in pic #4, and upside down in pic #2.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. :)

Edit:
Look at this high res picture of the #2 pic you have, you can see the gaps around the bumperettes as it's not installed correctly:
D54C759C-79A9-46B8-81CE-2C30A201CFFA.jpeg
 
Last edited:
I’ll give it a go since Chris is probably recovering from his stressful road trip. :D

There are two versions. The euro version through 1975, which was found on US cars through 1972. These are the flat/straight ones.

In 1973 in order to meet new US 2.5mph crash standards BMW changed the bumper design for US cars. Overall it looks pretty similar but the bumpers extend from the body a bit more with metal hoops holding the bumper in place. Rather than transferring all that energy to the frame the metal hoops would collapse. These bumpers have the pointy rubber bunperrettes.

For some reason, owners and shops tend to install them upside down. So pic 2 and 3 are 1973 US bumperettes, but the pointy end is supposed to be on the top, not the bottom.

Then in 1974 US cars got the 5mph bumpers...
 
Not sure what is up with that R&T image. One of their magazine artists drew it so who knows...
 
I would agree, maybe upside down due to clearance issues with the spoiler? I have some spare for sale in the UK, Pat
 
Thank you for all of the quick replies. So what I am hearing is:
pic 1 is potentially a bad drawing (however, see below)
pic 2 is likely just installed upside down (I think it looks off, personally)
pic 3 is likely a correct installation of 1973 US 2.5 mph bumperettes
pic 4 is correct Euro throgh '75 and US through '72 correct bumperettes

Here's the back story behind this question. Just redirected some energy in playing around with the bumpers off my US 1973 3.0CS that seems to have some Euro edits. However, the bumperettes seem to be a heck of a lot like the R&T drawing (chrome piece pointing up and out a bit, rubber piece projecting at the bottom rather than the top - see below). There is absolutely no reason for me to believe that this is correct on this car - she's led a long, mysterious life. But it does match that drawing...
20171203-raven bumperette.jpg
 
They look correct in pic #4. The other options,2-3 are awkward and go against the slant of the nose. Regarding the bumprerettes and the air dam, there are no clearance issues.

VSR Scribe C.jpg
 
autokunst said:
Thank you for all of the quick replies. So what I am hearing is:
pic 1 is potentially a bad drawing (however, see below)
pic 2 is likely just installed upside down (I think it looks off, personally)
pic 3 is likely a correct installation of 1973 US 2.5 mph bumperettes
pic 4 is correct Euro throgh '75 and US through '72 correct bumperettes

Here's the back story behind this question. Just redirected some energy in playing around with the bumpers off my US 1973 3.0CS that seems to have some Euro edits. However, the bumperettes seem to be a heck of a lot like the R&T drawing (chrome piece pointing up and out a bit, rubber piece projecting at the bottom rather than the top - see below). There is absolutely no reason for me to believe that this is correct on this car - she's led a long, mysterious life. But it does match that drawing...
View attachment 34148
Click to expand...

Your photo is correct for a US 73 with the rounded rubber pointing down. As these were NLA most were replaced with the original euro through 75 and US through 72 square rubbers. The R&T article may be for a 73.

You also have the reinforced and unique to 73 bumper mounting irons.

(and the chrome pieces are identical to either style and yes can be mounted upside down if switched left to right)
 
Thanks Chris. Regarding the bumper irons, each side has some unique "characteristics" on this car. The right side looks more correct (I think), but has some large holes drilled in the loop section. The left side looks like it has been through hell and back, with the weirdest surface characteristics. They are not a mirror image of each other - not sure how much is original/correct. I will be posting a separate thread on these pieces once I have them off and get to know them better. For now, I am polishing up the Hella drivers lights, and then on to the bumper chrome.
 
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