Coupe styling questions
- Thread starter Ohmess
- Start date
x_atlas0
Well-Known Member
Federalization.
At the time, and even today, US vehicles are required to have separate side vehicle turn indicators in the front and back. So, they added two sets of small lights onto the front and back of E9s to comply. Euro versions do not have the front side marker set. You can see it in my sig, as my E9 was a Euro market vehicle.
There are a variety of lighting changes to E9s based on the destination country, like yellow French lights or the split amber/clear Italian turn signals.
At the time, and even today, US vehicles are required to have separate side vehicle turn indicators in the front and back. So, they added two sets of small lights onto the front and back of E9s to comply. Euro versions do not have the front side marker set. You can see it in my sig, as my E9 was a Euro market vehicle.
There are a variety of lighting changes to E9s based on the destination country, like yellow French lights or the split amber/clear Italian turn signals.
Euro cars got neither front or back and only the rears illuminate on US coupes.
sreams
Well-Known Member
Exactly. The fronts are not turn signals. They are reflectors. The rears, I believe, are not turn signals either. They are side marker lights.
-Scott
Bwana
Well-Known Member
Yes, mine is a 1972 Italian import without the side reflectors. I never really noticed until I say the vid of Saltydogs. The federalized cars are sure UGLY!!!
...elegance ? :roll:
Ok.
And the blacked out grills were an option on the car, so presumably an owner who preferred them would remain within the bounds of good taste (assuming the car was not going to be restored to period perfect shape).
And the blacked out grills were an option on the car, so presumably an owner who preferred them would remain within the bounds of good taste (assuming the car was not going to be restored to period perfect shape).
Based on past posts about grilles, there is no definitive rhyme or reason to black v. chrome and were not an option. For my color Polaris, I have seen both colors in the same model year.
Regarding a rear aluminum trim piece, I agree with DeQ, it would be heavy handed across the delicate trunk lip.
Well...the BMW 2002 sedan had the bright trim trip running across the trunk lip and definitely, this styling element does not really work IMO. Glad the E9 did not go this route.
As I studied the 2002tii a little more, I noticed the trunk shut lines run below the anodized aluminum strips that go around the trunk lid lip and into both left and right quarter panels. Thank god the CS styling did not get this same awkward trunk treatment.
Regarding the 2002 comparison and as a former owner of a 1976 1502 I think the 2002 without the side trim also looks pretty good and does not have the problem of trim damage over time.
http://dayerses.com/photos/bmw-1502/10/
http://dayerses.com/photos/bmw-1502/10/
I have a U.S. '71 2800CS and I only have the rear side reflector turn signals. The front is missing the side reflector. I checked the inner front fenders and can't find any filler to see if someone removed them previously.
Only the rears have a large hole to accommodate the light, the fronts use two small screw holes only. Lots of front fenders have been replaced as well, one half of my right front fender was cut out and replaced.
John Buchtenkirch
Well-Known Member
I had a Bavaria back in the seventies but always wanted a sexy looking coupe. I like everything about the looks of the coupe better than the Bavaria except for the tail view where I think the stylists could have done better. The coupe rear bumper is on the money but the taillights look too small (in height) or too low in the rear body panel IMO. The Bavaria tail styling looks better IMO. Also I agree the way they left the molding off the deck lid looks a bit odd, almost like it fell off the car but I think they had to do it to put the emblems on the lid. They could have ended the side moldings at the rear corner of the quarter panel with a spear tip, that possibly could have looked better.
Having commented negatively on the rear of the car it would be unfair on my part not the mention the great job the BMW stylists did on the nose when they stretched it to install the six cylinder engine, I think everyone pretty much agrees that was a big winner
. ~ John Buchtenkirch
Having commented negatively on the rear of the car it would be unfair on my part not the mention the great job the BMW stylists did on the nose when they stretched it to install the six cylinder engine, I think everyone pretty much agrees that was a big winner
. ~ John Buchtenkirch Thanks Gentlemen. I appreciate the replies.
On to a question about the seats. The seats in the e9 are downright elegant, so perhaps this is more of a functional question. From looking at them, it would appear that they are comfortable and supportive and would serve a person well in long drives. Is this correct? And how well do they keep you in place in vigorous driving?
On to a question about the seats. The seats in the e9 are downright elegant, so perhaps this is more of a functional question. From looking at them, it would appear that they are comfortable and supportive and would serve a person well in long drives. Is this correct? And how well do they keep you in place in vigorous driving?
I don't do too much spirited driving. At least not so vigorous that I would be tossed side to side. I did drive my coupe from Los Angeles to NH and found the seats to be comfortable
if you refer to the standard seats, they are comfortable, but not adequate for vigorous driving
you will need to help your body with a strong pressure with your left foot...
you will need to help your body with a strong pressure with your left foot...
I have stock seats and I don't think they are comfortable. After about an hour (which is about 15 miles in LA) the seats become, noticeable.
x_atlas0
Well-Known Member
My finacee and I drove to the Vintage(~6 hours) with the stock seats and felt fine. She has problems with her 2006 Accord seats in about half an hour. So, even with completely collapsed webbing and ancient filling, they are pretty good for us.
At 6'5" I feel very good after a long drive like our pending trip to Monterey. Seats were rebuilt and I raised the front of the seat by adding a bushing between upper seat rail and bottom of seat for more thigh support.