Grill Badge - E9Coupe.com

Agree with Scott..I think JJ's last design looks G R E A T......... :)
 
I got some great advice from a PM. I have tried to capture the concepts. Basically everything should have a purpose...
- 3 primary BMW colors (just a hint of orange on the signal...
- Original race cars were Chamonix white
- Blue window and blue sky - implies extreme high visibility
- Dates are 1968 to 75 (right? - I'm surprised I haven't been severely beaten up on this foopah :p)
- The tag line statement: E9 - DIE ERSTE M (is my German correct?)
7ecb700f0677b22ba1739230aac582e4.gif

Also suggested:
- 20 spokes on border for Alpina wheels vs. 36 teeth for M30 CAM gear??? I could mock this up.
- Should we include the web URL? I think it will be visible. I am thinking it could possibly be stamped into a solid (chromed) background too...

Thanks to everyone supporting this effort. I am about ready to make a choice based on applause and go to press. I know a few will be disappointed but we can always do another run :). At this point I am still seeking the best sources after being let down by Arnie.
 
JJ, love the latest design, i reckon it's pretty much there. I thought at this late stage in the game i'd get involved as well, hope you don't mind. They're both pretty much the same as yours, the only changes that i've made are...

Tinted the windows to a slightly darker blue
Dropped the .com off e9coupe
Taken the keyline off the bat shadow
reduced the size of the 1968 - 1975 font

and the second badge has the bat coming out of the centre hole as opposed to overlapping on the right.

[Broken External Image]:http://www.jamesrobb.com/csl/badge/e9_badge_v1.png
[Broken External Image]:http://www.jamesrobb.com/csl/badge/e9_badge_v2.png
 
Without the .com, it seemd kinda redundant, since E9 is used elsewhere and it is plain to see it is a coupe. Just a thought. I really like the last version jhjacobs posted. Although, google translator is failing me, what does the german segment mean?
 
E9- Die erst M translates to: E9 - the first M. I can go with this or E9 - Driven; they are both great!

I too think the E9COUPE with out the .COM is not good. I still would like to acknowledge this board.

The number of colors is not a big issue within reason according to the company I'm currently working with. So, the darker (or lighter) blue windows would not be a problem.

I especially like having the bat come out of the circle (second from JamesR), very subtle!

The badge shop was a bit nervous about having 36 teeth but they said if we are close to 3" diameter (but not over) is would not be a problem.

It looks like the company I am working with now is able to do this job for a lower price than I initially anticipated. I'm thinking we may come in well under $25 (incl. shipping). As an FYI, the cost for our design on a 58mm pure circle (no teeth for C-Pillar use) with adhesive back would be about $12/each at quantity 40. If we wanted the two threaded mounting posts and domed design (if possible) it would be closer to the $25 mark.

It is now getting to be the time to pose some technical / procurement questions for the group:
1. Size. Anything over 3" is a big surcharge. Anything too much smaller means less teeth. I vote for 75mm (2.95")
2. How shall we specify mounting? Doublesided 3m tape is least expensive, silver soldered threaded rod is more. I vote for the threaded rods.
3. Assuming we are rod mounting, should it be designed for the center grill (flimsy) or the headlight grill, or something else. I have no opinion on this one.
4. How shall we price the badges? I suggest that we price them slightly above cost and average shipping. Once I have collected a surplus I will turn it over to help with on-going board fees or I could hang on to it and build a pool to offset another badge run or shirts, stickers, etc. (I'll just keep an open accounting log - posted/edited like the Links sticky).
5. Quantity. I'm going to have to make a judgment call. I haven't counted recent but I think we're hovering around 40 right now. I may go for 50-60 (the price for additional is greatly reduced). What ever I do will be an open book - no profits - however, I personally intend to donate a few to the board operators and forum moderators
6. I am planning to "clean up" the art. I think the flying bat could be smoothed out a bit. Any picky technical / artistic comments will be appreciated.
 
Badging commentary--technical, grill location, etc

Just my thoughts:

1) as the original owner of the #199 M-1--would have to say that the E-9 is not the first M car--as it doesn't really qualify as a purpose built car--as have been all M cars from the factory--albeit there were efforts primarily from tuners like Alpina, etc. to compete the E-9 against Ford's Zakspeed ass-kickers and others without much early success--finally with major weight reduction, special fittings for brake, diff and so forth cooling of all types--a very few of the last competing versions did run with the 3.5L twin cam 24 valver in race form--so it had eventually evolved into a true race machine--but not what we have come to accept as a factory M car..

2) use the twin threaded pins bridged with a little metal plate for the backside--to span 2 ribs of the black plastic grills--BLUMAX has worn two such grill badges for years--the original BMW CS Register-USA Badge--dating from pre-re-naming to BMW Registry--it and the Munich badge (where originally delivered) that BLUMAX wears have been well secured in that manner for years--perhaps the use of pins, metal backstrip and nuts made in brass would be a good idea--especially for those residing in the "rust belts" of the globe.

3) and last--I still vote for E-9 Driven--vs--E9 - Driven--of course one could easily read into these choices several different meanings.

JMO
 
First of all, the latest changes are really good.

I agree with JJ on the .com thing, and I like the Die Erst M.. nice.

I like both versions of the bat (in or out of the circle.).

I think the shadow has to have the metal surround to do the cloisonne

I'd opt for mounting pins and make them long enough to mount to the headlamp grille. (BTW this means the pins are top and bottom...)

I'd pay about $45 or so for one of these, so at $25 cost, that means we recover the set up in short order. Maybe we shoudl have a break even cost (including shipping) PLUS a setup fee attached to the first 50 pieces..? That way we know we can break even on 50 pieces.. etc..

This is very cool!

S
 
Badges again--I want one for my grill--

Continued--

4) Am keping the original "C" pillar cloissone' roundels that are in fine condition for originality.

5) price at whatever level the costs shake out to be--under $30 if feasible--and remember how much growth has taken place on this board in terms of numbers in the past few months--and I do believe that new members joining will want to identify with us "oldtimers" as far as the E-9 goes--and maybe even some of our overseas memebrs will want one for the sheer novelty--if nothing less.
 
CSL's were indeed Motorsports-built cars, but that's it. Using "Die Erste M" may be overplaying the hand a bit.

I agree with deletion of the ".com" and using mounting posts instead of adhesive. The CS Registry badges had posts that, unfortunately, were prone to detaching from the backing of the badge, so that's a bit of a lesson. We should ask how the posts are actually affixed to the backing of the badge.

Finally, and while there will ALWAYS be differences of opinion between reasonable people, I will state that I'm in for at least three of whatever design makes its way through this process.

Thanks to everyone for their time and effort!
 
grill badge

75mm... good size...same as most available badges. serrated edge is typical, but round would give more area for color/car and info.
Bolt mounting top and bottom with long enough bolts.
car inside of beltline, shows car better and not as cluttered
Car is NOT 1st M, how about "E9 GROUP", that is who we are. DRIVEN is acceptable.
We all have e9's, how many have a BAT? Should it stay BAT?
Would still prefer car in color, other than white. But I'm flexible. Use colors available. Red would be stunning(I don't have a red e9).
Cost is reasonable , make sure we cover costs.
use e9coupe.com... .com could be in smaller font but would be harder to read.
I'm in for at least 1
Great work and cooperation from group members

steve in reno
 
As for mounting, the badge company said they silver-solder to attach the studs. They admit that if we, as knuckle-draggin' wrench turners get truly inspired, we are completely able to strip the threads and even break off the studs. I figure that if I can break off a lug nut then I can surely break off an 8mm nut ! :oops:

Anyway, I think two studs would be best. I think they need to be 7/8"-1" long. In most cases the mounting will be on the headlight grill. However, to accommodate dual mount on the center grill I have come up with the following:
a2f38950fcf630e8fe4ff1e1550ff70b.gif

This pattern would also allow the use of simple 3/4" washers instead of a special backplate (I'll ask for a plate though). Any Mechanical engineers out there with rulers? I would really like a second opinion on my dimensions - is my layout, as my son would say, whack?

I think the badge as posted shown above is close to done. I'm still pondering the window coloring... I also think a red or inka car would be really hot but I like the rationale that the original bats were white and that it can doubly signify bavarian creme. When we do a 40th anniversary badge next year :?, or a second run is called for, we can try red and/or inka. We may also be able to have split the run with different car colors (need to check on this). In that case it would be first come first serve until they run out.

I'll try to get a formal quote based on this tomorrow.
 
For the record JJ, I love this last design you posted.

I say we book it.

Write me down for two, and let me know if you need some help with the setup costs.

S
 
I have sent in a final quote request. I am working with: http://www.qualitylapelpins.com/grillBadges.php . PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR SAMPLES. They have no setup fees, just a minimum order of 25 pieces. I am now thinking I may order 60 badges (or more) since they get dramatically cheaper in quantity. I will try to post a formal cost breakdown and proposed price model tomorrow.

Once I get some design parameters from the vendor I am going to work on the art a bit to improve the resolution and general quality (lines, alignments, etc.). I will make a final post with a few "best of's" as soon as possible for a final sanity check.

One more general forum question: shall we keep the wing on the bat? I only heard one comment about removing it and none about keeping it.

I appreciate all the kind offers to assist with setup fees and such. When this started I said I would front all costs and assume the risk of "poor" sales. I now have a warm and fuzzy feeling about moving 40-60 badges. I am actually worried this may not be enough and I don't want run out just as much as I don't want to have too many. I will do an accurate count of actual commits before ordering and then add 50% or more to be safe.
 
Bat badge with flares--not my favorite either--fun to see

at a static display--BUT!!

It really doesn't represent what the vast majority of us--almost without exception--own and drive--Bats are extremely rare to begin with and now virtually all are in the hands of collectors and/or museums--and even more rarely were they ever driven on the streets here in the colonies--it was 1973 the last time I saw one on the street in Corona del Mar--so while wet dreams are ok for the young--however my vote goes for an accurate representation of the street E-9 we actually own and drive--it's the sane one known and admired by three prominent automotive designers that I have met in recent months--as well as strangers who comment on how cool they are when I'm out 'n about in BLUMAX--or when showing another one to a prospectuve new owner--it happens regularly.

I vote for the Driven E-9
 
JJ, you're doing a fantastic job at all this! I think you're probably right about selling all you have made, but it seems a little unfair to have the person that's been putting in most of the work have to cover all the cost also. One way or another we'll make it work. :)

As soon as you have them available I'll make a page on the site where people can purchase them through a Paypal link, plus info for people to purchase them if they're not Paypal-literate. We can also put a few on Ebay with the intent of getting a few more E9 enthusiasts to find our group.

As far as using any extra money you might end up with after all the sales, I like your idea of putting it in an "E9" account and using it for stickers, t-shirts, etc. in the future. I don't need anything for site support.

Dan
 
E9- Die erst M translates to: E9 - the first M. I can go with this or E9 - Driven; they are both great!
Click to expand...


Der Erste M and not Die Erste M

Der is male, die is female and in german our Coupe is male, der E9, hohoho.........

It is a little bit difficult for you english spoken fellows, der E9, die Limousine, das Coupe, you have only the..........:D :D
 
Humm I think my E9 is a she.....
Wants lots of money spent on her :wink:
Has rather graceful curves :)
and is complete agreement with my wife about what colour she should be :shock:
Malc
 
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