NLA Parts

[Wes]

Hi All,
Was having a discussion with @sfdon the other day and it seems there are a range of parts that are NLA or it is difficult to get them reconditioned.
I'd like your views on what parts you would be interested to see 3D printed (and or made from new) and/or reconditioned.
The rider is your suggestions need to be an item that can be shipped without too much effort and that we presently cannot buy off the shelf. If there is sufficient interest/demand I'm looking to have some 3D scans made and offer to the E9 community.

What do we think?
Wes

 

[rsporsche]

Wes,

i think this is a good idea. i think we might want to start a new FAQ - non-BMW reproduction parts / 3D printed items with links / pics of what different people have available.

 

[adawil2002]

I have worked with a 3D Printing Company with Thomas Kittross in Connecticut & Nick Patrente in Boston, Nick left the company. It's been a couple of years since I've worked with Thomas. The only drawback is the cost per part of 3D Printing metal or larger items. We made a few '02 parts at cost of $300/per pair.

Printed:
Front & Rear Brass Roundel Bezels to chrome, we were working on Stainless when Nick left.
Wiper Motor Cover made of hard black plastic for the final prototype to fit CS & M6 motors like I have.

 

[ColomboMotors]

Following this thread for more info. I just 3D printed an interior part that I will be offering to our E9 community soon actually. Cost is high for larger items like Andrew mentioned.

 

[x_atlas0]

All my parts and projects have come from my work on my own coupe, and I've been offering those same parts to others in case they need them. Anytime I've asked on what other parts to make, I've got mostly crickets back, aside from everyone asking for a cup holder. (working on that too...) We could setup a 'bounty board' where people request parts to be created. Then if someone gets an itch to tackle it, we can get an idea of how many people need a certain part. Part of the bounty request would need to include the ability to borrow an original functional part.

Unfortunately, a 3D scan is merely the first step to replicating a part. More often than not, the scan is just used as a template or guide, then you re-make the design using a 3D modelling program based on the scan. It's not a straight shot from scan to print. Additionally, when some others have put parts up for sale that are straight duplicates of NLA parts, they got a Cease and Desist from BMW. (like the AC faceplate and side plates) Any parts we create will need to be legally distinct from the original, increasing the work required to go from scan to new part.

I do think it's a good idea to have some sort of repository of improved/repro/cross-applicable parts when someone finds one. As an example, the coupe-contemporary Porsche 911 uses the same blower motor as the E9, and that is still available while the BMW one is not. I can see an advantage in setting up a database/list for that sort of thing, particularly for switches, sensors, and other complex parts that were shared over multiple vehicles. Lots of VDO/Bosch/ZF/Getrag items like that in the car.

 

[eriknetherlands]

For most things there are solutions drawn up on our website, but not readily available. A few come to mind:

- sheet metal: apart from the clear front fender issue, I missed a repair section for the rear floor; this bit (seen from the underside here):

The triangle is the underside of the sill, left is front of car. The circle is the rea axle mounting point with the big knurled bolt going through it.
- the rear strut tower reinforcements (after cracking, they need a new cap - various versions have been successfully made by members, but most are one off's. Here's one of a set I purchased 10 years ago made by a german member:

- the center pin of the clock spring window winder mechanism - it fails due to being too soft metal.
clock spring side and the other side showing the deformed 'plug' through the hole:

- the soft metal block inside the front hood hinge system: these things:

- recently added to the list, the rubber clamp ring with coarse threads on the drive shaft: No alternatives that i know off apart from reusing the 50 year old rubber part

 

[Arde]

All my parts and projects have come from my work on my own coupe, and I've been offering those same parts to others in case they need them. Anytime I've asked on what other parts to make, I've got mostly crickets back, aside from everyone asking for a cup holder.

Well, I visited you and was very excited about the plans you had for a CNC cut aluminum version of the side grills... I bought the stock part in the meantime and time flies..

Given your mechanical depth and skills the ask is for the Getrag 265 NLA bearing (23 12 1 209 323 I think), make that one and you will sell millions, plus people will walk as pilgrims to pick them up from you.