no worries - enjoy the weds - you were there first.
rear roundel
- Thread starter rsporsche
- Start date
As pointed out above, our cars originally had 3 piece (two metal and a gasket) rear roundels but the replacements are now a single piece (and thinner and not the same finish, etc). There are better choices for the front roundel (which also had a bezel but they are easier to come by and I already have an original so not discussing that one here, although we can if there is interest). The same flat roundels can be used front and rear but the bezel (51145780171) that fits the flat emblem to the curve of the boot lid has been NLA for years.
I'm trying to assess if there a demand for these, as I need one myself. I've designed what I think is a pretty accurate reproduction, which I can modify as necessary to make even better if I can get my hands on an original. I've 3d printed samples to verify fitment and am now looking into making in metal. There are a variety of options available, each with varying cost and quantity minimums. Which way I go will depend upon how many I have made. Thus the interest in knowing the demand.
Also, perhaps some of you know of a better way of having these made than I do. I've found outfits that will 3d print in stainless steel for as little as $35 for a single run, or less as the quantity rises. I doubt the stainless would polish sufficiently so add the cost of chrome to that. Alternatively, I could have them cast and chromed for a reasonable cost but larger run size. I've already done this for my custom CSE roundels (thus the need for the bezel).
I have no desire to make money on this endeavor. In fact, if you can get them made cheaper/easier then you're welcome to my CAD model or STEP file. Just sell me a couple. Assuming the burden stays with me, let me know if you're in SoCal and have a loose original that I could take measurements from so I can really make it as accurate as possible.
CAD render:
I used a contour gauge to measure the trunk, then transferred that to paper and photographed with a tape measure, then imported into CAD and scaled properly so I could create a spline that matches the boot lid contour. I did the same for the side profile but I used the photo from @deQuincey above as the reference since I don't own an OEM bezel.
I 3D printed to test fitment. It works equally well with all the BMW emblems I have (painted metal, plastic, etc.), as well as my CSE emblems, as all are roughly 82mm in diameter.
It fits my boot lid well. The 3D print isn't super smooth and there should be a gasket, but that's another story.
I have a good source in China to make emblems if it comes to that but the minimum run is 30 pieces.
And if you're thinking I should paint and finish the car instead of farting around with roundels you'd be correct.
That said, would you want a trunk bezel if the cost was $40-50?
I'm trying to assess if there a demand for these, as I need one myself. I've designed what I think is a pretty accurate reproduction, which I can modify as necessary to make even better if I can get my hands on an original. I've 3d printed samples to verify fitment and am now looking into making in metal. There are a variety of options available, each with varying cost and quantity minimums. Which way I go will depend upon how many I have made. Thus the interest in knowing the demand.
Also, perhaps some of you know of a better way of having these made than I do. I've found outfits that will 3d print in stainless steel for as little as $35 for a single run, or less as the quantity rises. I doubt the stainless would polish sufficiently so add the cost of chrome to that. Alternatively, I could have them cast and chromed for a reasonable cost but larger run size. I've already done this for my custom CSE roundels (thus the need for the bezel).
I have no desire to make money on this endeavor. In fact, if you can get them made cheaper/easier then you're welcome to my CAD model or STEP file. Just sell me a couple. Assuming the burden stays with me, let me know if you're in SoCal and have a loose original that I could take measurements from so I can really make it as accurate as possible.
CAD render:
I used a contour gauge to measure the trunk, then transferred that to paper and photographed with a tape measure, then imported into CAD and scaled properly so I could create a spline that matches the boot lid contour. I did the same for the side profile but I used the photo from @deQuincey above as the reference since I don't own an OEM bezel.
I 3D printed to test fitment. It works equally well with all the BMW emblems I have (painted metal, plastic, etc.), as well as my CSE emblems, as all are roughly 82mm in diameter.
It fits my boot lid well. The 3D print isn't super smooth and there should be a gasket, but that's another story.
I have a good source in China to make emblems if it comes to that but the minimum run is 30 pieces.
And if you're thinking I should paint and finish the car instead of farting around with roundels you'd be correct.
That said, would you want a trunk bezel if the cost was $40-50?
yes, very interesting
There didn't appear to be much interest so I just made two. CNCed from 6061 aluminum and then chrome plated. I couldn't be happier. It hugs the deck lid perfectly and IMHO looks a lot better than the one piece items available nowadays.
No, I'm not taking orders. With no interest I had to pony up for a low run pricing and these cost me almost $70 each.
Compare (ignore my finger prints on chrome):
No, I'm not taking orders. With no interest I had to pony up for a low run pricing and these cost me almost $70 each.
Compare (ignore my finger prints on chrome):
Attachments
That is a phenomenal work.
Would you sell the second one?
Breiti
Would you sell the second one?
Breiti
if you decide to make another run, i would very much like one. they look great! sorry i missed this originally. would also like to know the part number for the roundel that you used.
yep. Great work. Count me in too if you're having more fab'd
The raised enamel metal BMW roundel has 00095808114 cast in the back.
I'm not taking orders. I was hoping for some initial interest to help lower the cost with a bulk order but didn't get it so now I'm done.
perhaps you can share with me who made them for you and we can see if we can put them into production. i presume you sold your spare piece?
I have two e9s, plus a customer car. I had them made by pcbway.com.
looked at their website - hard to navigate, any chance you have the name of the person you worked with?
Mine has seen better days
I’d like to get it back to its original form. Was the black blue & white paint ? They didn’t have today’s material to inlay it.
I’d like to get it back to its original form. Was the black blue & white paint ? They didn’t have today’s material to inlay it.
my understanding is yes - black, blue and white paint with polished details. i would possibly consider clear coating to protect the polished detail / paint. we have had some debate about the correct blue - see the 'FAQ - color placement - what color goes where'