I have 0 pieces left. Another batch is expected next month.
I only have powdercoated versions. This new batch is still $34 shipped. I've chosen a semi-crinkle finish that closely matches the texture and sheen of the original surrounds.
Please don't use the gift payment option, instead, use the "goods and services" payment option so I can use paypal to generate the shipping label. You will get automatic tracking info and buyer protection.
Last edited by demetk on Jul 09, 2021 8:51 AM, edited 34 times in total.
BMW is running low on this part. Price is now discounted to 42 and change from a 50 buck list price. I would think this part might get some interest based on the current BMW pricing.
I would doubt that. Nothing special about a light switch surround. BMW cannot patent a whole car. Plethora of auto parts exist because OEM manufacturer s no longer make parts.
Tony533i wrote:ECS Tuning sells an aftermarket version of the bezel for $10 and they likely don't pay a licensing fee so there is no worry about patent issue.
Gonna need to see that link. They have the BMW part and probably sold it for 10 bucks a year ago. It is 44 from them now.
If it's $10 from ECS, I would just buy the ECS version. Can a 3d print version be made cheaper than what I'm proposing? I don't think it matters how it's made as long as it can be made at a price people can afford.
Sorry to report I can't find a link to the aftermarket version. When the price went up, I logged into ECS to buy one before they became NLA and saw the aftermarket version for $9.95 each so I bought 10 of them for future cars. I have only used one and I'm pretty sure I have still have the receipt so when I return from my trip today, I will look up the ECS part number and see if they are still available.
I found the receipt and see where I made a mistake. When I ordered them from ECS, I saw the ECS part number and thought it was aftermarket since they were priced lower than I saw them everywhere else and had an ECS part number. I now realize that most of the BMW parts on ECS have both a BMW part number and an ECS part number so these are genuine BMW parts.
Tony533i wrote:I found the receipt and see where I made a mistake. When I ordered them from ECS, I saw the ECS part number and thought it was aftermarket since they were priced lower than I saw them everywhere else and had an ECS part number. I now realize that most of the BMW parts on ECS have both a BMW part number and an ECS part number so these are genuine BMW parts.
Tony
I also bought 2 of those at low price, from ECS. Shortly after they got expensive
I asked the shop to go ahead and make them. They will need to be bent and painted. I'm thinking 1 coat of etching primer followed by 2 coats of satin black. Let me know if that is acceptable or if you have other recommendations on paint.
Glad to see that. It looks like the original metal part has a gloss black paint or it could be the pic. Satin is the way to go, if not wrinkle which is what the original would be.
Last edited by Blue Shadow on Jul 17, 2017 10:50 AM, edited 1 time in total.
Regarding patents, they would have expired by now anyway. I hadn't noticed a crack in mine yet, but glad to see you guys are taking NLA parts into your own hands! I've 3d printed a couple small parts for my car so far- it's not a stretch to do something like this too in an ABS (if the metal becomes an issue for any reason).
Still talking to the shop. I have a question to them regarding the drawing they sent me that has bending instructions. I'm not sure if the quote they gave me indicates they will be doing the bending or not. If it does, then the final price should be be less that what I proposed.
For full disclosure I'd like to add that I'm not making any money on this endeavor, but I think foamy, because of his circumstances, should. This is his design after all and I certainly don't expect him to follow in my footsteps of offering neat stuff at cost.
Is it difficult to cut the extra holes for the unused panel? It would keep the look authentic, and those panels conceal most of the bracket which would mitigate paint or texture issues. Also, it would allow the use of whatever went in that third panel.
RonW wrote:Is it difficult to cut the extra holes for the unused panel? It would keep the look authentic, and those panels conceal most of the bracket which would mitigate paint or texture issues. Also, it would allow the use of whatever went in that third panel.
It may be problematic to copy the weird cutouts in that third unused panel but it would be easy to make it the same as the other two. What is it used for anyway? Let me know what the preference is so I can discuss with the shop.
Third hold is for the headlight beam adjuster. Not many cars have this and I believe the retrofit kit is nla.
I use that space to install a blank as our cars came with but modified to add a switch to allow changing from dual brake lights to rear fogs as conditions require. Extra brake lights get the most use.
Blue Shadow wrote:Third hold is for the headlight beam adjuster. Not many cars have this and I believe the retrofit kit is nla.
I use that space to install a blank as our cars came with but modified to add a switch to allow changing from dual brake lights to rear fogs as conditions require. Extra brake lights get the most use.
Nice option. So what dimension does the third opening have? Should I make it the same size as the other two? Or should there be no opening so you can modify as needed?
The 3rd hole should be sized to allow the cover to fit properly. I don't think there is a need for the fancy tooling to make the additional holes in that area, just the same type hole as the other two. You do have a cover to use for measurements, don't you? It clips in place so size needs to allow this.
