Door handle trim

[1991 318i]

A couple of the plastic frames around the door handles have cracked and broken over the years.  Has anyone seen replacements available?  I've looked on several sites, but found nothing.  Need a couple in black.  Thanks!

[carlos318is]

you are best off at a breakers mate

[keflaman]

You're talking about these?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search.cgi?please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=51+21+1+876+043&I1.x=8&I1.y=6&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_TECH=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON

[zacrl1230]

kefla's got all the answers!!

[Nelson_40]

If you are going to buy new I urge you to get the original BMW parts as Uro/MTC trim parts can fit poorly and be poorly finished. Alternately, go to a junkyard/auto recyclers, should be cheap enough that route, since $12 new each is a bit much to me or just find some nice E30 owner/former owner and buy some off of them.

[1991 318i]

You're talking about these?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search.cgi?please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=51+21+1+876+043&I1.x=8&I1.y=6&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_TECH=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON

That's it - thank you!  That site looks like a great resource, will have to browse and see what else I might need.

you are best off at a breakers mate

If you are going to buy new I urge you to get the original BMW parts as Uro/MTC trim parts can fit poorly and be poorly finished. Alternately, go to a junkyard/auto recyclers, should be cheap enough that route, since $12 new each is a bit much to me or just find some nice E30 owner/former owner and buy some off of them.

I definitely plan to use genuine BMW if at all possible, the car has very little that needs to be replaced, and want to keep it true to original condition.  Unfortunately, will probably have to purchase new, because my E30 is the only one I've seen around town.  Doubt the salvage yards have anything available for picking.

Thanks everyone!

[DesktopDave]

PelicanParts is a great place, incredible support for the vintage BMW and Porche communities.  As far as OEM parts go, don't forget to also check BMW of South Atlanta, BMA Parts, and BluntTech.  I usually look up the correct part on the diagrams at RealOEM or BMWFans.info first, then plug it into the above sites to see who has the best prices.

Salvage yards can be an incredible bargain as well.  All those little trim bits will cost you next to nothing there.

Come to think of it, I might have a pair of those laying around somewhere.  Let me check for you.

[1991 318i]

Thank you Dave, I appreciate it!

[DesktopDave]

Oh yeah - don't forget to check out your car's build sheet (birthday and factory installed options):
BMW VIN checker

The most important piece of reference material to me is the BMW Electrical Troubleshooting Manual (ETM).  You'll find a bunch of them here.  I'd recommend the '92 318iC ETM as the '91 318i version is missing a lot of pages.  I just ignore the 'vert bits (until I get a 'vert, that is ).

Also, here on this site:
The links page has a lot of great information...also get the BMW Factory Manual from this post (you'll need 7-zip or WinRAR to put the pieces back together).

[tfrain]

I bought some door handle trim off ebay for 11 shipped.  They were sent from Thailand.  I haven't tried them on yet.

[1991 318i]

A small update - was ordering new roundels and touch up paint from the dealer yesterday, and asked about this part.  They are still available, and can be ordered for $9.60 each.  Not too bad, was quite a bit less than Pelican Parts, will have to pay sales tax but no shipping.  They should be here Monday, so I'll update about the match to the original.

Thanks for all of the information Dave, will have to browse through the links this weekend.

[1991 318i]

Picked up the parts this evening, and the new door handle trim is identical to the original, and fits perfectly.  Of course, it is a little darker than the old material due to sun fading, but still looks great.

The new roundels, however, are made of plastic.  I tapped on the originals, and they feel like metal.  Has anyone replaced their roundels, and were the originals metal?  If that's the case, I may look for a used set in good condition.

Looks like the dealership will be a good source for parts.  My hood insulation is crumbling, and they can order a replacement set for $45, which is about $15 lower then I found online.

[tfrain]

huh.  I didn't know the insulation could be had so cheaply (underhood insulation).  I put my Thailand door trim pieces on and they look and fit like originals.  If you look on ebay, they are $10 or $11 shipped for two pieces.  Only seller out there doing that.  Took a while to get em, however.  

I ordered roundels from...Bavarian I think?  My replacements were metal.  I only ordered the larger trunk roundel though.

[zacrl1230]

I'm thinking about getting this hood liner:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290726092321?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Rockauto has those door trims you all are talking about for 2$ apiece:
Body interior door trim

As far as rondels go OE was a metal backed with a painted front... I have ordered a few from China half have been plastic backed with metal stickers and a few were metal backed with metal stickers... but at approx 4$ a piece I can't argue as dealer want more than $25 apiece for them