135i Coupe VS Cabrio parts

[low135]

So I'm doing research on stuff before I really go out looking for a 1er. Obviously all (I think) of the mechanical parts and upgrades I'd wanna do are interchangeable. I'm thinking exhaust should be the same between coupe and cabrio? One part that seems kind of unclear is exterior parts. Some sites are saying bumpers are for coupes only while others are saying coupe and cabrio. Can anyone give me a definite yes or no on what exterior parts can be used for both models? I'm assuming the trunk can't? TIA it's kind of exciting doing research on this stuff and picturing what I want the car to look like

[TheCaptain]

The trunk is different. Unless someone has already made a comprehensive list, your best bet is probably to look around getbmwparts.com. They will list separate parts with different part numbers for items that are different between the coupe and cabrio.

[low135]

Originally Posted by TheCaptain

The trunk is different. Unless someone has already made a comprehensive list, your best bet is probably to look around getbmwparts.com. They will list separate parts with different part numbers for items that are different between the coupe and cabrio.

Ahh thank you! That's actually exactly what I was hoping there would be. Coming from VW there is something really similar. Appreciate it!

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by lowjetta

Ahh thank you! That's actually exactly what I was hoping there would be. Coming from VW there is something really similar. Appreciate it!

I'd suggest www.realoem.com as an alternative. Comprehensive manufacturer diagrams, part numbers, list prices, etc., and not a commercial website (i.e., they don't sell parts).

Nothing against the other site - I've purchased from them many times - but from a research perspective, nothing beats RealOEM IMO.

[low135]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

I'd suggest www.realoem.com as an alternative. Comprehensive manufacturer diagrams, part numbers, list prices, etc., and not a commercial website (i.e., they don't sell parts).

Nothing against the other site - I've purchased from them many times - but from a research perspective, nothing beats RealOEM IMO.

Thanks! I found most of what I was curious about but more resources couldn't hurt

[BrokenVert]

The bumpers should be the same.

The axleback portion of the exhaust is different as the vert exhaust has to move around some underbody bracing near the rear subframe. The downpipes and midpipes are the same, though.

[low135]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

The bumpers should be the same.

The axleback portion of the exhaust is different as the vert exhaust has to move around some underbody bracing near the rear subframe. The downpipes and midpipes are the same, though.

Ahh good to know! Assuming that would then make doing quad tips a bit more difficult as well

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by lowjetta

Ahh good to know! Assuming that would then make doing quad tips a bit more difficult as well

The problem area is where the pipe hops the rear suspension, well before you'd separate that into quads.

[low135]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

The problem area is where the pipe hops the rear suspension, well before you'd separate that into quads.

Thanks that's great info! I'd imagine any half decent exhaust shop could handle that then. Appreciate it. Seems like there is a lot of help available on this forum. Very different from the VW forums haha

[methodz]

Are the spoilers the same?

[low135]

Originally Posted by methodz

Are the spoilers the same?

It looks to me like the trunks are like 90% the same. The only difference being the one on the coupe goes back further to meet the rear glass where the cabrio is shorted for a body colored section before the softtop. I don't think a rear trunk spoiler would be affected by this at all. Again, this is just looking at pictures comparing them. Sucks cuz I was wondering what a CSL trunk might look like on a cabrio. But there's always custom

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by methodz

Are the spoilers the same?

No, they aren't. Vert trunk deck is flatter than the coupes.

[low135]

So something I find kind of strange is that both websites provided show the same diagram for the trunk between coupe and cabrio. The parts diagram is exactly the same and the price is exactly the same. I suppose just measuring the two would be easiest, even though pictures seem to show the cabrio as being shorter.

[low135]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

No, they aren't. Vert trunk deck is flatter than the coupes.

Oh.. Hmmm that's interesting. Sucks the parts diagrams aren't accurate. So it seems trunk stuff is definitely not interchangeable which is understandable. That and part of the exhaust but other body panels seem to be unchanged between the two

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by lowjetta

Oh.. Hmmm that's interesting. Sucks the parts diagrams aren't accurate. So it seems trunk stuff is definitely not interchangeable which is understandable. That and part of the exhaust but other body panels seem to be unchanged between the two

Interchangeable body panels are the hood, bumpers, front fenders, doors, and rocker panels. Rear fenders and trunk are different.

[low135]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Interchangeable body panels are the hood, bumpers, front fenders, doors, and rocker panels. Rear fenders and trunk are different.

Thanks. That's kinda of what I had figured when I started looking initially. Just found it weird some sites listed bumpers for coupes specifically.