316/323 Body Shell Differences

[e21Keith]

Hi,

I'm re-shelling my 323i into a rust free (yes there is such a thing) 316 shell and I want it to look like a factory 323i. the 316 shell is '83 registered and the 323i is '81 registered. I just want to make sure I understand all the differences. So far this is what I know.

Rear Valance for twin exhaust
Exhaust hangers on boot floor
Mount for electric fuel pump near fuel tank
Brackets for coolant expansion tank O/S engine bay
Bracket for MAF N/S engine bay
Bracket for ignition coil N/S engine bay
Front Panel, I'm not sure of what the differences are or even how I can mod the existing front panel or replace it.

[nas80]

Front panel has no difference. You can simply fit your lights and grills. ..

Everything else you list looks right.

[mr edd]

316 have a plate/panel welded to the slam panel infront of the 316 rad which is easy to remove with a hacksaw or grinder to fit the 323i rad which sits slightly forward of the 316 rad position...also the headlight loom/engine loom/fuel pump and sender looms from your 323 should all connect to the 316 main loom which is the same on all models....done similar reshell 17 years ago rusty 320 with full history into mint 316 shell ....btw..fuse box on 316 is different as it allows either low or high beam to be used but not both at the same time like 323i fuse box....

[e21Keith]

Many thanks, looks like I'm there, just need to improve my welding skills!

[uwbuurman]

Not just the exhaust hangers on the floor for the right pipe, but the whole chassis strut or beam is missing, complete with hangers and all.

No 5 complete. Not just 7.

[e21Keith]

Many thanks, I have the whole boot floor from the donor so hopefully it's all there!

Of course the chassis number and part number for the shell will also need addressing.

Just coming back to the twin headlight mod, I've transferred the twin headlight loom and fitted the additional relay, is there anything else I need to do?

[uwbuurman]

The partnumber for the shell is nowhere registered, but don't forget the number behind the dashboard! There is your chassisnumber alswell.

[e21Keith]

I think the part number for the shell will indicate whether it was a 4 or 6 cylinder shell, so although it's not recorded it would indicate a reshell and be a bit of a giveaway.

What's the number behind the dashboard, haven't seen that?

[uwbuurman]

In the types 2 the vinnumber is also behind the Dash.

[e21Keith]

Ah, the visible vin that you can see through the windscreen. I'd forgotten that one.

On newer models (i've owned a couple of stolen/recovered vehicles and had to re-instate this) I have been able to purchase replacements through the BMW dealer so I will have to ask about that!

[uwbuurman]

Well... No, there is a vinnumber behind the dash on the crossbeam. You can only see it when the dash is taken out. I think e21s are to new to have a vinplate on the dash you can see thru the windshield.

[e21Keith]

Correct, on this car there is no visible VIN. do you know where on the bulkhead the VIN is stamped as i didn;t see it on the car I broke for parts?

[uwbuurman]

I believe it is a riveted plate. But as I said, they don't all have them. So as long as the 315 shell doesn't have it's own plate still in it, there is no prob. I'll try and dig up a picture.

[e21Keith]

That would be great, at least if its just riveted I can remove it

[Duracel79]

You can see it in this picture very close to the windscreen:



and a close up:



Regards

Ben