bmwe21.net forums

The headlight rings on my e21 are the factory original, I think a painted finish. I've always admired the chrome rings I see on some other members cars.

Can someone tell me what they are from and maybe a part number?

I have a feeling they are from the e12?

Part number would be greatly appreciated

E12 indeed, I believe P/N 63 12 1 362 477 but as this P/N is now also declared applicable to E21 you could also get the painted ones. If still available, better order one first to make sure, or try another means like eBay or WN
https://www.wallothnesch.com/en/scheinw ... etigt.html

Thanks for the pointer. W&N sell both the chrome and painted versions, strangely the painted ones are more expensive. Think I'll order one and see what gets delivered?

WN description says chrome so I'd trust that. If these are an older production than painted ones they may be cheaper indeed

Also found them here

https://www.classicbmwparts.nl/en_GB/a- ... escription

Even with their 35 euro shipping charge to UK they are cheaper than W&N

Yes but that is a used part, new ones are 43 euros from them!

Ah, didn't see that, although I don't mind secondhand if the condition is good?

IF VGC indeed and as long as there's a proper price difference... for a small price difference I wouldn't want to run the risk of a seller interpreting VGC differently than a potention buyer...

The nice thing about those chrome e12 ones, is that they dont rust, since they aren't made out of plain metal like the e21 ones. It is a kind of alloy with brass. So the ones that I had over the years could all be brought back to life with a bit of spit 'n polish.

Same part as a mk1 VW scirocco I'll bet, seeing as they use the exact same headlamp units.

I visited the local BMW dealer while ordering some other parts, they confirm the part number but can't tell me if they come painted or chrome plated, of course I can order one but as a special order I can't return it if it turns out to be painted.

The second hand ones at 20 Euro seem the best so far but shipping to the UK is 35 Euro, so the price starts to approach the cost of new ones.

35 Euro seems a lot to send a small package to the UK, but I expect it's one of the many unseen costs of Brexit.

Yup, shipping costs to the UK appear to have multiplied indeed. At work we do a lot of export to the UK, you won't believe the number of hurds the UK Govt has put up to prevent anything coming in.

I agree, the amount of documentation required for import/export and the costs have multiplied. My Business used to transact mainly in the EU, now that has all gone and I have only a couple of UK clients left. I was thinking of retiring anyway!

I also used to buy quite a lot of car parts from the EU, now that's all dried up as well due to the increased costs.