Headlight Backing Plate

#1

Does anybody have any extra of the infamous headlight backing? I’ve been searching ever since it started to get attention here and I got a chance to see another E30 with them in. My car didn’t come with them and I never knew the part existed (off the top of my head I can’t remember if the rules mention that they must stay in place or if it is under the "if it doesn’t say…" type stuff, might make sense to put it in as a required part since it seems a lot of street cars don’t have them). Back on topic, no junkyards, bmw used part dealers, people parting out cars, etc I have been to and/or contacted have them. Hoping someone here does or at least knows where I can find them.

Thanks

#2

COVERING LEFT 51-71-1-965-241 $9.40
COVERING RIGHT 51-71-1-965-252 $9.40

Those are list prices at the dealer. I’m sure with a BMWCCA discount you can get them for less. For less than 20 bucks, it’s not worth scrounging and shipping, IMHO…

While you’re there, you need 4 clips to install them (2 per side).

#3

Awesome, thanks. I didn’t have part numbers to check on, but that is definitely the best route.

#4

Sean, My car didn’t have them either. Carter was kind enough to point it out at my first race. I think the reason most of our cars were missing them is the ease of replacing headlights when they are removed. Also, if you aren’t using the stock air box, it really doesn’t make since to have them in the car, that is unless of course you want to be legal. :slight_smile: My car also had a K&N air filter which has since been replaced in favor of the stock air cleaner. Incidently, my car ran much better taking off the K&N and going back to the stock air box.

I found my headlight covers at Hines BMW parts in Alabama, they charged me $5.00 and shipped it out right away.

#5

Gasman wrote:

[quote]Sean, My car didn’t have them either. Carter was kind enough to point it out at my first race. I think the reason most of our cars were missing them is the ease of replacing headlights when they are removed. Also, if you aren’t using the stock air box, it really doesn’t make since to have them in the car, that is unless of course you want to be legal. :slight_smile: My car also had a K&N air filter which has since been replaced in favor of the stock air cleaner. Incidently, my car ran much better taking off the K&N and going back to the stock air box.

I found my headlight covers at Hines BMW parts in Alabama, they charged me $5.00 and shipped it out right away.[/quote]That is probably Vines…
They have a bunch-o-stuff

#6

Yep, Vines, excuse me.

#7

Gasman wrote:

[quote]Sean, My car didn’t have them either. Carter was kind enough to point it out at my first race. I think the reason most of our cars were missing them is the ease of replacing headlights when they are removed. Also, if you aren’t using the stock air box, it really doesn’t make since to have them in the car, that is unless of course you want to be legal. :slight_smile: My car also had a K&N air filter which has since been replaced in favor of the stock air cleaner. Incidently, my car ran much better taking off the K&N and going back to the stock air box.

I found my headlight covers at Hines BMW parts in Alabama, they charged me $5.00 and shipped it out right away.[/quote]

My car came with a K&N so I’m guessing that’s why the panels are gone. While I’m not sure how much is gained by having the panel missing, rules are rules and I don’t want to be "that guy" that decides rule X isn’t important.

I ordered them from the local dealer before I saw your post, but I already bookmarked Vines for future needs.

#8

secu wrote:While I’m not sure how much is gained by having the panel missing, rules are rules and I don’t want to be "that guy" that decides rule X isn’t important.[/quote]

Thanks for feeling this way. I have a lot of respect for the rules, glad to see others do too.