M3 Bumper: ABS vs. PU...
 

I found some e36 M3 front bumpers on eBay. I know the ABS plastic ones are more durable, but I found these ones and are unsure if the "polyurethane" bumpers are the same or similar in durability. I've included a few links for some auctions on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-98...65051240QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-98...63491634QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-98...65343189QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-98...65113168QQrdZ1

Would save me a couple hundred bucks from having to buy the one listed as Rieger ABS Plastic:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

If they are equal, then I could use that couple hundred bucks towards my paint job.:biggrin: :rockon: :joy:

I know that the fiberglass ones are not as durable. Anyone know the difference between the ABS Plastic & the Polyurethane bumpers?

From the car nut/mold engineer with 20 years experience sitting next to me, definitely go for the polyurethane. Broadly speaking ABS is more sensitive to UV over time and stress cracks from vibrations. Only time you need ABS is when you need a hard surface otherwise PU is more durable.

Cool, more durable, and I save $$$. I like it, I like it!:biggrin:

Well it does still depend on the quality of the PU part but that's the way I'd go. :cool:

Which one is lighter???

doesnt polyurethane warp under too much heat? because I was thinking about it but I warned to possibly go for fiberglass or a rear OEM bumper. lol living in florida its a big deal to make sure car parts wont fudge up in the summer haha

I hope not. AZ gets pretty dang hot!:eek:

If you're at all in doubt, buy OEM. Have you priced it at the dealer? Some things are not much more expensive.

The Bmw OEM M3 bumper is made from Polyurethane. However, construction quality varies between bumpers, so don’t expect OEM quality from these bumpers even though they are made from the same material. You also need to consider fitment; many replica bumpers have poor fitment which can lead to the bumper sagging and large gaps between the bumper and the nose panel. Bodyshops may be able to fix this issue to some degree, but be ready to pay for it. If you are not willing to go for OEM, I highly recommend that you go for the Rieger bumper; at least that way you know what you’re getting.

To address the other questions; generally, ABS plastic is more susceptible to heat, but I’ve only ever seen problems occurring on ABS constructed side-skirts. You may have fitment problems if you live in an area with big temperature differences. The skirts will expand when hot and shrink when cold. On a positive note, ABS is more flexible than polyurethane and of course, fiberglass, which is the most rigid of the three.

When comparing the weight difference between a Rieger M3 ABS plastic bumper, a polyurethane OEM M3 bumper and an m3 replica fiberglass bumper, the Rieger is the lightest, followed by the fiberglass, then OEM M3.

very detailed. Thanks a lot. I just got mine replaced a couple months ago and there was no question for me, OEM. I just wanted gaurenteed perfect fittment.

Also, just for the info, do you know what company makes the better carbon fiber m3 spoilers? Perfect fit?

Thanks for all the info. This will help me a lot.