Weird genuine euro M3 front bumper?

[nextelbuddy]

Correct, the OEM bumper was still attached with the 4 push pins and the 2 long bolt when I gorilla'd the bumper off. The pins sheared through the tabs. I didn't realize those had to come out because all the DIYs I saw were for the later bumper. I should have took the time to do more research but it turned out fine. My OEM bumper is still usable.

so to clarify are you on a kevlar carrier or aluminum carrier now?

it sounds confusing because at one point you said you pulled off the original and sheered off the push pins from the aluminum carrier but then cut them off on the new one.

did you upgrade from a aluminum to kevlar carrier at the same time you also upgraded your bumper cover?

trying to figure out if my buddy with an aluminum carrier car can purchase and use the euro bumper for the kevlar carrier since it comes with these tabs

[DJAM3]

I have a brand new OEM euro bumper waiting to be painted, my euro M3 is a 2005 so do I need to check the tabs at all? Or should I be good.

If it were me, I would cut them off if they are there.

[DJAM3]

Just to clarify, you tore through the holes on your OEM front bumper upon removal because the tabs were actually secured against your 2001 aluminum carrier correct? I've decided to move towards the Euro front bumper instead of the Alsatek CSL front bumper, so with that being said, this thread has become extremely relevant.

Correct, the OEM bumper was still attached with the 4 push pins and the 2 long bolt when I gorilla'd the bumper off. The pins sheared through the tabs. I didn't realize those had to come out because all the DIYs I saw were for the later bumper. I should have took the time to do more research but it turned out fine. My OEM bumper is still usable.

[E46 M3]

I have a brand new OEM euro bumper waiting to be painted, my euro M3 is a 2005 so do I need to check the tabs at all? Or should I be good.

[Casa de Mesa]

Let me save anyone reading this some time: If you bought a new Euro bumper cover, cut the tabs off if you have a carbon bumper/carrier. I can't confirm what you should do if you have a aluminum carrier, but suspect you do not cut the tabs off.

I tried to keep the tabs in place like the OP just to see if maybe I could make it fit, despite others saying they couldn't fit the bumper until cutting the tabs. No dice. I cut a little bit off the tabs. Better, but still no dice. Finally cut the same amount (the whole tabs!) as pictured above in my factory bumper cover and it fit perfectly.

[WestBankM4]

A little late but I'll add this for future reference. I just replaced my bumper with a Euro. Those tabs are for push pins that go into the aluminum carrier. You can cut them off for the Kevlar carrier since they're not used. I didn't realize they were there when I removed my original bumper and tore through the holes.

Just to clarify, you tore through the holes on your OEM front bumper upon removal because the tabs were actually secured against your 2001 aluminum carrier correct? I've decided to move towards the Euro front bumper instead of the Alsatek CSL front bumper, so with that being said, this thread has become extremely relevant.

[9kracing]

Mine had the tabs, I left them, and it fits ok. I mean, it's not perfect, but the shop that did it builds the Turner race cars, and they say that all E46 front bumpers fit weird and have that small gap on the passenger side. They showed me 3 other US cars with similar misfitment, so I think it's one of those things you don't notice unless you're really looking for it.

Either way, I had them remove it and put it back and it was the same. Over time it has become more flush.

[nextelbuddy]

A little late but I'll add this for future reference. I just replaced my bumper with a Euro. Those tabs are for push pins that go into the aluminum carrier. You can cut them off for the Kevlar carrier since they're not used. I didn't realize they were there when I removed my original bumper and tore through the holes.

i'm wondering then if they updated the Kevlar euro bumper cover to be both compatible with the aluminum carrier AND the Kevlar carrier then? because before you had to order the euro bumper cover specifically for the aluminum carrier which was more expensive and usually on back order.

if you have an aluminum carrier car then does this mean you can buy the Kevlar cover and use it on the aluminum carrier then? would be pretty sweet

[DJAM3]

A little late but I'll add this for future reference. I just replaced my bumper with a Euro. Those tabs are for push pins that go into the aluminum carrier. You can cut them off for the Kevlar carrier since they're not used. I didn't realize they were there when I removed my original bumper and tore through the holes.

[old///MFanatic]

Yeah mine fit with them intact. But you don’t need them for the Kevlar carrier afaik. So if you’re going to cut them, it would be best before you paint. If you’re able to test fit before painting that would be my suggestion to be safe.

[Exclusivs]

^Okay, got it thank you. Will report back

[dutchhome]

I had to cut them off in order to get the bumper to sit properly. I suggest trying it as is and if it doesn’t fit right then consider cutting them off.

[Exclusivs]

My “euro” bumper was direct from BMW this month and it had the tabs. My shop just installed last week and I mentioned the “tabs” and how it was said to cause fitment issues. He said they left the tabs. The tabs didn’t interfere on my kevlar bumper, the tabs just slide under the Kevlar bumper carrier not impeding fitment.

I examined it and it has no fitment issues.

Glad I stumbled upon this thread, getting ready to install my Euro bumper now. It also has the Tabs. For 06/kevlar bumper carrier.

Checked photos of my original U.S. spec bumper - it does not have tabs.

Consensus is just to leave them, yes?

[old///MFanatic]

My “euro” bumper was direct from BMW this month and it had the tabs. My shop just installed last week and I mentioned the “tabs” and how it was said to cause fitment issues. He said they left the tabs. The tabs didn’t interfere on my kevlar bumper, the tabs just slide under the Kevlar bumper carrier not impeding fitment.

I examined it and it has no fitment issues.

[pawa_k2001]

I just checked my 2002+ euro front bumper that I received from ECS a few weeks ago, it also have those tabs.