Appear identical but would use caution... (archive)

I purchased the bracket for the rear diffuser installation, actually twice... it comes in the installation kit and not knowing this, I ordered it separately for something like $125. The bodyshop that installed mine claimed the part they removed and the new part were identical, yet the two rivetted mounting points on the spare tire well for the new part were specific to the CSi diffuser bracket. The CSi specific part is somewhere in the $125-150 price range. I'd suggest ordering it and then returning it to BMW if it is indeed identical. Even if they insist on the 15 percent return fee for special orders you're only out a little over $22. Also, considering the value of the car and the liability of losing the piece at 60mph+ on the highway where it would into the path of traffic... well, best to be on the safe side.

Greg K

Since I take it you guys have already made the change to the CSi rear diffuser, I presume you can address my question (although anyone else, please feel free to chime in).
Looking at the ETK, neither the installation bracket, part number 51 12 2 252 015, nor any similar appearing part, shows up on the CD as applicable to my car (a US version 93 850Ci). But I have one on the car, or at least what appears to be the same part -- while I've crawled around under the car, I haven't found the part number on this item yet. My question is this: Did your car have this part, or a similar one, or did you have to purchase and install it as part of the change to the CSi part? Is there a non-CSi version of this part applicable to my car, but not showing up on the parts CD? I don't want to buy a duplicate part if I don't need it. Thanks.

Mike Barrett
BMW CCA 111632
93 850Ci
88 635CSi

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