E28 Rear Bumper Filler/taillight assembly

[csieminski]

I have a 1986 BMW 528e that is in very nice condition--Polaris Metallic with 16" Borbet Type H wheels. However, I'm less than impressed with the appearance of the rear of the car.

The black plastic filler running most of the width of the rear bumper between the bumper and the back of the car itself has warped up in two places. I have noticed that this is a problem on other E28 5-Series, although I've seen a couple where the strip remains flat. I've checked Bavarian Autosport, which has the part available for something like $97. Not only does this seem a bit steep to me, but I'm worried the 'new' strip won't match the somewhat faded bumper ends. I'm thinking about checking out some junkyards, but was curious if anyone else has experienced this problem with E28s and how they solved it.

Also, the driver's-side rear turn signal is darkened compared to the passenger's-side. It seems to me the reflective metal behind the bulb is either missing or distorted in some way. Bavarian wants $225 for a whole new assembly. Is there a way I can fix this or a place I can get a better assembly for half that price or so?

As I mentioned, I am planning a trip to the junkyard to take care of these issues. I just was interested to see if anyone else has additional suggestions.

Craig

[jlwf1nut]

dont get a used one it will do the same thing. a new one will last about 6 years. if u replace the center only and it does not match, use mothers bumper black. i have seen this at autozone, or get forever black, black again. u can find it in car magazines. any of these work great. i have owned my e28 for 12 years and these products are great, i even enter the car in shows and everyone thinks all the trim is new. it works great on any of the plastic.
on the taillite the seals are probably bad. what this does is let dirt and dust into the trunk and it gets in the lenses. remove lenses replace the seals . use soap and water to clean out the inside of lenses. i put a small peice of paper towel in the individual holes fill it with soapy water and slosh it around vigorously. clean the metal contacts where the bulbs go into the taillite and this makes them brighter.

[csieminski]

Thanks a lot for the remarks. Currently I'm having so many problems with the car (not surprising with almost 300K miles) that I'd like to sell it in the near future and hopefully get an E34 or maybe an E32 (but that might be even more problem-prone). Right now I have no money at all because whatever I had has been 'invested' in the 528e.

Regarding the taillights, I'll likely be replacing them. I've recently had problems with the contacts being so bad that the brake lights constantly go out. Also I've had trouble with a short between the brake lights/license plate lights--not sure exactly what's wrong there. My mechanic has assured me that the used assemblies he's getting for $130/ea. will be almost as good as new.

If I keep the car much longer, I will replace the center strip as you suggested and use Mothers Bumper Black or one of the other products you recommended. Thanks for the thoughts.