BMW E30 models were available with several different fog light configurations depending on model year, market specification and front valance design. In addition to the standard fog lights, BMW also offered blank trim panels (fog light delete covers) for cars delivered without fog lights or for markets where they were not required.

Early E30 Fog Lights (Pre-Facelift 1982–1987)

Early E30 models used rectangular fog lights mounted in the metal front valance behind the chrome “diving board” bumpers.

Typical characteristics:

• rectangular lamp design

• H3 halogen bulb (12 V 55 W)

• supplied by Hella or ZKW

• mounted using brackets behind the valance 

These same fog light inserts were also used on several other BMW models including E23, E24 and E28.

Early Valance Type 1 vs Type 2 differences (1982–1987)

Within the pre-facelift E30 there are two different metal valance designs, often referred to by enthusiasts as Type 1 and Type 2.
Both use the same fog light lamp insert, but the mounting brackets differ.

Type 1 Early Valance (1982–1985)

Fog lights mounted using separate brackets attached to the inner body structure

In this setup the lamp assembly bolts to rubber grommets in the front inner wing area, rather than directly to the valance.

Because of this design, the fog lights sit slightly deeper inside the valance opening.

Type 2 Early Valance (1985–1987)

The type 2 valence includes revised bracket design where fog lights attach directly to the valance using mounting frames and screws

Although the mounting hardware changed, the fog light lamp units themselves remained the same between the two versions.

Facelift E30 Fog Lights (1987–1993)

With the facelift introduced in late 1987 the front bumper and valance design changed significantly.

The fog lights were redesigned and moved into the new type valance under the plastic bumper ( reffered as “is” lip / late valance).

The fog light have been changed from fully rectangular design to rounded corner.

These units still use H3 bulbs and similar wiring connectors.

Fog Light Delete Panels (Blank Trims)

Not all E30 models were delivered with fog lights. Base models often used plastic blank inserts instead.

These pieces simply fill the fog light opening in the valance.

Common reasons to install blanks today include:

• restoring a base-spec factory appearance

• replacing missing fog lights

• track builds where fog lights are removed

Different blank inserts exist for:

• early Type 1 valance fog blank inserts (1982–1985) – part no 51711906287 & 51711906288

• early Type 2 valance fog blank inserts (1985–1987) – part no 51711933767 & 51711933768

• facelift plastic valance (1987–1993)

Because the mounting methods changed, the blanks are not interchangeable between these valance types.

Summary of E30 Fog Light Variations