Exhaust Tips - Chrome or Black?

Pentode

Pentode

Zorg Addict
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Jul 6, 2023
Points
54
Location
Kettering Northants
Model of Z
Z3 Agean Blue Edition 2.0
Hi,

Just looking at my exhaust tips which I thought were tarnished chrome don't seem to have a chrome finish at all, but more an anodised black finish.

For my vehicle - a 2.0 straight six from year 2000, code CL32 real OEM would suggest that the tips should be chrome (BMW part 18120000794), However if I look a bit further I can find black tips (BMW part 18120000795) which are also specified for the 2.0 straight six. I assume what is on my car is correct, but is there any way you can confirm what the vehicle was supplied with? Looking at the build sheet I can't see this listed as any form of option. Did certain colours get black and other chrome?

Also, the part drawings don't seem to look the same as the part fitted on the car. The ones fitted seem to look longer, have ridges down the sides and are secured with a bolt on the bottom side. The ones in the drawings look like they just push on.

Any help appreciated.
 
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Can't help with the OEM options etc, but I can tell you the black OEM tips on my 5-Series were just a push-fit. They have backward facing barbs that resist them being pulled/falling off, I used a squirt of WD-40 and twisted while pulling to remove them and replace with a chrome pair.

Considering that the two part numbers you quoted are sequential, I'd hazard a guess that the only difference is the colour and that otherwise they share the same design, and that the ones you currently have are aftermarket ones
 
The 2 litre engine uses what is basically a 2.8 exhaust system, which was fitted with slightly oval tailpipe trims, secured by a small bolt at the lower side. If your car is a late 2 litre model it may use a different type, the 2.8 trims probably being no longer available in the changeover to the 2.2 litre model..

Unless you have an unhealthy originality fetish, just fit the type of tailpipe trim you prefer . . .
 
If your Zed was specced with the option of 'chromeline exterior' the chrome tips would be part of that package.
 
Hmmmm- my 2.0 had chrome side vents and black exhaust tips before the rebody.
 
Were the chrome side vents on the vehicle when it was new or added later?

Weren't a chrome windscreen surround and Chrome door handles part of the external chrome pack, but not sure if chrome side grills were also part of this.
 
According to RealOEM - Retrofit chromeline exterior consists of -Windscreen surround, door handles, side grills, front grills & 3rd brake light cover. No mention of exhaust tips though, but possibly the factory fitted option may have included these as opposed to the retrofitting package available after production from the dealer.
 
I never saw an an option for exhaust trims when I spec’d my 2.0 in 1999, it came with the black chrome trims which I changed for chrome ones. Have gone back to the black ones as I’ve de chromed the outside somewhat.
IMG_4849.webp
After a recent clean👍
 
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