1982 BMW 323i Baur

1982 BMW 323i Baur
Memorial Day 2010 First Drive 1982 323i BMW Baur Lapisblau M20 5 speed #4154 of 4595 made. The car was imported to California by Dietel Enterprises. I have since changed the wheels, installed the clear turn signal lenses, and I am in the process of installing a new cabriolet roof. I have to do something about those bumpers, too. :) I love this car! To see one of the reasons why, check my post "Score One For the Good Guys" on 6/26/2011.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Which Is Which? Lumma vs Baur Cabrio Windshield/Vent Window Angle Comparison

UPDATE:  Thanks to JP Hermes at La Jolla Independent for some close up pics*** of a 1600 Voll Cabrio and Cabrio Targa, showing the vent/windshield angle in both!  Thank you, JP!  Once again, I am indebted to Baurspotters and BMW enthusiasts out there like JP Hermes for their help and input!


We have recently done a feature on a rare 1502 Lumma Cabrio that is for sale in the Boston area*.   We also did a post on a 2002 Cabrio in very sad condition that is currently for sale on Long Island, NY**.   The question has come up as to how to distinguish the factory-authorized Baur Cabrios from the aftermarket Cabrios, such as the Lumma, or the one on Long Island.

The basic difference is that the Lumma conversion cabrios (and other aftermarket conversions) started out as factory coupes, whereas the Baur Cabrios had some specific differences that distinguish them from the factory coupes.  The chassis on the Baurs is slightly smaller than the coupes, but the easiest way to distinguish them is by the windshield.


Lumma vs Baur Cabrio windshield/vent window angle comparison.

 The white Baur has a lower windshield angle and the vent window is fixed.  (Ed. Note:  Since it is actually a 'fixed' window, the term 'vent window' is really a misnomer.)  The intersection of the vent window and the windshield forms a sharp angle.

The yellow Lumma has the standard coupe windshield. The angle is higher, and there is a slight curve at the point of intersection with the top of the vent window, which can open, I believe.  The yellow Lumma is the infamous rusty tii that was in Texas, later in NC, and has since passed from this Mortal Coil, or at least parts of it have;  the white Baur with the top up (below) was owned by Andy S, as was the red Lumma, if I am not mistaken.  Again, note the angle at the vent window.








You can see the windshield angle more clearly on the red Lumma.  Thanks to Andy S. and Mike Pugh for the info.  Here is a link to an interesting discussion about Lummas in the 2002FAQ around the time we discovered that the Lumma from DC had been restored and was now in the Boston area.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/135718-found-the-bmw-1502-lumma-convertible-from-dc/

Here are some pics of the 1502 Lumma that show the curve in the vent window.





This blue cabrio is the one that is currently for sale on Long Island, NY.  It is an example of an aftermarket cabrio, as you can see the curve in the vent window/windshield angle.


I hope this is helpful!  And thanks to Andy, Mike, Jerry and Cindy for sharing the various pics that help us show the differences.



*Link to the 1502 Lumma for sale in the Boston area:
http://baurspotting.blogspot.com/2015/05/1502-lumma-cabrio-relisted-for-sale.html

**Aftermarket Cabrio currently for sale on Long Island, NY:
http://baurspotting.blogspot.com/2015/05/1974-cabrio-chop-top-on-long-island-ny.html


***Thanks to JP Hermes for these close up pics of the voll cabrio and the Cabrio Targa.  And btw, these are no ordinary examples:  the red Cabrio Targa is the famous M2 that JP sent us the other day, and white 1600 Voll Cabrio is none other than "The Most Famous 1600 Cabrio in the World"!!  That is the Cabrio that was featured in Katy Perry's music video "Teenage Dream"!  Two very special cars!  Both cars are from Carl Nelson's La Jolla Independent in San Diego, CA!  Wow!  Thanks JP!
 The windshield frame ends before making the curve.
 M2 Cabrio Targa.  Notice the slight curve at the intersection of the 'vent'/windshield.


View of the top of the windshield of the 1600 Voll Cabrio.

And here is the perfect pic!  Thanks to JP!
"One more pic. You will notice there is no knob for the vent window, and there is no trim around the forward section of the glass."  JP Hermes.


Compare that to this Lumma open door shot!  Vent window turn knob, trim on the forward section of the window.

Wow.   Done.

Game, set, match, JP Hermes!  ;)




Discussion of Lummas and Baur Cabrios from the 2002FAQ a couple of years ago:
http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/135718-found-the-bmw-1502-lumma-convertible-from-dc/


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