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OEM M3 PARTS ON NON-M - modding guide

853K views 961 replies 382 participants last post by  m3jala 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Since a lot of threads pop up about fitting OEM M3 parts on Non-M cars, I figured we might as well have a thread that explains everything. This will be a list, hopefully including part numbers, of everything you'll need to fit OEM M3 parts on a Non-M.

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Front Bumper:

Difficulty: 4/10
DIY: Maybe.
Installation:
- Coupe: http://www.e46fanatics.com/howto/howtodetail.php?howto_id=40
- Sedan: http://www.e46fanatics.com/howto/howtodetail.php?howto_id=41
Part Numbers:
- Re-Bar: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL93&mospid=47714&btnr=51_3229&hg=51&fg=15
- Bumper: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL93&mospid=47714&btnr=51_4781&hg=51&fg=15

This will fit on okay, but will need some tinkering to fit flush with the stock non-m fenders. Without modification, the bumper sits about an inch and a half forward and the sides flare out an inch or so; on a sedan, it's a slightly bigger gap. To fix this, some people opt for the OEM CF reinforcement bar and stretch the sides in a little bit, while others simply shave down the stock bar to allow the bumper to sit farther back.

Safe Alternatives:
- OEM Mtech2 front bumper (available at your local BMW dealership)
- M3/ CSL replica bumper (available through many of the sponsors here at e46)

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Front Fenders:

Difficulty: 5/10
DIY: If you're looking to save money, then a DIY would be nice.
Part Numbers:
FRONT LEFT 41357894337 $281.23
FRONT RIGHT 41357894338 $281.23

The OEM M3 Fenders will fit on nicely, but will be wider than the stock coupe front bumper. An M3-fitment front will fit perfectly flush with these.

Safe Alternatives:
- Racing Dynamics Tornado

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Hood:

Difficulty: 4/10
DIY: Absolutely.
DOES NOT FIT SEDAN!
Part Number:
HOOD 41617894223 $558.00

Minor fender modification is needed for 100% fit. Most people do this by simply spacing the fenders out by using washers.

Safe Alternatives (for coupes/verts ONLY):
- Carbon Fiber (available from many aftermarket companies)
- Vorsteiner GTR
- Hartge-Style

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Mirrors:

Difficulty: 2/10 (coupe/vert), 4/10 (sedan/wagon)
DIY: Yes.
Installation:
- Coupe: http://www.e46fanatics.com/howto/howtodetail.php?howto_id=6
- Sedan:
... Assembly: http://www.e46fanatics.com/howto/howtodetail.php?howto_id=27
... Base Plate Modification: http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=E46M3MIR
Part Numbers:
RIGHT PRIMED EL.EXTER.HEATABLE MIRROR 51167893468 $232.13
LEFT PRIMED EL.EXTERIOR HEATABLE MIRROR 51167893597 $232.13
ACTUATOR LEFT 51167895273 $169.63
ACTUATOR RIGHT 51167895274 $169.63
MIRROR GLASS HEATED PLANE LEFT 51167157247 $46.59
ADAPTER LEAD, MIRROR HEATING 51167836442 $6.58
MIRROR GLASS HEATED CONVEX RIGHT 51167157244 $58.31
ADAPTER LEAD, MIRROR HEATING 51167836442 $6.58

On coupes and convertibles, they're a direct bolt on. For sedans and wagons, the bases have to be modified slightly.

Safe Alternatives:
- M3 Replica Mirrors (M5-look) (available through sponsors)
- Hammann/Hagus (available through sponsors)
- AC-Schnitzer (available through sponsors)
- e36 M3-style (available on ebay)
- Hartge

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Side Skirts:

Difficulty: 2/10
DIY: Yes.

Direct bolt on. No modifications needed. On sedans and tourings, the skirts will be a couple millimeters too long. No biggie though...

Safe Alternatives:
- Hammann GTR
- Hammann Competition
- OEM Mtech2
- AC-Schnitzer
- OEM Aero Kit (a.k.a. 'Mtech1')

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Rear Quarter Panels/Fenders:

Difficulty: 9/10
DIY: NO!
Heavy modifications are needed for these to work. In short, a body shop will need to cut your existing quarter panels to smithereens and weld the M3 ones into place. This will require many hours of labor and lots and lots of money. This process is also irreversible. Only do this if you're absolutely certain that your pocket can take the hit.

(Not-so-safe) Alternatives:
- Custom widebody

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Rear Bumper:

Difficulty: 6/10
DIY: Probably not.
Part Numbers:
- Re-Bar: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL93&mospid=47714&btnr=51_3306&hg=51&fg=15
- Bumper: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL93&mospid=47714&btnr=51_4219&hg=51&fg=15

This has only been tried a handfull of times, but this mod is usually accompanied by a widebody. Since there's such a difference between M and non-M rear fenders, this bumper is a good inch or two too wide. To fit this correctly, you'll either need to do some hardcore molding and reshaping of the bumper, or a custom widebody in the rear. If you can deal with the bumper flexing and creating numerous noticeable gaps, then I guess you could do it without modifying anything (and only stretching the sides of the bumper in). Again, this mod isn't highly recommended unless you're serious about modifying your car.

Safe Alternatives:
- Hammann GTR
- Mtech2
- OEM Aero Kit (a.k.a. Mtech1)
- Various rear addons

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Trunk (including CSL trunks):

Difficulty: 3/10
DIY: Yes.
DOES NOT FIT SEDAN!
Part Numbers:
- M SPOILER REAR, PRIMED 51717893671 $139.50
- TRUNK LID 41627065260 $430.78

Some people (for whatever reason) want OEM trunks on their cars. The trunks are the exact same dimensions for M and non-M cars, therefore this is a direct bolt-on. No biggie.

Safe Alternatives:
- M3 Trunk Lip (yes, it fits fine)
- CSL Replica Trunks (Vorsteiner)
- CSL Addons (eh)
- Bimmain CSL-Style Addons (very nice looking IMO)
- ACS 3-Piece Race Wing
- ACS 3-Piece Trunk Spoiler
- ACS 1-Piece Trunk Spoiler

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Muffler:
Difficulty: 4/10
DIY: No. (leave it to any reputable muffler shop)

Despite what many people think, this mod isn't very hard to do. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Either cut the spare tire well ($100ish) or get an OEM M3 one put on ($150ish) in order to allow room for the muffler box.
- Get a new rear bumper to accomodate the sexy, center-exiting, quad tailpipes.
- Go to a muffler shop and have them weld it on. Just the welding and bracketry shouldn't cost more than $100 in total.

Safe Alternatives:
- Custom quad exhausts
- Remus/Eisenmann quad exhausts

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Wheels/Tires:

Difficulty: 4/10
DIY: Sure.

To get a set of four to fit, you will need to do some hardcore fender rolling and buy some smaller tires. To ensure proper fitment and to avoid a headache, I'd probably just find a set of four front wheels. These will fit just fine with no rubbing or modifications or anything.

Safe Alternatives:
- Anything :)

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Gauges/Instrument Cluster:

Difficulty: ?/10
DIY: ?
Part Number: INSTRUMENTS COMBINATION UNCODED MPH 62117837972 $504.43

This has not been successfully done yet. People have plugged these in, and here are the results:

WORKS 100%:
- MPH
- RPM
- OnBoard Computer Functions
- Lights
- Indicators
- Engine Temp.
- Gas Info

DOES NOT WORK:
- Oil Temp. Needle
- RPM Warmup Lights
- Little orange ODO Tamper Light comes on...which is bad

This is a DIRECT PLUG AND PLAY, but will not work 100%. You be the judge...

Safe Alternatives:
- Bimmian M3-Style Gauges
- UUC Whiteface Gauges
- Silver Gauge Rings w/ Red Sharpie'd Needles

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Steering Wheel:

Difficulty: 3/10
DIY: Yes
Part Number: M SPORTS STEER.-WHEEL, AIRBAG, LEATHER, BICOLOR 32348022322 $700.29

As long as you have the round airbag, this will be a direct bolt-on. The airbag, horn, radio buttons, cruise control, and everything else will work. Yay!!

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More to be added later....

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#150 ·
im still trying to find a diy for the fenders... as my shop says it won't work...f*cking retards

at least a pic of where to shim w/ washers would be nice

thanks much in advanced

-jl
 
#152 · (Edited)
M3 Sideskirts on my 2003 330CI

Hello,

I am a newbie here but I have been driving BMWs for about 10 years. I am true BMW nut. Between my other half and I we have 3 e46 models. 1999 323i a 2004 325xi and my new toy a mint 2003 330ci that I am doing some tasteful upgrades with.

My question is regarding the sideskirts for the M3. I understand that the skirts will fit but to they just clip on? When buying the M3 skirts what year M3 E46 part should I ask for? Should I ask for 2003 m3 skirts? what ones look the best? I have added the trunk lip spoiler and I am just updating the wheels and tires this week.

Thanks,

Shawn
 
#153 ·
Hello,

I am a newbie here but I have been driving BMWs for about 10 years. I am true BMW nut. Between my other half and I we have 3 e46 models. 1999 323i a 2004 325xi and my new toy a mint 2003 330ci that I am doing some tasteful upgrades with.

My question is regarding the sideskirts for the M3. I understand that the skirts will fit but to they just clip on? When buying the M3 skirts what year M3 E46 part should I ask for? Should I ask for 2003 m3 skirts? what ones look the best? I have added the trunk lip spoiler and I am just updating the wheels and tires this week.

Thanks,

Shawn
They just clip on. I can't think of why any E46 M3 year wouldn't fit. You might need a few extra clips, the ones at the rear of the M3 sideskirts aren't on the regular Coupes.
 
#154 ·
I just talked to my body shop and they told me that if they put that M3 front bumper on, then the air ducts that go to my brakes wont fit or go in??
 
#156 ·
So my car has been in the body shop for a month now. They are putting on M3 fenders and an M3 front bumper. Heres the pics. It was pretty much all bolt right on. Now I have a question. This is where Im confused a bit. I wanna drop some 19's on my car now. probably M3 rims. Now that my fender has been modified can I run these on my car. This wasnt a cheap job either
 

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#160 ·
NO.
I thought you were Banned.
I remember distinctly you being the one calling everyone names and saying how you were going to beat Fanatics faces in.:tsk:
 
#159 ·
actually i put the 850csi v12 in it. but i had to get rid of my back seats:rofl:
 
#168 ·
Project complete!!

After thousands and about a month of not haveing my car she's done! Rear bumper and quad coming soon! Best part is that its all OEM parts!Let me know what ya think.. haters need not apply:excited:
 

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#171 ·
I'd like to contribute to Alec's great thread :hi:

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...ev=/images?q=E46+Mirrors&gbv=2&svnum=10&hl=en
:thanks: this is for all those ribbon-connector folks that haven't been able to get M3 mirrors...all it takes is a motor swap into the OEM M3 mirror housing, and to find a way and secure that motor on there. Then thread the ribbon through the base, etc. plug back in & voila, you're done :p
I'm about to do this to my car :thumbsup:
 
#172 ·
Difficulty: 3/10
DIY: Yes
Part Number: M SPORTS STEER.-WHEEL, AIRBAG, LEATHER, BICOLOR 32348022322 $700.29

As long as you have the round airbag, this will be a direct bolt-on. The airbag, horn, radio buttons, cruise control, and everything else will work. Yay!!
I have a year 2000 BMW 318 Coupe, and wanted to purchase a M3 Steering Wheel to replace my standard original steering wheel.

My question is, where can I purchase the proper wiring looms to get the radio controls etc to work on my BMW standard radio?

Any help or advice would be most appreiated!

pete2007
 
#175 ·
angel eyes headlights

Hey Alex thanks for the info, I was also looking at you car in the garage photo you have available on your blog. I noticed you have the angel eyes on your headlights, did they come with your zenons or did you put them in? If you put them in and your headlights are auto leveling, did that effect them at all and how did you do it? sorry to keep asking all these questions, Im just getting into fixing up my BMW after years of working on my integra.
 
#176 ·
Hey Alex thanks for the info, I was also looking at you car in the garage photo you have available on your blog. I noticed you have the angel eyes on your headlights, did they come with your zenons or did you put them in? If you put them in and your headlights are auto leveling, did that effect them at all and how did you do it? sorry to keep asking all these questions, Im just getting into fixing up my BMW after years of working on my integra.
they work fine with autoleveling, they're attached to move with the projector as it levels. the instructions are on jlevisw.com i think, or just search 'DDE' or 'Angel Eye' in the DIY forum. i've installed about a dozen of them too, so i could help out in pretty much any way.. :)

fwiw, my old ones were installed on my oem halogens and my new ones are on depo projectors from ebay.
 
#180 ·
#182 ·
great thread! kinda scared me on doing the m3 conversion now... lol
 
#183 ·
alec
this is a nicely put together thread. i scanned the first 5 pages looking for what i need and couldnt find it. (then class started)

my question is this, i have never seen it adressed before. perhaps i am not looking hard enough.


M3 FRONT FENDERS.
these are a little wider 3/4in maybe, and the fender LINERS have mounting points all over them so they cant slide over to meet up. is this a problem? what are people doing about it? are m3 fender liners necessary?
 
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