Rearview mirror shell replacement for BMW 3 Series E90 2006-2012, made from ABS plastic in black or carbon pattern finish, sold as a 1 pair set for direct fitment to original mountings.
Rearview mirror shell replacement for BMW 3 Series E90 2006-2012, made from ABS plastic in black or carbon pattern finish, sold as a 1 pair set for direct fitment to original mountings.
Rearview Mirror Shell Replacement Pair for BMW 3 Series E90 2006-2012 Models
This product is a direct replacement housing for the exterior rearview mirrors on the BMW 3 Series E90, covering the production years from 2006 through to 2012. It is designed as a shell that fits over the existing mirror mechanism, providing a solution for owners whose mirror housings have become faded, scratched, or otherwise damaged. By replacing just the shell, you can refresh the look of your vehicle's mirrors without the complexity and expense of replacing the entire mirror assembly, including the glass, motor, and heating elements. The product is sold as a complete pair for both the driver and passenger sides, ensuring a consistent appearance.
Features and Construction
This replacement shell is built to match the original equipment specifications for fit and finish on the BMW E90 platform. The construction focuses on providing a precise, direct-fit component that utilises the vehicle's existing mounting points.
Material and Build
The housing is moulded from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic. This material is commonly used in automotive interiors and exteriors for parts like mirror housings, grilles, and trim due to its good strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to impact, and ability to hold a consistent shape through temperature variations. The shell replicates the form of the original BMW part, designed to clip or fasten onto the mirror's base assembly. It is offered in a standard black finish or a carbon pattern style, providing two aesthetic choices to suit different preferences.
Size and Practical Fit
Critical to its function is the precise fitment for specific model years. The E90 3 Series had a facelift during its production run, which included changes to the mirror design. This product addresses that by being offered in two distinct variants: one for the pre-facelift models from 2006 to 2008, and another for the post-facelift models from 2009 to 2012. Each variant corresponds to specific original equipment (OE) part numbers: 51167135098 or 51167135097 for the 06-08 models, and 51167205291 or 51167205292 for the 09-12 models. This ensures the shell aligns correctly with the mirror's shape and mounting points for your particular vehicle.
Uses and Placement
The primary use is as a replacement part for the existing mirror housing on a BMW 3 Series E90. It serves both practical and cosmetic purposes, fitting into different ownership scenarios.
Event or Professional Use
For owners who use their vehicle for shows, photography, or professional driving where presentation matters, replacing a scuffed or aged mirror shell can significantly improve the car's overall aesthetic. The carbon pattern option may appeal to those seeking a more sport-oriented look. The product allows for a refresh without the need for a full, expensive mirror unit replacement, which is valuable for maintaining a vehicle's appearance for commercial or competitive purposes.
Everyday Home Use
For the daily driver, this shell addresses common wear and tear. Mirror housings are exposed to sun, weather, and minor impacts. A faded or cracked shell can make a car look older and less cared for. Installing this replacement pair is a straightforward way to restore a neat, factory-fresh look to the vehicle's exterior. It is a practical repair for damage sustained from minor scrapes in tight parking spaces or from general environmental exposure over time.
Benefits and Buying Value
The value of this product lies in its specificity and the practical solution it offers for a common issue on a popular vehicle model.
Reuse and Low Maintenance
The design philosophy is one of component-level repair. By replacing only the shell, you retain and reuse the entire existing mirror mechanism—the glass, the adjustment motors, the heating element, and the wiring. This is not only more economical but also reduces electronic waste. Once installed, the ABS plastic shell requires minimal maintenance; occasional cleaning with a damp cloth is all that is needed to keep it looking its best, leveraging the material's inherent durability.
Why Choose This Product
Choosing this product comes down to fit, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. It is a direct, model-specific replacement, eliminating guesswork about compatibility for BMW E90 owners. The installation is a replacement procedure, meaning it is designed to attach using the existing fittings, which is generally simpler than wiring in a complete new mirror unit. By focusing on the housing alone, it provides a targeted solution for cosmetic refresh or repair at a point typically lower than the cost of a full OEM mirror assembly, making it a sensible choice for practical vehicle maintenance.
