BMW 3 Series E90 Rearview Mirror Shell: A Direct Replacement Housing Pair

This product is a precise replacement rearview mirror shell, or housing, designed specifically for the BMW 3 Series E90. It allows you to renew the exterior appearance of your vehicle's door mirrors by replacing the plastic outer casing. Manufactured from ABS plastic, the shell is supplied as a complete pair for both the driver and passenger side mirrors. It is a direct fit for models produced between 2006 and 2012, divided into two distinct fitting ranges with corresponding original equipment part numbers. The primary benefit is restoring a factory-fresh look to aged or damaged mirror housings through a straightforward replacement process, without the need for painting or modification of the mirror assembly itself.

Features and Construction

This mirror shell is defined by its exact fit and simple application. It is not a universal part but is engineered to match the contours and mounting points of the original BMW housing. The construction and available options are designed to facilitate a clean installation and offer a subtle style choice for the vehicle's exterior.

Material and Build

The shell is moulded from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic. This material is widely used in automotive exteriors due to its strength, resistance to impact, and stability in various weather conditions. It provides a rigid structure that holds the mirror glass and internal components securely, replicating the properties of the original part. The shell comes pre-finished, eliminating the need for post-purchase painting or preparation.

Size and Practical Fit

The product is categorised by two critical fitting specifications: model year range and finish. It is essential to select the shell corresponding to your E90's production date: either 2006-2008 or 2009-2012. Each range has unique OE part numbers (51167135097/98 for 06-08, 51167205291/92 for 09-12). Furthermore, for each model range, you can choose between a standard black finish or a carbon fibre pattern design, allowing for either an OEM-style refresh or a slight aesthetic update.

Uses and Placement

This part serves a single, clear purpose: to replace the existing plastic housing on the exterior door mirrors of a BMW 3 Series E90. Its use is practical and focused on vehicle maintenance and appearance upkeep, suitable for both professional garage work and knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts.

Event or Professional Use

For automotive repair shops, body shops, or vehicle detailing services, this shell is a convenient off-the-shelf part for customer repairs. It can be used to quickly address cosmetic damage from minor scrapes or fading, or to replace cracked housings from impacts, returning the vehicle's mirrors to an undamaged, presentable condition without requiring full mirror unit replacement.

Everyday Home Use

For the vehicle owner, this product enables a manageable DIY refresh. If the original mirror housings have become sun-bleached, scratched, or otherwise worn, installing these new shells can significantly improve the car's exterior appearance. The replacement installation method means the existing mirror glass, motor, and wiring typically do not need to be disturbed, making it a less technically involved project than replacing the entire mirror assembly.

Benefits and Buying Value

The value of this product lies in its specificity and simplicity. It addresses a common wear point on vehicles with a solution that is both cost-effective for the outcome and straightforward in application, assuming the correct model variant is selected.

Reuse and Low Maintenance

By replacing only the shell, all internal mirror components such as the glass, heating element, and adjustment motor are retained and reused. This approach is often more economical than purchasing a complete, new mirror unit. The ABS plastic material requires minimal ongoing care; routine washing with the rest of the vehicle's exterior is sufficient to keep it clean.

Why Choose This Product

This product is chosen for its direct compatibility, evidenced by the listed OE part numbers and specific model year applications. It removes guesswork regarding fitment. The option of a carbon pattern also provides a simple way to subtly personalise the vehicle's look. The packaging—a pair of housings in a 500g box—means you receive everything needed for both sides of the car in one purchase, ensuring colour and finish match from left to right.