BMW 3 Series E90 Rearview Mirror Housing Replacement Shells for 2006-2012 Models

These ABS plastic replacement housings provide a practical solution for BMW 3 Series E90 owners needing to refresh or repair their vehicle's exterior mirror covers. Designed as direct replacements for the original factory-fitted shells, they offer specific compatibility with the 2006-2012 production run of the E90 platform, with dedicated variants for the 2006-2008 and 2009-2012 model years. The housings are manufactured from automotive-grade ABS plastic, matching the material specifications of the original components, and are available in either standard black or carbon pattern visual finishes to suit different exterior styling preferences. Supplied as a complete pair for both driver and passenger side mirrors, they represent a cost-effective alternative to purchasing complete mirror assemblies when only the outer housing requires replacement.

Features and Construction

These replacement mirror housings are engineered to provide exact fitment for the BMW 3 Series E90 platform, with manufacturing specifications based on original equipment dimensions and mounting points. The product addresses the specific design differences between the earlier 2006-2008 models and the facelifted 2009-2012 vehicles, ensuring correct alignment with mirror glass and internal mechanisms regardless of production year.

Material and Build

Constructed from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, these housings utilise the same thermoplastic polymer employed in original automotive exterior components. ABS provides a balance of rigidity and impact resistance necessary for mirror housings, maintaining dimensional stability across temperature variations while offering sufficient flexibility to withstand minor impacts without cracking. The material's surface characteristics allow for proper paint adhesion if custom colour matching is required, though the housings are supplied ready-fitted in either standard black or carbon pattern finishes.

Size and Practical Fit

The replacement shells are manufactured to precisely match the contours and dimensions of the original BMW housings, with internal mounting points aligning correctly with the existing mirror mechanism. Each variant corresponds to specific original equipment part numbers: 51167135098 and 51167135097 for 2006-2008 models, or 51167205291 and 51167205292 for 2009-2012 models. This part number correspondence ensures that the replacement will interface correctly with mirror glass adjustment mechanisms and heating elements where fitted, maintaining all original functionality while refreshing the exterior appearance.

Uses and Placement

These replacement housings serve multiple practical purposes for BMW 3 Series E90 owners, from cosmetic refreshment to functional repair. They address common issues with original mirror housings that may have become faded, scratched, or damaged through normal use or minor impacts, providing a straightforward replacement option without the complexity or expense of complete mirror unit replacement.

Event or Professional Use

For vehicle preparers, detailers, or restoration specialists working with BMW 3 Series E90 models, these replacement housings offer a time-efficient solution when refreshing a vehicle's exterior appearance. The direct-fit design allows for quick installation without requiring adjustment of mirror glass or electrical components, making them suitable for preparation work before shows, photographs, or sales. The availability of both standard black and carbon pattern finishes provides flexibility when matching or complementing other exterior trim elements, wheels, or bodywork modifications.

Everyday Home Use

For individual owners maintaining their daily-use vehicles, these replacement shells address practical concerns such as sun-faded plastic, minor scuff marks from parking incidents, or hairline cracks from temperature cycling. The installation process requires no specialist tools or technical knowledge beyond basic automotive maintenance skills, making them accessible for home garage fitting. By replacing only the outer housing rather than the complete mirror assembly, they represent a cost-effective maintenance option that preserves the original mirror glass, heating elements, and adjustment mechanisms.

Benefits and Buying Value

The primary value proposition of these replacement mirror housings lies in their targeted compatibility and straightforward application. Unlike universal-fit or generic replacement parts, they are manufactured specifically for the BMW 3 Series E90 platform with precise attention to the design differences between model years, ensuring correct fitment and maintaining the vehicle's original appearance and functionality.

Reuse and Low Maintenance

By replacing only the outer housing shell, these components allow continued use of the existing mirror glass, adjustment motors, heating elements, and mounting hardware. This approach reduces electronic waste and preserves functional components that may still have considerable service life remaining. The ABS plastic construction requires no specialised maintenance beyond occasional cleaning with automotive plastic-safe products, maintaining its appearance through normal weather exposure without requiring polishing or protective coatings.

Why Choose This Product

These replacement housings provide a practical middle ground between complete mirror assembly replacement and attempting to repair damaged original housings. Their manufacturing to original equipment specifications ensures proper fitment without gaps or alignment issues, while the ABS material matches the durability characteristics of factory components. The availability of specific variants for 2006-2008 and 2009-2012 model years addresses the subtle design differences between production runs that generic replacements often overlook, resulting in better integration with the vehicle's overall lines and proper clearance for mirror adjustment throughout its full range of motion.