BMW 3 Series E90 Rearview Mirror Shell Replacement Housing Pair in ABS Plastic

This product is a direct replacement housing, or shell, for the exterior rearview mirrors on the BMW 3 Series E90. Designed for a straightforward fit, it covers the original mirror assembly, providing a new exterior finish without the need to replace the entire mirror unit. The shell is produced from ABS plastic, a material commonly used in automotive applications for its durability and ability to be moulded to precise specifications. It is supplied as a complete pair, ensuring both the driver and passenger side mirrors can be refreshed simultaneously. The offering covers two distinct production periods of the E90: vehicles manufactured from 2006 to 2008, and those from 2009 to 2012, with specific part number compatibility for each era.

Features and Construction

The primary function of this component is to restore the external appearance of the vehicle's mirrors. It is a non-mechanical part that fits over the existing mirror mechanism.

Material and Build

The shell is constructed from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic. This thermoplastic polymer is known for its impact resistance, rigidity, and suitability for injection moulding, which allows for the replication of complex automotive panel shapes. In this application, it provides a cover that matches the contours of the original BMW housing.

Size and Practical Fit

Compatibility is clearly defined by model year and original equipment (OE) part numbers. For the 2006-2008 BMW 3 Series E90, the shells correspond to OE numbers 51167135098 and 51167135097. For the 2009-2012 models, the relevant OE numbers are 51167205291 and 51167205292. It is crucial to select the correct option based on your vehicle's production date to ensure proper fitment, as the design between these model years differs.

Uses and Placement

This product serves a specific restorative or customisation purpose for the vehicle's exterior.

Event or Professional Use

For vehicle refurbishment, detailers, or body shops, this pair of shells offers a cost-effective way to refresh the look of a car's mirrors without sourcing a complete, more expensive mirror assembly. It is particularly useful when the original plastic housings have become faded, scratched, or damaged, but the underlying mirror glass and adjustment mechanisms remain fully functional.

Everyday Home Use

For the vehicle owner, this is a practical DIY upgrade or repair part. It allows for a change in the mirror's aesthetic—choosing between a standard black finish or a carbon pattern look—or simply replacing worn-out original covers. The installation is described as a replacement procedure, suggesting it is designed to be fitted directly in place of the old housing.

Benefits and Buying Value

The value lies in its targeted application and the completeness of the package for the task.

Reuse and Low Maintenance

By replacing just the shell, the functional core of the mirror—the glass, motor, and wiring—is preserved and reused. This approach minimises waste and complexity compared to a full unit replacement. The ABS plastic material requires no specialist maintenance; routine car washing is sufficient to keep it clean.

Why Choose This Product

This product provides a precise solution for a common need among BMW E90 owners: refreshing the mirror housings. The clear model year differentiation and OE number listing reduce the risk of ordering an incompatible part. Being supplied as a pair ensures visual symmetry on the vehicle and represents better value than buying individual left and right sides separately. The packaging is compact, with dimensions of 27x20x15 cm and a weight of 500g, making it straightforward to ship and handle.