BMW 3 Series E90 Rearview Mirror Shell Replacement Pair for 2006-2012 Models

Maintaining the original appearance of your BMW 3 Series E90 can involve addressing wear on exterior components like the mirror housings. This replacement rearview mirror shell set offers a practical solution, supplying a new left and right housing pair manufactured to match the original equipment specifications. Designed specifically for the E90 chassis produced between 2006 and 2012, this product allows you to refresh sun-faded, scratched, or physically damaged mirror covers. By providing a direct replacement for the shell itself, it presents a more targeted and often more economical alternative to purchasing a complete mirror assembly, which includes motors and glass.

Features and Construction

This product is defined by its precise application and straightforward construction, focusing on a direct replacement for the existing component.

Material and Build

The mirror shells are formed from ABS plastic, a common automotive material chosen for its balance of rigidity, light weight, and ability to withstand typical environmental exposure. The material provides the necessary structural integrity to act as a protective housing for the mirror's internal mechanisms. It is offered in two visual finishes: a standard solid Black and a Carbon Pattern style, giving an option for a standard or slightly more distinctive look for both the pre-facelift (2006-2008) and post-facelift (2009-2012) E90 models.

Size and Practical Fit

The product's fitment is precisely categorised by BMW's model year changes. The E90 3 Series underwent a design update, resulting in two distinct mirror shell shapes. This product line acknowledges that difference by offering separate variants for the 2006-2008 and the 2009-2012 model years. Correct selection is guided by the original OE part numbers: 51167135098 or 51167135097 for 06-08 models, and 51167205291 or 51167205292 for 09-12 models. The packaging is compact, with box dimensions of 27cm by 20cm by 15cm and a weight of 500g, reflecting the product's nature as a pair of hollow plastic housings.

Uses and Placement

This component serves a single, clear purpose: to replace the external cosmetic shell of the door-mounted rearview mirrors on a BMW E90.

Event or Professional Use

For automotive repair shops, body shops, or detailers, this part is a standard stock item for cosmetic refurbishment jobs. It is used when a customer's vehicle has mirror housings damaged in a minor impact, showing severe UV degradation, or with broken mounting tabs that cannot be repaired. It allows a technician to restore the vehicle's exterior to a like-new condition efficiently, using a part that matches the original shape and attachment points, ensuring a professional finish.

Everyday Home Use

For the vehicle owner, this product addresses common wear and tear. Over years of use, plastic mirror housings can become faded, scratched from car park incidents, or cracked. Replacing the shell can significantly improve the car's overall appearance. The installation, while requiring careful removal of the old housing, is often within the scope of a confident DIY enthusiast with basic plastic trim tools, avoiding a costly visit to a dealership for a full mirror unit replacement.

Benefits and Buying Value

The value proposition centres on targeted replacement, compatibility, and simplicity.

Reuse and Low Maintenance

The core benefit is the reuse of all the functional internal components of the existing mirror—the glass, heating element, adjustment motors, and wiring. Only the deteriorated exterior shell is swapped out. This approach minimises waste and cost. Once installed, the new ABS shell requires no specific maintenance beyond general cleaning of the vehicle, as it is designed to perform identically to the original part.

Why Choose This Product

You would choose this product if you need to refresh the look of your BMW E90's mirrors and your original mirror mechanisms are fully functional. Its main advantage is providing an exact-fit housing pair based on your specific model year, with clear OE number guidance to prevent ordering errors. It offers a sensible middle ground between attempting to repair a damaged plastic shell and investing in a complete, expensive OEM mirror assembly from the dealer.