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

Restore the appearance of your BMW 3 Series E90 with this direct replacement set of exterior rearview mirror housing shells. Designed as a one-pair kit, it provides the left and right side covers needed to refresh the mirror's look without replacing the entire mirror assembly. This is a practical solution for owners addressing cosmetic wear, discolouration, or minor damage to the mirror housings. The shells are manufactured from ABS plastic, matching the material commonly used for original equipment, and are offered in your choice of a standard black or a distinctive carbon pattern finish. Specific fitment is guaranteed for the E90 generation 3 Series produced between 2006 and 2012, with precise model year ranges identified.

Features and Construction

This product focuses on delivering a precise, vehicle-specific fit using a durable automotive-grade material. The design and construction are centred on seamless replacement for a professional-looking result.

Material and Build

The housing shells are moulded from ABS plastic. This thermoplastic polymer is widely used in automotive applications for components like mirror housings, grilles, and interior trim due to its good structural strength, rigidity, and resistance to impacts and weathering. The shells are designed to clip or fasten onto the existing mirror base, replicating the original part's form and attachment points. The available finishes – a solid black and a carbon fibre-look pattern – provide options for either an OEM-style restoration or a subtle sporty upgrade.

Size and Practical Fit

This is a complete pair set, meaning you receive both the driver-side and passenger-side housings. The product’s compatibility is strictly defined: it fits the BMW 3 Series E90 platform. It is critical to select the correct option for your car’s model year, as the housing design differs between the 2006-2008 and 2009-2012 production periods. The provided Original Equipment (OE) part numbers – 51167135098 and 51167135097 for the earlier years, and 51167205291 and 51167205292 for the later years – serve as a direct reference for cross-checking against your vehicle's existing parts, ensuring you order the correct variant.

Uses and Placement

This product serves a clear, functional role in vehicle maintenance and aesthetics. Its use is tied directly to the condition of the existing mirror housings on a compatible BMW.

Event or Professional Use

For automotive repair shops, body shops, or detailers, this product offers a cost-effective parts solution for customer vehicles requiring mirror housing replacement after minor collisions or suffering from sun damage and fading. Having the correct OE-referenced part on hand allows for efficient service. The pair set ensures both mirrors can be refreshed simultaneously for a uniform appearance, which is particularly important for cosmetic refurbishments or pre-sale vehicle detailing where consistency matters.

Everyday Home Use

For the DIY car enthusiast or owner looking to maintain their vehicle, this set enables a straightforward weekend project. Replacing a cracked, scratched, or faded mirror housing can significantly improve the car's overall look. The task typically involves removing the mirror glass (with care), unclipping the old housing, and fitting the new one. Choosing the carbon pattern option can add a personalised touch to the vehicle's exterior without the expense of a full aftermarket mirror assembly.

Benefits and Buying Value

The value of this product lies in its specificity, completeness as a pair, and the choice it offers. It addresses a common wear point on vehicles with a targeted solution.

Reuse and Low Maintenance

By replacing just the housing shell, you retain and continue to use the existing mirror assembly's core components like the glass, motor, and heater element (if equipped). This is more economical and less wasteful than replacing the entire mirror unit. Once installed, the ABS plastic housings require minimal maintenance—occasional cleaning with car wash soap and water is sufficient to keep them looking fresh, similar to the rest of the vehicle's painted plastics.

Why Choose This Product

This product stands out for its precise application data. It doesn't make vague claims about fitting "many cars"; it explicitly lists the BMW chassis code (E90), model years, and OE part numbers. This reduces the risk of ordering an incorrect part. Furthermore, supplying the housing as a complete pair ensures colour and finish match across both sides of the car, which can be a concern when sourcing individual left or right parts separately. The option between black and carbon pattern provides a degree of customisation to suit the owner's preference.