Front and Rear Bumpers for Early E46 M3 fitment confirmation

[Gt4]

Honestly, not a fan of the CSL front bumper.

I also prefer the look of the Euro non CSL front bumper

[Nate047]

Yea I bought mine because I needed a new bumper for an insurance claim, and at that time, it was indeed cheaper than stock. But if it's not anymore, and you're going to paint it anyway...

[Tbonem3]

One other thing, I’m kind of surprised more people don’t do this, but you can just shave / fill the holes for the reflectors. Any decent body shop can do that. I why don’t people just do that?

If you're starting from scratch, just buy the euro bumper. In fact, at one point at least, it was cheaper than the u.s. version.

[oceansize]

One other thing, I’m kind of surprised more people don’t do this, but you can just shave / fill the holes for the reflectors. Any decent body shop can do that. I why don’t people just do that?

Cause we all rich brah, you broke?

[Nate047]

One other thing, I’m kind of surprised more people don’t do this, but you can just shave / fill the holes for the reflectors. Any decent body shop can do that. I why don’t people just do that?

[DJAM3]

I ordered my aluminum carrier euro bumper from Schmiedmann. At the time it was cheaper than ECS. IMO it's a much cleaner look than US spec with painted reflectors.

[Nate047]

What about weight? Any advantages with weight reduction even if it’s only 1 or 2lbs lighter?

I mean if you're looking at it that closely, yea it’s a pound or two difference. But bang for the buck and considering how much of a pain it is, I can’t say I recommend it. If you empty your windshield washer fluid bottle you’ll drop about as much weight than swapping bumper carriers and covers. I didn't weigh the two parts side by side, but the metal one is light.

[bmw m3 s50]

Mile End CF CSL bumper is lighter than OEM

Honestly, not a fan of the CSL front bumper.

[Gt4]

Also ECS has euro bumpers in stock but only for Kelvar bars. I was considering a euro bumper, if there was a weight reduction advantage.

If there isn’t not sure if it’s better just going with a US spec front bumper with painted reflectors.

Mile End CF CSL bumper is lighter than OEM

[bmw m3 s50]

Also ECS has euro bumpers in stock but only for Kelvar bars. I was considering a euro bumper, if there was a weight reduction advantage.

If there isn’t not sure if it’s better just going with a US spec front bumper with painted reflectors.

[bmw m3 s50]

My car is 03/2001 and yea it had the metal carrier. It now has the Kevlar carrier because long story short, body shops are stupid. The bumper covers are not interchangeable, on the front at least. There is no benefit in doing the swap, you’ll just be spending money for no reason.

What about weight? Any advantages with weight reduction even if it’s only 1 or 2lbs lighter?

[Nate047]

My car is 03/2001 and yea it had the metal carrier. It now has the Kevlar carrier because long story short, body shops are stupid. The bumper covers are not interchangeable, on the front at least. There is no benefit in doing the swap, you’ll just be spending money for no reason.

[nuc1]

My M is a 10/01 build and it has the aluminum carrier.

Mike

[bmw m3 s50]

I have a pre-LCI 2003 and my front is kevlar, not sure when things changed. Mine built 9/2002

Hey, so it is actually build date 9/2001 and up for Kevlar rebar.

[jdamore44]

I have a pre-LCI 2003 and my front is kevlar, not sure when things changed. Mine built 9/2002