Front and Rear Bumpers for Early E46 M3 fitment confirmation

[bmw m3 s50]

I tried doing a search but couldn’t get exact confirmation. I am getting ready to place an order and want to be sure.

I know build years to 9/2001 used the front bumper that used the aluminum front bumper carrier while the 9/2””1 and after used a different bumper that used the Kelvar front bumper carriers.

I also know that the rear bumper carriers also changed from aluminum to Kevlar but was told that the rear bumper is the same regardless of the carrier type. Is this true?

Also is there any weight differences between the aluminum carriers and the Kevlar bumper carriers?

Do Kevlar carriers have any advantages over the Aluminum carriers?

[Tbonem3]

Rear is the same, but retrofiting an alloy bar allows for adjustment that Kevlar doesn't. I guess kevlar is a bit lighter?

[bmw m3 s50]

Rear is the same, but retrofiting an alloy bar allows for adjustment that Kevlar doesn't. I guess kevlar is a bit lighter?

Excellent, thank you for the response and confirmation.

You think the Kevlar bar is worth upgrading?

[nuc1]

Excellent, thank you for the response and confirmation.

You think the Kevlar bar is worth upgrading?

I believe you need a different style bumper as they are different between the two carriers. There's a recent thread here talking about it.

Mike

[Tbonem3]

No. I've beena ble to acheive pretty perfect fitment without going to alloy bar front or rear. Just need to make sure everything is ok, and you've got the right clips (rear) and line it all up, hold it in and up, and tighten things.

[bmw m3 s50]

I believe you need a different style bumper as they are different between the two carriers. There's a recent thread here talking about it.

Mike

Yes, I know the front bumper requires the Kevlar Bumper carrier.

From the response above the rear bumper works with either aluminum or Kevlar?

[jdamore44]

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

[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.

[nuc1]

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

Mike

[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.

[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?

[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.

[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]

Mile End CF CSL bumper is lighter than OEM

Honestly, not a fan of the CSL front bumper.

[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.