Aftermarket E46 M3 windshield cowl

[YYZ-M3]

I purchased from Amazon but I'm sure they're all from the same supplier. The quality is average/acceptable in my opinion. And at $300+ for an OEM replacement (assuming they ever produce another batch), I'll live with this at under $100. It pairs nicely with my FUBAR (I mean FUYAO) windshield!

[discoelk]

I bought one of these off eBay. The first one the seller sent had obvious damage and the second wasn't much better. In addition to the aesthetic defects, the clips don't sit tight in the plastic channels on the back of the part and pop out when attempting to install. I'm still trying to get a refund for this one(two?). The seller is just a Chinese drop shipper and customer service reflects that.

After looking at pictures online of all the other versions, including the ECS one, they all look the same. Does ECS or Amazon have better quality control? Any leads or tips on a decent replacement?

This has become one of those "time to sell this car" parts for me.

[simon_c]

For the amazon one, which one are you guys using? I know someone earlier in the thread mentioned they are using the Lower Motor version ($126): https://www.amazon.com/VIPIH-Lower-C.../dp/B0DQV1F39F

But there is also the Grand Orange brand ($75): https://www.amazon.com/GRAND-ORANGE-...dp/B0G7FC1SMT/

About a $50 difference between the 2.

[Cubieman]

+1

On top of that, I would worry that the smaller features like the ribs up front or the pegs that click into the white clips would be too fragile on a printed part.

Might be that repainting the original cowl and finding new windshield wiper grommets (likely from some other car) is the best option here.

I bought those grommets separately as I didn't know they came with the part when I bought it.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-gasket-ring-51718204864

These were only $6 when I bought them in July of 2023!

[heinzboehmer]

This isn't a great candidate for 3d printing. It would require a very large printer or multiple pieces. Post processing (glueing stuff together) is tedious and time consuming and thus, expensive. Machine print time is a real consideration for something this large and complex as well. Especially when surface finish matters.

The tooled options from eBay or Amazon are likely to look better and be cheaper. Just figure out which vendor has the best tooling.

This is all assuming we want an OEM replica part. CF may be fine here just expensive.

+1

On top of that, I would worry that the smaller features like the ribs up front or the pegs that click into the white clips would be too fragile on a printed part.

Might be that repainting the original cowl and finding new windshield wiper grommets (likely from some other car) is the best option here.

[Cubieman]

As long as fitment isn't terrible, all things considered thats seems fine.

Maybe the color isn't the same or whatever, small visual shortcomings will likely be forgotten after you install it are done hyperfocusing on it. Glad there are at least some options.

[YYZ-M3]

Here’s my Amazon cowl

[attbimmer]

Can you post some pictures of the fitment of that Amazon one?

Here you go with the old and new side by side. The Amazon one does not have the rubber insulation strip that is glued onto the bottom of the OEM one. Will have to find something for that. Otherwise there are some subtle differences, but fairly minor. Given it is not super visible it should do for now.

[simon_c]

I ordered a Bremmen from ECS, should be here 1-2 weeks. They've sold 12 with no returns yet...

Keep us posted!

[discoelk]

This isn't a great candidate for 3d printing. It would require a very large printer or multiple pieces. Post processing (glueing stuff together) is tedious and time consuming and thus, expensive. Machine print time is a real consideration for something this large and complex as well. Especially when surface finish matters.

The tooled options from eBay or Amazon are likely to look better and be cheaper. Just figure out which vendor has the best tooling.

This is all assuming we want an OEM replica part. CF may be fine here just expensive.

[tnord]

It's either Heinz or Bryson.

there's seriously a full time business opportunity for someone who wants to do it. Even regular E46s have reached enthusiast status and there's a bajillion of those things out there. I wish I knew more about the process of how this stuff gets made.

[George Hill]

I ordered a Bremmen from ECS, should be here 1-2 weeks. They've sold 12 with no returns yet...

[toy4to]

Can you post some pictures of the fitment of that Amazon one?

[attbimmer]

After seeing OEM part isn't currently available, I ordered this cheap one off Amazon. Came next day and honestly it looks pretty. Not perfect, but very close.

https://a.co/d/bAW3409

[Sharocks]

Alright soooooo who's going to 3D scan and print one

It's either Heinz or Bryson.