Help with part number

[M3LSB.Gab]

In the chase of finding oem front chrome grille, I found a pair of grilles that seemed for the E46 M3 ... But after receiving the part number writen on the grille, i'm a little bit confused. From my research, the oem e46 m3 front grille part numbers are 51138208686/87. But the set I found have 51138208667/68 and I cannot find on which car this set goes... chatgpt, realoem... it says E46 only but nothing more.

[Avedis]

Just quickly looking through real OEM, it looks listed as the part number for E46 non-M3 coupes up to March 2003

[M3LSB.Gab]

Just quickly looking through real OEM, it looks listed as the part number for E46 non-M3 coupes up to March 2003

But it should fit then ? for pre-facelift coupe..

[Avedis]

In theory, yes. Did they not fit?

[M3LSB.Gab]

In theory, yes. Did they not fit?

I didnt' buy the grille yet. I don't wanna spend 100$ for something that doesnt fit haha.

[Avedis]

Ok, I kind of went down a rabbit hole on this one.

I believe the outer trim ring and the inner grill slats have different part numbers, that's why it is so hard to find info on the part number you provided. They are not something that you can buy solo, which is why you can't find them on parts websites. When you see those numbers listed in advertisements online, they are actually the wrong number. When combined together as an assembly, they have the part number 51138208685, 51138208686

For example: Outer chrome ring 51138208667 with left inner slats 511382071 finished in chrome = BMW Part no. 51138208685

• Looking at photos of the left out trim ring (regardless of M3 or non M3) I see the part no.51138208667
• Looking at photos of the right outer trim ring (regardless of M3 or non M3), I see part no. 51138208668
• The part no. on the outer ring does not seem to change depending on the inner slats paired with it.
• Looking at photos of the back side of the slats themselves, there is a part number 51138208671 (Left) and 51138208671 (Right) . I see two other part no. Chrome 51138208685, Titan 51138220757.

Hopefully someone else can chime in and confirm.

[M3LSB.Gab]

The other side part number.