Are E46 M3 coupe and convertible body panels interchangeable

[bmw m3 s50]

I know this is a pretty dumb question but wanted to confirm if all body panels such as:

front bumper
hood
fenders
sideskirts
rear bumper
plastic shields, fender liners, ducts etc

Are the above parts interchangeable? I believe that they are but wanted to confirm from some members.

[heinzboehmer]

Pretty sure the only different body panel between the coupe and convertible is the trunk.

Edit: and obviously the roof, a pillars and rear quarter panels

[oceansize]

All interchangeable as long as you match early vert to early coupe and late vert to late coupe on the front bumper. Also things like PDC matter on the rear bumper but that doesn't relate to vert vs coupe, just an option to match.

[bmw m3 s50]

All interchangeable as long as you match early vert to early coupe and late vert to late coupe on the front bumper. Also things like PDC matter on the rear bumper.

What’s the difference between early model and late model on the listed parts above? I thought it was more for the trunk that late and early model mattered.

Also I agree on the rear bumper due to PDC.

On a separate note is PDC possible or relatively easy to retrofit?

[oceansize]

What’s the difference between early model and late model on the listed parts above? I thought it was more for the trunk that late and early model mattered.

Also I agree on the rear bumper due to PDC.

On a separate note is PDC possible or relatively easy to retrofit?

Only thing I mentioned as different was the front bumper. Front bumper mounting is different from early and later.

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-M3-S54_3.2L/Exterior/Body/Front_Bumper/

[bmw m3 s50]

Only thing I mentioned as different was the front bumper. Front bumper mounting is different from early and later.

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-M3.../Front_Bumper/

Oh yes, I think your are right. Earlier models had aluminum front reinforcement and the later ones had the Kevlar reinforcement.

[bmw m3 s50]

Anyone have any idea about all the plastics behind the bumper such as brake ducts and brackets, fender liners, and air ducts?

[Slideways]

If you are looking to match the color exactly, look for a model year close to yours. Sometimes, the factory paint can be a slightly different shade from an 01 and an 04. There are also environmental factors such as sun exposure to consider.

[dilmorecg]

I am in a similar boat to you. Been looking for those exact same parts for my car. I would guess yours looks similar to mine with aftermarket hood, fenders & rear bumper with vents, aftermarket rocker panels...etc. My plan was to go back to stock like you and I have been looking for LSB parts for 3 years. A few have come up but shipping made them impossible to get. If you are on the east coast you may have better luck. I even thought about buying a wrecked one to pull those body parts off of but in a wreck you are still missing something. My current plan is to slowly purchase parts in any color from local part outs and have them all painted by a shop. Not sure what Im going to actually end up doing since I am limited in time and budget right now with 2 kids...may end up just selling it.

When I was originally looking there weren't many LSB, vert, manual, <80k miles for sale and this one was local so I jumped on it planning on making it a small project.

[bmw m3 s50]

If you are looking to match the color exactly, look for a model year close to yours. Sometimes, the factory paint can be a slightly different shade from an 01 and an 04. There are also environmental factors such as sun exposure to consider.

Finding parts to the same year, color and similar wear consistency will be next to impossible. The car will need to be repainted regardless, which is not a problem since the car had already been painted when current body parts were originally installed. My concern is having the parts in all places painted LSB so parts look original.

[bmw m3 s50]

I am in a similar boat to you. Been looking for those exact same parts for my car. I would guess yours looks similar to mine with aftermarket hood, fenders & rear bumper with vents, aftermarket rocker panels...etc. My plan was to go back to stock like you and I have been looking for LSB parts for 3 years. A few have come up but shipping made them impossible to get. If you are on the east coast you may have better luck. I even thought about buying a wrecked one to pull those body parts off of but in a wreck you are still missing something. My current plan is to slowly purchase parts in any color from local part outs and have them all painted by a shop. Not sure what Im going to actually end up doing since I am limited in time and budget right now with 2 kids...may end up just selling it.

When I was originally looking there weren't many LSB, vert, manual, <80k miles for sale and this one was local so I jumped on it planning on making it a small project.

Wow, that’s depressing knowing you have been looking for 3 years for these panels. From the research that I have done the front and rear bumpers, fenders, and side skirts were painted only on one side. The back portion of these parts are primer. The two parts that seem to be critical are the trunk lid and hood since they are painted on outside and inside plus have information stickers.

So if you get the other parts in any color it would be fine, the hood and trunk I think are two parts that you will need in the same color.

[Slideways]

Finding parts to the same year, color and similar wear consistency will be next to impossible. The car will need to be repainted regardless, which is not a problem since the car had already been painted when current body parts were originally installed. My concern is having the parts in all places painted LSB so parts look original.

Ah, it was not clear before if you were looking to swap panels with the least amount of work and not deal with paint. If the body shop is going to respray parts, they should be able to spray the backside of the part to get a similar finish to OE. The under hood stickers can be purchased through BMW.

[bmw m3 s50]

Ah, it was not clear before if you were looking to swap panels with the least amount of work and not deal with paint. If the body shop is going to respray parts, they should be able to spray the backside of the part to get a similar finish to OE. The under hood stickers can be purchased through BMW.

No, swapping panels is to return it to stock form. The car is currently a widebody. The hood and trunk is weird because the backside is an unfinished type of paint probably paint without clear coat. It would be so much easier to pick up an OEM LSB painted hood and trunk. I was thinking possibly doing an OEM CSL trunk, since it’s OEM and prices were reasonable. Now it seems the prices on CSL trunks have gone up and are back ordered until next year.