The BMW E36 with M3 Style Mirrors

The BMW E 36 automobile platform was the basis for the 1990-2000 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was the successor to the BMW E30 and was eventually replaced by the BMW E46 in 1999.  Many modifications can be done to the BMW E 36 to make it look sportier and perform better.

Installing M3 style mirrors is one of those neat projects that can really add some spice to the look of your BMW E 36 without taking up too much of your time. The total install time for a pair of M3 style mirrors should be less than two hours.  

Aftermarket mirrors are available in different materials, including FRP plastic, carbon fiber and fiberglass. Plenty of different styles are available such as D1 style, F1 style and M3 styles. You can also get them in manual or electric, and get them with or without LED turn signals built in.

The toughest part of the job is actually finding a set of mirrors that will match your body color. If your BMW E 36 is white or black, there are usually aftermarket mirrors available in those two colors. Any other color will need to be custom-painted to match your body paint.

Some aftermarket mirrors are manufactured with an additional lamp in the side. This can be wired to either to your parking lamps or your turn-signal lamps. Either one requires additional wiring to be threaded through the door, so I usually don't recommend this approach. Most of the cars I've seen with lamps in the side of the mirrors don't actually have them connected-they're just for show.

E36 experienced enormous success in the market. It laid strong foundations for the success that the BMW E46 experienced in subsequent years.  Also known as the "Dolphin shape." The E 36 was sold from 1991 through 1999. It employed the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear which had been proven in the Z1. DOHC engines were used across the range, with VANOS variable valve timing introduced in 1993.

• BMW oem mirrors, BMW replacement mirrors, m3 mirrors