Lexus IS300 with M3 style Mirrors

Installing M3 style mirrors is one of those neat projects that can really add some spice to the look of your Lexus IS300 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.

The Lexus IS is a series of entry-level luxury cars/compact executive cars sold by Lexus since 1999. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model slotted below the ES in the Lexus lineup (and outside of North America, the Lexus GS).   Many modifications can be done to the Lexus IS 300 to make it look sportier and perform better.

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 Lexus IS 300 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.

The Lexus IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan until the introduction of the second generation Lexus IS design. The Altezza name is still used at times to depict chromed car taillights like those fitted to the first generation model, known as 'Altezza lights' or 'Lexus-style'.

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