Facelifting an older E46

[Splash]

What will I need to replace when I want to facelift my 2000 model E46? Bonnet, grilles, bumper, lights/indicators and fenders? Will I also need to replace the cradle or are both models using the same cradles? I am currently preparing the vehicle for a full respray, taking all the old paint off to bare metal and I thought, while I am doing this, I might just as well see if I can do a facelift. Any thoughts / comments?

 

[Riaad]

What will I need to replace when I want to facelift my 2000 model E46? Bonnet, grilles, bumper, lights/indicators and fenders? Will I also need to replace the cradle or are both models using the same cradles? I am currently preparing the vehicle for a full respray, taking all the old paint off to bare metal and I thought, while I am doing this, I might just as well see if I can do a facelift. Any thoughts / comments?

@Tinuva can assist,

have a look at https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=79461 , he has done the pre-facelift to facelift conversion

 

[Tinuva]

You list the following:
Bonnet, grilles, bumper, lights/indicators and fenders
Then want to know about the cradle. Not sure what you mean by that.

But when I did it, it was the following:

1. Bonnet + kidneys
2. Fenders + side indicators. Important, you need to increase the length of the side indicator cables, otherwise they will be too short...I learned the hard way.
3. Lights + dont forget the bottom bracket is different for pre-FL to FL
Also the strips below the lights are different. Not too mention, if you have washers, the bit that pops out is different but the pump is the same.
4. Bumper. Now I had a Mtech1 bumper, so it stayed the same. But you will need different brackets on the sides for the bumper to fenders. Its just the normal FL brackets. Also different fog lights from pre-FL to FL.

Cradle, I guess you mean the crash bar? As far as I know, they the same, you just need to mount the new bumper to this before putting the crash bar back.

I think the easiest is if you have a donor vehicle, but its possible to order all the parts from BMW at a huge cost. I had money from the insurance which helped a lot in my case.

 

[sash]

the cradle is normally the part that the grill, lights etc bolt onto.

 

[Tinuva]

the cradle is normally the part that the grill, lights etc bolt onto.

Oh you mean the radiator support or front panel?
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=ET56-EUR-09-2003-E46-BMW-330i&diagId=41_1097
part 5 (shown as 2 parts here but is really 1 part when you get it).

That stays the same.

 

[Tinuva]

I forgot to mention, there is also the rear lights to facelift the car...that is a whole other mission if you want to do it the OEM way.

 

[Splash]

You list the following:
Bonnet, grilles, bumper, lights/indicators and fenders
Then want to know about the cradle. Not sure what you mean by that.

But when I did it, it was the following:

1. Bonnet + kidneys
2. Fenders + side indicators. Important, you need to increase the length of the side indicator cables, otherwise they will be too short...I learned the hard way.
3. Lights + dont forget the bottom bracket is different for pre-FL to FL
Also the strips below the lights are different. Not too mention, if you have washers, the bit that pops out is different but the pump is the same.
4. Bumper. Now I had a Mtech1 bumper, so it stayed the same. But you will need different brackets on the sides for the bumper to fenders. Its just the normal FL brackets. Also different fog lights from pre-FL to FL.

Cradle, I guess you mean the crash bar? As far as I know, they the same, you just need to mount the new bumper to this before putting the crash bar back.

I think the easiest is if you have a donor vehicle, but its possible to order all the parts from BMW at a huge cost. I had money from the insurance which helped a lot in my case.

I was thinking of sourcing the items from a second hand dealer, there is quite a few of them in Van Der Hoff road in Pretoria. I have to go there in March to book in my Pajero for a diesel pump refurbishment, so I thought it might be a good time to shop around for spares. My son had a small accident with my car, that is why I am currently preparing for respray. I am trying to keep the cost low, by sourcing good used items. I will see how it all works out....

 

[rodga]

Check with @evnmopwr
He might have some spares for you, he is in ct but im sure his prices will be good so even adding courier costs will still make it worthwhile

 

[GPGrobler]

Boss Auto Spares have most or all of the parts for the facelift.

 

[GPGrobler]

Boss Auto Spares have most or all of the parts for the facelift, you will also be able to choose whether you want your tail lights to be red/orange or red/clear, they have both types of tail lights in stock.

 

[rodga]

Boss Auto Spares have most or all of the parts for the facelift, you will also be able to choose whether you want your tail lights to be red/orange or red/clear, they have both types of tail lights in stock.

Is this used or new? If new is it oem?

Sent from my MI 8 using Tapatalk

 

[Riaad]

Boss Auto Spares have most or all of the parts for the facelift, you will also be able to choose whether you want your tail lights to be red/orange or red/clear, they have both types of tail lights in stock.

this will be the aftermarket/non oem approach.

I haven't heard positive feedback regarding fitment and quality of parts from Boss Auto Spares

 

[evnmopwr]

What will I need to replace when I want to facelift my 2000 model E46? Bonnet, grilles, bumper, lights/indicators and fenders? Will I also need to replace the cradle or are both models using the same cradles? I am currently preparing the vehicle for a full respray, taking all the old paint off to bare metal and I thought, while I am doing this, I might just as well see if I can do a facelift. Any thoughts / comments?

Here is what i have for you:

Bonnet
Left side Facelift Kidney
Driver side Fender
both Facelift headlights
both Facelift Lower "eye Lids"
Both Headlight Slider brackets
Both fender indicators in orange (will give you the plugs too so you can extend you wires)
driver side front indicator lens (orange backing)

I have a front Mtech1 front Bumper with all the clips/sliders and Pieces too.

Not sure what courier is going to charge to get them to you though.
But Just so you have an option.

you welcome to PM me for more info

 

[GPGrobler]

Boss Auto Spares have most or all of the parts for the facelift, you will also be able to choose whether you want your tail lights to be red/orange or red/clear, they have both types of tail lights in stock.

this will be the aftermarket/non oem approach.

I haven't heard positive feedback regarding fitment and quality of parts from Boss Auto Spares

I ordered new kidney grilles and left outer tail light from them, I have no complaints ...