Used BMW 3 Series Bonnet

The BMW 3 Series runs across several distinct generations: the E46 (1998–2005), E90/E91/E92/E93 (2005–2012), F30/F31/F34 (2012–2019), and G20/G21 (2019–present). Bonnets are not interchangeable between generations as the front-end panels are completely different from one to the next. Always quote your registration to the breaker so they can confirm the exact generation.

Both a 2007 and 2009 3 Series fall within the E90-generation range (2005–2012), so the bonnet is likely to be the same panel. However, the E90 received a facelift in 2008, which brought changes to the front end including the grille and lights, and it is possible the bonnet profile or shut-line changed at that point. You should confirm with the breaker against both registrations before buying, as we cannot guarantee the pre- and post-facelift bonnets interchange directly.

The F30-generation 3 Series (2012–2019) received a facelift in 2015, meaning a 2014 car is pre-facelift and a 2015 car may be either side of that boundary depending on the build date. The bonnet itself may or may not have changed across this facelift, so confirm with the breaker using both registrations to be sure, as we cannot state as fact that these panels interchange.

No – the bonnet is a front-end panel and is shared across body styles within the same generation, so a saloon (E90), estate (E91), coupe (E92), or convertible (E93) all use the same bonnet within the E90 generation. The same principle applies within the F30 generation between the saloon (F30) and touring estate (F31). Just confirm the generation and facelift period with the breaker.

For the BMW 3 Series, the bonnet panel itself is the same part across SE, Sport, M Sport and other trim levels within the same generation and facelift period – trim level does not affect bonnet fitment. That said, you may find cosmetic differences such as paint finish or whether a bonnet has been resprayed, so check the condition carefully with the breaker. The M3 performance model is a separate variant and uses different front-end panels, so if your car is a full M3 rather than an M Sport trim, make sure the breaker is quoting specifically for that model.

Used bonnets from a breaker are almost always supplied in the donor car's original colour, which is unlikely to match your car unless you are lucky or specifically search for your colour code. Your BMW's paint code can be found on a sticker inside the driver's door shut, and you should share this with the breaker when requesting a quote. Most buyers purchase a used bonnet and have it resprayed, so factor that cost in when comparing prices.