The BMW E46 was built from December 1998 to August 2007, covering the 316 through to the 330i in saloon, Touring, coupé, and convertible body styles. Recaro developed sub-frame 864916 for this generation, using the E46’s factory floor mounting points throughout. Fore-aft runners are built in, so the seat adjusts in the same range as the original.
The E46 is one of the most frequently modified BMWs on the road, spanning daily drivers being upgraded for motorway comfort through to track day cars and performance builds. A Recaro Comfortline reclining seat or base-mount bucket on this frame fits as cleanly as the original seat, without the height compromise a universal side mount introduces into a cabin where headroom is often already tight.
The direct-fit frame also keeps the seat at the correct height for the E46’s seatbelt geometry and airbag sensor integration, both of which are relevant to IVA compliance on a modified road car and to scrutineering on a competition vehicle.
One frame, one seat, one side. For a pair, add the listing twice and select driver and passenger positions separately. Tell us which Recaro model you’re fitting at checkout. We’ll confirm the combination before the order goes out.
Recaro sub-frames accept Recaro seats only. Side-mount buckets require adaption bars. Base-mount reclining sport seats and base-mount buckets fit directly into the frame.
