Direct fit sub-frames for the BMW 3-Series E36. Part number 00499078. Covers December 1990 to April 1998. Sold individually: one frame per side.
These bridge between the original E36 floor fixings and the standard 345mm x 271mm bolt pattern used by base-mount sport seats from Sparco, OMP and Corbeau. The E36 uses different floor geometry from the E46 that followed it, so the two frames are not interchangeable. The E46 frame is 00499078-1653 and covers May 1998 to 2006.
RHD driver side and RHD passenger side are both available. Specify when ordering. Steel, painted. For fore-aft adjustment, add the Sparco sliding runners (SS0049302-X2, £65 per pair). The sub-frames give a fixed installation without them.
The E36 covers 316, 318, 320, 323, 325, 328 variants in coupe, saloon, touring and convertible bodystyles from December 1990 to April 1998 in RHD. M3 variants also use this floor pattern. At £77.50, slightly below the E46 frame at £79.05. Compatible with any base-mount seat using the 345mm x 271mm pattern from Sparco, OMP or Corbeau.
Have you written anything about this exact product?
Yes, we have covered this exact product: Top 5 reclining seat choices for your BMW 3 Series Sedan [E36], including our fitting guide, and Top 5 reclining seat choices for your BMW 3 Series Coupe [E46], including our fitting guide. That is first-hand coverage from our own builds and showroom, not brochure copy.
Will this fit my car?
This frame is made for the BMW 3-Series E36 (E36). Chassis code and years matter more than the badge, as floor pans change between generations, so if your car sits near a changeover year, send us the registration and we will confirm before you order.
Which seats does it take?
It takes seats drilled 345mm x 271mm (the Sparco and OMP seat pattern). The Compatible seats tab above lists what bolts straight on. If your seat is not listed, tell us what you run and we will confirm the fit.
Do I keep fore-and-aft adjustment?
Only with a sliding runner between the frame and the seat, which is a separate part on Sparco frames. If more than one person drives the car, budget for the runner. Our guide to sliding runners explains the options and widths.
Base mount or side mount, and does it matter?
This is a base-mount frame: the seat bolts down through its base, the simpler stack that suits seats with a flat bottom and keeps the install low-fuss. Our guide on base mount versus side mount explains the whole fitting stack.
Is this for the driver or passenger side?
Both sides are available on this listing, pick driver or passenger side at the point of order (sides listed are for right-hand-drive cars). Left-hand-drive car? Ask us, as the sides swap over and availability varies by model.
