Direct fit sub-frames for the BMW 3-Series E46. Part number 00499078-1653. Covers May 1998 to 2006. Sold individually: one frame per side.
The E46 floor uses a raised OEM rail rather than the flat-plate mounting you find on simpler hatchbacks. These frames bridge between the BMW floor fixings and the standard 345mm x 271mm bolt pattern used by base-mount sport seats from Sparco, OMP and Corbeau. Getting the mount height right for an E46 is what makes vehicle-specific frames worthwhile over universal brackets.
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). Fixed position without them.
The E46 covers the 3-Series from May 1998 to 2006, including 316, 318, 320, 323, 325, 328 and 330 variants in coupe, saloon, touring and estate. The E36 frame (00499078, £77.50) covers the earlier car from December 1990 to April 1998. If you have a post-2006 3-Series (E90 onwards), neither of these frames applies. Check the production date on your registration if you are not certain which generation you have: the E46 to E90 changeover ran from 2005 to 2007 depending on market and bodystyle.
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 E46 (E46). 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.
