A Sparco direct fit sub-frame for the BMW 3-Series Compact. Part number 00499078-1652.
The Compact is a different car underneath from the saloon of the same era, which is exactly why it has its own frame. If you have been looking at parts listed for a 3-Series and assuming they carry over, they often do not. Send us the registration if there is any doubt.
Fitment
Steel, on the 345mm by 271mm base mount pattern, using the floor mounting points already in the car. Sparco, OMP and Corbeau base mount seats all share that spacing. The old same brand only claim on this range was not correct.
A side mount competition bucket needs side mounts or adaption bars fitted over the frame.
Ordering
One frame per seat, handed. Choose RHD driver or RHD passenger and order twice for both sides.
Tell us the seat when you order and we will confirm the combination before it ships. Frames in this range are either complete replacements or adaption bars, decided by the car, and the photograph is illustrative.
These are cars that get used hard on track. If harnesses and a cage are part of the plan, fit the seat and set the driving position before deciding where the belts anchor.
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 (Compact). 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.
