E46Seller listing
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View listing at Bmwpartsdeal; opens in a new tabBMW E36/E46 · Buyer's guide
BMW E46 Center-Console, Armrest, Selector-Trim and Configuration Identification
BMW E46 3 Series factory center-console shells, armrest or armrest-delete storage sections, manual/automatic/SMG selector covers and parking-brake trim components only, narrowed by exact body, production, LHD/RHD where applicable, armrest/storage configuration, transmission/selector, interior color and component identity. Prove both VINs/builds, body, production, steering position, console/armrest configuration, transmission, exact identity, color/finish, mounting geometry, condition and written contents. Exclude E36/E90, body/configuration interchange without exact catalog and physical proof, mechanical shifter internals and cracked, sticky, cut, warped, water-damaged or heavily repaired donors.
Current seller options
WHERE TO BUY
Open an exact listing, then confirm fitment, stock, price, and shipping with the seller before ordering.
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E46Seller listing
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View listing at Ecstuning; opens in a new tabE46Seller listing
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View listing at Salesafter; opens in a new tabE46Seller listing
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View listing at Cars245; opens in a new tabWhat you need to know
Record both VINs/builds, E46 body, production, steering position, armrest/storage configuration, transmission/selector and color. Photograph the molded identity, full top/underside, selector and handbrake openings, storage/cupholder interfaces, every tab/screw tower and all included pieces. Itemize main console, upper sections/trays, armrest/base, selector cover/boot/frame, handbrake trim, switches, brackets and fasteners. Reject cracks, broken/enlarged mounts, sticky or peeling finish, heat distortion, cuts, water staining, mold, odor or hidden glue/screw repairs. Convertible-specific modification claims require exact physical proof and must not be generalized.
OEM numbers
CHECKED CONFIGURATION COMPONENT EXAMPLES, NOT ONE COMPLETE E46 CONSOLE. Black center console for cars with armrest includes 51168218305checked armrest-delete/short-console branch includes 51168234154. Automatic selector-cover examples include 51168257117 and later 51167060677checked SMG cover branches include 51167115306 and 51167115310. Parking-brake lever/trim component example 34411164489 remains separate. Armrest, hinges, trays, cupholders, selector boots/frames, switches, brackets and fasteners remain separate unless itemized.Supersession
The checked BMW catalog presents 51168257117 and later 51167060677 within automatic-selector cover contexts, but exact VIN/production confirmation remains mandatory. No armrest-to-delete, manual-to-automatic/SMG, body-to-body, color-to-color or LHD/RHD supersession is asserted. Similar E46 appearance does not prove component configuration or loaded contents.
Fitment
Record both VINs/builds, E46 body, production, steering position, armrest/storage configuration, transmission/selector and color. Photograph the molded identity, full top/underside, selector and handbrake openings, storage/cupholder interfaces, every tab/screw tower and all included pieces. Itemize main console, upper sections/trays, armrest/base, selector cover/boot/frame, handbrake trim, switches, brackets and fasteners. Reject cracks, broken/enlarged mounts, sticky or peeling finish, heat distortion, cuts, water staining, mold, odor or hidden glue/screw repairs. Convertible-specific modification claims require exact physical proof and must not be generalized.
Aftermarket options
A checked replacement tray, cupholder, armrest repair or selector surround may preserve the correct console configuration after exact body/transmission/color review. It does not convert armrest versus delete, transmission type, steering position or body-specific geometry. Universal plates and exposed-edge race panels are outside this factory-identification guide.
Before you buy
Match both VINs/builds, E46 body/production, steering position, armrest/storage configuration, transmission/selector, exact identity and color. Require underside/mount photos and a component-by-component inventory; one shell does not imply armrest, trays, boots, switches or hardware.
Research and fitment sources
Supersede reviewed 12 unique research sources for this guide. 4 also appear above as a seller or official action and are not repeated here; 8 additional citations follow.
Research last verified .