E46 Sedan Factory Trunk Lids: Early Supersession, Grip, License-Light, Spoiler, Hinge and Latch Identification

The checked BMW catalog explicitly establishes 41628238462 -> 41627003314 for the Sedan trunk-lid shell. It also identifies black grip 51137171699 as retrospectively exchangeable for prior 51137056132 and 51138204854, and BMWPartsDeal identifies latch 51247840617 as replacing 51248196401. The shell catalog continuity across sampled early and facelift US Sedans means the queued facelift-shell premise was corrected rather than promoted. Painted spoiler 51710139322 and primed 51717894050, grip finishes, coded/keyed lock-cylinder choices, hinges, latch, striker, lamps, trim and wiring are parallel equipment or service branches, not shell supersessions. No Sedan-to-Wagon/Coupe/Convertible/M3, early-to-late appearance, bare-to-loaded or seller-described cross-body interchange is inferred.

Start with the recipient VIN, build month, US Sedan body, underside shell stamping or label, paint code and photographs of the installed hinge pads, latch opening, lock-cylinder opening, grip/license-light mounting area, emblem and spoiler area, wiring pass-throughs, seams and every edge. The checked catalog's common later shell does not prove that donor paint, holes, badges, spoiler installation, grip finish, lights, locks or wiring are correct. BMW's checked lip-spoiler path uses adhesive tape, not drilled mounting hardware; treat any spoiler or trim holes in a used lid as donor-specific modifications until the exact accessory and installation evidence proves otherwise. A bare primed shell normally omits hinges/bolts, gas springs, latch, striker, coded lock cylinder/key, connection rod, grip and microswitch, license-light lenses/bulbs/wiring, inner trim/tool kit, gasket, stops, plate holder, emblems, spoiler/tape, tail lamps and hardware unless each item is photographed and itemized. BMW-0016 retains rear-lamp ground/harness diagnosis; this guide owns the closure shell and transferred-package boundary and does not duplicate lamp identities. Inspect used steel for rust at the hem and seams, trapped water, dents, stretched metal, filler, repaint, weld or adhesive disturbance, elongated mounts, cracked hinge/latch areas, mismatched holes, broken wires/connectors, missing grommets and freight damage. Support the lid during removal, preserve corrosion protection, use current VIN-specific BMW procedures and qualified body work, align it with the seal and gas springs installed, then verify gaps, water sealing, both license lights, grip/remote/key release, lock cylinder, latch engagement and safe retention before driving.

Prefer a VIN-confirmed factory service shell or a straight documented used original. The checked Status Gruppe composite Sedan lid is a separate modified path: US$1,325-US$2,015, approximately 14 pounds, no stock handle, no badge holes, pre-cut plate-light holes that do not accept the stock handle-mounted lights, optional prewired E9X-style lights and a stated 120-day lead time. It cannot prove BMW factory shell, lock, light, badge, hinge or latch interchange. Require manufacturer-backed exact Sedan year/build scope, material and weight, road-use terms, hinge/gas-spring/latch/striker and lock-cylinder provisions, reinforcement, stock grip/light or alternate-light plan, badge/spoiler drilling, finish, water sealing, installation instructions, freight/damage claims and warranty. Avoid generic CSL-style, Coupe/M3, carbon/fiberglass or shaved-handle listings that lack a documented release, lighting and safe-latching system.

US/LHD 1999-2005 E46 Sedan only. The checked later shell 41627003314 spans sampled pre- and post-facelift Sedans and supersedes very-early 41628238462; do not invent a facelift shell split or extend it to Wagon, Coupe, Convertible or M3. BMW's checked lip spoiler is tape-mounted, so donor holes require proof. Match VIN/build, shell identity, paint, grip/lights, lock/latch, hinges, wiring and every listed component. Inspect rust, filler, seams, mounts and freight damage; use qualified alignment and verify sealing, lighting and all release/latch functions.

Supersede reviewed 19 unique research sources for this guide. 10 also appear above as a seller or official action and are not repeated here; 9 additional citations follow.

Research last verified 2026-07-29.

1. RealOEM — partxrefOpen source
2. RealOEM — showpartsOpen source
3. RealOEM — partxrefOpen source
4. PartSouq — source pageOpen source
5. Workshop Manuals — 1 ra adjusting trunk lid to fitOpen source
6. Workshop Manuals — 8 ra removing and installing handle strip (on trunk lid)Open source
7. Workshop Manuals — 1 ra removing and installing or replacing trim for trunk lidOpen source
8. Bmwman — snyatie i ustanovka kryshki bagazhnikaOpen source
9. Manualzz — bmw e46 door and lock service manualOpen source