A Newbie Question: Pre-Face Lift & Face Lift

[das boots]

I did a search and nothing specific came out of my quest to my inquiry. But pardon the ignorance. What years are the pre-face lift & face lift? What do they entail? What facial per se, by comparison can one make the difference? I take it that the facial occured only on the front? I might be wrong in here. If some one has photos for comparison purposes. Please do show with specific pointers ie using Power Point if available. Thanks for your patience for asking too much questions....

[GSEN820]

This is the Face lift version you were talking about. It has to do more with the headlights. Sidemarkers got a different placement and look
2187

Prefacelift you will see that the front of the car looks more along the lines of the M3s (01-06). The side markers are different as well. That is about the only differences between my two e46's.
2188

If you have a ZHP, it did not exist on pre facelift models. You can buy OEM or aftermarket for the look (as what I did on my 325ci). Grilles are different, what else???? If anybody has anything please chime in. As far as Years I want to say 00-02 is prefacelift and 03-06 are facelift models.

[das boots]

Any specific years which entails both facial difference? Thanks Gary for the pics. Droopy eyes and Upslanted eyes.

[GSEN820]

Dont forget the sidemarker placement too. It is kind of hard to see it the Facelift model but take a look at John's Sig the side marker shows up really good on black.

[az3579]

Any specific years which entails both facial difference? Thanks Gary for the pics. Droopy eyes and Upslanted eyes.

Years are based on model year, not production year.

Sedans/Tourings:
1999-2001 = pre-facelift
2002-2005 = facelift

Coupes/Convertibles:
2000-2003 = pre-facelift
2004-2006 = facelift

[johnrando]

I recall a thread that mentioned specific years, I'll look for that.

EDIT: That was quick, BP already posted. Thanks.

[az3579]

I recall a thread that mentioned specific years, I'll look for that.

EDIT: That was quick, BP already posted. Thanks.


Quick because I had it memorized. :)

[das boots]

Years are based on model year, not production year.

Sedans/Tourings:
1999-2001 = pre-facelift
2002-2005 = facelift

Coupes/Convertibles:
2000-2003 = pre-facelift
2004-2006 = facelift

Would this also include the E46 M3? We have discussed the frontal view. How about the rear end? Is there a facelift also for the rears? Mostly I am concerned about are the different tail lights for regular (if you can call them regular) and to the M3s. There are Red/Clears, Red/Yellows and etc. I know they are all interchangeable. It is the rear tails color schemes that I am mostly concerned. Would a M3 rear tails scheme be better suited for the "regular"? Maybe I should re-post this under the "Lights" section.....or the Moderators could transfer this?

[Hermes]

M3 did not get front end facelift but I think they did get the LED tails

[das boots]

M3 did not get front end facelift but I think they did get the LED tails

Somebody is selling a set of tails from his '02 M3. I just want to make sure if they are LEDs.

[Hermes]

I think led started in 04

[aurelius]

OP: maybe let us know what you're ultimately getting at. Your profile shows you've got an M3. E46?

The E46 M3 didn't get a facelift, front or rear. As noted above, the only thing that changed for the M3 was the addition of LED tail lights. Not sure when but approx 2004-05. You can retrofit them to an older E46.

The face-lifted E46 sedan has a different hood, incorporating a wider kidney grille. The headlight assemblies and turn signals are also different. The rear lights, including the pieces attached to the trunk lid, are also different vs pre-facelift sedan.

EDIT: I see above what you're looking to do. '02 M3 tails are not LED.

[S85FTW]

The M3 got a different trunk and LED tails in 04...

Pre face M3
http://www.karljay.com/m3/M3_tint_back1.jpg

Facelift M3
http://www.m3forum.net/gallery/data/3094/19632Signature.JPG

They should really call it a a$$lift for the ///M's.

[Hermes]

I have the facelift front and the a$$lift trunk!

[aurelius]

Was using the TT app when I posted above (#12). Now using regular browser and see your M3 is an E30 and your E46 is a sedan. If you were looking to put '02 E46 coupe rear tails on an '05 sedan, ain't gonna work.

[Hermes]

I think you're gonna have to get the aftermarket LED tails if you wanna put them on your sedan

[aurelius]

Correct. And pricey.

There's a guy in SoCal selling LED's (new in box from umnitza) for pre-facelift sedans (model year 2001 and earlier):

http://www.bmwcca.org/classifieds/listings.php?id=862

[M3TA5IN]

I didnt see it actually narrowed down, if it was sorry.


The E46 M3 LED Tails started 2003.5 exactly, early 2003 models dont have LEDs, late 2003 models do have LED tails.

kthxbai :)

[aurelius]

I didnt see it actually narrowed down, if it was sorry.

You're correct but I took the liberty of narrowing down the correct fitment after contact with the seller.

[Hermes]

http://www.m3forum.net/gallery/data/3094/19632Signature.JPG

I just wanna say that the MTechII rocker panels look so much better...

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/8a33da5d.jpg

[M3TA5IN]

You're correct but I took the liberty of narrowing down the correct fitment after contact with the seller.

got it! Keep on keeping on :thumbsup

ima go back to off topic now, i do better there ;)

[das boots]

Thanks to all. At least, I know now what years are for LEDs. Kinda confusing at first on years application. Drop the investigation of the rear tails '02 M3. Thank goodness. I still ordered an aftermarket LED tails & front corners. But if stock LEDs are available, then I will do further investigation.