[markbauer]

Just replaced a fog light on my 2003 M3. The plastic surround housing that you un-clip is total garbage; my strong opinion, sorry. When replaced, and I seated the light properly on the left side with the plastic "guides" to then line up perfectly for the one retaining 8mm screw.
However, the surround plastic, now that I see how it is made, is total and complete crap.
It won't secure back in place other than a very, very light "clip" and I guarantee will fall out at the first minor bump.

So, not interested in debating the quality of this part, but what any of you may have done to secure that housing properly or should I just hot glue the POS?

Sigh, great overall car; worst plastic parts EVER!!!

 

[gigikabmwm3]

At the back side is letter L or R. Maybe you swithed them and so they don't stay in place well. Otherwise put some silicone or hot glue, whatever. They will sit there anyway

 

[markbauer]

Hot Glue

I only had the left one off to change a bulb. But, good thoughts to start with the basics.
What I found is there is a "guide" near the clip which is so easy to insert on the wrong side. Should have taken a picture to point out for others to benefit.
Anyway, I also dropped a few dime sized hot glue spots that I can separate with a little work when the bulb goes again.

The amount of flimsy plastic parts the E46 has up front between the radiator and the license plate is. . .scary. I know it's all about weight but I would much rather see more screws to secure things than all these flimsy plastic clips which will, without debate, break, over the years.

 

[Maranatha]

Just replaced a fog light on my 2003 M3. The plastic surround housing that you un-clip is total garbage; my strong opinion, sorry. When replaced, and I seated the light properly on the left side with the plastic "guides" to then line up perfectly for the one retaining 8mm screw.
However, the surround plastic, now that I see how it is made, is total and complete crap.
It won't secure back in place other than a very, very light "clip" and I guarantee will fall out at the first minor bump.

So, not interested in debating the quality of this part, but what any of you may have done to secure that housing properly or should I just hot glue the POS?

Sigh, great overall car; worst plastic parts EVER!!!

Is this the 8mm screw you're talking about?

The previous owner placed these fog lights on but i guess the plastic piece that covers around the fog light fell off.

 

[markbauer]

Plastic cover

The 8mm screw retains the fog light. I was referring to the plastic surround boot / cover you pull off prior to unscrewing the 8mm etc, etc. You have to be really careful on the outside clip that part of it goes in front and part goes behihnd the other material used to retain. It's just flimsy as anything. I added a dime size of hot glue to help retain and this helped a lot to strengthen an otherwise crap design.

 

[Maranatha]

Gotcha. Yeah, that's the plastic piece i need

 

[markbauer]

Part

Sorry, I don't have a part number for you.
I am not surprised it fell off, not one bit; unfortunately.