Best BMW 3 Series Accessories by Generation
Image: BMW 3 Series Multifunction Steering Wheel for F20 and F30 models for £379.99, at mtautoparts.com
The BMW 3 Series has been through seven generations since the E21 arrived in 1975. The cars have changed considerably along the way, but one thing has stayed the same: owners like making them their own. Some want a better interior, others want to bring an older car up to a higher specification, and plenty simply need to replace a worn or damaged original part. BMW confirms that the 3 Series has now covered seven generations, with the F30 representing the sixth and the G20 the seventh.
That makes choosing BMW 3 Series accessories slightly more complicated than it first appears. A steering wheel for an F30 isn't automatically suitable for a G20, while an accessory for an F31 Touring can be completely different from the equivalent part for an F30 Saloon. The same applies to interior trim, infotainment equipment and many of the smaller details that changed during a model's production run.
Used genuine BMW parts can be particularly useful here. Rather than buying a new replacement every time something needs changing, owners can often find the original part from another BMW and retain the factory look and fit. At MT Auto Parts, the current 3 Series stock includes a range of F30, F31 and G20/G21 interior and electronic parts, although availability changes as donor vehicles are dismantled. So, which accessories are actually worth looking for? Here are seven that stand out across the different generations.
1. M Sport Steering Wheel
A steering wheel is one of the few parts of a BMW you interact with every time you drive, which makes it one of the more noticeable upgrades you can make. The difference between a standard wheel and an M Sport version isn't only visual. The rim is generally thicker and the shape gives the driver a more substantial grip, while some versions also include multifunction controls or paddle shifters depending on the original specification. On an F30 or F31, changing the steering wheel can make an otherwise standard interior feel considerably closer to a higher-specification car. The F30 generation is particularly well served by the used market. MT Auto Parts currently lists F30/F31 steering-wheels, including examples covering multifunction and M Sport applications.
There is an important catch with steering wheels, though. The correct wheel needs to match the car's electronics, airbag and button configuration, and some upgrades can require coding after installation. It is therefore one accessory where checking the exact part number and specification beforehand is especially important.
2. Infotainment Screen and Multimedia Equipment
The infotainment system is another area where a used original BMW part can make sense. Older 3 Series models can start to show their age around the centre console long before the rest of the car does. A scratched or faulty display immediately dates the interior, while a damaged screen or multimedia component can make an otherwise perfectly good car frustrating to use. The F30 is a good example. MT Auto Parts currently has used F30 multimedia screens listed, including central information displays, as well as other electronic auto parts for this generation.
Replacement equipment needs to be matched carefully because BMW used different infotainment generations and specifications throughout the life of the F30. The same applies to later G20 and G21 generations, where screen and control systems are different again. A direct replacement is usually much simpler than trying to retrofit an unrelated system from another BMW.
For owners who already like the way their 3 Series drives and simply want the interior looking better, an original used screen can be a smarter way than replacing the entire infotainment system.
3. Harman Kardon Audio Components
A good sound system is one of those upgrades you notice every day without necessarily thinking about it. The F30 and F31 were available with different factory audio specifications, and cars without the higher-end system can sometimes be upgraded using genuine BMW parts from another vehicle. Depending on the exact specification, that can involve speakers, tweeters, amplifiers and associated wiring rather than simply swapping one component.
MT Auto Parts currently has a complete Harman Kardon kit for the F30, along with individual Harman Kardon speakers and other audio components. Stock changes regularly as more donor BMWs arrive, so different parts become available over time.
This is one of the more involved upgrades on the list, so it isn't something to buy purely because the parts look compatible. The donor specification, wiring and coding requirements all need to be understood first. But for an F30 owner who spends a lot of time in the car, a genuine higher-specification audio setup can make a bigger difference than another cosmetic change.
4. M Sport Door Sill Trims and Interior Details
Small pieces of trim can have a surprisingly large effect on an older BMW's cabin. Door sill trims are a good example. They are exposed every time someone gets into the car, so they pick up scratches, marks and general wear over the years. Replacing them can freshen up the interior without the expense or effort of changing larger components. The F30 and F31 share some sill-trim applications, and MT Auto Parts currently has several used M Sport and standard sill-trim sets listed for these models. The same idea carries over to the G20 and G21. These are the sort of accessories that make more sense to buy used. A genuine original part in good condition will generally blend into the rest of the interior far better than a universal aftermarket replacement.
5. Interior Trim, Seats and Door Cards
If you're trying to change the character of a 3 Series interior, you don't necessarily need a complete retrim. BMW offered different seat materials, colours and trim finishes throughout the life of the 3 Series. That creates quite a useful used-parts market for owners who want to replace damaged components or move to a higher specification. For an owner restoring a higher-mileage car, replacing one particularly worn seat or damaged trim panel can completely change how the interior feels. It also means you don't necessarily have to live with a mismatched aftermarket part just because the original one has become difficult to find. As with any used interior component, colour, trim code and body style should be checked before buying. A Touring interior isn't necessarily the same as the equivalent Saloon, even when the two cars share the same generation.
6. Rear Parcel Shelves and Luggage-Area Accessories
This might not be the first item that comes to mind when you think about BMW auto accessories, but practical luggage-area parts are some of the easiest things to lose, damage or wear out on an older 3 Series. A rear parcel shelf can become marked or damaged over time, particularly in a car that regularly carries shopping, luggage or other items. Touring owners have additional luggage-area components to consider, including covers and other trim pieces around the boot. These parts are also a good example of why a BMW breaker can be useful. They may not justify spending a large amount of money on a new replacement, but finding an original used component in good condition can make a big difference to the finished car.
7. Exterior Trim and Small Styling Pieces
Not every upgrade needs to involve a major body kit. Grilles, trim pieces, mirror covers, bumper details and other smaller exterior components can change the appearance of a 3 Series without turning it into something completely different. They are also useful when an original part has become damaged but the rest of the car is still in good condition. The same rule applies here as with interior trim: check the exact version of the car. Facelift changes, M Sport bumpers and different exterior specifications can all affect whether a particular piece will fit.
Which accessories make sense for each 3 Series generation?
The age of the car has a big influence on what is worth upgrading.
E21, E30 and E36
These early 3 Series models are now much more likely to be enthusiast cars or restoration projects. Originality tends to matter more, so genuine interior trim, switches, steering wheels and exterior details are usually more useful than modern accessories that change the character of the car. Finding good original parts can be difficult, particularly for cars that have already been modified or restored several times.
E46
The E46 sits in an interesting middle ground. Plenty are still being used every day, while others have become enthusiast cars. For daily drivers, replacing tired interior trim, steering wheels, door cards and luggage-area pieces can make an E46 feel considerably fresher. For enthusiast cars, original BMW parts are often preferable because they keep the interior and exterior close to factory specification.
E90 and E91
The E90 Saloon and E91 Touring are now old enough for many replacement parts to make more financial sense on the used market. Interior trim, steering wheels, dashboard components and luggage-area equipment are the types of parts worth looking for. The E91 also has its own Touring-specific parts, so the body style should always be checked before ordering.
F30 and F31
This is currently one of the strongest generations for used 3 Series upgrades. The F30 and F31 are common enough that there is a wide range of genuine donor parts available, but they're still modern enough for those parts to make a noticeable difference. Steering wheels, multimedia screens, audio equipment, M Sport trim and other interior components are all worth considering. The F31 is particularly interesting because Touring-specific equipment, including luggage-area components and interior parts, can be harder to find elsewhere.
G20 and G21
The G20 and G21 are still relatively young compared with the older generations, but the used market is growing. Interior trim, M Sport details, screens and smaller electronic components are already appearing as donor vehicles are dismantled. The range will naturally continue to expand as more G20 and G21 vehicles enter the used-parts market.
What should you check before buying a 3 Series accessory?
The first thing to establish is exactly which 3 Series you have. F30 and F31 are different body styles within the same generation, while G20 and G21 follow the same approach. Production year and facelift status can matter as well, particularly with exterior components and electronics. The original BMW part number is often the quickest way to narrow things down. If you don't have it, your registration number or VIN can be used to establish the vehicle specification before buying. That extra check is particularly important with electrical parts and interior upgrades. Two parts can look almost identical in photographs and still have different connectors, mounting points or software requirements.
Final Thoughts
The best BMW 3 Series car accessories depends on what you actually want from the car. An M Sport steering wheel can completely change the feel of an F30 interior. A replacement screen can tidy up an ageing infotainment system. A Harman Kardon upgrade makes sense for someone who spends hours behind the wheel, while something as simple as a set of door-sill trims can make an otherwise tired interior look considerably better.
The advantage of buying used is that you are not limited to what happens to be available as a new replacement. Genuine parts from donor BMWs can give owners access to higher-specification equipment and original trim without the cost of buying everything new. MT Auto Parts currently has a range of used F30, F31 and G20/G21 accessories and parts available, although stock changes regularly as vehicles are dismantled. The safest approach is to identify the exact part number or your VIN code, then check what is available for your car.
FAQs
What are the best BMW 3 Series accessories?
For used 3 Series owners, some of the most worthwhile upgrades are M Sport steering wheels, infotainment screens, higher-specification audio components, interior trim, door-sill trims and luggage-area accessories, original BMW parts, which could be bought used, saving up to 70% compared to dealer pricing.
What are the best BMW 3 Series F31 accessories?
The F31 is particularly well suited to Touring-specific interior and luggage-area accessories. Seats, door cards, parcel-area components, trim and other genuine Touring parts are worth looking for when replacing worn equipment.
Will F30 accessories fit an F31?
Not always. Some parts are shared between the F30 and F31, while others are specific to the Saloon or Touring. Always check the part number and exact application.
Can I upgrade a standard F30 with M Sport parts?
In many cases, yes, although compatibility depends on the specific component and the equipment already fitted to the car. Steering wheels, trim and some exterior parts are common examples, but the exact specification should be checked first. MT Auto Parts currently stocks various F30/F31 M Sport components.
Are used BMW accessories worth buying?
They can be a good option when you want genuine BMW accessories without paying the price of a brand-new part. Condition and compatibility matter more than simply choosing the cheapest listing.
Are G20 and G21 accessories interchangeable?
Some are, but not all. The Saloon and Touring share the same generation but have different body and luggage areas. Even accessories that look similar should be checked by part number before purchase.
Where can I find used BMW 3 Series accessories?
MT Auto Parts carries used BMW parts from 2012+ BMW models, with current stock including F30/F31 and G20/G21 BMW accessories and parts. Stock changes regularly, so checking the exact part number is the best way to find a suitable component.
Disclaimer: BMW 3 Series parts and accessories can vary by generation, body style, production year, facelift and equipment level. Always check the exact part number and compatibility before purchasing.
