discussion E46 M3 - Bootlid (carbon fibre vs OEM)

[zabbo]

I bought an e46 M3 with a CSL style carbon fibre bootlid only to discover that water is seeping into the boot area because the bootlid is not sealing properly.

I was advised to just replace the carbon fibre bootlid with an OEM bootlid to address the issue but I like the look of the CSL style bootlid.

My options are:
1. Replace the carbon fibre bootlid with an OEM one, which should sort out my problem. Replacement item is about R3500 for a used one (not sure how much fitting and re-spray would cost).
2. Try and adjust the fitment of the current carbon fibre bootlid and see if it sorts out the problem - not sure if this is possible and if the bootlid will be damaged in making the adjustments. Do they generally fit properly or is fitment always an issue?



Pretty straight forward, so why am I unsure 🤔

Do I swop the CSL style bootlid for an OEM item - are they worth about the same? Or do I keep it as is?

Your valuable input is welcome, especially if you have experience with a similar problem!

 

[TurboLlew]

OEM gets my vote

Maybe it is the angle of the pic or the reflections, but that boot lid doesn't look like it is as tall as an original CSL one is.

 

[Riaad]

You can mod the bracket if you up to it...id probably go the OEM route here

 

[shauwn]

oem my vote for sure coz if u go csl u have to go bumper,etc or it wont look right..my view buddy

 

[TBP88]

I prefer the CSL look, but your boot definitely is not CSL like - the curve is too flat and too low. The CSL bonnet really does "go up" a lot. So, unless you can get a better quality rep, go oem.

 

[zabbo]

Thanks gents! Appreciate the feedback.

 

[AdiS]

I’m inclined to agree with the sentiments to go OEM standard boot. As much as we all love the CSL boot, almost all of the replicas either look wrong or come with fitment issues. Even the oem csl boot can be a bit tricky to align correctly.


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[Peter@AEW]

I’m inclined to agree with the sentiments to go OEM standard boot. As much as we all love the CSL boot, almost all of the replicas either look wrong or come with fitment issues. Even the oem csl boot can be a bit tricky to align correctly.


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It is a pain to align the OE boot lid

 

[Dr Evil]

I bought an e46 M3 with a CSL style carbon fibre bootlid only to discover that water is seeping into the boot area because the bootlid is not sealing properly.

I was advised to just replace the carbon fibre bootlid with an OEM bootlid to address the issue but I like the look of the CSL style bootlid.

My options are:
1. Replace the carbon fibre bootlid with an OEM one, which should sort out my problem. Replacement item is about R3500 for a used one (not sure how much fitting and re-spray would cost).
2. Try and adjust the fitment of the current carbon fibre bootlid and see if it sorts out the problem - not sure if this is possible and if the bootlid will be damaged in making the adjustments. Do they generally fit properly or is fitment always an issue?
View attachment 7091
View attachment 7093

Pretty straight forward, so why am I unsure

Do I swop the CSL style bootlid for an OEM item - are they worth about the same? Or do I keep it as is?

Your valuable input is welcome, especially if you have experience with a similar problem!

Zaynoel are you able to drop the rear seats and get someone to hold a hose pipe over the boot to see where the water is coming in from?
Maybe it's just one section that needs adjusting and you can save the look.

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[zabbo]

Zaynoel are you able to drop the rear seats and get someone to hold a hose pipe over the boot to see where the water is coming in from?
Maybe it's just one section that needs adjusting and you can save the look.

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Yes, i should actually have done that the first time I noticed it. Instead, I just kept the car out of the rain and wiped up any water from washing the car.

Last night I was also informed to check the rubber seals around the tail lights - apparently that is also a common cause for water seeping into the the boot area.

 

[Dr Evil]

Yes, i should actually have done that the first time I noticed it. Instead, I just kept the car out of the rain and wiped up any water from washing the car.

Last night I was also informed to check the rubber seals around the tail lights - apparently that is also a common cause for water seeping into the the boot area.

Hopefully it's something small so that you can still save the csl lid. If you need help checking gimme a shout.


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[Fordkoppie]

It is a pain to align the OE boot lid

Having done exactly the same in the past 2 weeks, I can concur

 

[zabbo]

I prefer the CSL look, but your boot definitely is not CSL like - the curve is too flat and too low. The CSL bonnet really does "go up" a lot. So, unless you can get a better quality rep, go oem.

Perhaps this pic shows it off better? Definitely does resemble the CSL curve.

If anyone was curios as to know how much of a premium the OEM CSL bootlid costs then please find out because I don't want to know I just found out that the rear bumper diffuser alone costs R50k. Not the bumper .... just the diffuser.