How to Install a BMW E46 Phone Mount (Step-by-Step Guide)

Intro:
The BMW E46 is one of the most beloved 3 Series generations — but like most 90s/early 2000s cars, it was never designed with smartphones in mind.

Adding a solid phone mount is one of the easiest and most practical upgrades you can do. It makes daily driving, navigation, and hands-free use safer and more enjoyable — while keeping your interior clean and OEM+.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to install the Rendition Custom BMW E46 Phone Mount — using factory mounting points, no drilling, and full compatibility with modern phone holders.

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Why Choose Our Phone Mount?

✅ OEM+ fit and finish — looks factory
✅ No drilling, no glue — fully reversible
✅ Stainless steel base for a solid, rattle-free mount
✅ Compatible with any 17mm ball joint phone holder
✅ Designed and tested specifically for BMW E46

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What You’ll Need

• Rendition Custom BMW E46 Phone Mount → Shop Now

• Plastic trim pry tool

• Philips head screwdriver

• Your choice of phone holder (our mount uses a standard 17mm ball joint) or use our auto-grabbing phone mount!

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Installation Steps

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1️⃣ Remove passenger side dash trim

Use a plastic trim pry tool to carefully remove the passenger side dash trim.

This exposes the factory mounting screw behind the trim.
Tip: Always use plastic tools to avoid scratching the trim.

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2️⃣ Remove the Philips head screw

Locate and remove the leftmost Philips head screw — this is behind the dash trim you just removed.

Keep this screw — you will reuse it to mount the base plate.

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3️⃣ Install stainless steel base plate & ball joint

Align the stainless steel base plate with the factory screw hole and reinstall the original screw to secure it.

Tighten firmly — this gives you a rock-solid mounting point with no flex or vibration.

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4️⃣ Reinstall dash trim

Carefully press the passenger side dash trim back into place.

The base plate is engineered to fit perfectly behind the trim — no modifications needed.

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5️⃣ Attach your phone holder

Click your phone mount onto the 17mm ball joint.

You can also use any third-party phone holder that supports a standard 17mm ball joint — our base is fully compatible.

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6️⃣ Done — enjoy your new setup!

That’s it — your BMW E46 now has a sleek, functional phone mount — built to look and feel OEM, with no rattles or adhesives.

Perfect for daily driving, navigation, and spirited backroad runs.

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Final Thoughts

A simple upgrade like this can make your E46 feel modern, practical, and more enjoyable to drive — all while preserving the factory look.

At Rendition Custom, we design every part with BMW enthusiasts in mind — constantly refined, factory-inspired, and fully functional.

👉 Ready to upgrade?
Shop the BMW E46 Phone Mount here →

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