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.
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
What You’ll Need
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Rendition Custom BMW E46 Phone Mount → Shop Now
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Plastic trim pry tool
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Philips head screwdriver
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Your choice of phone holder (our mount uses a standard 17mm ball joint) or use our auto-grabbing phone mount!
Installation Steps
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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