BMW E46 M3 CSL 51417895581 LV CSL Carbon Door Panel
For the BMW E46 M3 CSL, the part number 51417895581 identifies one of the most iconic interior pieces in BMW’s history: the Front Left (LV – Linksvoor) Carbon Fiber Door Panel.
Because the CSL was a lightweight special, these panels were designed to save every possible gram by replacing the standard heavy upholstered door cards with a structural carbon fiber shell.
1. Technical Specifications
This is a genuine BMW M heritage part, specifically engineered for the CSL’s stripped-out interior.
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Material: Autoclaved Pre-preg Carbon Fiber with a 1×1 plain weave (the classic “CSL weave”).
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Weight: Approximately 1.5 kg – 1.8 kg, a massive reduction compared to the ~5 kg weight of a standard E46 Coupe door card.
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Finish: High-gloss UV-resistant clear coat (Original factory finish).
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Fitment: Designed exclusively for the E46 Coupe chassis. It is a direct fit for any E46 Coupe, but requires the removal of the side airbags for a true CSL conversion.
2. The “Complete” Package vs. Bare Panel
When sourcing this part in “New Original Packaging,” you are usually purchasing the bare carbon shell. To make it functional, a “complete” setup requires several additional CSL-specific components:
| Component | Part Number | Description |
| Mirror Switch Bracket | 51417895581-B | Relocates the mirror control to the center console. |
| CSL Door Handle | 51417896917 | The slim, minimalist pull handle (usually sold separately). |
| Mounting Brackets | (Kit specific) | Specialized carbon or plastic brackets that screw the panel to the door frame. |
| Reflector/Trim | 63316902239 | The small red safety light/reflector at the bottom corner. |
3. Installation & Safety Notes
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Airbag Delete: The original CSL did not have door-mounted side airbags. Installing these panels on a standard M3 requires the removal of the airbag unit. This will trigger an Airbag Warning Light unless the system is coded out via NCS Expert or a similar BMW coding tool.
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Speakers: These panels do not have the standard mid-range speaker grilles. If you value your audio system, you will need to find a way to mount speakers behind the carbon or accept the “radio delete” aesthetic of the CSL.
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Fragility: While carbon fiber is strong, the mounting tabs on the rear of the panel can be brittle. In “New Original Packaging,” verify that the internal structural ribs are intact and have no hairline cracks from old age.
4. Authenticity Check
Since high-quality replicas (like those from Karbonius) are common, a “New Original” BMW part must have:
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The BMW Group Label: A white and blue label on the box with the part number 51417895581.
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Internal Part Stamp: The reverse side of the panel often features a small sticker or embossed production date and the “BMW” logo.
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Weave Consistency: Factory 1×1 weave is incredibly straight; replicas occasionally show “pulling” in the tight corners near the handle area.
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