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Thread: E36 M3 Passenger Side Mirror Not Working

  1. 07-25-2011, 05:44 AM #1
    westyarddog
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    E36 M3 Passenger Side Mirror Not Working

    Hey everyone, I have a 1999 E36 M3. I cannot control the side mirror from the inside of the vehicle. The driver side works perfectly fine. Any suggestions as to what the problem could be, and how I could fix it on my own. Thanks!
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  2. 07-25-2011, 05:45 AM #2
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    ksidlosky
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    Most likely need a motor in the mirror, mine does the same thing on the driver side. I just move it manually.
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  3. 07-25-2011, 11:28 AM #3
    mattb2012
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    Pop Off the side mirror, make sure all the 4 wires are still connected, my side mirror was out...I popped off the mirror and found one of the wires disconnected, all good now.
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  4. 07-25-2011, 11:42 AM #4
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    therealdeal
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    special way to pop off the mirror?
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  5. 07-25-2011, 02:31 PM #5
    mattb2012
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    Quote Originally Posted by therealdeal View Post
    special way to pop off the mirror?
    I just stuck my fingernails in there and slowly, gently popped it out, there are 4 tabs in there holding the mirror in place, be careful you can break those off...easy to pop back in. I cut my wire and reinstalled, as the plug was still in there but wire holding it came off.
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  6. 07-25-2011, 03:04 PM #6
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    Moron95M3
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    you could always remove both mirrors, swap sides and see if your pass. side connector is sending power. That should tell you if it's the actual mirror or the wiring.

    I just changed mirrors, very easy process to remove/replace them.
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  7. 07-26-2011, 12:22 AM #7
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    therealdeal
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    thanks for the info! my paasanger side isnt working so i need to see whats up
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  8. 04-29-2015, 08:35 AM #8
    Hutcho
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    Any fix I have the same issue?
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  9. 04-29-2015, 11:49 AM #9
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  10. 04-29-2015, 04:32 PM #10
    egebhardt
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    90% of the time, the wires in the mirror are falling off. Pop out the glass.. Yes. The glass pops off and on. Just give it the right grab with your fingers jammed in there. These are the 4 wires with 6 connectors.

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  11. 04-30-2015, 12:16 AM #11
    Hutcho
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    Testing now, thanks

    - - - Updated - - -

    All connections are fine, looks like I need to get a new motor
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  12. 04-30-2015, 10:01 PM #12
    technoMyviolet3
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    Mine has been non-functional ever since my mother's friend ripped it off when backing out of my parents driveway the first day i had my car

    Never thought to just check the wires though, hopefully i can finally fix it simply!
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  13. 07-25-2019, 06:38 PM #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by egebhardt View Post
    90% of the time, the wires in the mirror are falling off. Pop out the glass.. Yes. The glass pops off and on. Just give it the right grab with your fingers jammed in there. These are the 4 wires with 6 connectors.

    Does anyone know what those flat electrical connectors are called and what size wiring that is? All mine have broken off the side mirror motor!
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  14. 02-05-2020, 06:42 PM #14
    ArtSpeed
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    Quote Originally Posted by technoMyviolet3 View Post
    Mine has been non-functional ever since my mother's friend ripped it off when backing out of my parents driveway the first day i had my car

    Never thought to just check the wires though, hopefully i can finally fix it simply!
    That's likely just what happened -- my wife did the same thing to ours last month, and two wires got yanked out of their connectors...
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  15. 02-06-2020, 08:18 AM #15
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    Yup, I'm actually using the motors from a 99 323. They just don't have the heating connectors which don't bother me
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  16. 02-07-2020, 05:58 AM #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by BMWManiac View Post
    Does anyone know what those flat electrical connectors are called and what size wiring that is? All mine have broken off the side mirror motor!
    Checked the ETK under vehicle electric system and also engine electrical system, no such connector shown there, probably part of the complete wire loom. I would try to find a similar connector from a car parts shop and grind/fix it to fit.
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  17. 02-07-2020, 06:22 AM #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by shogun View Post
    Checked the ETK under vehicle electric system and also engine electrical system, no such connector shown there, probably part of the complete wire loom. I would try to find a similar connector from a car parts shop and grind/fix it to fit.
    I just pulled used motors out of a junk yard
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!
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