CSI Mirrors

[BMWNTHZST]

After almost 2 years of waiting, I finally received the drivers side CSI mirror assembly (note to self, if you want something, don't wait as it may never be available when you finally decide to buy it (I got lucky this time!)). The parts are in the paint shop as I type. Is there a DIY on how to remove the old mirrors? Once installed the CSI transformation to the exterior will be complete

[toomanyparts]

Remove door cards. Remove mirror "sails" (covers). Use a hex bit to remove the 3 screws securing mirror. Pull off old mirror.

Are you reusing your original motors or did you buy the ones with the appropriate motors already in them (I think they all come with motors, but can't recall)?

You will want to swap the sound deadening inside the mirror base over to the M tech mirrors. It is not available separately and the new mirrors don't come with them. Also note the white putty that covers the wiring to prevent moisture and wind noise. There should also be a plastic sheet that covers everything as well.

[alex840]

Did yours have the following problem / issue?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-major-problem!

After almost 2 years of waiting, I finally received the drivers side CSI mirror assembly (note to self, if you want something, don't wait as it may never be available when you finally decide to buy it (I got lucky this time!)). The parts are in the paint shop as I type. Is there a DIY on how to remove the old mirrors? Once installed the CSI transformation to the exterior will be complete

[stephon314]

Mind to share where you found yours? Been looking for a pair for a long time and it's backordered everywhere..

[TheShark850]

I drilled some holes and installed e36 m3 mirrors . Look the same and will save a ton of money if you don't mind a little work .

[BMWNTHZST]

Did yours have the following problem / issue?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-major-problem!

I do not know, as I mentioned mine are at the paint shop currently. This wasn't something that ever would have crossed my mind to check. I am now freaking out a bit. I just left a message for the shop to check the drivers side mirror out to see if it is threaded. I will report back once I hear back.

Mind to share where you found yours? Been looking for a pair for a long time and it's backordered everywhere..

Just out of pure luck I called BMW Toronto 3 weeks ago to see if any mirror assemblies had been re-released yet and to my surprise they had and there were a few left so I grabbed. I paid way too much for it mind you (but what are you going to do). I didn't want to do the E36 M3 conversion that TheShark850 and others have done.

[BMWNTHZST]

Did yours have the following problem / issue?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-major-problem!

I just heard back from the body shop. Both my mirrors are threaded! Were yours OEM or knock-offs?

[White94RX]

Deleted. Apparently my advice and expertise isn't needed or wanted when it comes to E31's

[alex840]

BMWNThZST, Thank you for the follow up. No mine where procured through Gault BMW which received it from BMW, I had been waiting for it for a year with one side painted waiting for the other. Honestly, I didn't even check but another member noticed (thank god) before painting.

Maybe, I got unlucky and this was a one off..........

I just heard back from the body shop. Both my mirrors are threaded! Were yours OEM or knock-offs?

[tendril]

I drilled some holes and installed e36 m3 mirrors . Look the same and will save a ton of money if you don't mind a little work .

Are you saying stock E36 mirrors will fit and look right (at the base) if you just drill new mounting holes? I certainly don't mind doing that, but every time I've searched in the past people have talked about different bases and things.

[clubE31]

Are you saying stock E36 mirrors will fit and look right (at the base) if you just drill new mounting holes? I certainly don't mind doing that, but every time I've searched in the past people have talked about different bases and things.

E36 mirrors are not the same PERIOD. Different angle different base. 200% sure I had the cars side-by-side in my garage for months (one with E36 mirrors and my two csi's).
But I have to honest.... most people will never notice it.

[barry8108]

M3 base is the same, just different holes. I bought some and placed them on the car. You would need to drill new holes, but the base fits. They have to be coupe only mirrors. Maybe there is a slight difference from CSI mirrors, but i do not think anyone is going to notice., and you can get a set for 100-200 dollars

[jeffbebe]

Ive got some coupe mirrors and Engle bases but to date I've not bothered converting. How easy was it to drill holes in the M3 bases? As they are hollow-ish surely you had to add some weld or something to create new mounting points to drill into? Love to see how you did it as the thought of trying to make the shoddy Engl bases look good fills me with dread.

[BMWNTHZST]

Finally got around to installing the new CSI mirrors yesterday.

[72tpik5]

And they look good.

[kiwiCSi]

And they look good.

+1

[Alec Cartio]

I have to say, I'm prob the only guy around who doesn't like CSi mirrors.
Personal taste and that they are too small.

[NICO57]

I have to say, I'm prob the only guy around who doesn't like CSi mirrors.
Personal taste and that they are too small.

No you are not alone!

[kiwiCSi]

I have to say, I'm prob the only guy around who doesn't like CSi mirrors.
Personal taste and that they are too small.

Wow...first time I've heard anyone say they don't like CSi mirrors.

I think they're a timeless design and still one of the coolest looking, well-matched mirrors you'll see on any car.
Having said that, they do often look better when viewed in person, rather than in photo's.
As for practicality - sure, they're a compact size, but this is largely offset anyway, by the superb all-round visibility that the pillar-less E31 coupe design already offers.
Apologies to the OP, but I fear we may have just hijacked this thread with a whole new discussion topic......

[Alec Cartio]

Well. Nico57 said he doesn't like them either.
I personally like the original mirros much more. They fit the car "size wise" and overall go better with the car, not to mention visibility. The M mirrors look better with M3's to be honest. Let's not fotget that the Original large mirrors were part of the original E31 design; hence why I think they look better on the car. CSi came later and they probably just said let's save money and use the M3 mirrors on the CSi. LOL.
I'm a CSi owner and would NEVER change my US-Spec original mirrors. That's just me.

[BMWNTHZST]

I have to say, I'm prob the only guy around who doesn't like CSi mirrors.
Personal taste and that they are too small.

No you are not alone!

Cosmetic appearance is definitely a personal preference having said that KiwiCSi is correct, they look much better in person!

Wow...first time I've heard anyone say they don't like CSi mirrors.

I think they're a timeless design ......
Apologies to the OP, but I fear we may have just hijacked this thread with a whole new discussion topic......

Off topic here but did you know that "timeless design" is what my license plate says (TMLSDSGN).
Not to worry about going off topic, it's all good.

Hi, I'm new here and I realize this doesn't pertain to this thread but I cannot, for the life of me, find where and how to post a new thread and nothing in FAQ. Help?

Welcome!
On the main page in any sub-forum (in the case E31) below the Announcement (which is in blue) you will see +Post New Thread (also in blue bold), click on it to open a new topic. I hope that helps you.

[MParallel]

The US E36 guys often complain about visibility and order Euro glass (same for E36/E34/E31). Supposedly the US mirrors are narrow angled or something*.

All my cars I ever had, 2 E36's, which I still have, since 2006, have M3 mirrors. I don't know any better. So I'm so used to them, and provide enough visibility to me.


* I see the Euro ones are called "wide angle". They also have a nice blue tint. And the passenger side doesn't have that "Objects in mirror..." nanny text.

[clubE31]

M3 base is the same, just different holes. I bought some and placed them on the car. You would need to drill new holes, but the base fits. They have to be coupe only mirrors. Maybe there is a slight difference from CSI mirrors, but i do not think anyone is going to notice., and you can get a set for 100-200 dollars

Not the same, base angel is different. View on passenger site is not correct. But agree most people Will never notice it.

[Major Cheese]

...
I'm a CSi owner and would NEVER change my US-Spec original mirrors. That's just me.

Same here brother!

[kiwiCSi]

......CSi came later and they probably just said let's save money and use the M3 mirrors on the CSi. LOL. I'm a CSi owner and would NEVER change my US-Spec original mirrors. That's just me.

That's fair enough Alec...to each his own. If I owned one I probably wouldn't modify it either, just to keep it original.

CSi mirror is not found on any other BMW, so no parts commonality there and certainly no cost saving.
The US-spec CSi was however an overall cost-saving exercise over the EC-spec car.