interior rear veiw mirror question

[jc1kz]

Hi, I have a 2004 325ci e46, w/the dreaded mirror spots/delamination? anyway my question is this...I have the mirror w/red light (for alarm?) and I ordered same. What I got was a mirror w/o the red light...can I still use it? or do I really need the mirror w/red light? I have contacted the company and they are sending me the correct mirror, but was wondering can I use this instead? I really don't like the red light.

[RocketSurgeon]

You certainly can use the mirror without the "clown nose." Nearly all BMW mirrors use the same connector regardless of options, so it will plug right in. Just be sure to rotate the mirror off the mount so you don't break the windshield. The red light is for the alarm, though I don't think I've ever seen a 3-series come from the factory with an alarm, though they are all pre-wired for it.

[Eaglesail]

The BMW alarm system was optional...they gave you a code number to activate. No code, no alarm system! My 03 three, has no active alarm system...because the original buyers of my car did not purchase the BMW alarm code....yet the car is wired for it!...red mirror light and all!

[jc1kz]

The BMW alarm system was optional...they gave you a code number to activate. No code, no alarm system! My 03 three, has no active alarm system...because the original buyers of my car did not purchase the BMW alarm code....yet the car is wired for it!...red mirror light and all!

Thank You for the response...as I was wondering that too! red light yet no alarm...so I suppose I can purchase the BMW alarm now? and would it be worth it or just go with after market....

[jc1kz]

You certainly can use the mirror without the "clown nose." Nearly all BMW mirrors use the same connector regardless of options, so it will plug right in. Just be sure to rotate the mirror off the mount so you don't break the windshield. The red light is for the alarm, though I don't think I've ever seen a 3-series come from the factory with an alarm, though they are all pre-wired for it.

Thank you for the response...unfortunately it came too late!!! The damage is done...oh not by me...the P.O. had already tried to remove the mirror and damaged it, then tried to put some glue on it and replace same bad damaged mirror back...when I move the mirror to twist it off, it just came off and it had a small bit of windshield glass with it. Now my question is do I replace the windshield or fix the damaged glass (as it is not all broken just chipped on the inside.)

[dworthy]

Thank you for the response...unfortunately it came too late!!! The damage is done...oh not by me...the P.O. had already tried to remove the mirror and damaged it, then tried to put some glue on it and replace same bad damaged mirror back...when I move the mirror to twist it off, it just came off and it had a small bit of windshield glass with it. Now my question is do I replace the windshield or fix the damaged glass (as it is not all broken just chipped on the inside.)

I would call Safelite to see if they can re-attach the stud.

As for the alarm system, there is no "code" you have to put in. The alarm is normally active and you don't need to code it in, but I have attached the SIB for your info.

Lastly if you want to keep the OEM style mirror, these guy fix the auto dimming mirror and I can attest to the good quality of work as they replace the glass in the M3: http://www.radar-mirror.com/Mirror_Repair.html

[RocketSurgeon]

Thank you for the response...unfortunately it came too late!!! The damage is done...oh not by me...the P.O. had already tried to remove the mirror and damaged it, then tried to put some glue on it and replace same bad damaged mirror back...when I move the mirror to twist it off, it just came off and it had a small bit of windshield glass with it. Now my question is do I replace the windshield or fix the damaged glass (as it is not all broken just chipped on the inside.)

You might try Norland 61 optical adhesive, or rear view mirror adhesive from the auto parts store. Both are designed to bond to glass. BMW windshields are very expensive, so I would try to fix it first. Certain epoxy might work too.
BTW, the car is prewired for the alarm, but missing the siren, tilt sensor, and interior sonar sensor. If you buy the parts, you can simply plug them in and code the car. I put one in for my neighbor. If you just want the lock/unlock chirps, you can just get the siren and plug it in, no coding required.

[flyfishvt]

I would call Safelite to see if they can re-attach the stud.

As for the alarm system, there is no "code" you have to put in. The alarm is normally active and you don't need to code it in, but I have attached the SIB for your info.

Lastly if you want to keep the OEM style mirror, these guy fix the auto dimming mirror and I can attest to the good quality of work as they replace the glass in the M3: http://www.radar-mirror.com/Mirror_Repair.html

Safelight can't help. I just went through this a couple months ago. In order to repair the windshield they have to pour resin into the hole. His damage is just like mine. When I tried to take off the mirror the button and a couple chunks of glass came with it. Since the damage is on the inside they would have to flow that resin up into the hole. Can't be done. Most insurance policies have a $100 deductable when it comes to windshields. So I got a new windshield.