DIY: Removing the side mirrors

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 02:53 PM

Starting out the mirror looks like this:

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 02:54 PM

Now go to the inside of the door panel and locate the plastic cover at the front corner of the door.

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 02:56 PM

Insert a flat head screw driver carefully between the rubber window guide and the plastic cover piece. Apply gentle pressure, pushing the plastic piece towards you.

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 02:57 PM

There are three plastic snaps that hold this in place and you want to gently release each one.

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 02:58 PM

There is a plastic clip that holds the plastic connectors for the wires. Pop the wires out out of this.

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 02:59 PM

With the cover removed the inside of the door will look like this:

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 03:00 PM

A 10mm socket will be required to remove the 3 bolts holding the mirror in place.

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 03:01 PM

While you are removing the last bolt, be careful not to let the mirror fall or scrape your paint.

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 03:02 PM

Now, just press out the rubber grommet that the wire goes through and the mirror is free.

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 03:03 PM

The mirror after it is removed

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 03:03 PM

These are the tools I used:

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 03:10 PM

Afterwards your door will look like this:

**328isguy81** · 03-12-2005, 04:15 PM

Hey I bought some M3 mirrors a few weeks ago. When I install them, do I have to take the door panels off or not?

**old skool** · 03-12-2005, 04:21 PM

Nope....I just happened to have already removed them.

**bigbilly** · 01-13-2006, 02:52 PM

Hey old skool - thanks for doing this.

**kabal** · 01-13-2006, 03:12 PM

great writeup. very easy

anyone know of a DIY or thread describing using your existing non-M mirror motors in an M style mirror?

**old skool** · 01-13-2006, 03:15 PM

check the 3 series DIY FAQ at the top of the forum. I know people have done it. You have to pop the glass off first which can be a little tricky to do it right and not break it.

**rsy124** · 06-06-2008, 04:24 AM

Originally Posted by Artista

Is there a difference in 4-door mirrors and 2-door mirrors?

(Buying M3 mirrors for a non-M3 4-door)

Yes, the base plate fits differently. Although you can mod each one to fit the other, it is a lot easier to just get the right one in the first place for best fitment.

**ryanmkincaid** · 12-23-2008, 07:24 AM

This was a great help for me, thanks

**TopBombing1888** · 12-26-2008, 09:46 PM

Replaced my broken mirrors, thanks for this...

**mobile1guy** · 03-19-2009, 04:45 PM

How do you remove the mirror glass from the mirror housing on a 2002 330ci coupe? (Without breaking it)

**pd109** · 03-10-2010, 11:30 PM

good thread

**swtyphoon** · 05-18-2010, 08:28 PM

Thanks for posting this Old Skool ! I just replaced my shattered housing

**rhinos57** · 07-24-2010, 05:54 PM

Thank you for the pics & instructions. My garage got narrower this weekend.
Rhinos57

**KerwinCS** · 09-20-2010, 04:23 AM

I purchased power M3 mirrors to put on my 318is, but it seems that the wiring doesn't match or work no matter what I do. The instructions state that Green & Yellow (Left & Right); Green & White (Up and Down) But even though I tested the power of the current system, I can not get it to work. Any suggestions?

Thread: DIY: Removing the side mirrors

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DIY: Removing the side mirrors

E46 not an M3 coupe mirror glass removal from housing

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