rear view mirror - E46 M3

[utmba01]

Hi guys, I recently took my M3 into the BMW shop for the DME emissions recall. when I got it back, my rearview mirror was leaking fluid from inside. after some finger pointing, BMW of Austin agreed to replace it for me. However, when I got it back, it was the square version like #1, rather than the oval M mirror I had like #7. Did I get jipped?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL93&mospid=47714&btnr=51_3244&hg=51&fg=40

[J10B]

you got a different mirror. now go ask for the one you want unless you like what you have

[RayonRojo]

I also had my (rectangular) mirror on my e46 M3 replaced for the same reason at BMW of Austin. I talked to another M3 owner who had her oval mirror replaced when it started leaking (with the rectangular one)and she said that they have discontinued the oval mirrors and all are replaced with the rectangular ones. Don't think you can still get the oval ones at the dealer.

What color is your e46, just out of curiosity?

[ecrouse]

I had my rectangular replaced with a rectangular. The dealer said the oval was the 'proper' M mirror and the rectangular was for cars with BMW assist.

Dunno if that's true but that's what he said.

[MauiM3Mania]

I had my rectangular replaced with a rectangular. The dealer said the oval was the 'proper' M mirror and the rectangular was for cars with BMW assist.

Dunno if that's true but that's what he said.

I think that may be true. My 04 does not have BMW Assist and came with the oval mirror. When it went bad under warranty, an oval mirror was the replacement. :thumbup:

[Kevlar]

Lots of people get the rectangular mirror as the replacement as the oval ones are harder to come by. I think the oval ones are more prone to leakage.

[ohnoes]

I had my rectangular replaced with a rectangular. The dealer said the oval was the 'proper' M mirror and the rectangular was for cars with BMW assist.

Dunno if that's true but that's what he said.

I believe that is the case... this was discussed ad nauseum several times on M3forum and I always forget what the conclusion is, but I believe the deciding feature for mirror type is the presence (or lack thereof) of BMW Assist...

[SKYWLKR]

What causes them to leak? and what comes out? Is it an interior ruining fluid? Mine came from up north and it is now in the south.


The oval one is so small... took some getting used to and it is still a bit of a problem.

It apears that my drivers side mirror leaked something, are the side mirrors fluid filled?

[MauiM3Mania]

It apears that my drivers side mirror leaked something, are the side mirrors fluid filled?

The exterior mirrors are not filled with anything, unless you are driving too slow for conditions. :)

[ohnoes]

What causes them to leak? and what comes out? Is it an interior ruining fluid? Mine came from up north and it is now in the south.


The oval one is so small... took some getting used to and it is still a bit of a problem.

They are photo-chromatic mirrors for auto-dimming purposes. They have some type of highly corrosive/toxic fluid... not sure exactly what it is.

[ecrouse]

Yup. The mirrors use electrochromic gel sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass. The seal leaks and the gel leaks out (usually on something expensive to replace :(). Seems heat is a culprit and age, the ovals are supposedly more susceptible, at least from what I read when mine leaked.

You will know if yours is leaking before it starts to drip. The mirror will stop dimming evenly, usually at the top and there will be an uneven line across the mirror where it looks like it is partially full of fluid, because it is partially full of fluid :)

[EURO M3 CSL]

uh oh :( subscribed! :)

[utmba01]

thanks for all the replies. I think I'll just stick with my rectangular mirror. it was free after all. don't want to push my luck.

[GuapOh]

I believe that is the case... this was discussed ad nauseum several times on M3forum and I always forget what the conclusion is, but I believe the deciding feature for mirror type is the presence (or lack thereof) of BMW Assist...

It was simply a factor of the oval mirrors not being produced any longer after a certain point. Old stock was depleted and when the mirrors started failing due to leaking fluid, the replacements were the newer rectangular mirrors.

Love my oval, hopefully it stays tight.

[Susua]

I believe this thread will be helpful to those looking for a replacement mirror:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=160179

[AzNaLaN15]

subscribed mine is cracked and smearing

[AzNaLaN15]

update: I called my service advisor on my 04 m3 he said he would replace it free of charge due to it being a common fault. Car is out of warranty minus the maintenance warranty.

[Susua]

For those whose BMW service center will not cover this under any sort of warranty, here's the procedure for obtaining a replacement mirror (from M3F).

First, the response from Magna Donnelly, the manufacturer of the mirror:


I will try to assist you. If your M3 is still covered under warranty, I would recommend you contact your trusted BMW dealer for a service replacement part.
If your vehicle is out of warranty, you could choose to purchase a replacement after-market part on your own or you could contact "Sybesmas Electronics" for a re-manufactured part.

If your interested in a re-manufactured mirror, please feel free to contact "Sybesma Electronics" and Sybesma will send you a form (via email) requesting additional information about your vehicle and any features your mirror may have been equipped with. This form will need to be completed and returned to Sybesma along with digital pictures of your mirror. Please attach clear photos of the mounting device to the windshield, as well as the plug, the front, and the rear views of the mirror. All this information is useful to ensure that the replacement mirror will fit and function. There is a reasonable cost for this service.

You may contact Sybesma via E-mail @: orders@sybesmas.com
Web site : www.sybesmas.com (http://www.sybesmas.com/)
Toll Free number: 1-800-456-4265

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. I have included my contact information below.

Thank you,

Steve Chenlo
Quality Assurance
Office: 616-786-7495
Fax: 616-786-7560
Magna Donnelly Corporation
3575 128th Ave. North
Holland, Mi 49424Now the response from Sybesma's Electronics:


Thank you for contacting us. The cost for a mirror exchange is $75.00 plus shipping/handling to the United States. If you reside outside of the USA, please contact us for pricing. You will be required to return the defective mirror and a pre-paid label will be provided for you to do so.

The attached form will need to be completed and pictures of the following will need to be included for us to determine what mirror it is that you are in need of.

-Front and rear views of the mirror
-The plug (number of pins and wire colors are helpful)
-The mounting bracket located on the windshield

You may send payment via email when your order is submitted otherwise, we will contact you when you mirror is ready to ship for that information.

If you need assistance removing or installing the mirror please contact us for Technical Support.

Do not open the black casing surrounding the mirror as this will cause damage and the unit will no longer be valuable as an exchange and you will be charged the full purchase price of $200.00.

Thank you,
Sybesma’s Electronics
616-392-6911

[SKYWLKR]

Should this be something I preempt and just get swapped out now?

It is Cheap enough. Rather than new trim.

[AzNaLaN15]

well it costs 75 bucks if its defective or 200 brand new