Wing Mirror Cover Removal

[ianfp]

Hi Folks, I need some help! My X5 received its first battle damage to a wing mirror. The only damage apart from a scuff is a broken LED strip indicator.

My question is, can the mirror cover be removed without removing the mirror glass? I have searched the forums and there is a suggestion that a plastic shim can be used to pop the cover off.

I have ordered a new indicator (£35), which was cheaper than expected, but I want to avoid the minimum 1 hour labour charge for BMW to fit it. (£120)

Any help would be gratefully appreciated!

[chumbedi]

Search YOUTUBE.COM couple of videos which will provide some info

[hufington]

Here you go:

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=23315805

[ianfp]

Originally Posted by hufington

Here you go:

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=23315805

Thanks hufington! It looks like the mirror has to come out. It looks easy, but very costly if it goes wrong!

Replacement LED turning up tomorrow and I will decide how brave I am feeling

[hufington]

You can pry it open using the plastic tools they sell on eBay or Amazon, that's what I did with mine. But you need a lot of patience and a steady hand.

[ianfp]

Originally Posted by hufington

You can pry it open using the plastic tools they sell on eBay or Amazon, that's what I did with mine. But you need a lot of patience and a steady hand.

Good to know! I just had a look at it and don't fancy the idea of prising the mirror off. I guess that some silicone release oil could be sprayed inside the housing near the fastening points to help. Also thinking it is best done when the temperatures are not so cold as this could cause the tabs on the housing to break?

[hufington]

Originally Posted by ianfp

Good to know! I just had a look at it and don't fancy the idea of prising the mirror off. I guess that some silicone release oil could be sprayed inside the housing near the fastening points to help. Also thinking it is best done when the temperatures are not so cold as this could cause the tabs on the housing to break?

Those damn tabs can break anytime, but when cold, the likelihood is higher.

[weareweird69]

I did this to ours when we purchased it.

Some previous owner hit something, or something hit the mirror, and broke the LED strip. It looked like poop.

To replace that LED Strip, you have to completely disassemble the mirror.

Click each link, in order. Those are the steps required. Install in reverse order. No-Coding needed.


https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...front/EIOF1mK5

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...front/1LIP3ldp

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...front/EIfANsoV

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...front/EIfK0pMq

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ont/1VnXj9rVP3

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ont/1VnXc1YR7i

[ianfp]

[QUOTE=weareweird69;24377553]I did this to ours when we purchased it.

Some previous owner hit something, or something hit the mirror, and broke the LED strip. It looked like poop.

To replace that LED Strip, you have to completely disassemble the mirror.

Thanks weareweird - this now makes me think I am better off getting the dealer to do it. Having said that, the only part of this that concerns me is the mirror glass removal. I will have to look at it this weekend and make a decision! Thanks again.

[weareweird69]

Youre welcome.

We removed ours without an issue.

[ianfp]

Originally Posted by weareweird69

Youre welcome.

We removed ours without an issue.

That's good to know weareweird - did you use a tool to remove the glass? It's the only part I am not sure of..

[CatalinP]

You'll find YouTube videos about how to remove it. Your fingers are good enough, no tools needed.

[weareweird69]

No tools, just fingers. Apply pressure along as much glass as possible, don't just hook one finger under it.

[ianfp]

Job done and new indicator installed.

Getting the mirror off was the easiest part, but removing the cover was a different story. It was nothing like the youtube videos or various photos I have seen. The mirror cover was clipped and screwed onto the LED strip. This was not mentioned in the videos and consequently, I did break a clip. It's all solid when back together though.

I will post some more photos when I get a minute.

Thanks again everyone for your help and advice!

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by ianfp

Job done and new indicator installed.

Getting the mirror off was the easiest part, but removing the cover was a different story. It was nothing like the youtube videos or various photos I have seen. The mirror cover was clipped and screwed onto the LED strip. This was not mentioned in the videos and consequently, I did break a clip. It's all solid when back together though.

I will post some more photos when I get a minute.

Thanks again everyone for your help and advice!

Ya sorry this is covered in the diy for swapping to the X5M mirror covers I did as mine had a rock chip perfectly put a hole in my led housing.