I believe I have a problem with the gears. Right side works fine. Left side goes click click click click click and doesn't sound good. moves about 0.5 inch, does the loud clicking routine and then stops. Never folds.

are you thinking it is probably way easier to just purchase a known working setup and replace the whole assembly rather than fix the gear?

I'd have to find one that matches what I have currently with the ground convenience light. Also, these 2005 3.0i mirrors compared to my 2003 3.0i have a pronounced black bezel around them.

that Taiwanese video that's been floating around youtube for years is helpful but it's not 100% apparent to me exactly how they are fixing it.

I'm not spending $300-$400 to fix this problem. Only interested if I can get it done on the cheap. Not something I am gonna use much except at the car wash and a few other places.

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2005 X5 3.0i - 71k mi (9.2018) -> 81k (9.19) -> 100k 9.21 -> 123k (8.25)
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SOLD : ( 2003 X5 3.0 - 177k mi (9.2018) -> 186k (9.19) -> 205k (9.21)
SOLD : ( 1997 328is Coupe - Hellrot Red
SOLD : ( 1988 528e w/ Bullseye s256 / MS2 Extra / GC Coilovers / Yukon Coils ~ 300+ HP