Despite all the claims that an M3/M5 mirror can fit straight into an X5, I have to say to the contrary - after having bought two - that they don't !

Yes they physically fit. It's a 3 minute (literally) job to fit the M3/M5 mirror. But I've just spent over an hour trying to get the remote function of the two keys to work properly and have given up.

With the original X5 mirror in place both keys behave properly (ie. open/close the doors, change the seat position, mirrors etc.) first push of the button.

With the M3 mirror in place you need to push the lock or unlock button between 4-10 times before it will work. Very frustrating

Trying a few of the reprogramming techniques on X5 world I managed to render both keys useless for a while, but thanks to this resource

http://www.programyourkeys.com/BMW_X...ogramming.html

I got them back to their lazy 4-10 button method of operation (using option 3). None of the other techniques works.

Stuck the old mirror back on just to make sure that all was well - and it was, first push of the button.

So this is TWO mirrors I've bought. Both from reliable sources (forum members), so I'm sure they're not duff. Just not compatible with the X5.

Even so, I love the look of the mirror especially with my brand new M3 steering wheel so it's staying, and I'l just have to develop a new level of patience when locking/unlocking the car. Problem is comvincing the wife to do the same.

I assume I'm not the first with this problem but maybe just the first to admit its not a perfect fit. Or did the others have to get the car reprogrammed by the dealer (or indy with Autologic system) ?

I also tried the battery off, etc. etc. but no difference, and I can't extract the receiver parts from my old mirror to fit into the new as they are sealed units.

So a word of warning for anyone thinking of doing this mod. There is a downside and only you can decide if its worth it. I'll post some pics tomorrow of the end result so you can judge if you think its worth it.

Cheers lads. Kev