Outside rear view mirrors defroster.

[80stech]

I actually got a start on the mirror problem. Keep in mind I am working on X5 mirrors but the problem seems to be the connection to conductor grid which is riveted and the grid appears to be very, very thin and delicate aluminum foil embedded in a really tough plastic! ;( Not sure how I am going to get contact to the foil but am trying a few things and will post an update what I find out.

[jeepo23]

Originally Posted by 80stech

I actually got a start on the mirror problem. Keep in mind I am working on X5 mirrors but the problem seems to be the connection to conductor grid which is riveted and the grid appears to be very, very thin and delicate aluminum foil embedded in a really tough plastic! ;( Not sure how I am going to get contact to the foil but am trying a few things and will post an update what I find out.

Wicked! Let me know. If you got any pics that would be sweet.

I know your working on the X5 but I am betting that the mirror assembly is quite similar between the X3 and X5, with probably just the mirror glass varying in physical size.

[80stech]

The plastic cover comes off if heated in the oven (i used 175 F) and then the heating grid peels off (tougher) if you reheat to about 200 f. Next time I think I would bump up both temps though. I am going to try to make a copper rivet out of some 12 ga. solid copper wire and try to reconnect the grid after I solder a bit of wire onto the rivet. The solution can't include soldering as the heat melts the foil almost instantly. I guess you could also buy just the heated glass and carefully peel the heating grid off to reuse on the originals.

[jeepo23]

Originally Posted by 80stech

The plastic cover comes off if heated in the oven (i used 175 F) and then the heating grid peels off (tougher) if you reheat to about 200 f. Next time I think I would bump up both temps though. I am going to try to make a copper rivet out of some 12 ga. solid copper wire and try to reconnect the grid after I solder a bit of wire onto the rivet. The solution can't include soldering as the heat melts the foil almost instantly. I guess you could also buy just the heated glass and carefully peel the heating grid off to reuse on the originals.

Have any pictures?

Purchasing a new glass, wouldnt you just pop it on and use it - whats the point of buying the glass and then hacking it all up?

[80stech]

I have the auto-shading Euro glass. Sorry, not big on pics but I might take a few if the rivet thing works out.

[jeepo23]

Originally Posted by 80stech

I have the auto-shading Euro glass. Sorry, not big on pics but I might take a few if the rivet thing works out.

Yeah do it lol, cause I have a hard time understanding whats going on! haha