Side mirror issues

[redrocket]

Subject:

2005 BMW X5 E53 4.8iS

Trouble:

The side mirrors both move, fold in and out, and the right side moves down when in reverse and most of the time returns, at least somewhat afterwords, but the behavior is somewhat inconsistent.

Question:

I haven't disassembled the mirrors yet, was hoping to for a better, or more complete, all in one place teardown. I've done some searching. And, also what to look for. I know of the microswitches. And, I guess there could be some gear wear. But, my sense is the motors are good as both mirrors move in left/right and up/down, and they fold as stated.

Suggestions on what to look for to remedy this somewhat erratic behavior?

[redrocket]

Well, after I got home and made the kids some dinner, ...

On each side mirror, I removed the cover, removed the microswitch, and pulled the three Torx mounting screws out of the top of the mirror body to lift the body off the motor below.

There was a general layer of dust and grime covering most everything, which I clean and washed away with Super Slick Stuff. If you haven't used this stuff - you haven't lived. You can buy it at Lowe's.

The microswitches were fine.

Put everything back together, save the covers. The Torx screws weren't particularly snug when I disassembled everything, and tested the operation doing the appropriate adjust for how much the right mirror drops down when put in reverse. Better, more consistent - maybe just a good cleaning?

Time will tell...

[jcp240z]

There is a position sensor in the mirror for the memory and the reverse drop
https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...d-writeup.html