Replacing side view mirror without breaking the mirror

lincolnshibuya · #1 05-10-2018, 10:49 PM

Is there a technique on how to remove the mirror from the side view mirror assembly without breaking them? I replaced my side view mirror assembly with a good one but the mirror has a rust stain on the side. I tried swapping the mirror and eventually broke the one I'm trying to swap (it's such a flawless mirror) It's just stuck so hard in this case.. I have swap mirrors on my e39 and e46 without issues (maybe they're just small).. it's just that this X5 has it stuck for good..

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Qsilver7 · #2 05-11-2018, 12:06 AM

andrewwynn · #3 05-11-2018, 04:38 AM

That's the official method. If you want to swap it's the only way. that said: 7-8/10 difficulty. After doing four of themivw found it much easier to pull them off than up at the demise of the old mirror and I use a large lever based suction cup to hold the new one and push the whole assembly onto the ball joint rather than try to slide the mirror onto the disk. .

I bought a pair (actually two pair) for under $40 USD/ Set that are the wide angle euro style and they are fantastic no blind spot at all.

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lincolnshibuya · #4 05-11-2018, 09:56 AM

I guess a large flathead screwdriver is not the best tool for the job, too much pressure on one area and cracked it. My plastic pry tool just bends and doesn't budge it.

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andrewwynn · #5 05-11-2018, 10:05 AM

Makeshift tool would be some plastic construction shims. You can stack them until you get them tight and push a middle one in to multiply force.

I just pull out on the top and pull apart at the ball joint. They usually break but I was already replacing. I think the service manual doesn't factor in 12-20 years of service before removal they get fused on

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80stech · #6 05-11-2018, 10:40 AM

I have yet to try mine(going with the Euro glass as well) but I think I am going to use the TIS method and maybe double up on the tape on the edge of the mirror. The TIS picture leads a person to believe only the plastic bezel needs to be taped.

andrewwynn · #7 05-11-2018, 09:24 PM

The tape is just to not scratch the paint. To not break the glass you need to spread out the force with the likes of a wide stiff putty knife.

kmm111 · #8 05-12-2018, 12:47 PM

I just did 2 sets of the euro wide angle ones on both of my X’s. I only lost one mirror because I was trying to do it without my plastic trim tools. That was a waste of time. I find they are far easier to do with the plastic tools found in the interior trim tool kits. Push the mirror back & pop it up, rotate the mirror to get it out, reverse to reinstall. I actually broke a new one trying to get it to lock down in place without the tool so I encourage their use throughout the job. All that said I did have one factory mirror that was refusing to release. I just pried the sides out gently with a plastic trim tool & shot some spray lube in the gap I was creating, on both side of the mirror. Let it sit for a few minutes & it came right out. There are lots of tips on the forums, do a search for replacing the side mirrors. Good luck

kmm111 · #9 05-12-2018, 12:48 PM

Ps the wide angle mirrors are amazing

andrewwynn · #10 05-12-2018, 12:54 PM

Good tip on the spray and yes a wide trim tool is the perfect tool.

My replacement on knock off the tabs were not made to spec so I needed to modify before I could slide into the base plate. After doing four of them unless I'm going to reuse the one coming off I just pull hard on one side like bottom or top it usually cracks but stays contained.

I push on using a lever type suction cup I stand in front of the mirror housing and "hug" around pulling the mirror assembly onto the ball joint. It's a VERY firm hug

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