Cost of fixing mirror motor gremlins

[AK74]

Our 2002 4.6is has the dreaded mirror motor gremlin! To make matters worse, the warranty period has expired, so basically I'm footing the repair bill. I know the mirror issue has been discussed multiple times, so apologies in advance for dragging it up again.

I've searched previous threads, and the symptoms seem to be an annoyingly common occurence for a supposedly high-end vehicle. In brief, it's the 'usual' problem: hit the fold button / the mirrors go in / then immediately fold out again.

I took it to my local main dealer today for a FastLane diagnosis, which confirmed what I basically knew already. I'm going to repeat the comments on the technician's service sheet, as I'd like advice/opinions on a couple of points:

Calling fault memory in diagnosing system - fault with mirror motor on offside (it's a RHD vehicle) but could possibly be both mirrors - not sure until offside replaced.

Replacing 1 mirror motor £520 inc tax (that's $1,060.08 at today's rate)

My first question is this: in other people's experience, is it likely that replacing one motor will cure the problem?

My second question: for those of you that had to replace the motor at your own expense, and taking exchange rate fluctuations into account, does the cost seem rather high to you? I'm thinking it could be cheaper to order the part(s) from overseas (the US most likely) rather than from BMW UK. I've read good things here about Morristown BMW and Crevier BMW...I'm tempted to see if the cost would be lower if I got the parts from them, even once international shipping has been factored in.

To add insult to injury, whilst I was on the way there the 'Check Brake Light' / 'Check Tail Light' warning appeared in the display. I thought it was just a bulb that was failing, thereby requiring a simple replacement. I was a little irked to learn the diagnosis revealed that - and I quote from the service sheet once more - new o/s/r light unit required as all contacts corroded (cost £185 / $377). Has anyone else had this corroded contacts problem?

Thanks

Alex

[2002Silver4.6is]

Do all 4.6is's have a mirror fold button?? I would think if it is that cost prohibitive one could live without power mirror folding.......

[seafarer]

Hi

Yes I had the "Check Taillights" message come up too

It was caused by oxidised rear handle/light sockets

I replaced it myself, its only a few screws to replace - very easily done

As to your folding mirror problems, yes I still have exactly the same problem on my 2002 4.6iS - I think these models came out as standard with this option.

I tried finding some answers to this problem, see http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...light=seafarer

But Ive put it on the back burner for now

Cheers

Seafarer

[AW8]

Ask dealer to diagnose and state it is a widespread problem issue and a premature X5 failure. If you find the eratic movements of the mirrors a dangerous distraction when manouvering in small spaces politely but clearly tell them !
You may find dealer will support you in a bmw goodwill claim to bmw uk. Best case scenario would be you pay for labour for first diagnosis and later fitting and bmw uk pick up 100% parts bill. My own experience tells me this is what you should aim for and what you may achieve.

[chusteveb]

My 2004 had this problem but the dealership had it fixed under my factory warranty. However they did tell me that it was a known issue. Prior to being fixed, mine also attempted to fold in but within seconds, would unfold. I use this function daily in my own garage.

[Ajogu]

I had mine changed under warrenty a while back. Now I have the same problem but my warrenty is expired. I have ignored the issue but will have to pursue it soon. I'm not prepared to pay the price of the mirrors and will keep you posted on what happens when I go to the dealers in a couple of weeks.

[AK74]

Thanks, everyone, for helping me to shed some more light on the mirror issue. I'm definitely going down the 'premature failure' path, as it's clear that this problem is widespread (indicated by the high number of vehicles affected across multiple country markets). I don't mind paying for labour, and I've already paid for the initial diagnosis, but I'm going to make a case to both my local dealer (Chandlers) and BMW UK to get the parts as gesture of goodwill. I'm a firm believer in the adage 'you don't know if you don't try', and I'm more than prepared for a polite battle! I can, of course, live without the folding mirror functionality, but as I like my cars to have all their features working correctly little things like this annoy the hell out of me!

And now that I've had the chance to sit down and read through a few more threads, I can see that the corrosion problem in the tail lights is also an all too common occurrence. I'm going to look into a DIY fix before buying a new light assembly (either dealer OEM or via ebay)...or I might add this to the 'premature failure / design flaw' list when I talk to BMW.

This is our first BMW, but we've owned nothing but German cars for the last 7 years (Mercedes x2, Audi x2, Volkswagen), and I'm frankly amazed at the sheer number of niggling electrical problems that the X5 has. I still love it though!

Cheers

Alex