Mirror dip in reverse not working (FIXED - With writeup)

[JokerElite]

Thank you for this. Another mirror fixed! Is there any way to adjust how low the mirror tilts in reverse? Mine seems to "bottom out" a little.

Edit: Seems to have resolved itself over time.

[Russianblue]

i did this fix over the weekend. another success and I should have addressed this about 4 years ago when it first started, lol!

a few notes/tips.

1. I DEFINITELY needed to remove the both the painted housing and the black trim. Typical BMW plastics disclaimer: BE CAREFUL because locking tabs are always brittle.

2. When reinstalling, install the motor first and then go ahead and install the mirror...slide it down into the locking tab slots. This may seem obvious but i tried to install the mirror AFTER i installed the painted housing and trim. couldn't get enough force on the mirror to lock it into place.

3. be careful with the little electrical contacts on the mirror motor arms. they are EXTREMELY fragile.

4. Redistribute the lubricant to the places it is needed.

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by sv1cec

OK, interesting write-up, and thanks for it, But I have a different issue. The mirror (glass) on my driver-side mirror has become unstuck from the bracket that attaches it to the motor. I tried using two different double-side sticking tapes and it doesn't hold for long (a couple of days every time), I assume because of the curved surface of the glass. Is there another way to attach the bracket to the glass? I do not want to use hot silicone, as it can damage the heating element on the back of the glass.

Any help will be appreciated.

Two part epoxy. Not one minute but at least five minute working time.


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[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by Forbas

Many thanks for this guide. It took me about an hour to fix it. Before my mirror was going up and down just like yours now it goes straight down, but it goes so low I am thinking is it normal ? I was trying to revers and nearly hit the wooden fence case all I could see was just the ground not actually things behind the car. Before the fix when mirror was swinging up and down after a while it was settling in a position I could see the wheel and actually things behind the car. Now it goes so low all I can see is the ground. It looks like to revers I have to switch this off and only turn it on when parking next to carbs. Hiw does it work on yours does it go so low. I wonder is there any chance to adjust how low the mirror will go ?



Many thanks again

I find the dip function positivity worthless it's almost like they forgot to actually test it out. It literally points the mirror at what you've already driven over. I think it's meant as curb distance guide.

In addition it only does the passenger side that doesn't help at all for driver side parking.

I have a good workaround: use the 3rd memory on your seat position for parking. Set the position for your driving then save as memory 1 or 2 first then set both mirrors to aim slightly behind your car not at the rear wheel.

(I use only the vertical adjustment so less wear and tear on the mirror: no good reason to adjust left/right). Leave the adjuster switch set to the passenger side to override the moronic factory dip setting. (apparently named after the inventor).

Now when parking and need to see the curb quick tap memory 3. When done quick tap memory 1/2.

This eliminates the 80-90% of the time the dip motor would have run: example if it takes 3 times rev/fwd to get in a tight spot the factory method operates the motor 3 times. And of course it points the mirror somewhere much more helpful: at what you are about to run into rather than what you JUST RAN OVER.


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[Clockwork]

the point of the mirror dip is to see parking lines and curbs, NOT to see whats behind the vehicle.

[andrewwynn]

My contention as described is that is the pointLESS of the design.

Case in point: is it more important to be exactly centered in a parking space or to NOT SMASH INTO your garage door when backing into your garage.

Pointing at the tire is nowhere near as useful as putting the tire in the bottom of the view and aim the mirror at your back bumper.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

... I think it's meant as curb distance guide. ...

It is..

[timmyc]

Thank you to the OP for the time and effort. Totally fixed my mirror issue.

Here are a few thoughts on the repair:
The grease seems to be the issue here. Cleaning the excess should help with future issues.
Don't use a Q-tip to clean the contacts. It will bend the tiny contacts. I used a kids soft toothbrush.
Do use a Q-tip to clean the grease around and in the slot for the arms.
I had MAF cleaner and it worked great. Didn't hurt the plastic, either.
Do use Dielectric grease on the contact PLATE. A thin coat should keep corrosion at bay.
Take pics of how the contact plates go in. They can be installed incorrectly, but the cover won't want to go on easily, as it should.
Enjoy your mirror working again!

1st, 2nd and 5th pic are of the plates covered in grease.
3rd and 4th are obviously after and before.

[andrewwynn]

Interesting. I have a problem with my driver’s side mirror getting “stuck” when trying to dip down I think I’ll have to look at that


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[guntherrex]

maybe I missed this, but I have the issue that the passenger mirror dips but seems like it's on it's way out. also, the mirrors will fold when I push the button but go back right away.

i looked at replacement parts but they seem rather difficult to find. I don't really care either way, I would rather disable the reverse mirror adjustment. Is there a way to do that?