2 Side Mirrors - Different Build

jsoto · #1 12-31-2013, 12:56 PM

Just got some replacement mirrors. The primary reason was my drivers side heated is out, so I got the a set of heated, dimming aspherical set

Anyhow, on to the pics.
Aside from a different manufact - as you can see a difference from the rear, anything amiss ?

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Ricky Bobby · #2 12-31-2013, 01:14 PM

The one on the left is a drivers side mirror and the one on the right is a passenger side?

jsoto · #3 12-31-2013, 01:29 PM

Ding Ding. That's obvious RB.

I was talking about the sticker-heating element you can see on the rear side.
They are obviously different. Both are sticky when you touch them. Not sure why there are *sticky*. On the right side one, some of the sticky-sticker is somewhat blemished.

Not sure if this affects performance...

Ricky Bobby · #4 12-31-2013, 01:33 PM

Well the one on the right looks like a used mirror and the one on the left is new right?

The sticker heating element is sticky on the backside, I think that's just the backing of the glass that keeps it affixed to the backing plate, I remember mine was like that too when I replaced mine.

The right side one just has some age to it and probably why you were seeing degraded performance. I just put dielectric grease on my electrical connections and hope to get another 9 years out of them, just like the stock ones.

Qsilver7 · #5 12-31-2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsoto

... Aside from a different manufact - as you can see a difference from the rear, anything amiss ?

I'm not sure why your asking...but in order for heated mirrors...you would need the 2 metal tab connections...and both mirrors appear to have that as well as the heating grid applied to the rear of the mirror glass (yes, the patterns are different, but one is an orig BMW mirror, and the other is an aftermarket mirror).

And the auto-dim feature requires the other gray connector which both mirrors appear to have.

So, is their an issue with either mirror's operation? They both also appear to have the correct connecting disc that attaches it to the motor assembly.

I'm going to say, there's nothing "amiss"...similarly as to if you had posted an image of a Michelin & Bridgestone 255/55/18 tire and asked the same question...yes, they may have different tread pattern, but both should work on your 18" e53 wheels.

Michelin 255/55/18 Diamari -vs- Bridgestone 255/55/18 Dueler Sport

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TerminatorX5 · #6 12-31-2013, 02:33 PM

while it is obvious that the mirrors are different (different manufacturers?), i would suspect that both are OE... one seems to be made in June/July of '03 while the other one is made in March of '04? there are date markings on each, that are hard to make out from the pics...

both should be fully operational... unless there is a physical damage to the heating element, which can not be seen on the pics...

install them, test them - it is cold outside and is a perfect time to test the heating portion...

Qsilver7 · #7 12-31-2013, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

while it is obvious that the mirrors are different (different manufacturers?), i would suspect that both are OE... one seems to be made in June/July of '03 while the other one is made in March of '04? there are date markings on each, that are hard to make out from the pics...

Aha! You're right...I originally missed the BMW Roundel on the LH mirror...but it's there...so both mirrors are OE. Ooops, sorry 'bout that.

TX5...how in the world can you see the mfg date on the date grids? My head & eyeballs hurt just trying to focus in on the BMW roundel on the LH mirror.

You must have eagle eyes are a huge monitor. (LOL)

TerminatorX5 · #8 12-31-2013, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Aha! You're right...I originally missed the BMW Roundel on the LH mirror...but it's there...so both mirrors are OE. Ooops, sorry 'bout that.

TX5...how in the world can you see the mfg date on the date grids? My head & eyeballs hurt just trying to focus in on the BMW roundel on the LH mirror.

You must have eagle eyes are a huge monitor. (LOL)

jsoto · #9 12-31-2013, 05:09 PM

Both are used.....the right obviously has some more grime on the contacts I need to clean up.

They were bought primarly to replace the drivers side one - which the heat is not working. So I decided to do aspherical pairs

Qsilver7 · #10 01-01-2014, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsoto

Both are used...I decided to do aspherical pairs

As I've mentioned before (sorry if I come across preachy about them)...but I do L O V E the aspherical (wide angle) mirrors.

Once you get over the 1:1 reflection that Americans have come accustomed to on the driver's side...the additional visibility when changing lanes or seeing what's on either side of you is worth it. In the summer with all the fine hotties walking around, you don't get to use the driver's side mirror for that extra (2nd look) as they walk down the sidewalk...but the safety advantage of the aspherical mirrors is a big plus.

(perspective taken from sitting in driver's seat in front of steering wheel...camera focused @ face level & pointed toward mirror)

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