E53 side mirror issues
 

Hi guys,

Posting about the dreaded side mirror issues on my X5. I tried searching, but couldn’t find much on my specific issue.

I have had issues with the mirrors being loose and not opening/closing properly already some years ago, but somehow got them to work. Since then, I have barely ever used the open/close function and have not had any issues with the mirrors.

Until recently, when somehow both mirrors seem to not hold in the fully open position. When I try to use the open/close function, sometimes the mirrors just close and stay there, sometimes they open but not fully. If I help them and push them open after pressing the button, they can open fully and seem to hold for a bit, but then become loose again and sometimes even close when I accelerate a bit quickly.

What should I look for here? Would this indicate the motors being faulty?

It could be that the ring gear is stripped and likely more than just that. It's probably best to take it apart and have a look and maybe see if you can find a you-tube video. It's a pretty crappy set up so you even want to look at getting replacements.

Who did the E70 mirror mod? I've been trying to find the post. Same here, mine fold and unfold. The right side seems weak. I think it will soon fold on its own due to driving wind. It's a little loose too.

Thanks, I’ll give that a try. I have already taken them apart previously, so I know what to expect, just not sure what will need replacing. Honestly, at this point I wouldn’t mind converting them into mirrors that don’t move at all, I barely use the function to close and open them.

RockAuto was selling the non-folding mirrors really inexpensively late last year.