Driver's side mirror replacement
 

Hello to all. I have a 2001 X5 that leaked the oil out of the driver's side mirror and is now concave. I talked to the dealer and was told that I had to replace the whole housing. I found a replacement mirror housing on ebay for half the price but the cost to switch out at the dealer is outrageous. I saw one thread that stated that the housing is able to be disassembled but am I able to replace the mirror itself or do I need to replace the whole housing? If so, how do I go about getting the door panel off? I searched and tried to look at the folding mirror retrofit but the link directs me to a blank page. Thank you for any ideas.

You can take the mirror apart and replace most parts (cover, mirror glass, puddle lamps -- don't think your MY01 has them, etc.) , but if you are replacing the mirror motor, you will have to remove the door panel in order to access the wiring harness.

It's pretty easy and straightforward.

Thanks for the reply, I am pretty hesitant about breaking everything. Is there a way to avoid breaking everything?

Then let the dealer do it. They'll be responsible for any breaking :)

For $1000 I will pass. I just need to figure out how to get the mirror itself off.