Rusty looking side mirror...
 

my driver side mirror has some discoloration, almost rust colored, forming around the bottom edge of the glass.
Any ideas of how to fix this?
Can i just buy new glass or is the heating element stuck on the back?

Mine is doing the same thing, it looks really ugly. Its a common problems on bmws i believe, my friend with a 3 series has the same prob. Should be able to just replace the glass im guessing and keep the original housing.

I just looked it up on realoem, it realls depends on if you have auto dimming or not, if you do its a lot more.

Without (Drivers):
51168408797 $77.84



With (Drivers)
51168247769 $266.72

I have the same problem, not just at the bottom but in the middle (small spots) as well. I am not sure what it is (looks like rust?). How would I know if I have auto dimming or not?

Refer to this link, scroll down it will have a section about mirrors,

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/g...e53-years.html

same problem on my pass side around the edge i used blue windo tint and tint both side that thing it turned out good.