Automatic side view mirrors
 

When I push the button to retract my side view mirrors they immediately return to the extended position. Any body else having this problem? Any idea why or what the malfunction is?

Welcome to the club. There are a lot of us who have this issue. Isn't worth the time or money to fix it

Oh yeah, I got this problem as well. I just leave it as it's and not using the button at all.

You can try this fix, it seems to have worked for others around here..
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ixed-pics.html

Very simple fix. I fixed both sides on my X5 and also fixed my buddies. No tools required. He bought his X5 used and didn't even know that the mirrors should stay folded.

Follow the instructions above and you should be good to go. Just be careful pulling the mirror covers off as they are a pretty tight fit. You might break off the little clips that hold the cover securely in place.

I have the same problem, seems i bought it this way. Any other tips that you can give or clearer pictures to help with the process. As i dont want to freak things up? How long did it take?

have a look at this thread on the UK version of this site.

xdrivers.co.uk • View topic - Auto Folding Mirror Fix

worked for me

Took me 10 minutes per side to fix. No glue gun used, only needle nose pliers. I did break the clips on the bottome of the mirror covers but they seem to still fit snug and no problems so far.

You're not alone!

I did break it and bought a new MIRROR SUPPORTING RING L/H P/N: 511 68 25 49 03 for around $60 :)

Being that your ring broke what tool would you recommend in the future to use and exactly would you put it to get the ring off from this picture given by times5 xdrivers.co.uk • View topic - Auto Folding Mirror Fix

lol.. i also just posted this. Same issue i have.

is there a definitive year where the power folding mirrors were made standard? my 2000 doesnt have it and it would be a cool retrofit

I will happily swap you my motors for your manual mounts. The motors are a pain in the arse

Removing the outer cover
 

Here is a youtube video removing the cover without using a tool. for Xoutpost - YouTube

That was way too easy. The clips are probably already broken for the mirror cover to come off that easily.

My passenger side mirror started to act weird this morning, I heard a click/pop when that mirror folded out so after checking, I've noticed that there is a 1 or 2" of play in the movement. I guess having a pwr folding side mirrors are prone to break/malfunction often, had a similar issue on my previous e39 m5.