how do i fix this?
 

2 small but very annoying issues:

- rusty behind mirrors.

http://i49.tinypic.com/rur9r8.jpg

can i just rip the old ones off? how are they attached?
It seems that putting one back is cheap and easy:
BMW X5 E53 1999-2006 LEFT SIDE FLAT WING MIRROR GLASS | eBay


- damaged grip interiour:

http://i49.tinypic.com/2qnqhb7.jpg

really don't know how to get this smooth again, any ideas?
replacing seems like a very big job..

Is it scratched?
I'd just peel the entire handle if it's me. Makes the whole thing smooth and glossy.

I'll give it a try, has to come off anyway for a fix iguess...

peeled it, looks ok, not great.

http://i45.tinypic.com/2uhmphe.jpg

tried if the mirror glass comes off easy, but no way..

well I must say it's way better than earlier !!!! ;)

take off the window trim first and check the screws holding it.
http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/y/c/214.png

my folding mirror motor is dead and will probably have a look .. will let you know.

There are no screws holding the mirror. Take a plastic pry tool and from the bottom of the mirror push up. The mirror is held on by two brackets. Follow this guide: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...placement.html

Thanx, will give it a try this weekend. Unfortunately my car has no heated mirrors, could I order heated ones and somehow hook them up?

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

You can order them heated, you just wont be hooking up the connecting tabs in the back. They are all the same size and fit the same way. Only difference is some are heated others not, some are monochromatic and some not.

I was wondering to get the heating working, there is power in the mirror for adjusting & small lights. Maybe there's a way to loop the power to the heating pads..

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

Not sure how you can retro fit it. Are you sure you don't have heated mirrors though?

Nope, at least no button for it in my car..

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

There is no "designated button". The heated side mirror power is integrated with the rear window defrost button. When you turn on your rear defrost, the sideview mirror power is activated also. When you remove your mirrors, you will see the two wires for the heated option going into the mirror. I'm sure you have it.

I'm an idiot, first BMW car for me. I will test the heating on my mirrors and order the right set, thanx!

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

Yep they are heated :flame:

Is also in the spec list. Going to order and replace. all solved.

:thumbup:

How did you peel off the door handle? Any special tools or solvents?

Acetone does a good job taking it off. Then 3m General Adhesive remover for the residue. If you don't like the look of it without the coating, you can always Plasti-dip it. A lot of people forget that it comes in a lot of colors and customizable tints. There is one color; Camo Tan that would match pretty good.

It will be a little darker, but may be a nice contrast against the brushed aluminum strip.

Peeled it of with a plastic knife...

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

Ok, so i swapped the mirrors (hell of a job) but now they are continue "heating" is this normal?