retrofitted power-folding mirrors, lights not working - does it need coding?
 

01 X5 4.4 with Sport package - the bases of my side view mirrors were starting to corrode (black paint was flaking off...) and I was very happy to score a nice looking pair from ebay. They arrived and I was very happy to discover they were the power folding style. I tracked down a new switch that included the "folding" button and all is well with the folding. Mirrors look good, I can fold them on demand (which is frequent when the 4yo is in the car).

But, the "puddle lights" built into the mirrors are not working. They have new bulbs. I connected the appropriate wires inside the door and inside the mirror. Is this something I have to get coded to work?

Thanks, David

I too retrofitted power fold mirrors to mine but removed the puddle lights as the mirror covers were a different color. I will potentially reinstall at a later time if I decide to have the mirror covers with the cut-outs painted. There is a coding parameter than needs to be checked as "aktiv" in the LCM but not sure if that option is available in the LCM3 (used through MY 2001) but do know for sure it is in my LCM4 (retrofitted auto lamps to my 01 so LCM4 was required). There is also a coding parameter for power fold mirrors in the GM3 but not sure what that actually does as they worked properly PnP (possibly keeps them from folding if a certain speed is exceeded. I know for sure they do not unfold automatically when reaching ~25kph as they do in my X6).

Thanks. I will try to find someone to attempt to code it. The folding is working for me without coding.

I will see if they unfold automatically at speed without further coding - that would be cool!

The auto unfold was not part of the e53 so it for sure will not occur. The only thing they may do is NOT fold if the button is pressed after a certain speed but haven't tried on mine to confirm.

I wouldn't fold them in and out a lot, they are notorious for breaking, so definitely keep the 4yr old away from the switch.

Thanks again. I tested the "doesn't fold at speed" and that protection is functional without any coding. I guess I will look around for a LCM4 and see if I can find someone local to code it. I am not set up for that.

I have a spare LCM4 that I just listed on eBay as I am clearing out my garage.

BMW E53 x5 E46 E39 E38 LCM 4 LCM IV P N 61356938287 | eBay

I NEED power folding mirrors on my X5 due to cabinets I have in my garage, it sucks getting out to fold them manually every single day. It blows me away the prices people still try to charge for used mirrors, I've yet to find a set of power folding ones.

I would look on CL and scavenge wrecking yards, that's how I located mine. Good Luck!

I look randomly but seems everyone wants $300+ per side for 12+ yr old parts.