X5 Wingmirror replacements (casing et al)

[Sarnian]

Hi All,

Just before Xmas I invested in a pre Sept 2002 x5 and have been quite happy with it until last week. On the way to work a van driver took exception to my wingmirror and kindly removed it (well the casing and the glass anyway, dont know about the condition of the motors etc yet).

I have been quoted by BMW £240 for the glass and £480 for the casing etc (excluding respray and labour costs) in total I am looking at £1100.00 for a new drivers side mirror!!!! yup I fell off my seat as well.

I have just been quoted by a BMW breakers yard £200.00 for a complete mirror casing and all, the only snag is it is coming off a left hand drive car.

Can any of you see a problem buying it and installing the casing and mirror (hoping that the motors are ok, as I've been warned that I shouldnt use left hand drive motors on right hand drive cars).

OR, do you have any other recommendations as I've gone off the car as it is now 'soiled' (bottom lip sticking right out). And I need it sorted ASAP.

Cheers

Sarnian

[redleicester]

Fook me.... and I thought £80 to replace an indicator bulb was steep..... dear oh dear, thank fook I sold my M5....

[agent006]

Glass might be different, but i can't see the casing being different.

[fixedwheelnut]

The angle of movement is usually wrong I.E. it's angle of movement will be for optimum vision from the left seat, so hold it up and have a look first, or you might be driving with a great view of you're 'B' post and elbow
You must have the 'electrochromatic auto dimming' glass for that price then
Don't forget to check the other spec's such as folding, marker lights, heating etc our parts guys hate them as the number of different types go to double figures.

[apguy]

If you buy second-hand be aware that you will need to know the follwoing info to get the correct door mirror !!

- With or without Electrochromatic glass
- With or without electric setas
- With or without mirror motor memory
- With or without wide angle lens

My parts system (I have bodyshop) list a multitude of options for an X5 mirror assembly.

[off_again]

Just been through the joys of BMW wing mirrors myself! Ok, mines a E39 5 series, but it is the same mirror.

The previous owner had wrecked the mechanism and it didnt adjust with the motors. Was getting peeved with it and the mirror was held in place with a bit of cardboard stuffed in the casing! A £15 replacement mirror sufficed but looked crap!

Anyway, after much searching I found a placed called C3 which sourced me a brand-new mirror assembly (thats the bracket, motors, internal mounting and cables) and a second hand electrochromatic mirror for £330 delivered. Sounds bleeding expensive I know - thats because it is. But all genuine BMW, just at discounted prices. Works a treat and simple to replace. A dealer wanted £700.....!!

Take a look at www.c3bmw.co.uk focused on 3 and 5's but should cover X5's