PDA

View Full Version : Ghost in the car?



Dathaeus
08-10-2023, 10:19 AM
Ok I know this is going to sound stupid but it'll sound less dumb if someone else experiences the same.

1. Many times I start driving and the rear view mirror is low... so I have to adjust, like half an inch to an inch...
a. It cant be my positioning or spine angle because then why is it ALWAYS ONLY low? why is it never too high?
b. The mirror is still in great shape and stiff in its joints... I would find it hard to believe just once a week or so the mirror falls lower?
c. I cant ever remember hitting the mirror on my way in or out... either was then should it sometimes be drastically off or turned sideways? It is literally the same every time, the angle it drops
d. I ghost is messing with me

2. On my windshield inside the car, there are smudge prints... i cant tell from what, but it is easily wiped off with any cloth. It does not seems dirty. They are small streaks. I never have a reason to touch the inside of the glass. But there it is, appears also like once a week. I cant imagine ANY object touching the inside of my glass right in front of me?

So not huge things but every time these happen, I'm like WTF?

Fenrir
08-10-2023, 10:50 AM
The rearview mirros in the E46 are notorious for having that exact issue as they age.

Most folks will normally just replace the mirror and the issue goes away. I did myself about 6 years go.


As far as the smudges, your dash material may be off gassing and creating residue on the glass. Welcome to 20yr old car ownership lol.

As the materials start to slowly break down, certain components submiminate (convert to gas) and create a residue on the underside of the windshield.

Just about all of my cars do this and it's just something I take care of during the weekly detail. You may have decent results with a dash mat but, the issue will still be there. Definitely don't use armor all or anything like that on the dash. It will make the issue worse.

Sent from my LG Wing and a prayer using Tapatalk

cakM3
08-10-2023, 02:04 PM
The rearview mirros in the E46 are notorious for having that exact issue as they age.

Most folks will normally just replace the mirror and thenissue goes away. I did myself about 6 years go.


As far as the smudges, your dash material may be off gassing and creating residue on the glass. Welcome to 20yr old car ownership lol.

As the materials start to slowly break down, certain components submiminate (convert to gas) and create a residue on thr underside of the windshield.

Just about all of my cars do this and it's just something I take care of during the weekly detail. You may have decent results with a dash mat but, the issue will still be there. Definitely don't use armor all or anything like that on the dash. It will make the issue worse.

+1

Dathaeus
08-10-2023, 04:25 PM
The rearview mirros in the E46 are notorious for having that exact issue as they age.

Most folks will normally just replace the mirror and the issue goes away. I did myself about 6 years go.


As far as the smudges, your dash material may be off gassing and creating residue on the glass. Welcome to 20yr old car ownership lol.

As the materials start to slowly break down, certain components submiminate (convert to gas) and create a residue on the underside of the windshield.

Just about all of my cars do this and it's just something I take care of during the weekly detail. You may have decent results with a dash mat but, the issue will still be there. Definitely don't use armor all or anything like that on the dash. It will make the issue worse.

Thats so weird, I feel like when I move the mirror they are in such good condition and stiff, not loose at all, but good to know.

Wow interesting, NEVER would have guessed that LMAO...

Ok thanks for making me sleep a little easier

Fenrir
08-10-2023, 05:39 PM
Thats so weird, I feel like when I move the mirror they are in such good condition and stiff, not loose at all, but good to know.

Wow interesting, NEVER would have guessed that LMAO...

Ok thanks for making me sleep a little easierHey you're very welcome


That's how these mirrors start. One minute you think you're crazy. The next minute, hit the smallest bump and the thing is staring at your lap lol.


And yeaaaah. Old plastics get really weird after awhile.

Sent from my LG Wing and a prayer using Tapatalk