OEM M3 Oval rear view mirror w/ pics

[cakM3]

Here it is. I installed this last night but did not get around to taking pics until this afternoon after getting a set of OEM M3 side mirrors to install later. For those who do not have BMW assist, this mirror is plug and play. For those who have BMW assist you have to remove 4 pins (2 wires) to make this work without "smoking" the internal electronics of the mirror. The wires you will be concerned with are the solid light green wire and a white wire. I believe pins 4 and 7 but can't remember the other two pins. It won't be a problem because the other two pins are basically piggy-backed to these two pins.

On with pics...:roundel

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/photo-4-1.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/photo4-1.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/photo2-1.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/photo3-1.jpg

What seems to "hurt" these mirrors and cause them to bubble up and leak is excessive heat inside the car from the sun. Keeping your car cool will help prevent these mirrors from bubbling up and leaking. If you happen to see a discoloring or bubbling of the mirror then you need to replace it and send the affected mirror for repairs. There is a company called Sybesmas that will replace your mirror for $95 plus shipping. They are a mirror manufacturing company.

You can call them at 616-392-6911.

Here is a thread from e46fanatics that discusses this issue: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=686228

Anyway if you are interested and want to do this it works :thumbsup I like these mirrors over the square types....

[M0nk3y]

Similar mirror in my Z. I agree 100%. Much better looking and does the same purpose.

Great upgrade, and +1 to running an escort ;)

[cakM3]

Similar mirror in my Z. I agree 100%. Much better looking and does the same purpose.

Great upgrade, and +1 to running an escort ;)

Thanks :thumbsup I think it will go with what I have in mind for my ZHP:biggrin

Got the OEM M3 side mirrors today. Will be modifying the baseplate for sedan fitment within the next few weeks and then thinking of painting the baseplate gloss black and get the carbon fiber mirror housing or just paint everything Imola Red. Not sure which way I will go but I am leaning on the carbon fiber route. I think it will look good with the Imola Red... any inputs on this train of thought?

The Escort is my backup radar detector but I think for the ZHP I might get the Beltronics STi Driver

Mods...if this thread needs to go to a different section by all means please move it there. Thanks!

[danewilson77]

Looks great.....In for pics when the side mirrors are done.

[M0nk3y]

Thanks :thumbsup I think it will go with what I have in mind for my ZHP:biggrin

Got the OEM M3 side mirrors today. Will be modifying the baseplate for sedan fitment within the next few weeks and then thinking of painting the baseplate gloss black and get the carbon fiber mirror housing or just paint everything Imola Red. Not sure which way I will go but I am leaning on the carbon fiber route. I think it will look good with the Imola Red... any inputs on this train of thought?

The Escort is my backup radar detector but I think for the ZHP I might get the Beltronics STi Driver

Mods...if this thread needs to go to a different section by all means please move it there. Thanks!

I've been running an Escort 8500x50 Rev5 for the past 3 years and have been ticket free. Got it used for $120 and it outperforms a new 9500

Sorry for the threadjack.

[cakM3]

Looks great.....In for pics when the side mirrors are done.

No problem Dane, I will be sure to post pics when I'm done. I just need to decide which route I will be going whether it's all IR or gloss black/cf...not sure yet.

[cakM3]

I've been running an Escort 8500x50 Rev5 for the past 3 years and have been ticket free. Got it used for $120 and it outperforms a new 9500

Sorry for the threadjack.

no worries! :biggrin

[Thalilbear02]

I just installed my M3 Mirror in my 05 E46, and I saw that it started to smoke immediately after turning it on. I just noticed this thread saying I have to disconnect a few wires. What's the best way of making it work without smoking? How would I disconnect the solid green and white wires???

Thanks for all the help :)

[cakM3]

I just installed my M3 Mirror in my 05 E46, and I saw that it started to smoke immediately after turning it on. I just noticed this thread saying I have to disconnect a few wires. What's the best way of making it work without smoking? How would I disconnect the solid green and white wires???

Thanks for all the help :)

Sounds like you have BMW assist to me. What you need to do is disconnect your mirror and then open up the connector.

Go to this link, specifically post #26 to see how it is done: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=161247&highlight=oval+mirror+diy&page=3


BTW...I smoked my oval mirror (the one I'm currently using in my ZHP - see pic below in sig) and it still works, auto dim and alarm indications all work normally. The smoked smell will go away after a week or two...

Another resource you can check out: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=729475&highlight=oval+mirror+auto+dim+diy

Hope this helps out, if anyone have additional questions feel free to PM me...:thumbsup

[Au2bahn]

Interested to see updates on your side mirror project. Looking for my next project.

[cakM3]

Interested to see updates on your side mirror project. Looking for my next project.

Once I get my side mirrors from the body shop, I will update this thread. Had other priorities take over recently....promise I will get back to this...:thumbsup

[Hermes]

I wanna do this, just need to find a wrecked ///M to get it from. I might have some questions for you later

[cakM3]

No Problem JP! :thumbsup Ask away :)

[Au2bahn]

Once I get my side mirrors from the body shop, I will update this thread. Had other priorities take over recently....promise I will get back to this...:thumbsup


Charlie, where did you get your m3 mirrors? Oem right?

[cakM3]

i got my set (yes, OEM M3 side mirrors) from a forum member on E46Fanatics. He is located in Waterbury CT. I can contact him to see if he has another set available if you want.

JP, I can check my parts lead for you as well and PM you details :thumbsup

[Au2bahn]

Yeah check if you can. I've been looking for a set for awhile.

[Hermes]

i got my set (yes, OEM M3 side mirrors) from a forum member on E46Fanatics. He is located in Waterbury CT. I can contact him to see if he has another set available if you want.

JP, I can check my parts lead for you as well and PM you details :thumbsup

Yes! Let me know. I'll PM you since I have questions already...

Thanks!

[cakM3]

Yeah check if you can. I've been looking for a set for awhile.

PM'd :thumbsup


Yes! Let me know. I'll PM you since I have questions already...

Thanks!

No problem JP, I also texted my friend to see if he has any available parts. I will PM you details when I get them. :thumbsup

[az3579]

i got my set (yes, OEM M3 side mirrors) from a forum member on E46Fanatics. He is located in Waterbury CT. I can contact him to see if he has another set available if you want.

JP, I can check my parts lead for you as well and PM you details :thumbsup

Was it Steve? If so, I got my S50 from him. :)

[cakM3]

Yes, same guy BP :)

[thesixsins]

How difficult was the mirror replacement? Might be a good winter project!

[cakM3]

Since my ZHP did not have BMW assist, it was very easy. One thing though, I had to make additional connections to add power to my OEM M3 autodim mirror.....not a problem. There is a diy out for this and I will have to dig it up to post here on this thread if I haven't already.....long day.

This would make for a good winter project....another type of mirror to consider, and I have, is the Z4 mirror. The shape is different as well and the clown nose is grey vice red. Something to think about...:) They work on our cars as well....:thumbsup

~Charlie

here.....this might help :thumbsup



Replacing the rectangular mirror to an oval style

'05 M3 with Assist on the mirror to an oval mirror from an '03 M3 without Assist.

'03 Oval Mirror with no Assist, no homelink (10 pin connector)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Pin 1 +12V when car is put in reverse, I believe so AD is disabled while backing up
Pin 2 +12V Constant source (Power "reciever" for remotes)
Pin 3 +12V Ignition source (Power AD circuitry)
Pin 4 O/S (-) Optical Sensor
Pin 5 O/S (+) Optical Sensor
Pin 6 O/S (-) Optical Sensor
Pin 7 O/S (+) Optical Sensor
Pin 8 ????
Pin 9 LED kathode (-) This is the clown nose LED
Pin 10 Ground

Note: that the O/S pins 4, 5, 6, 7 take up four pins and loop into each other (ie 4/6 and 5/7)



On the car side, an '05 M3 with Assist wiring is similar but different from other E46 vehicles.


'05 M3 Car connector located near rain sensor, no homelink (10 pin connector)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Pin 1 +12V when car is put in reverse, I believe so Auto Dimming is disabled while
Pin 2 -BLANK- NO CONNECTION
Pin 3 +12V Ignition source (Power Auto Dimming circuitry)
Pin 4 +12V Constant source (I-Bus for Assist)
Pin 5 Parking light +1.5V (used to light the Assist buttons)
Pin 6 ?????
Pin 7 +12V Constant source (Power "reciever" for remotes)
Pin 8 +12V Constant source
Pin 9 LED kathode (-) This is the clown nose LED
Pin 10 Ground


Please use this information as a guide and verify your pins/connectors before installing any mirror.

The '03 oval mirror wires correspond to the following pins:

Pin 1 Black
Pin 2 Red
Pin 3 Yellow
Pin 4 White
Pin 5 Green
Pin 6 White
Pin 7 Green
Pin 8 Purple
Pin 9 Blue
Pin 10 Brown

There are two circuit boards, and two connectors internal. One is the Auto Dimming circuit board which Pins 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 go to. Also, pins 4/6, 5/7 loop into each other and should be disconnected if you have BMW assist or you will smoke the mirror...
__________________

[lilcdkey]

Looks awesome. I definitely want one.

[Hermes]

Charlie,

I have assist but don't care about it. I would love to install one of the mirrors with homelink if that is possible. How tricky would this be?

[cakM3]

Charlie,

I have assist but don't care about it. I would love to install one of the mirrors with homelink if that is possible. How tricky would this be?

JP,

Not sure since I have not done the research on mirrors with homelink. I will have to do some digging around to see if there's anything I need to do. Give me a day and hopefully I will have an answer for you :thumbsup

[Hermes]

Sounds good, take your time. No hurry on my end, I just was thinking about it.

I could always put the homelink by the moonroof control but in the one built into the mirror would be cleaner IMO

[cakM3]

JP,

This is what I found out...haven't verified this yet but it sounds good.

Pins 4, 5, 6, 7 would have a problem with the electrochromatic circuit on the mirror. Remove pins 4,5,6,7 and add pin 3 to the plug connector. Pin 10 is set up for "SOS shared ground" and you can use this for ground with the homelink mirror.

If you don't remove pins 4,5,6, and 7, there is potential for damaging the mirror because the SOS wiring uses the same pins that the autodim mirror use. This will permanently damage the EC circuit and essentially make the mirror useless.

All you need to do is push these pins out of the connector plug, add pin 3 for power and isolate each pin (4,5,6, and 7) so it does not short and tuck them inside the mirror stalk. They will fit inside. :thumbsup

JP, here is a decent link for a Homelink Retrofit DIY: http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=256958&highlight=homelink+mirror (http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=256958&highlight=homelink+mirror)

Hope this helps :thumbsup

[sna77]

Charlie, I’ve done a similar version of this retrofit a few times. Both my ZHP (without autodim) and my wife’s X3 have mirrors from 2007+
The newer style mirrors feature an integrated compass and UGDO, as well as a low profile, charcoal colored clown nose. Still the same wiring pinouts too--All you need to do is ssupply power and ground for non-autodim cars...

Here’s my original DIY from 2007 if anyone’s interested:
http://www.bigpatsfans.com/mirror/compass.htm

And my X3 DIY:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370674

Delmarco did a really good write up DIY on Fanatics with pictures too:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=694082

New style mirror:
http://www.bigpatsfans.com/x3compass/4.jpg

New style mirror for sale on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Auto-Dimming-Rearview-Mirror-Compass-Homelink-/170732663193?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item27c075b199

[cakM3]

Thanks for adding to the thread Steve, it was your original DIY that I used when I installed my oval mirror to my ///M. Excellent writeup :thumbsup

[sna77]

Thanks! I think this is one of the easiest and best bang for your buck mods out there!

[cakM3]

agreed :thumbsup

[cakM3]

Looks great.....In for pics when the side mirrors are done.

Didn't mean to bring up an old thread but I never got around to posing pics with my ///M side mirrors mounted. I will work on this over the weekend. I have a "spare" oval ///M mirror I can use to grab a pic. Sorry about that Dane!

[kakashi169]

Nice mods Charlie!

One day I am going to buy your car haha.

Any noticeable difference with the oval mirror?

[johnrando]

Sorry, you have to stand in line behind me and Ryan. :biggrin

[cakM3]

Nice mods Charlie!

One day I am going to buy your car haha.

Any noticeable difference with the oval mirror?

Thanks Daniel! I get offers all the time from ppl to buy my ZHP ;)

Regarding the oval mirror, there is a difference because the ends are more pointed and taper but the center is much wider. There is an adjustment to get used to driving with the oval mirror but once you get adjusted, it's not a problem. I like this mirror because it only came with the E39 ///M and E46 ///M.


Sorry, you have to stand in line behind me and Ryan. :biggrin

True....:thumbsup

[kakashi169]

Thanks Daniel! I get offers all the time from ppl to buy my ZHP ;)

Regarding the oval mirror, there is a difference because the ends are more pointed and taper but the center is much wider. There is an adjustment to get used to driving with the oval mirror but once you get adjusted, it's not a problem. I like this mirror because it only came with the E39 ///M and E46 ///M.



True....:thumbsup

Haha, didn't know there was a line! BTW where did you get your CF diffuser? I want one. I found a fanatic who makes them but its a bit pricey.

[cakM3]

Haha, didn't know there was a line! BTW where did you get your CF diffuser? I want one. I found a fanatic who makes them but its a bit pricey.

I got mine from Rando :thumbsup

As for a line...I'd imagine that if I posted up my ///M for sale ppl will have to fight with Ryan and Rando in order to get it as well...;)

Regarding the carbon fiber diffuser....it's all about quality my friend!

[johnrando]

Yup, get in line for those things too! lol. As far as the c/f diffuser, unfortunately my person doesn't source them anymore.