Fixing a rear-view mirror.
Moderator: martauto
Hi,i've just bought a very straight 320i convertible in Lagoon green with beige leather.Couple of things need addressing in the near future,one being the rear-view mirror is in the glovebox!
Any tips on refixing?The windscreen is bare where the mirror should be.Is there something that should be there to fix the mirror to?Any help/advice would be really appreciated.
Any tips on refixing?The windscreen is bare where the mirror should be.Is there something that should be there to fix the mirror to?Any help/advice would be really appreciated.
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poolnoodle
- E30 Zone Squatter

- Posts: 1786
- Joined: Sat May 24, 2008 11:00 pm
- Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
I believe cab mirrors bond to the windscreen - you will need the glass to be super clean and get the correct adhesive (ask at windscreen shop) or you will suffer the same fate as the previous owner 
'83 Bronzit 323i (mmmm, chrome)
'74 Polaris 2002 (mmmm, retro)
'89 Delphin 535i (mmmm, waft waft)
'74 Polaris 2002 (mmmm, retro)
'89 Delphin 535i (mmmm, waft waft)
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daimlerman
- **BANNED**
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That's right,you need an adhesive pad,the sort of thing numberplates are sometimes attached with,but stronger!poolnoodle wrote:I believe cab mirrors bond to the windscreen - you will need the glass to be super clean and get the correct adhesive (ask at windscreen shop) or you will suffer the same fate as the previous owner
I suppose that Araldite or superglue would do,but you may just need the mirror off again if you need to replace the 'screen!
Youth is wasted on the young.
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Araldite or superglue will risk cracking the screen!
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B7
- E30 Zone Team Member

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- Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2007 11:00 pm
- Location: Surrey / West Sussex
AgreedBrianmoooore wrote:Araldite or superglue will risk cracking the screen!
It sounds like it has a saloon / touring screen fitted instead of a convertible.
You'll have limited long term success getting the circular mounting point to adhere to plain glass.
Source the right screen. Job done
B7's Motto. "If it's French, BURN IT!!!!!!"
nothing to do with the screen you need part#3 which is stuck to the screen the mirror ball goes into this...a friendly glass place will stick it on for you if you ask nicely
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=51&fg=40
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=51&fg=40

Thanks for the advice fellas.Having seen that exploded diagram off real.oem i think the mirror i have is still attached to the base plate,which has come off in one piece.I bought some adhesive pads in Halfords,i'll give those a go(£6!),then try my local friendly windsceen place.
Incidentally,it's such a lovely old thing,anyone know any good workshops in the Merseyside area who'd be able to service?fettle it for me?
Incidentally,it's such a lovely old thing,anyone know any good workshops in the Merseyside area who'd be able to service?fettle it for me?
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B7
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 15846
- Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2007 11:00 pm
- Location: Surrey / West Sussex
A genuine convertible screen has a circular spot onto which part number 3 affixes.DaveD wrote:nothing to do with the screen you need part#3 which is stuck to the screen the mirror ball goes into this...a friendly glass place will stick it on for you if you ask nicely
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=51&fg=40
I'd still source the correct screen.
B7's Motto. "If it's French, BURN IT!!!!!!"
Thanks B7,sounds like the costlier option but if all else fails!I've bought it as a second car to tinker with,hopefully get the roof down occasionally.Diff whines a bit,hoping an oil change may improve it.
What sort of things do you need doing?noj66 wrote:Thanks for the advice fellas.Having seen that exploded diagram off real.oem i think the mirror i have is still attached to the base plate,which has come off in one piece.I bought some adhesive pads in Halfords,i'll give those a go(£6!),then try my local friendly windsceen place.
Incidentally,it's such a lovely old thing,anyone know any good workshops in the Merseyside area who'd be able to service?fettle it for me?
Im not far from you,i live in newton.I`m a qualified welder and a dab hand with a spanner.
If you ever need a hand give us a shout.
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sideshowbob
- E30 Zone Newbie

- Posts: 249
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:00 pm
Like you my interior mirror came away from the windscreen. Used the Halfords adhesive kit shown above. Worked really wel
If I remember yiou have to take the mirror apart and the fitting that bonds onto the windsreen has to be stuck on with the mirrior detached, otherwise the weight will pull the pad off before the adhesive cures, also the part that attaches to the windsreen has to be very clean, and if I remenber rightly the adhesive cures via ultra violet sunlight, so best to do the job on a sunny day !
Very easy job and my mirror has been on for a couple of years no problems.
If I remember yiou have to take the mirror apart and the fitting that bonds onto the windsreen has to be stuck on with the mirrior detached, otherwise the weight will pull the pad off before the adhesive cures, also the part that attaches to the windsreen has to be very clean, and if I remenber rightly the adhesive cures via ultra violet sunlight, so best to do the job on a sunny day !
Very easy job and my mirror has been on for a couple of years no problems.
Wow,what a helpful bunch!Great forum.I've always had a soft spot for the E30s,this one being my 3rd.It's such a joy to look at i'm seriously considering chopping in my 09 Golf GTI and buying the very best one(Wln at Blackpool?)i can for keeps and a diesel 3-series for day to day.

