Page 1 of 1

Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 3:07 pm
by noj66
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.

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:55 pm
by poolnoodle
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 :x

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:59 pm
by daimlerman
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 :x
That's right,you need an adhesive pad,the sort of thing numberplates are sometimes attached with,but stronger!
I suppose that Araldite or superglue would do,but you may just need the mirror off again if you need to replace the 'screen!

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 11:08 pm
by Brianmoooore
Araldite or superglue will risk cracking the screen!

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:44 am
by B7
Brianmoooore wrote:Araldite or superglue will risk cracking the screen!
Agreed

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

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:50 am
by DaveD
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

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 11:15 am
by noj66
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?

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 11:17 am
by B7
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
A genuine convertible screen has a circular spot onto which part number 3 affixes.

I'd still source the correct screen.

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 11:26 am
by noj66
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.

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 11:42 am
by assassin
Kept knocking mine off when I closed the lid. Not bothered putting it back on, afterall, "Whatsa beind duzn matta". Lol.


( Anyone remember the film from which that line came ?) :mad:

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 11:51 am
by Ziggy

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 11:54 am
by n1tr0_9
I had a cabby with the same problem. I bought a rear view mirror sticky pad from my local shell garage for 75p. Job done. Hasnt fallen off yet!

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 12:29 pm
by bimanut
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?
What sort of things do you need doing?
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.

Re: Fixing a rear-view mirror.

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:26 pm
by sideshowbob
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.

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 4:50 pm
by noj66
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.