Fitting Map Reading Rear View Mirror

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:18 am

My car has a rear view mirror with the map reading rear view mirror fitted. I would guess this was added as it does not work.

Could anyone help me by telling me how to wire this in so that it works. Pictures or diagrams would be great. I don't mind electronics but always like to know what I need to do first.

Step by step dummy guide style would be great!

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:50 am

Are the bulbs OK? 12v, 5w. Be sure to get halogen and not tungsten replacements. Tungsten ones are too weak to be useful.

From memory, it gets power from the same fuse/relay as the electric mirrors. Do these work OK?

The factory loom is connected in behind the front passenger speaker kick panel. Check the grounding onthe door switch.

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:23 pm

A retro fit guide would be really usefull as I think I may need to wire them in?

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:28 pm

Try google mate,

I used this guide to fit mine recently.

I think it was an American site but the same fitting applies.

I powered mine (with help from Ian332

) from two wires on the check control panel.

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:37 pm

davetouring wrote:Try google mate,

I used this guide to fit mine recently.

I think it was an American site but the same fitting applies.

I powered mine (with help from Ian332 ) from two wires on the check control panel.

Is this the guide you mean Dave??

http://e30.bmwdiy.info/lighted-mirror/

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:38 pm

Indeed it is Simon.

A pretty good guide too.

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:39 pm

davetouring wrote:Indeed it is Simon.

A pretty good guide too.

No excuses for getting mine working now then!

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:39 pm

Or run wires from one of the interior lights.

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:40 pm

No excuses at all mate.

The hardest bit it pushing the mirror back into the gap. It eventually goes in but you probably won't know why!

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:41 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:Or run wires from one of the interior lights.

Gotta say, this is a good idea, cos then the lights will also come on when you open the doors? Gotta pull the headlining down though?

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:42 pm

davetouring wrote:No excuses at all mate.

The hardest bit it pushing the mirror back into the gap. It eventually goes in but you probably won't know why!

Ah the mirror is fitted..just not wired in! :lol:

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:45 pm

Excellent. 75% done then!!

Have you left the trail of wires hanging out ready to connect?

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:46 pm

davetouring wrote:Excellent. 75% done then!!

Have you left the trail of wires hanging out ready to connect?

Nope, shoved it all in and clicked into place!

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:49 pm

Oh well, nevermind, it'll have to come out again!!

Post Tue Feb 08, 2005 11:12 pm

Cheer guys! :lol:

Post Wed Feb 09, 2005 12:11 am

Don't have to touch the headlining to get wires from the interior light.
Push a wire forwards in through the interior light fixing hole, then hook the wire over with a bent coathanger through the check light / electric roof / manual roof winder hole.

Post Wed Feb 09, 2005 12:42 am

Oh that's good.
And a good idea.

I would have done that had I have known, but nevermind!

Brian, you seems to know everything even mildy technical about e30's.

:bow:

Post Wed Feb 09, 2005 8:26 am

ive just done this on the touring and did i struggle to get the mirror back in

got it in somehow.

Post Wed Feb 09, 2005 12:31 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:Don't have to touch the headlining to get wires from the interior light.
Push a wire forwards in through the interior light fixing hole, then hook the wire over with a bent coathanger through the check light / electric roof / manual roof winder hole.

I know I'm going to sound thick but Brianmoooore could you explain that in LaymenÃƒ”š's terms. Photos would be even better.

I am greatful for all your help.

Cheers