BMW E46 European Aspherical Mirror doityourself

[kayger12]

It seems like a simple thing, but I have been so impressed with these mirrors that I wanted to give them some props in this forum.

When I transitioned from a sedan to a coupe, the one thing that I noticed right away was that the b-pillar in the coupe was right in my field of view when I looked over my shoulder to check the lane next to me. I felt that the visibility was much better in the sedan in that regard. In order to try to minimize the problem, I looked to the European Ashperical mirrors.

These mirrors give a much wider field of view than the mirrors that come with the car. In addition, there is a small section at the outermost part of the glass that has an even more convex surface to allow for an extremely wide, albeit distorted, field of view.

http://www.tmk.com/bmw/6F5S1890-l.jpg

When you put these factors together, you have a mirror that makes a car that is right next to you visible in the mirror glass. Not only is there no blind spot, there is actually a very brief period of time when the front of the vehicle next to you is visible to your eye's peripheral vision while the rear of the car is actually still visible in the mirror. It literally gives you overlapping fields of view.

I can honestly say that as far as safety is concerned, this is by far the best $200 I've spent on my car.

Highly recommended!

[danewilson77]

+1

I bought them last year and don't know how I drove without them. I still "headcheck" but my situational awareness is heightened and more confident then where it was before.

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[Crickett]

Wow, never knew these existed . . .

I already follow the recommendations in the Car & Driver article "How To: Adjust Your Mirrors to Avoid Blind Spots" (http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q1/how_to_adjust_your_mirrors_to_avoid_blind_spots-feature) (& I highly recommend all of the family do the same). I can't imagine how I drove safely before . . . adding these mirrors would kick my situational awareness up to near-omniscient levels!

[Alphatek45]

Very cool. Added to my ever expanding list...

[johnrando]

Great review, I wasn't aware of these either. The B pillar in the vert is HUGE, so this is a great idea for when the top is up. I'm a little surprised they cost so much. $196 at ECS Tuning, wow. John

[danewilson77]

Great review, I wasn't aware of these either. The B pillar in the vert is HUGE, so this is a great idea for when the top is up. I'm a little surprised they cost so much. $196 at ECS Tuning, wow. John

Worth double that......

[kayger12]

Worth double that......

Agreed.

[mikeyb74]

Just ordered mine.

[MsRN]

Was that $196 per mirror? I paid about $116 (I think) for my DS mirror at the dealership. Given that even the sedan has a profound DS blind spot, it's definitely money well-spent!

[kayger12]

Was that $196 per mirror? I paid about $116 (I think) for my DS mirror at the dealership. Given that even the sedan has a profound DS blind spot, it's definitely money well-spent!

$196 for the pair, I believe.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[danewilson77]

$196 for the pair, I believe.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

+1

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[pyreguy]

I found out how to properly adjust my mirrors about a year ago and I don't have a problem with blind spots. Its called "winging out" your mirrors, and it sounds similar to the article posted above. Basically you lean all the way to the driver side window and then center the image in the mirror for the driver side... on the passenger side you lean over to the middle if the car in front of the center line of the dash and center the image in the mirror for that side. I can see the front of the car next to me in my mirror long before it shows up in my peripheral vision.

This may be an option for us while we save our pennies for this mod...

[danewilson77]

I found out how to properly adjust my mirrors about a year ago and I don't have a problem with blind spots. Its called "winging out" your mirrors, and it sounds similar to the article posted above. Basically you lean all the way to the driver side window and then center the image in the mirror for the driver side... on the passenger side you lean over to the middle if the car in front of the center line of the dash and center the image in the mirror for that side. I can see the front of the car next to me in my mirror long before it shows up in my peripheral vision.

This may be an option for us while we save our pennies for this mod...



Too late. Post #3....:slap

[pyreguy]

...and it sounds similar to the article posted above.

:biggrin

[danewilson77]

...and it sounds similar to the article posted above.

:biggrin

:rofl

[mikeyb74]

These also fit e39 5 series.

[johnrando]

Thread revival.. are these mirrors heated, and are our stock ZHP mirrors heated?

[JohnnyGraphic]

I use the Autobahn Mirror. http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo.net/autobahnmirror.html
Only $20. I don't even have to look over my shoulder. I've tried 'winging' the mirrors out, but I had to point of reference for the objects in the mirror (couldn't see how far from the car it was). My mirrors cover from the sides of the car on each side. The autobahn mirror takes over on the LH side to cover the blind spots.

Have it on both cars. Can't drive without them now.

Johnny

[kayger12]

Thread revival.. are these mirrors heated, and are our stock ZHP mirrors heated?

Yes and yes.

[johnrando]

So I've got a guy selling his for $80, but not heated. I'm big on not losing any OEM functionality if I make a mod, but there really is no reason that I would need heated sides. Any thoughts on whether or not I should buy his?

[danewilson77]

I have never seen them not heated. Mine are heated. I would question legitness at this point. Where did he get them?

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[johnrando]

He said he carried them back from Germany. He said they were originally $175 and are EURO OEM.

EDIT: Did some digging. They are sold by a german company called Schmiedmann, part #

51 16 8 247 130 (without heating). Online for $72 each right now, for a total of $144 (guessing $175 is tax). That site also has heated versions. Gonna buy the non-heated ones and just keep my original heated ones, as it's really the wide view I want... I don't need the heat. John

[danewilson77]

Just was curious about their ad in the latest Roundel. Ima scheck em out.

[johnrando]

Oh thanks for that heads up... I'll check out the ad too.

EDIT: Took a look. Guess they are from Denmark.

[zhpnsnv]

Where do we get these? My mirrors have nasty corrosion in them. It's annoying.

[danewilson77]

Keith and I got ours at www.ecstuning.com

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[zhpnsnv]

That place seems to have lots of good stuff. Thanks.

[danewilson77]

That place seems to have lots of good stuff. Thanks.

They do. Good customer service as well. I feel like I can trust them.

[rikdee]

He said he carried them back from Germany. He said they were originally $175 and are EURO OEM.

EDIT: Did some digging. They are sold by a german company called Schmiedmann, part #

51 16 8 247 130 (without heating). Online for $72 each right now, for a total of $144 (guessing $175 is tax). That site also has heated versions. Gonna buy the non-heated ones and just keep my original heated ones, as it's really the wide view I want... I don't need the heat. John

John,

Do you have a link for this item?

Rick

[PKR]

I've used this type of mirror on many of my cars, and I love 'em. But why the huge price ?! I picked up a pair for my last car - an '05 MINI Cooper S - at a dealer in the UK for about $70 (w/VAT) - and yes, they were heated. So when I read $175 unheated I'm thinking there has to be something screwy goin' on.

[danewilson77]

They're from Europe?

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[rikdee]

Keith and I got ours at www.ecstuning.com

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

Do these mirrors install with an adhesive as well as a retaining clip?

[danewilson77]

No....they snap in just like the oem ones.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[rikdee]

No....they snap in just like the oem ones.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

Got it, thanks.

[johnrando]

John,

Do you have a link for this item?

Rick

http://www.schmiedmann.com/

These are from Europe. Decided I don't need heated so I'll install these since they cost less, but keep my heated OEMs safe in the garage.

[sna77]

I have these in my ZHP... and my wife's X3. Can't live without them.

[danewilson77]

I have these in my ZHP... and my wife's X3. Can't live without them.

Amen.

[az3579]

Do these come in M3 mirror fitment?

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[johnrando]

Sorry, no idea. I bought them from an individual.

[danewilson77]

KG.....aren't these like half price of what we paid last year?

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Exterior/View_All/ES251460/

$164.00 for the set. I think I paid $195.00 for each?

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/14342_x600.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/14868_x600.jpg

[kayger12]

I can't remember the exact price I paid, but I'm sure it was more than that.

I think I bought from Tischer. I'll dig and see if I can find the receipt.

[kayger12]

Ok-- found it. I payed $91 per mirror plus shipping. $200 total. Bought from Tischer.

[danewilson77]

Ok....so they have come down......

[derbo]

They are the same mirror on both sides? So it doesn't have the same US zoom on the passenger side?

[edlvrt]

I'll have to look into these. I am not thrilled by the limited adjustment of the stock mirrors. Thanks for the link

[danewilson77]

They are the same mirror on both sides? So it doesn't have the same US zoom on the passenger side?

The same no blind spot feature is on both mirrors.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[danewilson77]

I'll have to look into these. I am not thrilled by the limited adjustment of the stock mirrors. Thanks for the link

Won't drive another E46 without them.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[zj96sc]

Awesome, I'm going to buy these. Just a few weeks ago I looked into them and I was positive ECS said one of the sides was NLA, so I wavered on wanting to do it at all. Now they seem to be selling two of the same P/N as a whole set. Unless I'm remembering wrong, that's now how it used to be. Keith...Dane....do you have 2x of the same p/n?

That's also what derbo was saying. Since ECS is selling 2x of the same part number, we lose the convex nature of the entire OEM passenger mirror (objects in mirror are closer bla bla) in exchange for the blind spot feature on the edge. Keith/Dane....did you miss the style of the original passenger mirror (ignoring the added benefit of the blind spot feature...)?

On top that, most of our common parts sites sell them for about the same price as ECS, without ECS's absurd shipping costs. Just an FYI for those interested.

edit: order placed, $160 shipped.

[danewilson77]

On the set...you can clearly see the NBS line on both mirrors.....no?

It is only beyond this line that is "curved". It's a perfect design.

[danewilson77]

The video shows both sides as well.


http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Exterior/View_All/ES251460/Video33-SD/

[kayger12]

Won't drive another E46 without them.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

This.


Awesome, I'm going to buy these. Just a few weeks ago I looked into them and I was positive ECS said one of the sides was NLA, so I wavered on wanting to do it at all. Now they seem to be selling two of the same P/N as a whole set. Unless I'm remembering wrong, that's now how it used to be. Keith...Dane....do you have 2x of the same p/n?

That's also what derbo was saying. Since ECS is selling 2x of the same part number, we lose the convex nature of the entire OEM passenger mirror (objects in mirror are closer bla bla) in exchange for the blind spot feature on the edge. Keith/Dane....did you miss the style of the original passenger mirror (ignoring the added benefit of the blind spot feature...)?

On top that, most of our common parts sites sell them for about the same price as ECS, without ECS's absurd shipping costs. Just an FYI for those interested.

edit: order placed, $160 shipped.

The p/n isn't listed on my account history on Tischer, but I'm pretty sure they are different p/n for left and right.

I do not miss the original mirror at all. This entire mirror has a wider field of view than the standard mirror, not just the edge. The edge adds a little more convex curve.

I would never, ever go back to the us standard mirrors.

Edit: For anyone interested, here is my original review. http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1665-BMW-E46-European-Aspherical-Mirror

[danewilson77]

Yes.. They are different p/n's.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[derbo]

oddly enough, I've been doing this setup for years. fig 1 3 4. Not that great for parking, but great for racing/driving.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots

http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots-graphic-photo-323365-s-original.jpg

[M0nk3y]

oddly enough, I've been doing this setup for years. fig 1 3 4. Not that great for parking, but great for racing/driving.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots

http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots-graphic-photo-323365-s-original.jpg

+1

Too bad they don't have these for z4, but I adjust my mirrors so I don't see any body of the car.

Sent using mental telepathy

[kayger12]

oddly enough, I've been doing this setup for years. fig 1 3 4. Not that great for parking, but great for racing/driving.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots

http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots-graphic-photo-323365-s-original.jpg

I did this as well, but the euro mirrors still offer a much better result.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[zj96sc]

The p/n isn't listed on my account history on Tischer, but I'm pretty sure they are different p/n for left and right.


Yes.. They are different p/n's.

So yeah, they're now selling the same mirror for both sides. I guess I'll have to see what I think when I get them.

[derbo]

I just looked it up on my ETK catalog at work here.

51 16 8 250 438 is the part number for Mirror Glas, Heated, wide-angle. Quantity Required 2.

It's the same part number on both sides.

Suggested retail on these mirrors is 104.63USD. BMWNA inventory is 151 pieces.

http://img.skitch.com/20120212-bp57kny6x6u7wph5wik54uj598.png

[johnnyrad]

I want to get these but...$165 from ECS just sounds way to much money for mirrors. Idk..so many mods, so little money.

[SureShot434]

Suggested retail on these mirrors is 104.63USD. BMWNA inventory is 151 pieces.

http://img.skitch.com/20120212-bp57kny6x6u7wph5wik54uj598.png

is that 104.63 per mirror or total for both? :caseyshrug

[danewilson77]

is that 104.63 per mirror or total for both? :caseyshrug

One mirror.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[SureShot434]

One mirror.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

Roger... I think I'm going to have to wait until after the Canada meet to pick these up :(

I will be doing ALOT of traveling between now and then so I has to be tight on the Moneyzz ya kno

[johnrando]

I got them used from someone and like 'em, but mine aren't heated. (I've never used the heated feature before so I'm not too worried about it). I kept the originals just in case, but I'm not going back to them.

[SureShot434]

I got them used from someone and like 'em, but mine aren't heated. (I've never used the heated feature before so I'm not too worried about it). I kept the originals just in case, but I'm not going back to them.

Sweet! Ya my passenger Mirror is the only heated on...odd hmmm? but it does make a difference when it has snowed. I look over and hey my mirror is clear hehe

[derbo]

I got them used from someone and like 'em, but mine aren't heated. (I've never used the heated feature before so I'm not too worried about it). I kept the originals just in case, but I'm not going back to them.

arent all NA E46s heated mirrors?

[danewilson77]

arent all NA E46s heated mirrors?

Yes. Most likely he has an issue. Not plugged in, wiring jacked, etc...

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[JohnnyGraphic]

For me, I like having my mirrors adjusted to see the edge of the body of my car. It gives me a frame of reference. I tried adjusting the mirrors way out, but since I lost all frame of reference, I couldn't judge where anything was. I tried it for a few days, but went back to my old-dog ways.

I don't really have much of a blind-spot on the passenger side, but the driver's side is a different story. So, I bought one of these. Cheap too!

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/autobahn+mirror.do?code=FROOGLE

I keep my mirrors adjusted the way I want, and I get to see the blind-spot on my side of the car. Works for me and suits my cheap nature! :)

Johnny

[derbo]

Yes. Most likely he has an issue. Not plugged in, wiring jacked, etc...

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

When I noticed my driver side didnt heat up, the LIN bus failed on the ribbon connector. Then the mirror wouldn't adjust on both sides ultimately since the driver mirror was the master mirror. I had to get a new motor for the driver side. :X



You guys convinced me to order a set of these mirrors to see if I can like them or not. I've tried them on Saab cars but I didn't really like it. My driver mirror is starting to get some inside rust on the glass. Excuse to get new ones!

[iZHP]

I might get these since my mirrors being heated 24/7 has made the infamous mark around the edges and it's getting worse and worse.

I've adjusted the mirrors to see no body of the car, and I don't notice a blind spot after that.

[danewilson77]

I might get these since my mirrors being heated 24/7 has made the infamous mark around the edges and it's getting worse and worse.

I've adjusted the mirrors to see no body of the car, and I don't notice a blind spot after that.

Might as well. That's when I changed mine out.

[johnrando]

The mirrors I bought were the Euro ones, thus not heated.

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[derbo]

The mirrors I bought were the Euro ones, thus not heated.

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there are two euro wide-angles as you can see from the pic I posted. Heated/non-heated.

[L0veZHP]

I have these, these are a MUST for highways! and everyday i bought them from ECS for around $200 a long time ago these were like my first mods ever

[llll1l1ll]

The Merc I drove while in Germany had these type of mirrors. It made a world of difference.

[MrMaico]

It looks like I must be the only person that didn't like these on the drivers side. :dunno

I only have the drivers side one for a coupe (different than the sedan) p/n 51168247131. Passenger side is a different shape and would be a p/n 51168247132. It was as they say "objects in the mirror are closer than they appear". According to the sticker on the back I do have the correct one.

I assume no one else is seeing this on theirs? Is the right side BSM convex like our stock mirrors? I had it mounted for a few weeks and just couldn't get used to it and went back to my original one. It almost makes me wonder if it could be defective?

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/51168247131/ES9947/

EDIT: according to the wiki though it sounds like it (drivers side) is normal for a Euro version to be aspherical/convex.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wing_mirror

No one else have any problem getting used to the drivers side being convex? Maybe I didn't leave it on long enough to get used to it?

Barry

[WOLFN8TR]

The guy in the video is me! Can't tell you how many times I almost ran into the car next to me!

On my list of mods....

[danewilson77]

The guy in the video is me! Can't tell you how many times I almost ran into the car next to me!

On my list of mods....

Srsly?

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[WOLFN8TR]

The guy in the video-NO, me almost hitting the guy next to me-YES.

[danewilson77]

The guy in the video-NO, me almost hitting the guy next to me-YES.

Lol. OK...

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[jayjay_dee]

added to my list...

thanks for the link Dane...

[danewilson77]

added to my list...

thanks for the link Dane...

No problem.

[az3579]

Need to buy some of these in M3 fitment.


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[terraphantm]

Need to buy some of these in M3 fitment.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

Look on eBay. I got my OEM ones for like $100 with expedited shipping (arrived in < 1 week). They were used, but they looked immaculate. Prefacelift E90s and M3s use the same glass fwiw

[derbo]

I just ordered the mirrors. With my employee cost it was under barely under the retail of ECS. They got some good prices!

[zj96sc]

They make it up in shipping.

[derbo]

Even so, they get their parts at a pretty good price. Retail is $230


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[zj96sc]

Yeah, they have good parts prices, but I cannot remember a single time that I put an order together that I couldn't get cheaper somewhere else, primarily because of their shipping costs.

They have a great website though. Pity.

[derbo]

Need to buy some of these in M3 fitment.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-M3-S54_3.2L/Exterior/Mirrors/ES251356/

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/8150_x600.jpg

[jayjay_dee]

Ordered this on Ebay today... $49.99 pair + $13.99 shipping...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-ASPHERICAL-BLIND-SPOT-MIRROR-MIRRORS-GLASS-NEW-/181000567749?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2a24797bc5

[danewilson77]

Damn...great price. OEM's or knock offs?

[jayjay_dee]

Most probably, its not OEM... but quality seems okay based on this post from Xoutpost.

http://www.xoutpost.com/902925-post13.html

[danewilson77]

Great job J. In for review.

[BRGcoopahS]

Yea, but will it fix the huge "c pillar" blind spot on the convertibles? ;)

inb4 "just put the top down!"

[jayjay_dee]

I got the ebay mirrors today, installed it in no time...

I didnt take any pics but the back is exactly the same(well, almost) as the one below from ECS, except it is missing the word Germany(top left) and the BMW logo(bottom right). Also, if you look closely on the right side, it has the word KONVEX stamped on it, both mirrors I got has the same...

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/14343_x600.jpg


The front (mirror itself) is just like the below pic, without the regular warning statement on the right hand side.

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/14342_x600.jpg

I was expecting more, but i think they are just convex mirrors, to get a wider picture of your sides. Not sure what the line is for.

It would be great if I can compare these with the ECS ones physically, the best way to confirm if I got a good deal or not.

Either way, im still happy with my purchase ($63.98 shipped) as my driver side mirror has the brown spots on the side already and the heating element doesnt work anymore. The new ones were toasty after leaving my car on for 5 minutes, winter-ready... Plus, im digging the blue tint.

[danewilson77]

The only "no blind spot (aka convex)" area of the ECS OEM mirrors is that which resides beyond the line, on the outer edge. The rest of the morrow is normal.

That what the line is for.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[jayjay_dee]

The only "no blind spot (aka convex)" area of the ECS OEM mirrors is that which resides beyond the line, on the outer edge. The rest of the morrow is normal.

That what the line is for.


Thats what i thought... the ebay ones is all convex, with the line, lol...

[danewilson77]

Thats what i thought... the ebay ones is all convex, with the line, lol...

Mmm. Good data point.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[danewilson77]

Watch the video in the below link.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Exterior/View_All/ES251460/

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[PHZ]

Watch the video in the below link.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Exterior/View_All/ES251460/

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

thats a bad video link. i have tried on 3 devices... gets to the point where he starts to put the new mirror back in, then video stops and bad link error comes up

[jayjay_dee]

thats a bad video link. i have tried on 3 devices... gets to the point where he starts to put the new mirror back in, then video stops and bad link error comes up

you need to pick the HD version of the video. SD is messed up.

Dane, from the video, 0:55 to 0:57, mine is the same...

[MrMaico]

The only "no blind spot (aka convex)" area of the ECS OEM mirrors is that which resides beyond the line, on the outer edge. The rest of the morrow is normal.

That what the line is for.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

Mine, from BMW, is like jayjay's.........the whole mirror is convex. I just compared it to the bathroom mirror and the size of the reflection from the BMW mirror is much smaller, about 1/2 the size at around 2 feet away. I wonder if it was manufactured wrong or what? No wonder I didn't like it and ended up removing.

Part number 51168247131

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51168247131/ES9947/

Gonna have to look and see who I bought it from and see about an exchange I guess.

[terraphantm]

The only "no blind spot (aka convex)" area of the ECS OEM mirrors is that which resides beyond the line, on the outer edge. The rest of the morrow is normal.

That what the line is for.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

Incorrect.

The whole mirror is convex. The part past the line is *very* convex. Even without it, it'd be considerably wider angle than the stock US mirror.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=393241&d=1297693310

Mine are OEM



It looks like I must be the only person that didn't like these on the drivers side. :dunno

I only have the drivers side one for a coupe (different than the sedan) p/n 51168247131. Passenger side is a different shape and would be a p/n 51168247132. It was as they say "objects in the mirror are closer than they appear". According to the sticker on the back I do have the correct one.

I assume no one else is seeing this on theirs? Is the right side BSM convex like our stock mirrors? I had it mounted for a few weeks and just couldn't get used to it and went back to my original one. It almost makes me wonder if it could be defective?

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/51168247131/ES9947/

EDIT: according to the wiki though it sounds like it (drivers side) is normal for a Euro version to be aspherical/convex.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wing_mirror

No one else have any problem getting used to the drivers side being convex? Maybe I didn't leave it on long enough to get used to it?

Barry

It took me a couple days, but now I absolutely love them. Changing lanes and merging is a breeze now. I got so used to them that I have a bit of trouble adjusting to a car with normal mirrors whenever I drive one.

How were you positioning them? I find it's best *not* to position these the way we're taught to. What I found to be optimal is to configure them so that you can just barely see the edge of your car. That way you have a reference point and the objects being closer than they appear is no longer an issue. Even with the car visible, the overall field of view is much greater.



+1

Too bad they don't have these for z4, but I adjust my mirrors so I don't see any body of the car.

Sent using mental telepathy

ECS has them -- dealer might also be able to order them
Left: http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51167112583/ES259878/
Right: http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51167112584/ES259879/

Looking at those, they seem to be the same shape as the E46 M3 mirrors. Just not blue.

[danewilson77]

Naaa....

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[az3579]

How were you positioning them? I find it's best *not* to position these the way we're taught to. What I found to be optimal is to configure them so that you can just barely see the edge of your car. That way you have a reference point and the objects being closer than they appear is no longer an issue. Even with the car visible, the overall field of view is much greater.


Spot on. These need to be positioned that way to get the best effect.
I did a test and the way mine are positioned has the car visible for about 1/8th of the mirror since my mirror doesn't want to adjust further out (damn M3 mirror retrofit is still FUBAR). On the very edge of the blind spot area, I can see the rear of the car next to me, and if I move my head a little bit more to the left, I can see the front of the car right next to me. There's no way possible to miss a car there unless it's maybe a Smart car. The solution to that would be to get my mirror to move out a little bit more so I just barely see my car in the mirror.

[Vas]

I need to pick up a set since mine are starting to get yellow around the edges

[MrMaico]

Incorrect.

The whole mirror is convex. The part past the line is *very* convex. Even without it, it'd be considerably wider angle than the stock US mirror.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=393241&d=1297693310

Mine are OEM




It took me a couple days, but now I absolutely love them. Changing lanes and merging is a breeze now. I got so used to them that I have a bit of trouble adjusting to a car with normal mirrors whenever I drive one.

How were you positioning them? I find it's best *not* to position these the way we're taught to. What I found to be optimal is to configure them so that you can just barely see the edge of your car. That way you have a reference point and the objects being closer than they appear is no longer an issue. Even with the car visible, the overall field of view is much greater.

Thanks for the info Terra. Yup, after my previous post I did some searching and found out that that's the way an "aspherical mirror" is supposed to be and and there isn't anything wrong with mine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wing_mirror

I did have it adjusted so that I could see the edge of the car but I think the problem I had was that I just didn't drive enough multi-lane roads to get a chance to get used to it. Most of the driving I do around here is just 2 lane rural roads. I'll probably have to mount it again in the spring and give it another try.

[titaniumair]

I just installed the ones from ebay (dubstopimports) as well. I'm always skeptical about ebay stuff but these mirrors are top notch. It's pretty much OEM quality. The back casing is almost exactly like OEM but it doesn't have the BMW symbol on them. The heating grid pattern is slightly different but it's symmetrical (no crazy squigly lines) and well done. The glass is smooth with no waviness in it. The color is more deep blue and maybe slightly purple in color compared to OEM. This actually helps with glare a little more at night vs. OEM. They work just like the Euro OEM mirrors. Why the hell don't all cars come standard with these.......I have no idea?? If you don't mind non-OEM and want to save a few bucks...definitely get these.

[danewilson77]

Agree....

Did you plug the heating feature in? Over time...that will be the tell on the quality of these.

[titaniumair]

^^ I did and they seem to heat up just fine. The male connectors seem to be exactly like OEM quality too...not flimsy or anything out of the ordinary that you might expect from ebay aftermarket. Hopefully they last.

[danewilson77]

^^ I did and they seem to heat up just fine. The male connectors seem to be exactly like OEM quality too...not flimsy or anything out of the ordinary that you might expect from ebay aftermarket. Hopefully they last.

Ok.. If they rust shortly, then we'll know.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[terraphantm]

I just installed the ones from ebay (dubstopimports) as well. I'm always skeptical about ebay stuff but these mirrors are top notch. It's pretty much OEM quality. The back casing is almost exactly like OEM but it doesn't have the BMW symbol on them. The heating grid pattern is slightly different but it's symmetrical (no crazy squigly lines) and well done. The glass is smooth with no waviness in it. The color is more deep blue and maybe slightly purple in color compared to OEM. This actually helps with glare a little more at night vs. OEM. They work just like the Euro OEM mirrors. Why the hell don't all cars come standard with these.......I have no idea?? If you don't mind non-OEM and want to save a few bucks...definitely get these.

They don't come standard here because they're not legal. Federal vehicle standards state that the driver side must be flat and the passenger side can be convex if it has the "objects in mirror are smaller than they appear" warning. Individual states might have different rules. I couldn't find anything in PA law that says you can't have non-flat mirrors on both sides, nor could I find anything that requires the warning. But i'm not a lawyer so I'm probably missing it

Nonetheless, you shouldn't run into any trouble with these. I've gotten my car inspected without anyone saying anything.

[az3579]

Nonetheless, you shouldn't run into any trouble with these. I've gotten my car inspected without anyone saying anything.

This is probably because most people don't even know such a kind of mirror exists. Most of the mirrors that have blind spot areas have a "circle" on the mirror as an attachment instead of something that's properly built-in like our blind spot mirrors.

[titaniumair]

They don't come standard here because they're not legal. Federal vehicle standards state that the driver side must be flat and the passenger side can be convex if it has the "objects in mirror are smaller than they appear" warning. Individual states might have different rules. I couldn't find anything in PA law that says you can't have non-flat mirrors on both sides, nor could I find anything that requires the warning. But i'm not a lawyer so I'm probably missing it

Nonetheless, you shouldn't run into any trouble with these. I've gotten my car inspected without anyone saying anything.


I'm not worried about the inspection. I wonder how the 2013 Honda Accord gets by federal regs with it's outer edge convex driver's side mirror. Also Ford with its convex recessed mirror on the corner?

[danewilson77]

I'm not worried about the inspection. I wonder how the 2013 Honda Accord gets by federal regs with it's outer edge convex driver's side mirror. Also Ford with its convex recessed mirror on the corner?

Yeah.... I wonder.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[MrMaico]

I'd assume it's because they also have a section of flat 1:1 magnification on the mirror. The Euro mirrors don't have a flat section, they are convex across the full mirror. Similar to if you had a U.S. right side mirror on the left side.....Objects Are Closer Than They Appear. You can see it in terra's pic in post 62.

[bmwtroll]

Thanks for a great thread. Got the brown spots and ordered blue set off Ebay.

[WOLFN8TR]

Bump for new Members. Looks like the prices are coming down a bit. These are on my list of "To do Mods".

Left-$73

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/51168247131/ES9947/

Right-$91

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/Blind_Spot_Mirror/ES9948/

[danewilson77]

Gawd that's a great price.

[Tnhl1989]

Dubstopimports.com
45-50 a pair aftermarket

[derbo]

Damn cheap!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[ELCID86]

Dubstopimports.com
45-50 a pair aftermarket
Am I looking at the wrong spot? http://www.dubstopimports.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=617215173001 - shows $69.00

[SoCalZman]

Bump for new Members. Looks like the prices are coming down a bit. These are on my list of "To do Mods".

Left-$73

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/51168247131/ES9947/

Right-$91

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/Blind_Spot_Mirror/ES9948/

These will fit sedans too, right? They only say Ci in the application guide

[BavarianZHP]

Am I looking at the wrong spot? http://www.dubstopimports.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=617215173001 - shows $69.00

A update on the quality of these? It'll be my next mod for sure. I saw some on ebay (dubstop) that $50, but they charge $14 shipping on top of it.

[Tnhl1989]

A update on the quality of these? It'll be my next mod for sure. I saw some on ebay (dubstop) that $50, but they charge $14 shipping on top of it.

Oh I went to picked it up actually. But overall they are well put together imo. I'll take some photos tomorrow :)

[BavarianZHP]

Thanks! I am SOLD on these. $50 is a well worth investment when it comes to improving visibility.

[Tnhl1989]

Side note to this the mirrors are the same. Even the guy at dubstopimports told me this.

[WOLFN8TR]

These will fit sedans too, right? They only say Ci in the application guide

I do believe they are different for coupes and verts. I was looking for these on eBay and they all said "Not for Coupes and Verts".

(98-03)
Very rare upgrade for your BMW 3 Series ( E46 body 325 328 330 335 etc - all E46 body 3 series bmw )
Fits all SEDAN and COUPE ( Only the Coupe models without SPORT or "M" PACKAGE ).

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/06/ty9aryhe.jpg

Correct link for Sedan Mirrors.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/Blind_Spot_Mirror/ES251460/

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/06/ezymydu9.jpg

[Tnhl1989]

I would say to just email them.

[danewilson77]

I have on my sedan. Post #1.

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[jayjay_dee]

DW, lets compare our mirrors on the meet, i got dubimports, you got ecstuning...

[SoCalZman]

Guys, I just looked at getbmwparts.com (are they attached to an actual dealership??). They have the sedan mirrors for 152.90 (51168250438). Possibly others cheaper as well. Just thought you might want to know in case you are still considering these.

[derbo]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-BMW-E39-525i-528i-E46-325i-330i-Side-mirror-glass-Heat-W-Holder-51168250438-/270903399303

I wonder the quality on these. They are pretty damn cheap..

[danewilson77]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-BMW-E39-525i-528i-E46-325i-330i-Side-mirror-glass-Heat-W-Holder-51168250438-/270903399303

I wonder the quality on these. They are pretty damn cheap..

For a pair... It might be worth the gamble.

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[derbo]

For a pair... It might be worth the gamble.

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

Our OEM ones work just fine right now Dane. :)

[terraphantm]

Guys, I just looked at getbmwparts.com (are they attached to an actual dealership??). They have the sedan mirrors for 152.90 (51168250438). Possibly others cheaper as well. Just thought you might want to know in case you are still considering these.

Last time I tried ordering these from a US dealer, the order ended up getting cancelled since BMWNA doesn't allow them to be imported. I don't know if things have changed since then.

[SoCalZman]

Last time I tried ordering these from a US dealer, the order ended up getting cancelled since BMWNA doesn't allow them to be imported. I don't know if things have changed since then.

IF I end up getting them I will try to go through a dealer, since they appear to be cheaper. If what you say is still true, I wonder how ECS gets their hands on them.

[az3579]

IF I end up getting them I will try to go through a dealer, since they appear to be cheaper. If what you say is still true, I wonder how ECS gets their hands on them.

They can't be cheaper at a dealer. You have to pay sales tax (if you have it in your state). Their regular pre-tax prices are usually higher too, and the price varies a little dealer by dealer.

ECS probably gets theirs the same way Turner gets the OEM clears. Those are illegal to run in the U.S. as well.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

[SoCalZman]

They can't be cheaper at a dealer. You have to pay sales tax (if you have it in your state). Their regular pre-tax prices are usually higher too, and the price varies a little dealer by dealer.


ebmwparts.com, a dealer, lists them for the sedan (51168250438) for 146.78 whereas ECS wants 164. Someone should at least try, right? If what terra says is accurate for US dealers then they will come back and and say they cant get them, though.

[terraphantm]

They can't be cheaper at a dealer. You have to pay sales tax (if you have it in your state). Their regular pre-tax prices are usually higher too, and the price varies a little dealer by dealer.

ECS probably gets theirs the same way Turner gets the OEM clears. Those are illegal to run in the U.S. as well.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

Online dealers are almost always cheaper than ECS. And ECS' shipping rates usually make up for tax if you're ordering from a local dealer anyway

[WOLFN8TR]

Bimmian has these in stock for $100. It looks like its for the pair.

http://www.bimmian.com/Euro-Mirror-Glass-Upgrade-for-BMW-E46-3-Series

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/09/a3y4e4e4.jpg

[Tnhl1989]

I wonder how good they are compare to oem. I know the dubstopimports are not that bad in terms of pricing and quality.

[WOLFN8TR]

Hmmm....

8959

[WOLFN8TR]

That was my thought beings they are only $100. Cheapest I've seen.

[jgt_zhp]

I just put on a $100 set from Bimmian. Happy with them so far. Quality seems good.

[WOLFN8TR]

I just put on a $100 set from Bimmian. Happy with them so far. Quality seems good.

Cool, can you posts some pics?

[JupiterBMW]

Just FYI, I picked up a set from the DubStop Imports place, got mine on eBay, about $60 shipped, IIRC. Love them, much better view than OEM. I hate buying "knock off" parts, but these were too good to pass up for the savings.

[WOLFN8TR]

I was just looking on their website and they don't have them for any E46 past 2003. I will check eBay.

http://www.dubstopimports.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=52

[jgt_zhp]

Here's one shot I accidentally took of driver's side :)

I can put a couple more later today. Back side looks identical to stock. The tint is a little "brighter", I want to say.

8971

[JupiterBMW]

I was just looking on their website and they don't have them for any E46 past 2003. I will check eBay.

http://www.dubstopimports.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=52

Eh, they also mention the 335 in the models of E46... So, obviously they aren't quite right. I think we can all say its safe to say that '03 mirrors are the same fit as '05. You're probably good to go.


Here's one shot I accidentally took of driver's side :)

I can put a couple more later today. Back side looks identical to stock. The tint is a little "brighter", I want to say.

8971

Yeah, the tinting on mine is a little more vibrant blue. At first I thought "whoa, that's BLUE" but now I don't even notice it.

[jgt_zhp]

Mirrors are a tricky thing to photograph. You seem to mostly end up with pictures of some ugly guy and his cell phone.

Couple of inconclusive shots of mine. And an artsy attempt at comparing to stock, which accomplished absolutely nothing



8972

8973

8974

[danewilson77]

Sit in your car, roll down the window, and take a pic as you would see it driving. You should be able to see the "no blind spot" function.

[jgt_zhp]

Sit in your car, roll down the window, and take a pic as you would see it driving. You should be able to see the "no blind spot" function.

That was my original plan.... until I sat in the car, looked at the blue painter's tape over the buttons....and remembered I'm not supposed to roll the window down until next Wednesday, or incur the the wrath of the tint shop who just did the windows on Friday :rofl

[danewilson77]

Ahh...right

[WOLFN8TR]

Thanks for the photos, they look nice. I'm gonna get a set in the next week or so. My mirrors are all water spotted anyway from the previous owner.

[jgt_zhp]

Thanks for the photos, they look nice. I'm gonna get a set in the next week or so. My mirrors are all water spotted anyway from the previous owner.



Nice! I couldn't find them on eBay. By any chance you have a link?

They really do make a difference in visibility. I didn't NEED them, but they're nice to have. Makes me wish sedans and coupes used the same mirrors. Our 325 has some major delamination on the drivers side. Looks like crap. Maybe I'll get another set for it.

[redwagon]

went to this thread because of the other more recent thread.......great to hear they just snap in.....any link or info how to get the old ones off? I don't want to think about prying on the mirror without understanding how its retained etc first!
Tim

[jgt_zhp]

went to this thread because of the other more recent thread.......great to hear they just snap in.....any link or info how to get the old ones off? I don't want to think about prying on the mirror without understanding how its retained etc first!
Tim

It's just 4 small clips holding the lens. Bimmian has an illustrated PDF "Installation Guide" on their site. They pop right off with a little pressure from a trim tool or cloth wrapped screwdriver

[WOLFN8TR]

Use the link I posted above. You can download a Installation PDF.


Gary

[WOLFN8TR]

Just FYI, I picked up a set from the DubStop Imports place, got mine on eBay, about $60 shipped, IIRC. Love them, much better view than OEM. I hate buying "knock off" parts, but these were too good to pass up for the savings.

Found em'! They are $69 plus $9 shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200926634737&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

8994

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/11/u3ytedeg.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/11/etu3avu3.jpg

OR

$164 plus $12 shipping.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Exterior/Mirrors/ES11094/

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Exterior/View_All/ES251460/

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/14342_x600.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/14868_x600.jpg

[derbo]

There is one thing I have to note. If I am the passenger and I look into the mirror, I get nauseous. but who cares what the passengers that look into your mirror.

[WOLFN8TR]

DW, lets compare our mirrors on the meet, i got DUBIMPORTS, you got ECSTUNING...

Did you guys ever compare these?

[Tnhl1989]

As for comparison I would say OEM is very crisp and no rough edges around the sides. The blue tint is a bit deeper on the OEM. That was what I could see from looking at Dane's. Yes I agree that I did get nauseous the first couple times because I was staring at the mirrors when I was in BP's Wobbie.

[WOLFN8TR]

I think I'm gonna go with the Dub Stop Import Mirrors. They are $78 shipped, justifiable. I need No Blind Spot Mirrors plus the water spots look like shit.


Gary

[jringo]

I just ordered the dubstop ones. I don't have the heated mirror package on my car. Does anyone know of a DIY install for heated mirrors? I've check here and other sites to no avail.

[WOLFN8TR]

Dane, Keith or John can you combine these two threads?

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6283


Gary

[az3579]

Bimmian has these for $100 for the pair.

http://www.bimmian.com/Euro-Mirror-Glass-Upgrade-for-BMW-E46-3-Series

8959

Shocking because Bimmian stuff is usually overpriced. Good to know, thanks.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

[WOLFN8TR]

Just ordered the Mirrors from Bimmian, I needed a few other items so I went with those.

[danewilson77]

Just ordered the Mirrors from Bimmian, I needed a few other items so I went with those.

Win

[WOLFN8TR]

Anyone thinking about getting a set from Dub Stop Imports?

I was thinking of doing a comparison of these against the Bimmian mirrors I just ordered. If so I will buy them up front, do a comparison then ship them to ya afterward. You just pay the initial cost of $80

They are approx $80 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-COUPE-ASPHERICAL-BLIND-SPOT-MIRROR-MIRRORS-GLASS-HEATED-RIGHT-LEFT-PAIR-/200926634737?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ABMW&hash=item2ec82922f1&vxp=mtr

[330i ZHP]

Add me to the group on this - I haven't installed them yet. Sitting on the counter in laundry room - waiting until I get home from Bermuda.

http://imageshack.us/a/img67/8305/asphericay6.jpg

[WOLFN8TR]

Nice!

I'm gonna just go with these mirrors!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8QeGQiVhHY

Or These!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-68IUHxtzQ

[WOLFN8TR]

UPS just dropped these of from Bimmian! They look sweet! Any tips for removing the old mirrors?
Edit: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Exterior/View_All/ES251460/Video33-SD/

9137

9138

9139


Gary

[jringo]

I installed the dubstop ones last weekend. Move the mirrors to the top position and wedge your fingers under the bottom of the glass and pull and they pop right out. Don't pull on the sides. For new ones line it up close and push straight on. Took all of 5 minutes including the time to wipe my fingerprints off the new mirrors.

[WOLFN8TR]

Thanks!

Here they are installed, Love them! This should of been the first mod I did.

Before:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/20/asu4uqe8.jpg

After:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/20/agydyre8.jpg

[Vas]

How is the quality ? Looking at a set of them

[jringo]

I'm happy with my dubstop ones. Based upon Wolf's bimmian pix they look similar. Definitely like the benefits of the wide angle view.

[SoCalZman]

Wow. The difference in viewing is pretty amazing. Ok I am convinced. Next credit card statement I will order a set. Haha


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[JupiterBMW]

Yep, I've had the DubStop ones for quite a while... I got mine for about $65 shipped via eBay... Not sure if his price went up there as well... Worth the cost, love the new mirrors.

[jringo]

Yep, I've had the DubStop ones for quite a while... I got mine for about $65 shipped via eBay... Not sure if his price went up there as well... Worth the cost, love the new mirrors.

Likewise via ebay

[WOLFN8TR]

How is the quality ? Looking at a set of them


Wow. The difference in viewing is pretty amazing. Ok I am convinced. Next credit card statement I will order a set. Haha


The quality is pretty much the same as my stock BMW mirrors. The only difference is the Bimmian ones are a bit darker glass. It's amazing how much more you can see out of these! So worth the money. So much safer also. I will post up a photo of these compared to the stock ones.

OEM is on the Bottom.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/20/3emesyny.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/20/ugeje4at.jpg

[Tnhl1989]

I wonder how that compares to the dubstopimports ones. :P

[WOLFN8TR]

Anyone thinking about getting a set from Dub Stop Imports?

I was thinking of doing a comparison of these against the Bimmian mirrors I just ordered. If so I will buy them up front, do a comparison then ship them to ya afterward. You just pay the initial cost of $80

They are approx $80 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-COUPE-ASPHERICAL-BLIND-SPOT-MIRROR-MIRRORS-GLASS-HEATED-RIGHT-LEFT-PAIR-/200926634737?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ABMW&hash=item2ec82922f1&vxp=mtr

Any takers?? Good way to find out...


Gary

[WOLFN8TR]

Ok so after driving my car during the day and night here is my review. Night time took some getting use to as things appear alot different light wise. Day time driving was in one word AWESOME! NO MORE BLIND SPOTS! No more leaning forward to change lanes, No more oops I'm sorry I just cut you off. When a car is approaching you on either side you never loose them in the side mirrors! This was one of my wife's biggest complaints was the blind spots, not now.

Also my stock mirrors had major water spots on them. These looks so much better!

[wsmeyer]

Anyone thinking about getting a set from Dub Stop Imports?

I was thinking of doing a comparison of these against the Bimmian mirrors I just ordered. If so I will buy them up front, do a comparison then ship them to ya afterward. You just pay the initial cost of $80

They are approx $80 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-COUPE-ASPHERICAL-BLIND-SPOT-MIRROR-MIRRORS-GLASS-HEATED-RIGHT-LEFT-PAIR-/200926634737?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ABMW&hash=item2ec82922f1&vxp=mtr

I have the dubstop ones. The one thing that bugs me is the drivers mirror has the black frame around it making the mirror part noticeably smaller. No idea why but it's only on the drivers side and only on the coupe / convertible mirrors.

[WOLFN8TR]

I noticed that also, weird. When I come down to help John Rando we need to get together and compare them.

[WOLFN8TR]

Aspheric mirror glass for E46 non-M $30 Shipped!

http://forum.E46Fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1000729

[terraphantm]

I have the dubstop ones. The one thing that bugs me is the drivers mirror has the black frame around it making the mirror part noticeably smaller. No idea why but it's only on the drivers side and only on the coupe / convertible mirrors.

Did it have any extra connectors? That's how BMW's autodimming mirrors are, and I believe the E65/66 7-series uses the same mirrors as the coupe

[330i ZHP]

I am finding these lenses on the M3 mirrors are not great - they don't make a big positive difference, but they do make for some blurry "quick views"

[terraphantm]

I am finding these lenses on the M3 mirrors are not great - they don't make a big positive difference, but they do make for some blurry "quick views"

OE or non-OE glass? I find the expanded FOV to be very valuable, especially on the driver side.

Not really sure what you mean by "blurry 'quick views'"

[cakM3]

I am finding these lenses on the M3 mirrors are not great - they don't make a big positive difference, but they do make for some blurry "quick views"

Stu, I'm fining out the same thing regarding using European Aspherical Mirrors on OEM M3 side mirrors.

[E_Rak]

$14 + shipping for one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FOR-BMW-E46-E39-MIRROR-GLASS-PLATE-BLUE-TINTED-HEATED-LEFT-PASSENGER-SIDE-/271131817654?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f20b736b6&vxp=mtr

[330i ZHP]

OE or non-OE glass? I find the expanded FOV to be very valuable, especially on the driver side.

Not really sure what you mean by "blurry 'quick views'"

OE - maybe my older eyes cant stand the two (not so separate) views

[330i ZHP]

http://imageshack.us/a/img67/8305/asphericay6.jpg

[az3579]

Stuart, Charlie:
It might be your eyes; I don't have this problem. I have the same exact glass as you (OEM). Granted, my eyes are quite a bit younger and have had laser surgery, so that might have something to do with it.

I absolutely love these mirrors and would buy them again if needed.

[330i ZHP]

HOLY SHIZ...the convex for the X5M:

01 Mirror glas, wide-angle, left EC 1 51167174981 $363.90

01 Mirror glas, wide-angle, right EC 1 51167174982 $363.90

[az3579]

^DAYUM. I thought the OEM M3 ones were expensive at over $200 for the pair...

[330i ZHP]

the funny thing - the x5 does "require" me to look (turn head) over shoulders...vs being able to glance with a slight head twist

[Pip]

I know what they are talking about. I really disliked the mirrors when first using them because it looked blurry and I really didn't know what was going on with the change from one type of glass to the other. Now I'm used to them and love them. It is great and I can see my blind spot with a glance. My eyes have adjusted and everything is crystal clear so not sure if it is a younger eye thing but could be. Other people who have driven it for the first time did not like them.

[330i ZHP]

I guess it will be complicated over time since I don't drive the wagon often enough

[terraphantm]

Stuart, Charlie:
It might be your eyes; I don't have this problem. I have the same exact glass as you (OEM). Granted, my eyes are quite a bit younger and have had laser surgery, so that might have something to do with it.

I absolutely love these mirrors and would buy them again if needed.

Could be. I'm 22 and my vision consistently tests at 20/13. I can't imagine going back to "normal" mirrors. Though at the same time, this style mirror comes OE in many countries; I'd imagine people with aging eyes manage over there

Maybe we're adjusting them differently

[az3579]

the funny thing - the x5 does "require" me to look (turn head) over shoulders...vs being able to glance with a slight head twist

So you currently don't have the blind spot mirrors for the X5M, right?

[330i ZHP]

I do not

[JupiterBMW]

Damn Stu, that's pricey... I've looked at them for the X3 too as the blind spots in it are worse than I'd like. Need to look around some more I suppose.

[Tnhl1989]

Stu you should just retrofit the drivers assistance package in your x5m ;p

[330i ZHP]

I just bought these from the EU for $175 shipped (made offer and he accepted) this is for the pair



http://www.ebay.com/itm/180967786093?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[330i ZHP]

what year X3 Jup

[az3579]

what year X3 Jup

He has a F25.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

[330i ZHP]

Does his have option S430A (auto dip)?

Without:
01 Mirror glas, wide-angle, left 1 51162991659
02 Mirror glas, wide-angle, right 1 51162991660

With:
01 Mirror glas, wide-angle, left 1 51162991663
02 Mirror glas, wide-angle, right 1 51162991664

[ELCID86]

Just grabbed a pair of the dubstops from ebay for $63.98 shipped

[Lanister]

Is it me or these things have come down in price. $107/set at ECS

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/SiteSearch/European_Blind_Spot_Mirror/ES2550278/

[derbo]

ships jan 8th O_o

[ELCID86]

Is it me or these things have come down in price. $107/set at ECS

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/SiteSearch/European_Blind_Spot_Mirror/ES2550278/
I was pleasantly surprised.

[Vas]

I need a pair but not sure if mine are heated or not.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Exterior/Mirrors/Glass/ES251460/

[ELCID86]

Don't they come heated with the CWP? Or maybe we all had them, I can't remember. Either way, you should be fine if you get the heated ones. Or just pop one off. Someone else here will know.

[WOLFN8TR]

Is it me or these things have come down in price. $107/set at ECS

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/SiteSearch/European_Blind_Spot_Mirror/ES2550278/

Could be because of this.

European Unheated Blind Spot Mirror - Set
BMW E46 330Ci M54 3.0L
With blue tint to allow you to merge with confidence
For vehicles "without" heated mirrors.

I bought mine from Bimmian and they are Heatd for $100.

[Lanister]

Pretty sure mine are unheated.

Sent from outer space...

[ELCID86]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-ASPHERICAL-BLIND-SPOT-MIRROR-MIRRORS-GLASS-NEW-/181280677347?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a352b9de3&vxp=mtr

[derbo]

Pretty sure mine are unheated.

Sent from outer space...


I think all US ones are heated on 330i.

[danewilson77]

I think all US ones are heated on 330i.

Right. Unless you buy aspherical and don't hook them up.

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[WOLFN8TR]

Bump...

[Lanister]

I think all US ones are heated on 330i.

What about 330Ci? :)

[gmurphy]

What about 330Ci? :)

I believe so :)


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[JupiterBMW]

Have these mirrors on the ZHP and really happy with them... :thumbsup

[gmurphy]

I will be ordering these shortly.


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[kayger12]

What about 330Ci? :)

Heated and just generally better. :biggrin #becausecoupe

[SoCalZman]

I totally forgot about this. I should put it on my list. Thanks for the reminder

[JupiterBMW]

Heated and just generally better. :biggrin #becausecoupe

All you coupe guys... Paid more for less.

#sedan

/thread

[johnrando]

Haven't you ever heard, less is more? :biggrin

[Lanister]

Haven't you ever heard, less is more? :biggrin

I concur :thumbsup

or perhaps, less doors = more weight? Also true :(

[WOLFN8TR]

I totally forgot about this. I should put it on my list. Thanks for the reminder

Welcome. These were soooo worth the $100 I paid for mine!

[Lanister]

Welcome. These were soooo worth the $100 I paid for mine!

ECS has them for $169. I'm probably going to include them with my next ECS order.

[gmurphy]

ECS has them for $169. I'm probably going to include them with my next ECS order.

Buy from bmwmercedesparts.com they are cheaper! Around $150 total.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WOLFN8TR]

I got mine from Bimmian.

[Lanister]

Gary, it is clearly cheaper at Bimmian at only $100 a pair. Do you know if it's an OEM part or some other aftermarket option?

[gmurphy]

To many Gar(r)y's on this thread :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lanister]

Hmm good point :)

[Hornung418]

Do we have updated part numbers for these. Can someone find them for both coupe/vert and sedan?

Sent from my GS3.

[ELCID86]

I got mine from DubStop on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-ASPHERICAL-BLIND-SPOT-MIRROR-MIRRORS-GLASS-NEW-/201038685406?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2eced6e4de

So far, so good.

[gmurphy]

Here is the sedan's wide angle mirror part number. 51168250438


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WOLFN8TR]

Gary, it is clearly cheaper at Bimmian at only $100 a pair. Do you know if it's an OEM part or some other aftermarket option?

I do believe they are aftermarket. Good quality thou.

[Lanister]

That's all that matters. Bimmian sells good products but they're marked up quite high, which makes me wonder how cheap these things are from the supplier.

[WOLFN8TR]

Bump...

[ClimRox]

Bump for a recent experience in purchasing a set of these mirrors.


I originally bought the Bimmian mirrors, but when I received them the spade connections for the heated function were on the wrong side for my car. Put another way, the spades were on the required inside of the mirror (since the aspherical part has to be on the outside), but my mirror housing connections were on the outside. Bimmian was relatively kind in the return, and I only lost shipping costs. Their research department thought my car was an oddity. Maybe it is...or maybe it was just this set of mirrors. However, I bought the more expensive OEM Euro BMW mirrors from ECS and they were properly configured for my car.

I've been very happy with the product. No more blind spots!

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/ES251460/

[danewilson77]

NBS mirrors are a win. I've had mine for about 4 years now.

"No flamesuit required"

[slater]

i tried these, i can't use 'em... makes me nauseous. my wife also. weird?

[Vas]

I need a set in my life

[johnrando]

I have a set but I think they much be a "cheaper" version somehow as the line does not seem as far over as yours and the visual difference really isn't that much. I'd like to try a different version of them.

[cakM3]

I like them :thumbsup

[NoVAphotog]

Wow, never knew these existed . . .

I already follow the recommendations in the Car & Driver article "How To: Adjust Your Mirrors to Avoid Blind Spots" (http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q1/how_to_adjust_your_mirrors_to_avoid_blind_spots-feature) (& I highly recommend all of the family do the same). I can't imagine how I drove safely before . . . adding these mirrors would kick my situational awareness up to near-omniscient levels!

I've been doing this method since I started driving...works so great I never saw the need for altering/additions to the mirrors.

[ClimRox]

i tried these, i can't use 'em... makes me nauseous. my wife also. weird?

My wife thinks they are a little weird too. It took me 3-4 days to get comfortable with them.


I have a set but I think they much be a "cheaper" version somehow as the line does not seem as far over as yours and the visual difference really isn't that much. I'd like to try a different version of them.

The construction of the pair I have now is noticeably better than the first, but I'm thinking the lines were close to the same...not 100% though.


I've been doing this method since I started driving...works so great I never saw the need for altering/additions to the mirrors.

Interesting link! I've never seen that procedure before.

[WOLFN8TR]

I just changed out my tired M3 mirrors with some Euro mirrors from Khoalty for $85, good quality. I really missed the ones I had on my ZHP. When I got the ///M I almost changed lanes into a car in just the first two weeks so these were a must!

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