Retrofit OEM M3 side mirrors doityourself

[cakM3]

I know that this has been mentioned throughout people's project threads, including mine but I don't recollect seeing any dedicated DIY to retrofit OEM M3 side mirrors so here's what I have compiled.

It is my intention for other's to contribute to this thread so that it can be comprehensive and helpful for others who may decide that they want to do this to their car. :thumbsup

Tools & Materials:
- Camera or camera phone
- Lighting
- Small Jewler's flat blade screw driver (used to take off the plugs from the ribbon cables)
- Dremel and metal cutting disks
- Power grinder to grind off the four studs on the mirror base plate and shave the edges where identified in the procedure
- Belt sander tool (if available to sand everything smooth after grinding)
- JB Weld (if not using a 3D printed mirror motor base plate)
- Narrow long screws and nuts (sorry, forgot the size but has to fit thru the motor - you can reuse the ones from the original mirror)
- Punch tool used to put a tiny indent where to drill the mounting holes in the door
- Hammer for punch tool
- Small torque bit to unscrew parts from the mirror housing and take apart the mirror assembly

For prepping the OEM M3 mirror baseplate and mirror housing for paint you will need the following:
- 800 grit sandpaper for wet sanding
- 1500 grit sandpaper for wet sanding
- Primer Sealer paint to prime mirror surfaces
- Black paint (glossy for shadow line trim / flat for standard black trim) for mirror base plate
- Base color (I used ScratchWizard spray paint)
- SprayMax 2k Clear Glamour 368-0061 clear coat 2-part spray paint



Disclaimer: By doing this DIY on your BMW, I am in no way held responsible for any mishap you may incur while working on your car. You accept full responsibility for your BMW when using any portion of this DIY.

NOTICE: I am posting this notice because of the mirror motor baseplates I am currently using on my OEM M3 side mirrors. I am putting this out here that I am not the one making these mirror motor baseplates and am not the one coordinating with anyone to source them so do not contact me asking where you can get these or for the file to use on your 3D printer. It is your responsibility to figure this out and do the work to either fabricate them or contact the individual, not me. Further PM's asking me where or who you can source them will be deleted from my inbox.


First, I cannot emphasize enough but when you are taking off the ribbon connector from the original mirrors, take pictures. They will help you!

Also have a sharpie handy a fine tip one. If you don't have one then I would strongly recommend you go to Office Depot and get a black one. Once you have this you can mark both the ribbon and connector so when you take off the connector, you won't screw things up by putting back the wrong connector. The connectors are different colors and need to be put back on where you took them off. That's where the marking and pictures come in...:thumbsup

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/3edcbdd8e988a88e272525368cecb9e5.jpg


Not much of an issue on the passenger's side but is a big issue on the driver's side since the driver's side has two plugs as you can see in the pic above.

For those of you who have a coupe or vert, mounting the mirrors is very easy. They will bolt directly in the same places as your OE mirrors so no worries there. For those with a sedan like me....it's a whole different issue...consider yourself lucky because all you have to do is transfer the OE mirror motors from the old mirror to the new mirror. I have replaced vert side mirrors for OEM M3 side mirrors, they were a direct bolt on just like coupes. All I had to do was to transfer the mirror motors from the OE side mirrors into the OEM M3 side mirrors :thumbsup

For sedans and tourings, you have to mod your mirror base plates so that the mirrors, once mounted, will be aligned properly. I used the Rogue Engineering M3 Side mirror retrofit DIY to mod my mirror baseplates. Here's the link to the procedure: http://web.archive.org/web/20150209063300/http://www.rogueengineering.com/bmw/E46M3MIR.html


Modding the M3 Side Mirror Baseplates for Sedan and Touring

To mod the mirror baseplates this is how you do it:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52085401809_0ed1d9b385_b.jpg
Per Rogue Engineering DIY you leave 1/8" exposed on the posts to trim off.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220519/32cf26f11b8249c96b53b6a7808baf29.jpg
Next on the longest part of the baseplate You mark off 5/32" at the bottom and mark off 1/8" at the top then tape off that edge trying to follow the curvature of the baseplate as best as you can.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53243393642_c619af1105_o.jpg
The last part in taping off the mirror baseplate for sedan fitment is the upper back part of the baseplate where my finger is pointing to . . .
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220519/4dba4e0b2697b7168ffd2198af874880.jpg
For this part you start 2.9" from the top and line the tape from the edge at that point to the 1/8" point on the top then you're done marking everything off [emoji1417]
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52085401799_8dcfe225aa_b.jpg
It should look like this.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53244286721_b58b3244a8_o.jpg
Now you're ready for the fun part . . .[emoji41]

Once everything have been marked as shown above you have a few options on how to trim off the excess parts of the mirror base plates. You can use the Dremel but I would advise having some sort of clamp to secure the base plate so you can have an easier time trimming off the unwanted parts. There is also power tools if you have access to them which will make the process (especially cutting off the 1/8 portion of each of the four posts) easier and faster. I have done this both ways and have to say having access to power tools is much faster and easier to trim these base plates. For the edges I used a stand up grinder/belt sander and the process went relatively quick.

If you don't have power tools then you can do the trimming using a Dremel :thumbsup


Making the Mirror Motor baseplates

I will attach a few pics showing the recommended mods to the mirror housing assembly...it worked perfect for me.

The first way to do this is outlined below where you source a hard plastic panel to cut the mirror motor baseplates from:

A plastic material like what you see in the DeWalt case is perfect for the new mirror motor baseplate you have to fabricate. Got to have this type of material as it works best...
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/2012-03-11_11-58-13_27_zpsd78ae03b.jpg

Then you cut the pattern like you see in the center between the mirror baseplates.
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/2012-03-17_11-29-53_264_zps42be9993.jpg

On the OE M3 mirror baseplate, there will be three poles sticking up where the M3 motor will mount. You need to shave them off like how you see in the pic below....dremel works best here :thumbsup:
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/2012-03-18_08-46-49_422_zpsfd109fd0.jpg

Then take the new mirror baseplate and mount the ribbon motor onto it and screw the motor onto the new baseplate using a long screw and bolt like in the pic below. Then get some JB Weld and apply around each bolt like shown and allow to dry rock solid. After the JB Weld has cured, unscrew the bolts and take off the mirror motor.
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/2012-03-18_09-26-35_993_zps0ae627fd.jpg


Then the new mirror baseplate you had fabricated from a plastic material like the DeWalt case is mounted onto the OE M3 mirror baseplate like this...(don't mind the missing mirror motor holes) - you get the idea :)
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/2012-03-18_08-49-08_31_zpsf159b5ed.jpg

The second way is to have someone 3D print the mirror motor baseplate for use:

Sergy 3D printed these mirror motor base plates (pictured below) which is what I will be using for my Mystic Blue ZHP.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230707/7dbcad9a91876352332fa68cfaeac765.jpg
He gave me this set when I helped him install his M3 side mirrors to his touring before moving to North Carolina. I saw just how perfect the mirrors aligned using those base plates I asked if I could have a set for when I do mine on my current ZHP. There will be updated pictures which will be replacing the ones below as I update this procedure with more current pictures.

Then you run the ribbon from the motor like this before securing the motor onto the baseplate...
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/c6e4c390-ed15-7c53_zps6f5d2de6.jpg

You cannot run the ribbon through with the connector plug attached, which is why you have to take off the connector plugs before attempting to remove the ribbon wiring from the original mirrors. It is very easy to do using a small jewelers screw flat blade driver.
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/c6e4c390-ecf0-cd7e_zpsa723986c.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/c6e4c390-eccc-b7d2_zps090324bd.jpg

The ribbon wire that is pointing up at a 45 degree angle is the heat element for the mirrors. Here's another angle showing those wires....
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/c6e4c390-ecbf-0d6e_zpsfb650e2a.jpg

Once you've run the ribbon cabling through you can now attach the motor to the new motor baseplate by screwing the three long screws in place. The screws do not need to be torqued....just hand tight. The shaft the screws go through are made out of plastic and if you try to torque the screws it will just go through the shaft....you don't want to do that....remember, hand tight
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/c6e4c390-eccc-b7d2_zps090324bd.jpg

Then attach the mirror like this....pictured below are euro mirrors. You can tell because they are the clip-on type :)
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/2012-03-18_18-33-50_812_zps7143eb9d.jpg

These mirrors are very easy to install...they snap in place. Then you will end up like this :thumbsup:

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ZHP%20M3%20Side%20Mirrors/c6e4c390-ed49-b4e4_zpsd7cd30fd.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/30da285ad2a9ab293c39abf6222e22bf.jpg
Pictured above is how the mirrors look mounted using Sergy's mirror motor 3D printed baseplates mounted in the mirror enclosures.

Hope any of you who contemplate doing this will find this DIY helpful :thumbsup


EDIT: One thing to add is that for sedans you need to modify the base plate so that the mirror housings are lined up properly with the lines of the car. I used Rogue Engineering's OEM M3 side mirror base plate mod for this. Here is the link: Rogue Engineering's OEM M3 Side Mirror Base Plate MOD for Sedan (http://web.archive.org/web/20150209063300/http://www.rogueengineering.com/bmw/E46M3MIR.html)


Modding the car door side mirror mount

You then need to mod the car door (sedans and tourings only) so that you can mount the modded M3 side mirrors. Here's what you need to do to the door to mount the new side mirrors:

Credit for the following procedure goes to adrian320 at e46Fanatics forum.

Before starting this part of the retrofit you have to ensure your window is rolled down all the way.

The thing to watch here is that the top hole, it is close to the semi-circular opening in the door, and you have to be careful not to make this location too weak to hold firmly the screw and mirror. As it is very likely you have experience drilling challenging holes I'll only recommend to make the fist hole with a small drill bit and see if the location was good or you need to move it. As you can imagine the position of these holes directly affect the fitment of the hole base.

It is highly recommended that you make a cardboard template of the position of the holes in the side mirror baseplate and use it to draw mark the holes on the door.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52084300807_4602b532de_h.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/6a361c63d4357a4906ee7b299c8bb805.jpg
I made a cardboard template like this to use a punch tool to make indentations to start drilling my two mounting holes. This process made drilling so much easier[emoji41]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/d1f80ec27f04771d67bd8e422599382f.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/dac61b5078248186d8aaaff3fe476cb1.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/635529e9fe0bc61be29b6308e905ceee.jpg
as you can see in the above picture, holes were aligned so I could thread in the mounting screws. They were not tightened until after I knew the ribbon cables were free to prevent damaging them once the mounting screws were tightened and torqued.

In the picture below, the lower screw (if using the original mirror mounting screws) have very little to no clearance so it is recommended to make a bit of room for the screw since it has the potential of hitting against the door from the inside a little bit. You can see in the picture where some room was made for the screw to seat in properly.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52084325327_e9bee78c32_b.jpg
Part number for the screws pictured above are: 07-14-7-196-375 (https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/torx-bolt-priced-each/07147196375/)

The screws used to secure the OE mirror assembly to the door are the same screws as in the part number above so you can reuse those screws if the Torx head is in good shape otherwise you can order new screws using the hyperlink above by clicking on the part number. :thumbsup


Next, we have to cut a small piece of metal off the door. These piece is a small metal lip that hides behind the stock side mirror base plate, but with the M3 base plate it sits in the way and part of it sticks out. This lip makes the trim around the window remain flatter. After you make the small cut, the trim still sits pretty flat and does not seem to affect the exposed rubber piece in any way.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52085862500_62c517c41e_o.png

For cutting this part a Dremel with a metal cutting disk will work nicely. Protect the car below and above this area as a precaution and wear safety glasses when cutting. Make a mark, a blue line in this example below, so that you can follow the line to make a clean cut. Be aware not to cut too deep so you won't cut into the rubber underneith. To mark this blue line I first marked where the mirror sat against this metal part, then with that line as reference I drew the blue line about 4mm inside from where the fist pencil line was drawn. This is because the mirror base is pretty thick in all it's sides and if the mirror base can't clear this metal part it wont seat flush to the door. As you can see the cut is kind of angled. I recommend finding a thin metal sheet, something flat that you can slide behind the part to be cut to prevent the cutting disk from going too deep. Key here is to take your time and cut shallow and make a complete pass. Do this until the part comes off and you won't cut into the rubber.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52085864545_6581a3f900_b.jpg

When the mirror is mounted it should look like this. Note how the mirror sits and looks on the bottom. Try to mount the mirror so it looks like this...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52085578879_6f236e27aa_b.jpg

Notice in the pic below that there is a barely noticeable very small circle with an X (follow green arrow) inside. This circle X can be used as reference for the fitting process.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52085873920_7ebb205957_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52085336206_ddfa2972ab_b.jpg

This is how the M3 side mirrors should look when properly mounted.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52084300597_95b16efc74_b.jpg

You should have no gaps whatsoever here...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52085358128_73ea96d45a_b.jpg

And that is it. There is a lot of work that goes into doing this retrofit but overall it is not that difficult. I have done this retrofit on verts (twice), a touring and a sedan (my first ZHP). Soon I will be doing this to my current ZHP :cool


Here is the reference link for modding the door mirror mount for those who want to see the original procedure:

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/diy-m3-oem-mirror-retrofit-for-e46-sedan.675377/

Once the mirrors are mounted you need to get this switch to make the auto fold part of the retrofit work :)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52119650466_6b845847bd_b.jpg

Make sure you order this switch with the purple bottom. From all my research concerning auto folding side mirror retrofit, it has been stressed to get the switch with the purple bottom or the switch does not work. So rather than put this to the test I have always gotten this switch with the purple bottom so in this DIY I am recommending getting this switch because I know it works.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52119678243_5004a3e610_b.jpg

Here is the part number for this switch:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52119896784_1a12a00ecd_c.jpg

Once you have this everything should work as if your car came with this from the factory . . . enjoy your new retrofit! :thumbsup

[johnrando]

Great detail and very helpful Charlie. Thanks for posting this DIY.

[UdubBadger]

too bad I never got around to doing this.

[cakM3]

too bad I never got around to doing this.

That's okay Seth....I see what you now have....just take your time and work out the kinks so to speak and you'll have an Imola to drool over :thumbsup

[danewilson77]

too bad I never got around to doing this.

Did you ever pick up the mirrors?

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[Dual]

...For those of you who have a coupe, mounting the mirrors is very easy. They will bolt directly in the same places as your OE mirrors so no worries there...

Reviving this thread a few years on. I think I'm going to make this move on my 2006 coupe soon. Is much involved with removing the triangular cover to access the mounting bolts? Seems like it would just pry off, but I don't want to find otherwise the hard way.

Any other details anyone wants to pass on to a newbie?

[cakM3]

Reviving this thread a few years on. I think I'm going to make this move on my 2006 coupe soon. Is much involved with removing the triangular cover to access the mounting bolts? Seems like it would just pry off, but I don't want to find otherwise the hard way.

Any other details anyone wants to pass on to a newbie?

Remember with a coupe you don't have to mod the mirror base plates. They are a direct bolt-on :thumbsup Only thing you will need to do is swap out the mirror motors.

[Dual]

Thanks. What about those base plates, tho? How do I remove the triangular cover? Pry it off?

[cakM3]

Thanks. What about those base plates, tho? How do I remove the triangular cover? Pry it off?

If you're referring to the base plate, there's two torx screws behind the base plate where the base plate meets with the mirror housing. You have to unscrew both screws which secure the housing to the base plate.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160421/318e586bbdd4986c72bd945101e81b3b.jpg

You can see my finger pointing to the screw locations on the mirror housing in the pic above.

[Sockethead]

Are you talking about the cover on the interior of the door?
The most important thing.... The ribbon cables are extremely fragile. I would consider wrapping the last couple of inches of it by the connector with clear boxing tape before even trying to disconnect the cables from the connectors inside the door. If one tears, you're out hundreds of $$. ECS has the motor listed at $514 Insane! https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/67136946313/ES184184/

[Dual]

Thanks for this, folks. Yes as regards the cover on the interior of the door. You remove that to get access to the mirror mounting, right? If so: how?

[cakM3]

Thanks for this, folks. Yes as regards the cover on the interior of the door. You remove that to get access to the mirror mounting, right? If so: how?

review this thread here :thumbsup

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=675377&highlight=m3+mirror+retrofit+sedan (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=675377&highlight=m3+mirror+retrofit+sedan)


when I installed my OEM M3 side mirrors onto my ZHP I used this thread as a guide....

[Dual]

PERFECT! Thank you!

[CarbonZHP]

Just did this conversion with no DIY. Accidentally completely severed the ribbon cables on the driver side. Successfully scraped them and soldered back together. On the passenger side I actually did away with the large piece of plastic inside and mounted my motors directly to the rectangular base, with a spacer in between. Got my mirrors for 200 as well

[Sockethead]

Good job! I wasn't so fortunate. Even after soldering, my motors are still dead

[CarbonZHP]

I scraped the insulation off the ribbon cables, overlaid, and carefully soldered. Luckily I had a new iron with a very fine point. Amazed they still work

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

I did the same procedure and verified the connections with a multimeter but no joy

[CarbonZHP]

Did you have the plastic cable heads on correctly. When I originally tested they didn't work but I since I had pulled the pins out of the head to feed them through, I tried switching them and it worked

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[8Two8 Automotive]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/584/32264120756_1be2848114_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ra5435)IMG_8537 (https://flic.kr/p/Ra5435) by 8two8automotive (https://www.flickr.com/photos/146034173@N02/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/364/32153486972_6f9a86ab16_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QZi2t3)IMG_8538 (https://flic.kr/p/QZi2t3) by 8two8automotive (https://www.flickr.com/photos/146034173@N02/), on Flickr

I Just got some Imola M3 side mirrors for my sedan. $350 shipped out of ATL on craigslist. I cant wait to do this DIY! Thanks for posting this!

[cakM3]

I Just got some Imola M3 side mirrors for my sedan. $350 shipped out of ATL on craigslist. I cant wait to do this DIY! Thanks for posting this!

If you need the Rogue Engineering procedure, send me a PM with your email address. I converted it into a pdf document. [emoji1360]

[Kenshin223]

Does anyone have access to the Rogue Engineering procedures? Doesn't look like it's on their site anymore.

Thanks!

[nextelbuddy]

Does anyone have access to the Rogue Engineering procedures? Doesn't look like it's on their site anymore.

Thanks!

i initially got the saved PDF from Cak the OP in here but after that I thought to myself.. websites are Cached right? so found a wesite that had the web page cached..

here you go

http://web.archive.org/web/20150209063300/http://www.rogueengineering.com/bmw/E46M3MIR.html

[Sockethead]

Good call! I think I have a PDF at home. I'll see if I can upload so we can have something permanent

[Kenshin223]

Awesome! Thanks guys. That is a big help.

[anandoc]

PDF'ed.

28937

[Sockethead]

Awesome! Thanks

[cakM3]

PDF'ed.

28937

Thanks for posting the pdf in this thread [emoji1417]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cadeez]

The timing on this forum couldn't be better! I was dreading digging up a DIY for the M3 mirror install, now there's a pdf right here at my disposal. Thanks guys!

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo184/jcadell/IMG_5359_zpsrmbxtlea.jpg (http://s374.photobucket.com/user/jcadell/media/IMG_5359_zpsrmbxtlea.jpg.html)

Edit: Per the pdf attached, you have grind down part of the mirror housing?? I was under the impression that the work was all with the ribbon cables and wiring? I'm completely confused now... Can someone please confirm exactly what needs to be done to make these things fit a sedan?

[Sockethead]

Yes there is grinding and drilling involved to get the mirrors to fit. The angle/rake of the windshield doors, etc is different between the coup and sedan. You are making it fit where it wasn't supposed to fit...

Also, I'd reinforce the ribbon cable with clear packing tape from the connectors to the folds this will help it from tearing. the ribbon cable is really thin. I tore one of mine just trying to unplug the connector

[nextelbuddy]

the best thing to do is print out a ruler in MM and then use that paper ruler to mark off 4 mm hashmarks from the edge of the base plate. then lay over masking tape along those hash marks so you have an easy line to cut or grind to.

the idea is that the base plate is too THICK in the area they want you to grind so they are giving you the measurement and place to mark off to grind away 4mm of material of the M3 base plate.

if you dont grind, it could still fit but when the base plates are mounted to the door, the hypotenuse that is at the front of the car will look thicker than normal and could be OCD for some.

honestly I would remove your OLD mirror then hold up the M3 base plate and see how you like it the way it is... then if you think its too thick, follow the template to mark off 4mm of material and slowly grind away material and then bring the plate back to the car door and keep checking it. once yo have it exactly how you like then make the other one the exact same.


thats actually the easy part.

the harder part is when you remove the M3 mirror motors and then attempt to make your OWN baseplates that will not only accept your mirror motors BUT also have them centered decent enough. there is a lot of trial and error with the baseplate portion.


I made a baseplate template that you can use as a guide. I highly recommend printing this out to standard 8.5/11 paper and remove any options for scaling or scale to fit etc.... then cut out the baseplates from the templates and see if your motors fit into them. if they do then they printed to scale as I hoped they would.

28946



the 3 outter holes in each baseplate are what mount the baseplate TO the M3 mirror innards. I really reccomend making those holes adjustable. as in drill the wholes but then make them longer by drilling them out to the left and right of the initial hole this way when you mount the base plate you can TWIST the base plate to your liking for mirror motor test fit which in the end will ultimately decide how your actual M3 mirror sits inside the housing orientation wise.

then you can go to home depot and get the following materials for baseplates:

This is lexan window material, thick and easy to cut with a dremel and found in home depot door and window section. use this for baseplate material since not everyone has spare Dewalt boxes around to use for material.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/468/32591505791_f113493c02_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZcD)IMG_20161211_123159 (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZcD) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr


These are the bolts and nuts you need to mount the mirror motors to the baseplate
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/703/32591505871_2aa5d1178d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZe2)IMG_20161211_134133 (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZe2) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr


This is garage door seal that can be use to seal the mirror base plates when you mount them to the door to keep rain and water out and cut down on wind noise if there are any odd gaps in your base plates

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/507/32591505131_d5f018c2cb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZ1g)IMG_20161211_134255 (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZ1g) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr


This is what my living room floor looked like getting started

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/480/32561605032_3fa395f8d3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RBmJKj)IMG_20161210_214716 (https://flic.kr/p/RBmJKj) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr



Laying down the Sedan mirror motors on the plastic to draw an outline to get started. you have no idea when doing this where to drill center hole for the mirrir motor to fit through.. its just measuring and lining up and test fitting back and forth. This is why i made the pDF with the base plate template to use as a guideline to help you get this done quicker.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/703/31901229543_45cdc52d13_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QB1982)IMG_20161211_135656 (https://flic.kr/p/QB1982) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/573/32591505981_9ba885a1ac_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZfV)IMG_20161211_135710 (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZfV) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr


this plastic doesnt CRACK, it merely scratches.. its tough as nails literally.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/425/31871449274_aa2696f77a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qynvu7)IMG_20161211_214642 (https://flic.kr/p/Qynvu7) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr


I chose to use Gorilla glue when it came time to mount the NUTS to the back of the base plates for the motor screws. it is just as good for this application as JB Weld. You will mount the motors into the cut base plates then insert the longer screws that go through the new base plates then thread on the new nuts as tight as you can using a socket to hold the nut in plate and tightening with a screw driver. once its smug, use the gorilla glue on the outsides of the nuts and let it dry hard then just be gentle and careful when loosening the nuts. I chose to use a wrench or socket to hold the nuts in place to be more secure when loosening the screws just to be safe. thes nuts need to be glued in since when you go to install the mirror motor on the base plate finally, you wont be able to hold onto the nuts to thread the screws in the end.

ALso you will notice an extra black 3 pin plug on your sedan motors... thats for the power folding motors in the sedan housings that most likely are not present in your mirrors but all E46s have them anyways.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/681/32591506261_35dfb58577_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZkK)IMG_20161212_194352 (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZkK) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

now the base plates once modified and you need to mount them... the existing holes in your sedan doors will NOT be used. You will need to drill 2 NEW holes to make use of the threaded holes on the M3 base plates.

to do that I used 2 deck screws i had laying around and cut the HEADS off with a dremel and then just inserted them into the open threaded holes in the base plate. then I placed blue painters tape on the sedan door mirror mounting area and then mounted or held the M3 base plates to the sedan door lightly adjusting the base plate to my liking then once it was oriented the way I like, I pressed firmly which then put pressure from the deck screws into the tape leaving holes/depressions that I could easily mark wiht a sharpie to drill out with a drill.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/468/32714207315_7cacca66f8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RQQS6a)IMG_20161210_163622 (https://flic.kr/p/RQQS6a) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr


ALso I reused the original Sedan Mirror foam outside gasket. I just trimmed out the innards where the m3 mirror mount holes would go through. I wanted to make sure I had decent weather sealing still.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/275/32591505631_db43bfeda4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZ9T)IMG_20161210_163634 (https://flic.kr/p/RDZZ9T) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

and here is me applying the garage door seal around the edges as well before my final install of the assembled mirrors.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/583/32561604862_5df6921294_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RBmJGo)IMG_20161212_231444 (https://flic.kr/p/RBmJGo) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr




good luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask. its still pretty fresh in my mind... im scared for life from this MOD. you definitely WANT to have M3 mirrors bad to put yourself through this retrofit. its the most ridiculous one I have ever done.

[Sockethead]

Yep I hated every second of this mod. The end result looks great though.

As an alternative to Lexan or a cut out from a plastic box, you can use aluminum sheet. It's much easier to work with.
Here's my thread on the mirror installation... might be a few tips there that will help you too. On page 3 you can see the aluminum base I made.
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?13196-M3-mirror-conversion-installed

[cakM3]

That's why most people won't do this mod.


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[Cadeez]

Yes there is grinding and drilling involved to get the mirrors to fit. The angle/rake of the windshield doors, etc is different between the coup and sedan. You are making it fit where it wasn't supposed to fit...

Also, I'd reinforce the ribbon cable with clear packing tape from the connectors to the folds this will help it from tearing. the ribbon cable is really thin. I tore one of mine just trying to unplug the connector

I'm planning to start work on this mod in the coming weeks, but I'm still having a little trouble getting my arms completely around this DIY. I've looked at TONS of DIY's, but no one has a complete one from beginning to end, as far as I can find. Few questions below, and maybe these are super dumb questions, but to be completely honest I can't figure out why all the modification is necessary. Can someone close the loop for me please?

- Why is it necessary to make a small adapter out of plastic/aluminum to mount the M3 mirror motor, inside the M3 housing it's already in?
- Why do I need to remove the ribbon cable connectors? Does anyone have pics of this? This is the part that is most confusing. And what is meant by "reinforce the ribbon at the connector with some tape"? Reinforce it where/why?
- Are we swapping guts/parts between the OEM ZHP mirrors and the new M3 mirrors?
- After modifying (grinding down the edges) of the mirror baseplate, will it need to be repainted, or is it on the backside?

[nextelbuddy]

I'm planning to start work on this mod in the coming weeks, but I'm still having a little trouble getting my arms completely around this DIY. I've looked at TONS of DIY's, but no one has a complete one from beginning to end, as far as I can find. Few questions below, and maybe these are super dumb questions, but to be completely honest I can't figure out why all the modification is necessary. Can someone close the loop for me please?

- Why is it necessary to make a small adapter out of plastic/aluminum to mount the M3 mirror motor, inside the M3 housing it's already in?
- Why do I need to remove the ribbon cable connectors? Does anyone have pics of this? This is the part that is most confusing. And what is meant by "reinforce the ribbon at the connector with some tape"? Reinforce it where/why?
- Are we swapping guts/parts between the OEM ZHP mirrors and the new M3 mirrors?
- After modifying (grinding down the edges) of the mirror baseplate, will it need to be repainted, or is it on the backside?


totally understand the questions, its pretty daunting.


for COUPES its bolt on and go

for SEDANS not even close.

our cars are face lift cars so we have RIBBON CABLE motors for the mirror motors. the DRIVER SIDE mirror motor IS the memory module and handles the memory and motor functions for DRIVER and PASSENGER side mirrors. This is why if yuor driver side mirror is damaged or dies, your passenger side motor also dies unti you repair or replace the driver side motor.

the M3 mirror motors are NOT ribbon. they have 6/12 pin connectors that plug into separate memory modules located in the doors. Also E46 coupes have this same plugs so they also are PnP.


Currently there is no way to get m3 mirror motors to work with our cars ZKE/GM5 central body module. our car GM5 module looks specifically for the driver side ribbon motor for everything mirror function wise.

so because we want m3 mirrors. we basically just want the housings but we want to keep our original mirror ribbon motors. its the only way to retain motor functionality. if you dont care about motor functionality then you can just to the base plate mod and be done and leave the m3 mirrors intact and manually adjust the mirrors by hand.


the Sedan ribbon cable motors will NOT fit onto the M3 mirror housing inner skeleton frame thus why you have to fabricate your own circular base plate so that our motors will have something to mount onto inside the mirror.



this retrofit is 2 parts..

- Baseplate modification to physically mount the mirror to our doors.
- mirror motor retrofit of sedan ribbon motors into the M3 housings.


im pretty sure I posted pictures and so did Cake of the ribbon motors out of the housings, go back and take a look to see.

your car is silver, the metal material UNDER the paint is also silver so you have almost no worries about having to get your base plates repainted. just mark the areas per the Rogue PDF and then cut the 3mm off that you end up taping off, test fit and grind more material away as needed. once you have the old mirror off, you can hold the NEW base plate up to the sedan door and see what im talking about.

[Cadeez]

totally understand the questions, its pretty daunting.


for COUPES its bolt on and go

for SEDANS not even close.

our cars are face lift cars so we have RIBBON CABLE motors for the mirror motors. the DRIVER SIDE mirror motor IS the memory module and handles the memory and motor functions for DRIVER and PASSENGER side mirrors. This is why if yuor driver side mirror is damaged or dies, your passenger side motor also dies unti you repair or replace the driver side motor.

the M3 mirror motors are NOT ribbon. they have 6/12 pin connectors that plug into separate memory modules located in the doors. Also E46 coupes have this same plugs so they also are PnP.


Currently there is no way to get m3 mirror motors to work with our cars ZKE/GM5 central body module. our car GM5 module looks specifically for the driver side ribbon motor for everything mirror function wise.

so because we want m3 mirrors. we basically just want the housings but we want to keep our original mirror ribbon motors. its the only way to retain motor functionality. if you dont care about motor functionality then you can just to the base plate mod and be done and leave the m3 mirrors intact and manually adjust the mirrors by hand.


the Sedan ribbon cable motors will NOT fit onto the M3 mirror housing inner skeleton frame thus why you have to fabricate your own circular base plate so that our motors will have something to mount onto inside the mirror.



this retrofit is 2 parts..

- Baseplate modification to physically mount the mirror to our doors.
- mirror motor retrofit of sedan ribbon motors into the M3 housings.


im pretty sure I posted pictures and so did Cake of the ribbon motors out of the housings, go back and take a look to see.

your car is silver, the metal material UNDER the paint is also silver so you have almost no worries about having to get your base plates repainted. just mark the areas per the Rogue PDF and then cut the 3mm off that you end up taping off, test fit and grind more material away as needed. once you have the old mirror off, you can hold the NEW base plate up to the sedan door and see what im talking about.

That all makes perfect sense now, thank you so much for the explanation!! I can now visualize all of the DIY bits I've seen and have it make sense. One more question, I'm currently driving an '01 Sport, not a ZHP. However I'm currently on the hunt for a ZHP, and I bought these mirrors with the idea of doing the install on the new ZHP once acquired. However, since my current car is pre-facelift, will these mirrors plug n play after I do the RE baseplate mod? Do pre-facelift E46 sedans have the same 6/12 pin connectors as coupes & M3's?

[SWO Daddy]

Great thread. Of all the M3 mirror DIYs, I think this is the best. Intend on attempting this soon. Already have the mirrors from when I debated on the DIY when I had an 02 330. Coincidence that the ZHP I bought last month was also jet black like the mirrors. Thx OP for posting.

[cakM3]

Great thread. Of all the M3 mirror DIYs, I think this is the best. Intend on attempting this soon. Already have the mirrors from when I debated on the DIY when I had an 02 330. Coincidence that the ZHP I bought last month was also jet black like the mirrors. Thx OP for posting.

You're welcome! [emoji4] This is the reason I started this thread so that others have the opportunity to do this [emoji1360][emoji1363]


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[Cadeez]

I picked up these M3 mirrors from a guy on the ZHP fb page, was planning to tackle that daunting DIY when I get time. Couple things though, does anyone know if when I install these, will the mirrors still have the OEM functions of my current ZHP mirrors? Meaning tilt down in reverse and defrost?

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/440/32660219500_e395cc02fb_b.jpg

[Sockethead]

As long as you use the motors from you original mirrors, you will have all functions.

[Cadeez]

Perfecto, that's what I was hoping for.

[cakM3]

I just lent Tony (tnhl1989) my spare set of OEM E46 M3 side mirrors so he can take the base plate apart on them and have them scanned. He has a 3D printer and is planning to use it to make new E46 M3 base plates. Just thought I would post this update in this thread....

[nextelbuddy]

you have a spare set of retrofitted M3 mirrors? or yo uhad jus ta spare set of OEm mirrors untouched?
trying to figure out which base plate you are wanting to scan. If you are getting a scan and 3D print of the Dewalt baseplates you used in yours, that would be very nice.


i took pictures of my baseplates and then imported them into photoshop and scaled them out and then printed them on paper to make sure they retained the accurate size shape etc and that all the holes lined up with my actual baseplates... i did that so i wouldnt have to guess anymore if i did this again.

if you guys 3D print base plates.. sweet!

[cakM3]

the side mirrors Tony borrowed from me are untouched OEM M3 side mirrors. I keep a set on hand in case either of my cars suffer a damaged side mirror....

[rguti153]

I started this mod last year around this time never finish it . I need to get back on it . N finish it . Y'all have the templates to mount the motors ?

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[slater]

I just lent Tony (tnhl1989) my spare set of OEM E46 M3 side mirrors so he can take the base plate apart on them and have them scanned. He has a 3D printer and is planning to use it to make new E46 M3 base plates. Just thought I would post this update in this thread....

charlie... DUDE... so tony would be making base plates for sedans, is that the idea?

[Sockethead]

If he is making the adapter plates, this will be huge!
As everyone knows, the baseplate is such a PITA to get drilled accurately... you end up having to egg out the holes to get the mirror to sit right in the shell.

[cakM3]

If he is making the adapter plates, this will be huge!
As everyone knows, the baseplate is such a PITA to get drilled accurately... you end up having to egg out the holes to get the mirror to sit right in the shell.

I will work with Tony to fabricate adapter plates this year seeing how I got to take apart my driver's side anyway to repaint the baseplate..... that is a great idea Rob! :thumbsup

[rguti153]

I will work with Tony to fabricate adapter plates this year seeing how I got to take apart my driver's side anyway to repaint the baseplate..... that is a great idea Rob! :thumbsup
Want!!!!

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[slater]

I will work with Tony to fabricate adapter plates this year seeing how I got to take apart my driver's side anyway to repaint the baseplate..... that is a great idea Rob! :thumbsup

so much win, charlie. thanks to you and tony!

[cakM3]

Seeing how there's an interest in this... it only makes sense to have the modded baseplates (sedan fitment) scanned as well. I sent Tony a text about it...just seeing if he has time to support doing this project :thumbsup

I think this would be a very good endeavor :drevil

Of course while all of this is going on, I will be forced to drive either my M3 or Porsche while the ZHP is tucked away inside one of my garages ;)

[slater]

Of course while all of this is going on, I will be forced to drive either my M3 or Porsche while the ZHP is tucked away inside one of my garages ;)

it's all about being content with what you have, charlie - whether you have a little, or have a lot! i'm sure you'll enjoy every moment. :)

(thanks to paul for the help with that one - philippians 4:11-13 ;))

[cakM3]

it's all about being content with what you have, charlie - whether you have a little, or have a lot! i'm sure you'll enjoy every moment. :)

(thanks to paul for the help with that one - philippians 4:11-13 ;))

to be honest Peter, I enjoy daily driving my ZHP the most. It is a car that I feel the most comfortable driving in.... anyway, I'll see what I can do to help :thumbsup

[Cadeez]

Either way, must be rough... :)

[Sockethead]

to be honest Peter, I enjoy daily driving my ZHP the most. It is a car that I feel the most comfortable driving in.... :thumbsup
I know exactly what you mean ;)

[cakM3]

I know exactly what you mean ;)

[emoji6][emoji1419]


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[rkneeshaw]

That would be so cool if you could get those scanned and created!

[cakM3]

That would be so cool if you could get those scanned and created!

Sergy (Rus_ZHP) has the ability to 3D print these mirror motor baseplates and the fitment and alignment is spot on. I recently helped Sergy update his side mirrors on his touring to OEM M3 side mirrors and after it was finished the mirrors were aligned perfectly all the way around the mirror housing. It looked as if it was OEM. Just contact Sergy via PM if you're looking to get a set. Expect to pay him for his time and shipping. Believe me, it is worth it. :thumbsup

[slater]

Mirrors and baseplates are getting scanned right now. Once they are done I will be donating my sedan mirror base plates for Tony to scan then we'll be in business! I need to refinish my sedan baseplates anyway so it will be nice to take the ZHP offline for a bit to address other maintenance issues while the sedan baseplates are getting scanned :thumbsup

you. da. man.

:cheers

[cakM3]

thanks Peter! well... not really donating but letting Tony borrow so he can scan... I plan on getting my baseplates back ;)

[Obioban]

Did you ever get these scanned?

If you could send me the file, I'd very much appreciate it!

My M3 wagon got hit in a parking lot this morning, and the mirror got knocked off-- feels like now or never on M3 mirror retrofit!

I'd be happy to cut out some extras and send them to anyone that needs a set!

TIA!

[Obioban]

Wiring side:
Thoughts on setting the VO to the GM5 to be before 0303, making it think it's a prefacelift car? That way we could use the coupe/vert mirror module and lose the stupid ribbon cables forever.

[joeybananaz18]

Im picking up M3 mirrors this weekend. Already have the ribbon cables waiting at home. Any update on the scanned sedan baseplate?

[cakM3]

This DIY thread is in serious need of being updated featuring Sergy's 3D printed mirror motor baseplates. As I start doing this retrofit on my ZHP this Spring, I will be renovating the procedures outlined in this DIY and using new pictures from my upcoming retrofit on my first post in this DIY.

I also plan to write up differences in mounting OEM M3 side mirrors on ZHP coupes and vents in this DIY as well primarily focusing on swapping in the ZHP mirror motors into the OEM M3 mirror housings.

[rguti153]

This DIY thread is in serious need of being updated featuring Sergy's 3D printed mirror motor baseplates. As I start doing this retrofit on my ZHP this Spring, I will be renovating the procedures outlined in this DIY and using new pictures from my upcoming retrofit on my first post in this DIY.

I also plan to write up differences in mounting OEM M3 side mirrors on ZHP coupes and vents in this DIY as well primarily focusing on swapping in the ZHP mirror motors into the OEM M3 mirror housings.Can u add which bolts you used when installing the mirror plates onto the door. I know you have to drill new holes to install the mirrors to the door . This is were I ended up getting stuck years ago when I was tackling this task .

Where to make the new holes and what bolt size to used ? The cable ribbons was another headache .

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[cakM3]

Can u add which bolts you used when installing the mirror plates onto the door? I know you have to drill new holes to install the mirrors to the door . This is were I ended up getting stuck years ago when I was tackling this task .

Where to make the new holes and what bolt size to used ? The cable ribbons was another headache.

I will be updating this DIY soon. I just sourced my ZHP side mirrors from eBay so that I can take out the mirror motors to transplant into my OEM M3 side mirrors I have already sourced for my ZHP project. It has been awhile since I have done this project on my first ZHP and I don't remember what bolt I used but will be documenting what to use and where I got the bolts from so other's won't have to guess here... please be patient as I have plenty of other projects lined up right now to catch up on before taking on this project...

[LAZHP]

This DIY thread is in serious need of being updated featuring Sergy's 3D printed mirror motor baseplates. As I start doing this retrofit on my ZHP this Spring, I will be renovating the procedures outlined in this DIY and using new pictures from my upcoming retrofit on my first post in this DIY.

I also plan to write up differences in mounting OEM M3 side mirrors on ZHP coupes and vents in this DIY as well primarily focusing on swapping in the ZHP mirror motors into the OEM M3 mirror housings.

First off thanks to everyone for the info on this thread to help out on this swap. Does anyone know if these 3D printed bases were ever completed or does someone have a file I could use to print the bases? I am piecing everything together and currently have the lexan bases using Shawn's photoshop template but a 3D printed base seems like it could save me some time messing with holes and centering mirror.

Also, through all my reading it seems like there are lots of broken ribbon cables which I'd really like to avoid. Besides wrapping with packing tape at the end, is there anything else to help? Did I understand correctly that the connector on the end of the cable needs to be removed?

[cakM3]

First off thanks to everyone for the info on this thread to help out on this swap. Does anyone know if these 3D printed bases were ever completed or does someone have a file I could use to print the bases? I am piecing everything together and currently have the lexan bases using Shawn's photoshop template but a 3D printed base seems like it could save me some time messing with holes and centering mirror.

Also, through all my reading it seems like there are lots of broken ribbon cables which I'd really like to avoid. Besides wrapping with packing tape at the end, is there anything else to help? Did I understand correctly that the connector on the end of the cable needs to be removed?

Sergy used to 3D print the mirror motor base plates but he has moved and no longer prints them. Regarding broken ribbon cabling, just take your time and when feeding them thru the OE mirrors pull/push them thru gently. I got my mirror motors out with no issues. And yes you read correctly, in order to feed the ribbon cabling out of the OE mirror assembly, you need to remove the plugs at the end of the ribbon cable then it will feed thru. This process is not too hard to do.

[BMWCurves]

This DIY thread is in serious need of being updated featuring Sergy's 3D printed mirror motor baseplates. As I start doing this retrofit on my ZHP this Spring, I will be renovating the procedures outlined in this DIY and using new pictures from my upcoming retrofit on my first post in this DIY.

I also plan to write up differences in mounting OEM M3 side mirrors on ZHP coupes and vents in this DIY as well primarily focusing on swapping in the ZHP mirror motors into the OEM M3 mirror housings.

I really appreciate that - I would like to put M3 mirrors on down the road (I believe plug and play for coupes), but helpful for everyone, even outside the Mafia.

[cakM3]

I really appreciate that - I would like to put M3 mirrors on down the road (I believe plug and play for coupes), but helpful for everyone, even outside the Mafia.

The OEM M3 side mirrors will mount directly (if you're referring to plug and play) on coupes and verts but you still have to transfer the mirror motors into the new M3 housings. Nothing about the M3 side mirrors are plug and play otherwise.

This will be my winter project - to update this retrofit :)

[LAZHP]

Sergy used to 3D print the mirror motor base plates but he has moved and no longer prints them.

I can print them if I had the file. Do you know if he still has the STL or if he'd be willing to send it? Can compensate a few $ within reason if that helps and it's a sure fit.

I'll also try and document any issues I run into as I do the swap.

Thanks!

[cakM3]

I can print them if I had the file. Do you know if he still has the STL or if he'd be willing to send it? Can compensate a few $ within reason if that helps and it's a sure fit.

I'll also try and document any issues I run into as I do the swap.

Thanks!

You will have to reach out to Sergy (RUS_ZHP) to see if he will provide you the file you need to 3D print these.

[RUS_ZHP]

Hey Mafia,
I wish I can you help you with 3d printed bases. Many things have chance in my live recently.
I need to get an access to some sort of CAD software, so I can restore the design and have STL files ready. It is an easy design, at least in my experience. It didn't take me a long time to make a file for those bases.
Once I will set up in my new place, I seriously thinking to go back to tinkering with design and 3d printing. There are plenty of printers that can be have for $300 and they yielding a great quality printed parts.

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[cakM3]

This DIY has been updated to include modding the mirror baseplates to fit sedan and touring and also modding the door side mirror mounts. There will be more updates to clean up this DIY once I begin the process of installing my OEM M3 side mirrors to my current ZHP :)

Like adding autofold motors to the side mirror assembly and where to source the parts from [emoji41]

[Not_Special]

Following this!!

[cakM3]

Following this!!

As soon as my M5 rep autofold side mirrors arrive the project will move forward regarding putting everything together and mounting them.

This weekend I will most likely focus on trimming the passenger mirror base plates for sedan fitment.

Once this is done, I will prep the parts for paint with the base plates being glossy black and mirror housings being same color as my car's base coat with 2x clear finishing them off[emoji41]


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[cakM3]

I have changed over the auto folding motors from the M5 rep side mirrors onto the M3 side mirror arms so I will be working on my side mirror base plates and resume modding them to fit sedan. I am planning to take updated pictures so I can update this DIY the entire process of this mod, in this case using the mirror motor base plates Sergy 3D printed and provided to me, so that I can have this DIY properly completed.

There will be more done to this DIY so that it will be complete from start to finish.

[cakM3]

I finished up trimming my mirror base plates for sedan fitment last weekend and prepped both the mirror base plates and mirror housings for paint and got them finished so I can reassemble them and get to the task of mounting them to my ZHP this Tuesday.

I will be adding additional pictures showing the mirror motor baseplates that Sergy had 3-D printed which I will be using on my side mirrors.

I can't thank Sergy enough for taking care of me on this!

[cakM3]

I'm in my last phase of doing this retrofit to my Mystic ZHP by modding both front doors. I was initially planning to do this during the week but decided I would rather have an entire day to do this mod rather than rush thru the final critical phase of mounting these mirrors the right way.

Since I have to drill two holes in each door in order to have the mirrors mounted, I will need to make a template out of cardboard so that I can easily determine where the two holes I need then use a punch to mark where I will drill on my doors. Part of this retrofit is also trimming off excess metal that protrudes beyond the mirror once it is mounted so I will need to mark off part of this metal to trim off using my Dremel so that once I mount my mirrors they will look clean.

All this will take time as I want to make sure this phase goes smoothly rather than rushing thru this phase. I will be taking pictures throughtout this process so that I can update this DIY with more current pictures taken from this retrofit. I am looking forward to completing this as it will change the overall appearance of my ZHP :)

EDIT: I completed my M3 mirror retrofit - see post below . . . .

[cakM3]

Additional updated pictures have been added to this DIY to help explain the process better (see first post of this DIY thread). Hope this helps anyone attempting to do this DIY.

Final product:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/668792497e26db1244952d7683635ad1.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/1d42ab512c648eb4e2429683e941e665.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/91e1307905f2aa6aea0e6c52af71234e.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/990f31dbcfd404d81524e93ee88923f7.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230719/637864314d4a337d944f1e4521508df9.jpeg

All the info is here in this DIY to make this happen for those wanting to attempt this. It is more a difficult DIY due to the fabrication involved but once it is all finished is worth all the work involved to get this done as shown in the above pictures [emoji41][emoji1417]

I followed this DIY pretty much step-by-step when building my M3 side mirrors for my sedan to include doing all the fabrication/cutting/trimming of my mirror base plates and drilling the two holes on each door. I did all the work on my M3 side mirrors as well as painting of the mirror baseplate and mirror housings. This is the first time I have attempted painting everything but it was really not too difficult to do all the work for this DIY. :thumbsup

Just make sure you plan for adequate time to do this project and not rush any portion of this. Take your time!

I did the prep/prime/painting/clear coat over an entire weekend as the prepping process took the longest time. Sanding and preparing the surface for paint. Then once all parts had cured, I planned an entire day to build both mirrors and to drill the holes in my doors and then mount the mirrors. Since I had planned more than adequate time to do all of this, the end result turned out very well as the pictures show.

[thegenius46m]

Hey Charlie. Which M5 mirrors did you order? Do they autofold left and right at the same rate? Looking to do this mod.

[cakM3]

Hey Charlie. Which M5 mirrors did you order? Do they autofold left and right at the same rate? Looking to do this mod.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/283663923121?hash=item420baff7b1:g:bQQAAOSw3xJVXco L&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0J6v4jKTstwwHSYQxXtvFHjQpSyY6 reOzsaMZ9FBGK095PJbadKk5BhLDn13Sse9s24TA4wwlBoPYol 9owMDzGCGevcc%2FE1uN9yhuJ6eD5L1RJ27FONPBVB%2F7Rv5I %2FaIxjPq6nrevy3t8ytAtR8vftXHuiX1xfh5jPKLpkQENT7Yi ftMBuoZQ30BUXsoyIhUTi1esP5M1Euh%2FJ6SQTjeAf%2BQeoD u8hrDGmfnOD7aDSRzyjcSLa7BqUxaaFGdderc%2Fr008F9knui lYvGsPheD8eU%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-bBua6yYg

This is the set I purchased from eBay to obtain my auto folding motors for my M3 side mirrors. They run $230 + $50 shipping. I have a spare set of auto folding mirror motors that I can sell to you shipped for $75 if you're interested but right now I'm in Florida visiting with my brothers so I won't be home until after the 2nd of August. Just hit me up with a private message if you're interested. :thumbsup

The mirror motors auto fold at the same rate once you hit the button. I have also done this mod to my M3.

[akoshok]

Hi all, I got the Umnitza Euro mirrors (https://umnitza.com/browse-by-car-model/bmw/3-series/e46/for-bmw-european-auto-fold-mirrors-multiple-models.html) thinking it was going to be easy. It would have been if I did not have the Ribbon style mirror motor. I paid for the mirror housing to be paint matched, which made a return not possible, as I ordered the incompatible 12 pin model.

So I had to do the ribbon motor swap, losing the folding feature in the process.
The passenger side motor moves right over, the driver side is oriented differently, so I had to drill new holes.

Here is the result on one side, the other looks identical.

40032

My review.
Looks: A good plus.
Visibility: Better for sure.
Ease of mod: not easy, and a little risky. That ribbon connector is brittle. Need gentle hands.

Downside: Wind noise. Although I will try to add some more insulation and see how it goes. It is not bad, it's a constant white noise, and starts around 40 MPH, instead of 60 with the old mirrors. It is not too loud either, between the sound of the intake, exhaust, and tires, it does not bother me. With the music on, I don't notice it. I think the insulation may well help, will see.

[johnrando]

Nice werk, synopsis.

Sent from my SM-F936U1 using Tapatalk

[cakM3]

Hi all, I got the Umnitza Euro mirrors thinking it was going to be easy. It would have been if I did not have the Ribbon style mirror motor. I paid for the mirror housing to be paint matched, which made a return not possible, as I ordered the incompatible 12 pin model.

So I had to do the ribbon motor swap, losing the folding feature in the process.
The passenger side motor moves right over, the driver side is oriented differently, so I had to drill new holes.

Here is the result on one side, the other looks identical.

40032

My review.
Looks: A good plus.
Visibility: Better for sure.
Ease of mod: not easy, and a little risky. That ribbon connector is brittle. Need gentle hands.

Downside: Wind noise. Although I will try to add some more insulation and see how it goes. It is not bad, it's a constant white noise, and starts around 40 MPH, instead of 60 with the old mirrors. It is not too loud either, between the sound of the intake, exhaust, and tires, it does not bother me. With the music on, I don't notice it. I think the insulation may well help, will see.

Although this DIY is strictly intended for retrofitting OEM M3 side mirrors, I don't know why you're posting installing Umnitza Euro mirrors and hyperlinking to them in this DIY?

I would appreciate it if we can keep things on topic as the intent of this thread is for people who desire to mount OEM M3 side mirrors not other types of side mirrors. Perhaps you can make up your own thread detailing all the issues and hyperlink to your product if you wish, thanks.

[akoshok]

Hi cakM3,
Apologies if this is not something you wanted. I neither wanted to hijack the thread, nor shill for Umnitza. I considered starting a new thread, but given that I was considering an M3 side mirror, and came upon these, and perhaps others out there, I shared my experience.

If you would like, I can delete my post, as well as this one, and start a new thread.

[cakM3]

Hi cakM3,
Apologies if this is not something you wanted. I neither wanted to hijack the thread, nor shill for Umnitza. I considered starting a new thread, but given that I was considering an M3 side mirror, and came upon these, and perhaps others out there, I shared my experience.

If you would like, I can delete my post, as well as this one, and start a new thread.

I think it would be awesome if you posted a new thread w/ pictures showing your install and provide to the forum alternatives for everyone to see. No need to delete your post [emoji1417]

My DIY was written so that people who really wanted to install the OEM M3 side mirrors the right way would have info that was thoroughly researched and put together so they can do this.

I am all for people posting what they did but appreciate more if they kept on topic. I really would like to see just how you did your install, all the good and bad during the install. Tools used and any heads up so anyone who might decide your way is easier has the info along with more pictures (you can see by my DIY I like pictures). [emoji4]


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[akoshok]

Can do cakM3. I am waiting for some HW to arrive today, which I will use when I add some noise insulation to the mirrors. Good little project for the weekend.