Side Mirror Motorized Folding.

[beemerx]

I've just purchased a 320i SE from AB... 11 month car which has only done slightly more than 17k in mileage.. still has 2 years BSRI & 1 year warranty.Loads of extras on the SE version, rain & headlight sensor, welcome corona ring lights, driver & passenger electronic seats, rear windscreen sun shed, lights at the door handles, cruise control.. etc :top:I love everything about the car but unfortunately there's one thing that could be better.. motorized auto / manual tilting side mirrors.... especially useful when parking in a tight spot or when stuck in a multiple lane traffic jam and motorbikes are speedy past our cars.Was wondering if there's original or after market mods that I can add to enable the auto tilting side mirrors? Any of the sifus here that can help to advice?Thanks!

 

[kevster30]

Bro,

Do a search on this topic. You need to make sure that your side mirror selector switch is on the driver's side position for this function to work. It only works when you engage reverse.

 

[beemerx]

Hi Kevster30,

I've checked... there's no selector switch located at my driver side controls... does this mean that I cannot have the motorized side mirrors installed?

 

[beemerx]

Hi Kevster30,

I think you've misunderstood what I meant when I say motorized tilting of the side mirror... what i was referring to was we can actually fold the side mirrors in automatically when it's not in use; similar to what Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra has

 

[astroboy]

U must have a left/right selector because without it, how to adjust the side mirror angle electronically? Its the same selector to initiate the reverse tilt. Doesn't work on mine because my 2007 base line model missing many things, not sure about yours.

 

[beemerx]

Hi Astroboy,

Hehehe... I wasn't referring to adjusting the side mirror angle.. that I can do as there's the selector switch.

What I'm referring to is the ability to fold the mirrors up when their not in use... like in the Sentra where there's a button which when pressed, both the side mirrors will fold in :wink:

 

[etquah]

Hi Astroboy,

Hehehe... I wasn't referring to adjusting the side mirror angle.. that I can do as there's the selector switch.

What I'm referring to is the ability to fold the mirrors up when their not in use... like in the Sentra where there's a button which when pressed, both the side mirrors will fold in :wink:

There should be a round button ( next to the level to adjust the angle of the side mirror ) that when you press, both the side mirrors are folded up.

 

[astroboy]

Sorry, both Kev and I thought you're referring to the reverse tilt. Yes, if you're referring to the motorised foldable side mirror, it should be triggered thru a round button next to the left/right selector switch. My 320 no such button, had to be a hand job..

If next to your left/right mirror adjustment selector switch no round button, that means you don't have motorised foldable side mirror.

etquah, your LCI 320 has this button ka?!

Retrofitting it is not cheap, I rather spend on the M3 side mirror from GC Motorsport.. if I must spend on a flippable side mirror..

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29030

 

[saat]

Bro Bimmerx,

You are not saying it right. If you refer to page 37 of your manual you will find that the dipping passenger side mirror is referred to as "Passenger-side mirror tilt function – automatic curb monitor" that Bro Kevster was referring to. So your title does mislead.

You are referring to the "Folding Mirror" function. The folding mirror function is an option available as standard on the higher ranges. I'm not sure whether the 320 has it. But it is activated by a button on the side mirror control panel described by Bro etquah. If you do not have this button, chances are your car does not come with the option.

 

[kevster30]

The english lesson that we learn from this thread is the inexplicitly vast difference between the word 'tilting' and 'folding'

 

[saat]

The english lesson that we learn from this thread is the inexplicitly vast difference between the word 'tilting' and 'folding'

And sumore

 

[megatnh]

Hi Astroboy,

Hehehe... I wasn't referring to adjusting the side mirror angle.. that I can do as there's the selector switch.

What I'm referring to is the ability to fold the mirrors up when their not in use... like in the Sentra where there's a button which when pressed, both the side mirrors will fold in :wink:

beemerx
I have seen the 5th series with after market add-on side mirror folded function. however has not seen one for the 3 series...
most of the bmw cars from the BMW doesnt carry that folded function....
why u want the folded mirror ya...

 

[beemerx]

Dear sifus,

I apologize for the wrong usage of the word "tilting" instead of "folding"... thanks for the pointer.

Don't think my 320i SE comes with the auto folding side mirror functionality as there's no round button at the console.

How much would it cost to add the functionality? Is it expensive and will it void the warranty?:wink:

 

[saat]

Dear sifus,

I apologize for the wrong usage of the word "tilting" instead of "folding"... thanks for the pointer.

Don't think my 320i SE comes with the auto folding side mirror functionality as there's no round button at the console.

How much would it cost to add the functionality? Is it expensive and will it void the warranty?:wink:

Anytime you do it thru an non-authorized shop, they will give you a hard time and void all warranty, especially for a big job like this.

You can get the authorized service center to do it but it will be relatively expensive. Both the mirrors need to be changed. To give you an idea, an after-market M3 folding side mirror is about RM1,250 each. I doubt if you'll find used ones for the E90.

Enjoy your ride first. These are minor items. I have it and have never used it.

 

[astroboy]

If u don't lipat them and its been knock off, then it might be a blessing in disguise so u have a reason to get these..

 

[beemerx]

If u don't lipat them and its been knock off, then it might be a blessing in disguise so u have a reason to get these..

Hehehe... if kena and the whole thing come off.. then ok ler.. have an excuse to change.. but worse if it doesn't come off but just badly scratched... then how?

Hehehe... but anyhow... gonna enjoy the ride 1st... these are not essential items to have.. just nice to have but can do without... do manual hand job 1st lor

 

[saat]

Hehehe... if kena and the whole thing come off.. then ok ler.. have an excuse to change.. but worse if it doesn't come off but just badly scratched... then how?

Hehehe... but anyhow... gonna enjoy the ride 1st... these are not essential items to have.. just nice to have but can do without... do manual hand job 1st lor

Dont go blind with too much hand job

 

[Vincent Hor]

beemerx, I am in the mist of doing this project on my E38. I think the basic principal is the same. You will need the following

1. The motorised folding side mirror
2. The driver's side control unit with a button to activate this folding function
3. The passenger side mirror control unit that allows this function.

Here's is link but it's for the E38

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/140299

 

[astroboy]

I did the mod before to my old Sentra. Modus operadi is 5min after ignition killed, it will fold. Of course, there's an overriding switch to toggle the fold when need be, especially after 180kph, drag reduced, wind noise reduced. Been there done that.. now more careful with power-to-weight ratio. Whatever that's not improving the ratio is deem as burden to the car.. and my wallet too..

 

[Schwepps]

Folding mirrors are not that important beemerx. I've only used mine once, just to test that they worked when I got the car. Folding in your mirrors when parked only invites cars and motorbikes to squeeze past or park even closer. I prefer to have them sticking out so they have to keep their distance. Side mirrors are plastic protection, like bumpers.

The feature to retrofit would be the tilting passenger mirror when engaging reverse. Now that's a really useful feature and allows you to side park accurately without any chance of scuffing your wheels and tyres. :top: