1998 z3 wing mirrors

[PAUL ECCLES]

Hi everyone, is the nearside door mirror fixed or should it swivel like the off side?

 

[paul.s]

should swivel but don't force it if it doesn't want to move either its corroded inside and will probably snap of when you try or it has snapped and someone has stuck it together with something its a common problem with z3

 

[GazHyde]

The mirrors are designed to fold in, but I would highly recommend not attempting to.
The mechanism is prone to corrosion and will most likely snap off. It's a growing problem as the cars age.

 

[PAUL ECCLES]

Thanks everyone..

 

[jonco]

Paul,
As already commented a common problem - mine have actually been injected in the fixed position due to corrosion failure.
If you want to get them working this is a very good write-up https://zroadster.org/threads/wing-mirror-replacement.5650/#post-69354

 

[Nifty Fifty]

I refurbished mine this winter whilst it was SORNED (1999 2.0). Mine never folded in neither and the aluminium bases were corroded and required re-painting. Before spending money on new ones or the plastic bases that are available from a German supplier I thought I'd give it a go myself first (nothing to lose so to speak)
I removed them from the car and totally stripped them down removing the internal motors and down to the bare bones. I then applied liberal quantity of spray grease and lubricant and whilst holding the base in a vice they finally freed up and folded.
I then rubbed down and prepared them for respraying and bought the Topaz Blue paint and lacquer from Halfords which turned out to be an excellent repair and colour match. Unfortunately I was so involved in the repair I never took photos of each stage, but I would say if you are practically minded and take your time its a job that can be done. Especially if the bases are not badly corroded.
I must admit when I first tried to fold them whilst in the vice I was expecting the worst and for them to snap, but apply plenty of lubricant (no jokes please lol) it may work.
I would say do not attempt to fold whilst still attached to the door as this may cause more damage.

I hope this may give a little confidence.
Andy

 

[ZTec]

Hi everyone, is the nearside door mirror fixed or should it swivel like the off side?

My near side mirror was also solid, wouldn't move at all, also the base was very corroded so it had to come off, previous owner had fixed it in place with PRC (aircraft grade sealant) which meant one thing that previously someone had tried to fold it and snapped the casing just above the swivel joint. Nothing to loose but to force it around, it gave quite easily, beyond repair. The base was so corroded it was beyond repair, I bought a composite one from Germany complete with base, took it all ( plus drivers side mirror) to my local spray shop who matched it perfectly. Cost a few quid to from beginning to end, but seeing that the mirrors stand out, they have to be perfect otherwise they let the car down. Happy now.

 

[oldcarman]

I took my mirrors apart and soaked them in vinegar for several days picking out the corrosion with a plastic fork. Worked so well that the keeper flew of the spring never to be found again!! JIM

 

[paul.s]

the only problem taking them off to free them up is you have to swivel the head to gain access to the 2 allen bolts that hold the mirror on to the door

 

[Alin S]

Mine were both stuck when I got the car. I used some WD40 to lubricate them and it worked very well.

 

[Nifty Fifty]

the only problem taking them off to free them up is you have to swivel the head to gain access to the 2 allen bolts that hold the mirror on to the door

If I can remember I don't think you do, by removing the glass and exposing the Tory screws that separate the outer casing this just leaves the skeleton of the wing mirror and the Allen bolts exposed to enable removal. Mine were solid and it was only by holding them in a vice that I was able to free them up, so I must have removed them first.

 

[GazHyde]

Just for reference the removal process is documented here.

https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-mirror-base-refurbishment.66/

 

[jake_cahoon]

My near side mirror was also solid, wouldn't move at all, also the base was very corroded so it had to come off, previous owner had fixed it in place with PRC (aircraft grade sealant) which meant one thing that previously someone had tried to fold it and snapped the casing just above the swivel joint. Nothing to loose but to force it around, it gave quite easily, beyond repair. The base was so corroded it was beyond repair, I bought a composite one from Germany complete with base, took it all ( plus drivers side mirror) to my local spray shop who matched it perfectly. Cost a few quid to from beginning to end, but seeing that the mirrors stand out, they have to be perfect otherwise they let the car down. Happy now.

Hi can you tell me the name of the supplier that you bought the mirror from please? I just got a quote from bmw and nearly fell off my chair! thanks

 

[ZTec]

Hi can you tell me the name of the supplier that you bought the mirror from please? I just got a quote from bmw and nearly fell off my chair! thanks

Hi Jake, this is the item I bought, they are still on EBay now £83 + £13 postage from Germany, composite material, will never rust.

Website also : www.spiegel-z3.de
Good luck
Tec

 

[jake_cahoon]

Hi Jake, this is the item I bought, they are still on EBay now £83 + £13 postage from Germany, composite material, will never rust.
View attachment 16286
Website also : www.spiegel-z3.de
Good luck
Tec

Hi Ztec much appreciated thx