M Roadster wing mirror removal advice please

[Mahatma]

Hi
I have read and seen videos of the process involved to remove wing mirrors that are stuck solid and cannot be turned in. However these videos only applied to the Z3 wing mirrors as it comes apart in 2 pieces once the mirror glass and the 4 hex bolts have been removed. The M mirror is one piece and then the base. My 02 M roadster -phoenix yellow- has both mirrors frozen solid. I am guessing the mirror has to be removed for a start. Can anyone help with how to remove/unfreeze. Much appreciated. My apologies if I have missed this subject that has been covered elsewhere in the forum.

 

[Esteban]

Pull upward, away from the base, when rotating Z3M mirror housing. See photos: BimmerForums: Instructional - Safe Door Mirror Removal.

Note: If the housing has not been rotated in a long time, it will be stubborn. Be gentle. Don't force it. Try spraying a penetrant between the base and upper portion of the housing. PlusGas or the like. Wrap a towel around the base so penetrant doesn't drip everywhere and make a mess.

The housing can rotates both directions. Sometimes one direction is more willing than the other.

Good luck!

 

[Mahatma]

Thank you so much for the information that was really helpful and all made sense. There is a risk involved with either method I guess but I haven’t tried rotating downward either. Trying to get a gap between the base and the mirror is difficult in my case to be able to spray lubricant, just doesn’t want to part. I will have to source the availability of some spares before attempting. Certainly not impossible and a lot of patience! Will try it out and post results.

 

[Jam03]

Having had one of my mirrors break off naturally, I’m adopting the strategy of not touching the other one until it also falls off naturally.

 

[Esteban]

Having had one of my mirrors break off naturally, I’m adopting the strategy of not touching the other one until it also falls off naturally.

The vintage aesthetic.

 

[Jam03]

I fixed the one that fell off, but I decided that I would not touch the other one to accelerate its failure. The good thing is that they don’t fall off, but dangle elegantly, held on by the cables.

 

[Esteban]

Fortunately your car is silver so the duct tape will blend in.

 

[ExMX5owner]

Fortunately your car is silver so the duct tape will blend in.

I got a silver one too, and also thought this might be the case. but it only works if the duct tape is also silver, but that being said black does add a bit of bling value.. .. but yes I got both of mine free with lots of penetrant applied over several days, and gentle persuasion.