Z3 Wing Mirrors advice

[Phil57]

Happy New Year folks from newbie me!
A question re the above on behalf of my partner.
She has a 1996 Z3 with the common problem of alu mirror fittings corroding and dropping off. She wants to keep driving it and eventually sell it as a classic.
Should she replace with same mirror type (even though they will fail again) to preserve the true BMW identity or opt for the new internal plastic fittings that use existing outer parts? These look to have good reviews. https://x8r.co.uk/bmw-z3-e36-outside-wing-door-mirror-spindle-repair-fix

Thanks in advance

Phil

 

[Nodzed]

IMHO always worth upgrading to a more modern (and better) part especially where you cant see it

 

[Low Rider]

I would agree with Nodzed.
Welcome to the forum

 

[mrscalex]

I prefer original fittings as I like to keep it all factory. Corroded bases can be repainted. The stalks only tend to fracture as a result of seizing (they are meant to revolve on the base) and subsequently being struck by a passing vehicle and snapping off rather than swivelling.

So if you have a mirror with an intact arm then chances are it is solid and just needs dismantling, cleaning and greasing to ensure it swivels okay.

 

[Grumps]

I'd swap for the plastic newer item as no one would ever know.

 

[Bampz]

I'd swap for the plastic newer item as no one would ever know.

Hi and from Pembrokeshire

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too

 

[Shelly]

PS .......
I'd go for plastic too

 

[Davyhoogy]

Are your mirrors intact or have they snapped?
I have a set of wing mirrors in fibreglass from eBay that I have for sale since I've recently upgraded to z3m mirrors.
The bases are £95 per side on eBay for the bases but I' selling the full wing mirror set (motor, heated glass, wiring, cases). For both sides.

 

[Sean d]

I'd also go for the more modern resin type as no one will ever know and they will last a life time

 

[Nodzed]

Hi & Welcome BTW

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I've got one original and a newer plastic one on my car currently. You can't tell which one is the original by looks alone

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Phil, nothing wrong with replacing with plastic in my opinion!

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi and welcome from me in Scotland .
I would agree with others and go with the newer longer lasting plastic ones

 

[Phil57]

Hi and from Pembrokeshire

Thanks Bampz & hi from Gwent!

 

[Phil57]

Are your mirrors intact or have they snapped?
I have a set of wing mirrors in fibreglass from eBay that I have for sale since I've recently upgraded to z3m mirrors.
The bases are £95 per side on eBay for the bases but I' selling the full wing mirror set (motor, heated glass, wiring, cases). For both sides.

Thanks Davyhoogy. We need to check exactly what we need with the garage but the arms between the main mirror & door are both broken. How much are you asking and do you have photos you can send please? Are yours the original BMW style but in fibreglass and without any aluminium parts?

 

[Davyhoogy]

That is correct, the bases and internals are made of fibreglass then the motor, casing and heated glass are the original parts.
I'm asking £220 for forum members but 280 on eBay.
That is mainly because the fibreglass bits cost me £180 6 months ago, then there's the rest of the parts plus postage.

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi, and welcome from me in Cardiff.

 

[Phil57]

That is correct, the bases and internals are made of fibreglass then the motor, casing and heated glass are the original parts.
I'm asking £220 for forum members but 280 on eBay.
That is mainly because the fibreglass bits cost me £180 6 months ago, then there's the rest of the parts plus postage.

Hi Davy
Can you post your eBay link on here please and I'll show it to our mechanic and let you know what he says.
Cheers
Phil

 

[stevie_a]

Hi from Glasgow

that is also a nice little video from the company of how to strip and rebuild a mirror