E38 Auto dim mirror

[Spaz]

Do you have to log in to access that file? Says not available.

I didn't need anything to view it...

go here i re-hosted it.

http://www3.telus.net/iweather/RA%20%20Removing%20and%20installing%20or%20replacing%20interior%20rearview%20mirror.pdf

-Cam

[monty23psk]

Check the ETK, looks like the e38 has an adhesion set part number. Might come with the glue you need.

[Erick]

Do you have to log in to access that file? Says not available.

[Spaz]

Hey Erick,

Yeah i'd just suggest using the adhesive that comes in those kits and toss the plate,

Check this out it shows how the mirror needs to be twisted on to the base plate try that to get it off. Then glue the old base back on, or if there is no base get a new one and glue it on with the windshield adhesive, wait a day and done!

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/WTH/RA%20%20Removing%20and%20installing%20or%20replacing%20interior%20rearview%20mirror.pdf

I've been wanting to retrofit one of those mirrors in my car as well, so we'll get it figured out!

-cam

[Erick]

Wire the mirror as follows

Green/Red = Hot In Accessory, Run and Start
Blue/Yellow = Tap into the reverse switch
Brown = Ground



REPAIR KIT WINDSHIELD ADHERED 255 FC 1 81229407497 ENDED
only in conjunction with

Adhesive primer VP 209 30ML 1 83199407777

Spacer, adhesive 12.7X10X3.8 151318172242 $0.29



Base plate, rear view mirror, interior 1 51318145530 $11.05
only in conjunction with
-- ADHESION SET INTERIOR MIRROR AV 144/2+HV997 1 83199408588 ENDED
-- Glass primer XW 775, 30 ML 1 81229407645


A simple search on real oem found that, so start with some of those.
you're gonna need a base plate to glue to the window, then windshield adhesive which they sell at every auto parts store. You have to follow instructions as to drying time the weight of the mirror won't let it adhere if you put it on shortly after.


-Cam

Cam,

I looked at the base plates they sell at the auto parts store. Those things suck. They are generic plastic pieces and from reading the boxes, they are designed to work with specific (although generic to domestic cars) mirrors that slide into the plate you attach to the windshield.

All fine and dandy until you realize that the E38 mirror does not work with that at all.

When I had an e38, I always toyed with the idea of retrofitting it's mirror to the e30, and I remember that BMW just glued the mirror straight to the windshield (exactly like the mirror on my e30 cabrio). Now, if they did it, then I don't need to convert this mirror to the shitty plastic US generic mirrors that they sell the kits for at the auto parts store.

But here's the thing: If you look at my pictures (or any e38 mirror) you can tell that the mirror is two pieces at the very top, which looks to me like it's a base plate. I tried to twist that off, but I had no luck in doing so.

If that little piece could be separated, then sticking it to the windshield would be cake.

Thanks for the wiring tips though! That'll be very helpful!

[Spaz]

Wire the mirror as follows

Green/Red = Hot In Accessory, Run and Start
Blue/Yellow = Tap into the reverse switch
Brown = Ground



REPAIR KIT WINDSHIELD ADHERED 255 FC 1 81229407497 ENDED
only in conjunction with

Adhesive primer VP 209 30ML 1 83199407777

Spacer, adhesive 12.7X10X3.8 151318172242 $0.29



Base plate, rear view mirror, interior 1 51318145530 $11.05
only in conjunction with
-- ADHESION SET INTERIOR MIRROR AV 144/2+HV997 1 83199408588 ENDED
-- Glass primer XW 775, 30 ML 1 81229407645


A simple search on real oem found that, so start with some of those.
you're gonna need a base plate to glue to the window, then windshield adhesive which they sell at every auto parts store. You have to follow instructions as to drying time the weight of the mirror won't let it adhere if you put it on shortly after.


-Cam

[Erick]

^ Good to know, but right now my issue is mounting the mirror.

I tried 3 different types of glue and epoxy yesterday, and only one sorta held. It held but at the slightest tap it fell.

I need to find out what BMW uses.

[DaveSmed]

Usually one of those wires runs to the backup lights so the mirror goes full bright in reverse.

[CorvallisBMW]

Mounting it is not tough... just clean glass and glue it. Just trying to find the best type of glue :)

I just need to find out what the wires are for and how I'm going to power them.

I've seen mirror attachment kits at most auto parts stores. They include some special glue made for glass.

[Erick]

Mounting it is not tough... just clean glass and glue it. Just trying to find the best type of glue :)

I just need to find out what the wires are for and how I'm going to power them.

[dude8383]

make sure you post pics of how you mounted it...i would love to have a functional auto dim rear view mirror! god damn SUV's always blinding me with the headlight height.

[Erick]

Pic 2

[Erick]

Pic 1

[Erick]

Hmm, I think I see what you're saying. The e38 mirror I have probably has both pieces attached. They are pretty tough to screw off each other.

I'll take a pic. Any specific glue people suggest? I don't have much experience with any glue that adheres good to glass.

- Erick

[NC325iC]

it just gets glued on though, they fall off all the time