Exterior mirror caps and trunk third brake light removal.

[GOZER]

I have a 1989 325i convertable and the paint on the plastic of the exterior mirror caps and the third brake light are bubbling and look really gross. I was wondering how you can remove these parts safely so I can paint them. I cant find another post about removal of just the plastic pieces. Thank you the help! REPOST

[reelizmpro]

The plastic on the side mirrors cannot be separated easily. I suggest removing the entire housing and painting it...just remove the glass and mask the motor. The 3rd brake light on the decklid has like 6 hidden screws from underneath. Be careful to remove them all before trying to pry the housing or you will break the brittle plastic. I believe the housing is actually secured by 4 of the 6 screws but I don't remember which.

[GOZER]

Thank you for the info! For removing the mirror cap do I remove it from where it mates the car or do I go from the bottom and take off the mirror and such?

[Robert Fisher]

I painted mine while on the car. I sanded off the bubbles and smoothed the surfaces on the outside. Then masked the rest of the door and threw a blanket over the rest of the car. Turned out pretty good. T he main thing I had trouble with was the color. It is surprising how many different colors there are of white...
Bob

[cory58]

Thank you for the info! For removing the mirror cap do I remove it from where it mates the car or do I go from the bottom and take off the mirror and such?

Remove the entire mirror from the door. There are DIYs and videos.