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Re: Different mirrors
The mirrors in picture set three are standard E34 mirrors and were fitted to most E34s up to around 1993. They are the same units as fitted to the 7 series of the same age. They come with a plug'n'socket connector for power, which is located in the mounting plate of the mirror. Annoyingly, BMW saw fit to randomly change whether the "plug" was on the mirror or the door, so replacing them often ends up with a "plug" on both or a "socket" on both.
They are very difficult to repaint, as when you take the glass out, you see that the back of the unit is riveted to the front (no skeleton like later design) and the rivets "squashed" to seal them, so you can`t take the unit to bits properly to respray the hidden areas of the fold-back hinge.
Theoretically these early mirrors are noisier than the later versions, due to the design. However, perceived noise at speed, especially over 100mph (cough... afternoon officer!) is often the bolt securing the mirror coming loose over time. It is inside the car door, under the soft thin plastic sheet at the front of the glass window. Tightening it makes quite a change on 10 year old plus cars.
The mirrors you have on your car, in picture set one, are the later E34 units (may have been fitted on other models too, they are not M5 specific) used from roughly 1993 onwards. They have better aerodynamics and the glass is slightly better shaped if I recall correctly.
When the glass is off, there are screws which allow the coloured plastic backing to be removed, leaving a skeleton of metal and the black plastic surround. This makes repair easier and painting a doddle. Note that the softer rubberised plastic is always coloured black, only the hard backing and inner is painted.
They tend to run a cable for electrics thru the mounting plate and down into the guts of the lower door. This makes removal a pain, as the whole door card has to be taken off to remove the mirror.
I`m not sure on dates used, but certainly some of the last M5s have the so-called "M3" mirrors. I'm not 100% sure, but I think that the LE cars do not have them as standard.
The units are distiguishable by the double stalk, and imho are the nicest design of all.
If I recall correctly they are not the same part number or exact design as the genuine E36 M3 mirrors, but were produced by BMW for the E34 and are known as "BMW Motorsport" mirrors, not "M3" mirrors.
I think that they were available for sale fitted to other models on demand, eg the 540i.
The "M3" design is notorious for theft. Bear in mind that they may/will be a target for any chav who thinks they may fit an E36. It is common to see M3 mirrors only for sale, minus the baseplates. I understand that BMW will not sell baseplates without seeing the car, in an attempt to curb this problem. Several aftermarket places that sell replica M3 style mirrors also refuse to sell their replica baseplates for the same reason.
I have never taken a "M3" style mirror off to check its wiring properties.
I do not know whether the genuine or replica E36 M3 mirrors fit the any of the baseplates used in the three versions of E34 mirrors.
Finally, I will upload and show some pictures later.
Ivan.
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"Never enter Karussell when on the brakes! I have gone round there on the roof, I know what I'm talking about." ~ Sabine Schmitz
Last edited by IvanDias; 23rd July 2004 at 15:23.
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