51 16 060 Removing and installing or replacing interior rearview mirror

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, and 2004 BMW 325xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: On version with remote control for central locking: If necessary, disconnect negative lead from battery.

On version with compass:

Check compass function after disconnecting mirror plug connection or battery or after replacement.

If necessary, calibrate compass in interior rearview mirror.

NOTE: There are five different versions of the interior rear

(A) Version without cable (X) with full foot
(B) Version with cable (X) and with plug cover
(C) Version without cable (X) and with mirror arm end caps
(D) Version with cable (X) and with mirror arm end caps
(E) Version with rain sensor and with mirror arm end caps

Version with cable (X) for:

Automatic dim action (electro-chrome technology) for interior rearview mirror
Fogging sensor
Remote control (infrared or radio)
Garage door opener
Compass
Rain sensor

IMPORTANT: Do not snap out the interior rearview mirror (1) towards the rear (windscreen breakage).

Do not under any circumstances twist the interior rearview mirror when removing.

Twisting the mirror off the mirror mount will damage the rear catch.

If the rear catch is damaged, the mirror will be loose when installed and must be replaced.

Removal of version (B):

Version with automatic dim action (electro-chrome technology) for interior mirror and/or remote control:

Lever out plug cover and disconnect plug connection.

Fig 1: Identifying Lever Out Plug Cover And Disconnect Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove interior mirror (1) towards rear or by twisting (risk of damage).

Snap out interior mirror (1) from mirror mount towards front by striking with ball of thumb and remove.

Fig 2: Snapping Out Interior Mirror From Mirror Mount Towards Front

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Twist mirror foot by approx. 45° and fit to mirror mount.
Turn mirror foot until it engages on mirror base.

Fig 3: Turning Mirror Foot Until Engages On Mirror Base
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only replace with version with remote control for central locking:

Installation:

Initialize all transmitters (ignition keys), refer to Owner's Handbook.

Removal of versions (C) and (D):

Press end caps (1) towards mirror housing (2); this releases clip connection of both caps (1).

Fig 4: Pressing End Caps (1) Towards Mirror Housing (2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Twist mirror (1) at an angle towards front and right/top.

Fig 5: Twisting Mirror At An Angle Towards Front And Right/Top

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Swivel left end cap (2) off ball neck in direction of arrow; this detaches the engagement clip (3) from the metal foot.

Twist mirror (1) at an angle towards front and left/top.

Fig 6: Twisting Mirror At An Angle Towards Front And Left/Top

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Swivel right end cap (2) off ball neck in direction of arrow; this detaches the engagement clip from the metal foot.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Fig 7: Disconnecting Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove interior mirror (1) towards rear or by twisting (risk of damage).

Snap out interior mirror (1) from mirror mount (2) towards front by striking with ball of thumb and remove.

Fig 8: Snapping Out Interior Mirror From Mirror Mount Towards Front

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Clips (1) and retaining hooks (2) of end caps (3) must not be damaged, replace if necessary.

Fig 9: Identifying Clips And Retaining Hooks Of End Caps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Twist mirror foot by approx. 45° and fit to mirror mount.
Turn mirror foot until it engages on mirror base.

Fig 10: Turning Mirror Foot Until It Engages On Mirror Base
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removal of version (E) with rain sensor:

Press on end caps (1) and at same time press them apart; this releases clip connection of both caps (1).

Fig 11: Pressing On End Caps And At Same Time Press

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Twist mirror (1) at an angle towards front and right/top.

Fig 12: Twisting Mirror At An Angle Towards Front And Right/Top

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Swivel left end cap (2) off ball neck in direction of arrow; this detaches the engagement clip (3) from the metal foot.

Twist mirror (1) at an angle towards front and left/top.

Fig 13: Twisting Mirror At An Angle Towards Front And Left/Top

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Swivel right end cap (2) off ball neck in direction of arrow; this detaches the engagement clip from the metal foot.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Fig 14: Disconnecting Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pay attention to cable guide (2) for rain sensor.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove interior mirror (1) towards rear or by twisting (risk of damage). When snapping out, do not damage control unit (3) for rain sensor.

Snap out interior mirror (1) from mirror mount (2) towards front by striking with ball of thumb and remove.

Fig 15: Identifying Snap Out Interior Mirror From Mirror Mount Towards Front

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Clips (1) and retaining hooks (2) of end caps (3) must not be damaged, replace if necessary.

Fig 16: Identifying Clips And Retaining Hooks Of End Caps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Twist mirror foot by approx. 45° and fit to mirror mount.
Turn mirror foot until it engages on mirror base.

Fig 17: Turning Mirror Foot Until Engages On Mirror Base
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only replace with version with remote control for central locking:

Installation:

Initialize all transmitters (ignition keys), refer to Owner's Handbook.