51 16 060 Removing and installing or replacing interior rearview mirror

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW X5 and 2002 BMW X5. 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 rearview mirror:

Version Without Cable (X) With Full Foot
Version With Cable (X) And With Plug Cover
Version Without Cable (X) And With Mirror Arm End Caps
Version With Cable (X) And With Mirror Arm End Caps
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: Levering Out Plug Cover

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: Removing Interior Mirror

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: Installing Interior Mirror

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: Removing End Cap (Versions C & D)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Fig 5: Removing Interior Mirror (Versions C & D - 1 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Fig 6: Removing Interior Mirror (Versions C & D - 2 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Fig 7: Disconnecting Plug Connection

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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: Removing Interior Mirror From Mirror Mount (Versions C & D)

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: Use Care Not To Damage Clips And Retaining Hooks

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: Installing Interior Mirror (Versions C & D)

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: Removing End Caps (Version E)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Fig 12: Removing Interior Mirror (Version E - 1 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Fig 13: Removing Interior Mirror (Version E - 2 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

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

Fig 14: Disconnecting Plug Connection (Version E)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Removing Interior Mirror From Mirror Mount (Version E)

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: Use Care Not To Damage Clips And Retaining Hooks

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.

Only replace with version with remote control for central locking:

Installation:

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

Fig 17: Installing Interior Mirror To Mirror Mount (Version E)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.