[SGxi]

I got my homelink mirror from a vendor in eBay (not sure if I can say his name here). Anyway, my car is equipped with autodimming mirror already, so this is a simple plug and play installation.

I originally bought the retrofit kit with compass and homelink, but apparently it *MAY* not work on an MY 07 car. (So if you get that and it won't work, it's at your own risk) This mirror seems like it may have come off other BMWs. If you look at photo 1, the clown nose is a lot bigger than my original mirror. The dimming sensor is also slightly different, though I never really notice whether it works anyway).

(I do not have the part number for this piece. It does not show on the mirror itself nor is there any part number listed in my invoices)

Entire process took me probably 15 minutes to install. I took my time so I won't break anything. No tools required.

Step 1: Remove the mirror cover carefully. I wiggled with my fingers on both pieces and they came apart. You do not need to force it. They should come out very easily.

Step 2: Once you take the cover off, unplug the connector (you might need to get your mirror tilted away to get to it)

Step 3: Once you did that. Twist the entire mirror assemble clockwise about 45 degrees. Do this VERY carefully and slowly. You do not want to damage your windsheild. The whole assemble should come off from the windsheild.

Step 4: Install new mirror by twisting it in counter-clockwise.

Step 5: Plug in the connector to your new mirror

Step 6: Reinstall mirror cover

Step 7: Start your car and press the two outer buttons to clear the memory

Step 8: Program your homelink as per manual

---DONE---

Note: Please be VERY CAREFUL when you take your mirror off, you may break the windsheild - I am not responsible for any damage you may done on your car.

Sorry for the shaky photos. I didn't really have a good hand to take the photos.

Photo 1: Comparison of the new mirror vs the old one.
(The clown nose is a lot bigger than my original one. Mirror itself is the same size)

Photo 2: One side of the mirror cover

Photo 3: Installed

Photo 4: The mirror assembly itself (which is basically the whole mirror including the arm)

[txusa03]

Maybe I just misunderstand your post. But after installation of the new mirror, does the homelink, compass, and autodimm works? Basically, which of the 3 works after you install this new mirror?

Cool DIY.

[Shinchan]

i wonder if the same mirror will work for my E92?

[jetblk328i]

it appears that he doesnt have compass, just autodimm and homelink

[montreal_bimmer]

how much did the mirror run you... if you dont mind me asking????

[SGxi]

My mirror doesn't come with a compass, which is $50 cheaper. I never really know if the autodim works or not since I never notice the difference at night. It should theoretically work as well.

The homelink buttons work after I plug it in and set it up per the owner's manual.

I paid about $500 shipped + tax. It's a little pricey but it is guarenteed to work. I'd rather get it work the first time than having to ship it back for exchange. Unfortunately, I don't have the skills or knowledge to do the cooler hidden switches in the ashtray, so this is the one I went for.

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by SGxi

My mirror doesn't come with a compass, which is $50 cheaper. I never really know if the autodim works or not since I never notice the difference at night. It should theoretically work as well.

Hey Kelvin, I can help you with that. I found a way to test the autodimm by mistake. One day, sitting in my home car garage (with garage door opened) around 5 pm (before daylight saving time), the sky is still bright. Sitting in the car, I turned on the interior light (the one right above the rear view mirror), so that I can write a check in my car. Once I finish writing the check, I looked up at the mirror and notice the view is so dark (I am thinking to myself-"hey, a storm is coming, oh well"). As I pressed the interior light again to turn off the light, the rear view mirror starts to brighten up and that is when I realized what was happening. The interior lights causes the sensor to dim the mirrors (interior rear view as well as both exterior mirrors). So give that a test and let us know. GL.

[SGxi]

I was told previously flashing a flash light on the sensor will work as well...

I'll try it tonight.

[alanchan]

Originally Posted by SGxi

I got my homelink mirror from a vendor in eBay (not sure if I can say his name here).

Kelvin, can you PM me the vendor so I can buy from him?

[SGxi]

Tested out the autodimming by using the flash light. I did notice it was dimming when I flash it right into the sensor w/ the ignition on.

However, I just noticed my lights on auto mode seems to stay on today after I installed the new mirror (thinking the light sensor might be in the mirror?) Need to see if the automatic light will be off tomorrow when I drive it...

[canucklion]

awesome DIY pictures Kelvin

[Soni]

did you get the buttons working??...I tried and tried and it wouldn't work...dunno what step I did a boo boo...

[SGxi]

OK, I was out driving and the sun coming back out in an overcast day. So the headlight lights in auto mode does turn off.

I did get the buttons to work. Since my garage door has the old, non-rolling codes, it was easy to do. For condos and other places, you might have a problem programming it since the rolling codes require you to press the learn button for it to work.

Soni, next time we meet, I can try to program yours and see if it will work.

[SGxi]

To summarize:

1. My auto dimming feature still works
2. I can use my homelink with this mirror
3. No problem with light sensor for headlight
4. Supposely this mirror will work w/ an alarm (blinking clown nose), will report back when I get the alarm installed when I go in for service...

[Shinchan]

500 seems high... the realoem website has mirror with all type of function for 410.

[canucklion]

Kelvin, one question, for removing the covers behind the mirror, do you pull the covers towards you? or to the side of the car?

[SGxi]

Leo: pull to each side of the car.

$500 is shipped in CAD IIRC.

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by SGxi

I was told previously flashing a flash light on the sensor will work as well...

I'll try it tonight.

Another info I discovered is that my autodim will not work in the daytime. What i mean is that it seems that the autodim is programmed to dimm at certain time period.

Like for example, take a flashlight and point at the sensor at 4 pm in the afternoon, my auto dimming does not do anything. However, the same process at 6 pm will cause the auto dimming to work.

Anyone else discovered this on their car as well or maybe I am just late to the party again .

[canucklion]

tx, there's a sensor pointing towards the front of the windshield, the mirror takes into consideration the light intensity difference between the sensor to the front of the car and the sensor in the mirror (towards the back of the car)

My dims when driving East in the afternoon, i.e. when the sun is going westward and is shinning brightly in your rearview mirror

[canucklion]

great, thanks

Originally Posted by SGxi

Leo: pull to each side of the car.

$500 is shipped in CAD IIRC.

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by canucklion

tx, there's a sensor pointing towards the front of the windshield, the mirror takes into consideration the light intensity difference between the sensor to the front of the car and the sensor in the mirror (towards the back of the car)

My dims when driving East in the afternoon, i.e. when the sun is going westward and is shinning brightly in your rearview mirror

Really, do you also have tinted windows? I have tinted windows (except for front windshield-no tint there). Well, I don't spent too much time figuring out how the sensor works but it is good to know my auto dimmng does work.

[canucklion]

yip, 20% all around except for the windshield

Originally Posted by txusa03

Really, do you also have tinted windows? I have tinted windows (except for front windshield-no tint there). Well, I don't spent too much time figuring out how the sensor works but it is good to know my auto dimmng does work.