bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

[jinooi]

just wondering whether anybody has encountered the same problem...

did a search on e46fanatics and found threads about leaking chromatic fluid.

mine doesn't have the leaking problem. just found a big bubble and cloudiness around it. bubble moves around - i took it out to check, but the cloudiness stays there. can still see, but a bit blur, especially at night.

what is the solution? replace the glass - how much? eng soon?

 

[kuvesh]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

i had a similar problem on my e46 m3 - in fact the fluid leaked out and "eroded" the plastic on my centre console. i later found out on a m3 forum that there was a manufacturing defect with m3 mirrors and under high temperatures this problem was quite common. ended up i got a free replacement from the manufacturer of the m3 mirrors. the console i replaced myself with some carbon fiber from robson.

 

[jinooi]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

thanks for the info.

which manufacturer? BMW?

 

[kuvesh]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

thanks for the info.

which manufacturer? BMW?

magna donnelly manufactured the e46 m3 rear view mirrors for bmw.

btw - the guy that dealt with my claim was dani andriacchi but that was more than a year ago and i cant seem to find his email at the moment...

 

[14m3]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

If you are looking for a m rear view mirror. I have a used 1 for sale at $600. Just in case you wish to change to oval shap with autodimming. Sms 90056444

 

[jinooi]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

thanks dude.

appreciate if you can provide the email address, and how long it took.

cheers!

magna donnelly manufactured the e46 m3 rear view mirrors for bmw.

btw - the guy that dealt with my claim was dani andriacchi but that was more than a year ago and i cant seem to find his email at the moment...

thanks elvis. i already have one, and from what i read in your previous post, you seem to have the same problem too right?

If you are looking for a m rear view mirror. I have a used 1 for sale at $600. Just in case you wish to change to oval shap with autodimming. Sms 90056444

 

[kuvesh]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

jinooi - you have pm. my replacement came within a few days - they sent it by fedex.

 

[jinooi]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

thanks dude.

got your note. sent dani an email, but address is not valid.

not to worry, have sent them a note via the corporate quality email address.

thanks again.

 

[panzer]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

i oso have this problem.... i think replace new one no problem liao i think c annot repair 1 lah.... worst at nite....

 

[The Mixmaster]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

I had the same problem with my M3 rear mirror. PML replaced it and subsidized 80% of the cost.

 

[hcsiow]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

Damn, didn't know BMW will pick up tab for replacement, paid for it myself when it happened to me...wonder if the replacements will last?

 

[14m3]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

Depends. Had mine changed when it was under waranty but 2nd time, not so lucky.

 

[hcsiow]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

Depends. Had mine changed when it was under waranty but 2nd time, not so lucky.

So I guess they have not fixed the underlying problem?

 

[14m3]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

Nope. I guess this is a manufacturer fault. The heat is too much for the autodimming mirror to endure.

 

[The Mixmaster]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

Not much you can do about it, but the liquid dripping onto the area around your gearknob can stain the trimmings.

At first I couldn't figure out why my trimming had greenish stains, but know I know the reason!

 

[jinooi]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

for all those who are experiencing the same problem, there's a solution.

from the manufacturers of the mirrors:-

"Magna Mirrors is no longer replacing the mirrors after 2007. There is an outside company that replaces mirrors, but are having a difficult time obtaining the BMW components. The problem is that the mirrors are assembled in Germany and there are stipulations in the sales contract with BMW that prohibit Magna from selling aftermarket replacement parts. We are trying to work out the details with them to get the plastics to assemble a mirror. I would recommend calling Sybesma's Electronics at 1-800-456-4265. They may have something available. If not you can get on a list, so that if we do get the components, you can get a mirror. They run between $75 and $100 plus shipping."

anyone has the same problem? do a group buy so that the cost of shipping is lower? i'll be doing it soon anyway. pls let me know.

fyi, i checked with pml and was prepared to be disappointed. and they proved me right - "sir, you will have to change the entire mirror."

 

[The Mixmaster]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

Hi

My E46 M3 rearview mirror just developed the "bubble" problem. Has anyone found a solution to this issues apart from replacing the entire mirror setup?

The funny thing is that the buble is the same shape as the oval shape of the rearview mirror.

Does anyone know how much it would cost to replace the entire mirror setup?

DJ

 

[14m3]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

Dj, nothing can be done except to get a replacement.

 

[The Mixmaster]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

Dj, nothing can be done except to get a replacement.

Hi Elvis

Bo pian loh. Since I am keeping the car for a few years more at least, I will bite the bullet get it replaced.

I was hoping that since this is my 2nd replacement, the manufacturing defect was sorted out in the 2nd mirror, but I guess not.

DJ

 

[hcsiow]

Re: bubbles and cloudiness in autodimming rearview mirror

Sorry DJ, Elvis is right...no choice except replacement.
Good luck!