body and interior Rear View Mirror Upgrade!

[frostyspeed]

Poking through an e21 at Pick n Pull today during the 50% off sale. I noticed the rear view mirror support was very similar to our 02 design. A quick google confirmed my theory that the two could be swaped. $3.56 later, sitting in the lot I tried mounting the new mirror.

Much to my dismay, it didn't fit

[Mike Self]

The mirror from an early 5 series (E12) is even larger and will fit the '02's mounting slot-and clear the sun visors.  An even cooler mirror is the one incorporating map lights from an E30 is model.  Easy to run wires tucked under the windshield gasket and down the left side A pillar to a convenient hot lead.  The E-30 mirror arm may have to be notched to clear the 02's windshield gasket (which you could have done to the E21 mirror).

 

Anyway, a larger inside mirror is a how to take advantage of that big rear window.

 

mike

[frostyspeed]

Back to pick n pull!

[oldskoul]

I am trying to swap my rear-view with E21 mirror but when i try to shove this in the side pins will not give to fit.   

 

Any ideas to help this mirror in? Do i have to cut out a piece of the window seal?   It looks snug in that spot/

[John_in_VA]

You need the indentation of the stalk to not foul the windshield gasket.  You can either grind a divot in the stalk or carefully cut away some of the gasket.  

To get the mirror in, get one of the pins in place, then use a rubber mallet/dead blow hammer to tap the other side into position.

[halboyles]

Those pins are often corroded in place so I put a very small amount of lubrication on them from what's at hand (spit, oil from the dipstick or fried chicken, sometimes all three,...) and then squeeze them together several times with pliers to loosen them up.  If you position one of the pins in their socket you can then use a flat blade screwdriver to push the other one in its socket.

[Chamonix72]

I took a die grinder and clearanced the mirror stalk. Work slowly and test fit often.

['76mintgrün'02]

heh, I took a saw and cut the base off, so I could add an entirely different mirror.

the stock mirror and the e21 version hang too low, imho, so I installed a double pivot mirror, which would typically be glued to the glass.  It is two inches wider than the stock 2002 mirror and can be positioned up out of the way.  

as you can see in that photo, it interferes with the 2002's visors, but e21 visors work very well.

I do like the look of the stock BMW mirrors, from the outside, but not while behind the wheel.  I kept ducking under mine, to try and see what was behind it... so I fiXed it.

Tom

[theNomad]

The way to do it is to pop the mirror OFF the 2002 arm. It is a ball and socket. If you have the 2002 arm you can attach any of the others from my experience. Yes, you can grind the e21 arm as well. 

But I really do prefer a dual pivot as I prefer it up high as well

If its in good shape it'll pop off with no damage but i'm not guaranteeing anything.

 

http://nomads2002.blogspot.com/2016/02/sweat-small-stuff-rearview-mirror.html

[oldskoul]

The Nomad,  that was genius!    i wd-40d it and it practically jumped out.   You saved me a headache. 

 

Now to get the old thing back in.. 

[oldskoul]

Fixed the looseness by shoving paper in the hole then re attaching.

[oldskoul]

All done with the RV mirror.   Moving onto sun visors, then bumper swap.

[Chris_B]

In case there is anyone who doesn't know, the E30 mirror also fits in the 02. Here is a crappy (or artistic, depending on your perspective) pic of an E30 maplight mirror in my 02.

[oldskoul]

how is the map light powered?  Battery?

['76mintgrün'02]

I have not installed one, but people have written about snaking a wire up behind the windshield seal to power the mirror.

 

Recently, someone also said they'd put brighter bulbs in one, with good results.