BMW E46 Power Folding Mirror Switch Retrofit DIY Project - Part 1

[@St0icst0n3r]

Thank you for the fast reply. This also will be thrown in as a weekend project!

[@olaf2046]

@pittpanther28 It's not a stupid question. In fact it is a good thing to ask. I'm waiting until winter is over to wire them to the car. But yes you do have to buy and swap in the power folding mirrors when you change the switch over. That will be the Part 2 video to this.

[@anzhvlad]

where is part 2, 3 etc? [:

[@typhoon1493]

does it matter which set of power folding mirrors you have? i know you need certain mirror switches and control modules but wanted to know as long as the mirrors power fold then i can get the correct switch and module.

[@olaf2046]

both the mirrors and the switch if you have memory seats if not you need both mirrors and the switch and the ecu module that goes behind the glove box

[@olaf2046]

@MMyballsitch Lots of mods can be done. The E53 X5, E39 5 series and E46 3 series all share the same platform of engine parts and cabin parts as well as how everythinig is wired and laid out. So virtually all the modifcations and retrofit I'm doing to my car can be done on an E53 X5. Many X5 owners tend to first swap in an M3 steering wheel onto their X5 and go for a quad pipe set up with the usual angel eyes and clears.

[@olaf2046]

You have to get the the yellow back switch and the non-memory power folding mirror for your car. In Europe and the UK the parts numbers are all different but the realoem website will tell you the part number that you need for your car. Once you get the parts number you can order the mirrors. the UK eBay website has lots of e46 mirrors that power fold for cheap. That will be your best bet.

[@olaf2046]

Not the OEM Voice Control Module. I was originally going to retrofit that but it uses a lot of various parts that are hard to find, expensive and at the end of the day the technology is outdated and more pricey compared to the aftermarket parrot cttpar007 kit that I eventually installed. Also BMW made two Bluetooth Voice kits for the E46 and I couldn't figure out what went with what kit. Your best bet is to find a parts car that originally came with the voice option and collecting all the bits.

[@priteshdawarrior]

hey guys.. First of all thanks to Olaf2046 for taking time to do this video. I have a e46 2003 with power seats but no folding mirror. my question is, if i just change the switch, will my mirrors fold (will they need to be programed? or will i need to change the mirrors as well? any help will be appreciated. thank you

[@olaf2046]

@MMyballsitch I'm not sure on the pre-facelift E53 X5 but I think you need to update the entire headlamp fixtures before getting the angle eyes. Check out the X5Post forums for DIYs. Also I think JLevi or Umnizta would have what you need.

[@tonylou8424]

why are my side mirrors not coming back down on a E46 bmw 325ci sports convertible 2004 knowing I have them going up when I press the button ?

[@olaf2046]

Some cars in Europe did not have the tilt feature even if it came with power fold mirrors. It is still not clear if the tilt feature originates in the door ecu modules or in the specific mirror unit themselves.

[@olaf2046]

yes you can use the purple back switch to get power folding

[@1mac155]

hi mate, can i use any folding mirror? and just change the switch?? as im buying folding mirror but it is yellow switch but i need the purple switch. thanks

[@marconecarpentry]

Hey I have a 2000 e46 coup and I want to upgrade my mirrors to power fold. I have a blue switch, 12 wires I believe. Also have a module under door card. Lastly I also have a fuse in number 57 for power folding. Question: does this mean it's plug and play with my car? And also my mirrors fold up not in. Finding those fold up ones are a nightmare. Can I fit the rounded power folding mirrors you see sometimes on M3???

[@marconecarpentry]

Oh I checked the 57 fuse and it says power folding. Are Bmw referring to the tilt part of the mirror or the folding via power. My seats are memory electric seats. And mirror are the the same

[@kovrcek]

I think you have to switch the button under the little joystick to the left side (or right), I'm not really sure now. One side works, one doesn't. But of course olaf2046 might be right too..;)

[@olaf2046]

You want to know if your mirrors are power folding or not? It would be as simple as looking at the mirror adjust switch in your car. If there is a button that folds in or out the mirror then the answer would be yes. If no button exists on the adjust switch or in the car that folds the mirror then the answer would be no.

[@luisgutierrez765]

Can you change a manual folding mirror to a power folding if you buy that switch?

[@bobbywarrior1434]

Hello thanks for your video , I would like to ask you how to disable the tilting function when you reverse, my e46 does have memory seats

[@Mango_Productions]

Delmarco does the power folding mirror still have the tilt function in reverse? Also can you send me a link to OEM power folding mirrors? I can't find any other than M3 ones. I need one for a 2002 330i sedan. Thanks

[@Volcanichead]

Hi I have manual seats and mirrors but I got hold of Power folding mirrors and Switch to go with it. you said if you don't have memory seats, this process is slighly different. could please tell me what is the difference, do I need to buy another compnent. Many thanks Kamal

[@E46Compact1]

By GT1 there is an option for passenger mirror. So there is the tilt feature. It doesn't work. The memory function works, only the tilt feature doesn't work. Maybe the control unit? I don't know. :(

[@pittpanther28]

Not trying to ask a stupid question but you have to change the side mirrors too right?..have you done this yet?

[@E46Compact1]

hello. i have memory and power folding mirrors too. the passenger mirror does NOT tilt down when in revers. the unit is by drivers side. i have tried by passenger side too, but i does NOT tilt. ist there a solution? :(

[@St0icst0n3r]

Ok I'm confused. I have a 01 330ci with manual folding mirrors and memory seats. Can I use the switch shown here or what do I need to do

[@adrianbautista2142]

Just would like to ask if I need to replaced the whole mirror assembly including modules or just the power folding switch ? Mine is 2004 318i facelifted Msport. N42B20 engine. Power side mirror manual folding with power memory seats. Thank you.

[@olaf2046]

Yes you have to replace the entire mirror housing.

[@adrianbautista2142]

I'll just look for the power folding assembly and switch? Do I need to look for the module or used my existing module?

[@adrianbautista2142]

Kindly advise where I can find a power folding mirror LHD. Tnx.

[@olaf2046]

@@adrianbautista2142 At the time I found my mirrors on eBay UK, Ireland and Germany webstores. You also need the modules for folding since you car is a 2004. In 2001 and prefacelift no module was needed if the car had power seats already.

[@olaf2046]

​@@adrianbautista2142 NO YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY MODULES because your car is a facelift and you already have memory seats. Please check out my DIY write up for the instructions on what you need to buy: forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=900070 "B: YOU WANT TO INSTALL MEMORY POWER FOLD MIRRORS: Car's production date is 03/2003 or later-RIBBON CONNECTORS x1 Heated outside mirror, memory bus, left P/N: 51167153087 $438.73 x1 Heated outside mirror, memory bus, right P/N: 51167153088 $438.73 x1 Purple Switch f mirror adjust./folding back function P/N: 61316901383 $67.34 -And you should already have in your car: x2 Control units, mirror memory P/N: 61356916054 $125.69 (x2) *"

[@briancraft2160]

Proof that anyone with a cell phone and a KZbin account can mislead the public.....

[@olaf2046]

On the coupe that you have the mirrors fold upwards not inwards

[@reubennoruega4582]

Hi there, I am confused. So I have a 05 318ci with memory seats and mirrors with reverse tilt assist. Im not sure if mine are power folding mirrors. How do i find out this. What do i need to do? Your advice is much appreciated.

[@lipecardozo]

Hi Olaf! I have an 323Ci and I do the upgrade to memory seats of M3 E46. Now I have the memory of seats working, but I dont have the mirror memory. What I need to do to upgrade my mirror to tilt down when Reverse and memory of them?

[@olaf2046]

lipecardozo what year is your 323ci?

[@lipecardozo]

olaf2046 My 323ci is '00.

[@MrEyupBulut]

hey there,i have 2000 3.20ci cabrio e46 full+full but not m packet in my car i dont have only the convertable mirriors or what u call that... so i have same side-mirrors with urs and i have same buttons,joistick what u had before u change but i didnt get that i have to change only the buttons?? otherwise side mirriors really good money...(sorry for my english..)

[@gkcdrn]

hi guys i just bought bmw e93 but just wanna know about wing mirrors how is it folding is it manual or something with key.. ...?thank you very much

[@relaxvibefocus2672]

JUST PRESS THE BUTTON! LOL

[@LukeHkeik]

do u have to change the whole mirror or just the switch?

[@ArasaMitaz]

Hey sorry to bother you, i know you get a lot of similar questions but i have a 2000 323ci coupe U.S model, i have manual seat but with electric mirrors, i just got the car and dont know how to fold the mirrors. if there is no button how to i manually do it? i just dont want to break it haha

[@YesHayEM818]

where can i find a power folding switch for sale? PLEASE ANSWER ASAP!

[@isrealperez9069]

So will this work on 2004 xi

[@olaf2046]

ebay.co.uk, the internet, the bmw dealership, tons of places.

[@smilesmile787]

where did you find this part. I can't find it on ebay

[@olaf2046]

EBay uk or eBay de the European and German rbay

[@sydbell8508]

O/S for OFFSIDE not OTHERSIDE : ) In your case ( USA) N/S for NEARSIDE (DRIVER SIDE)

[@olaf2046]

This ain't football mate! LOL! joking but seriously yeah you are correct....O is for offside but my American audience may not understand that so I said otherside

[@sydbell8508]

Fair enough. But I thought everybody knew that. : )

[@YesHayEM818]

If its not a big deal, can you please send me a link?

[@neoandre68]

My God just install them talking to much damn

[@somethingappropriate]

You didnt even show the mirrors fold with the new switch... WTF

[@olaf2046]

Not a big deal. I'm glad to help but there is no one link I can post for you my dude: Just GOOGLE SEARCH the words 'bmw power folding switch e46' and select Shopping and you will see hundreds of websites selling the switche. I just happen to have bought mine on eBay from a private seller a few years ago so I can't even link you to that. This is like someone asking me where to buy socks!

[@jongkeunlee]

M hands

[@richardmontoya1093]

Ok first off this guy in the video is WRONG. Don't waste your time. ALONG with the memory seats and the new switch, you will need to install power mirrors or else you'll just be sitting in an e46 with a new power window switch. Hope this helps.

[@Rockstarlgnd]

+Richard Montoya If u did listen the guy does say provided u have power folding mirrors on your car... 04:50

[@olaf2046]

I never implied or stated that the switch alone will power fold your manual-folding mirrors! You would OBVIOUSLY also need to install electric-folding mirrors!

[@ajdood]

Richard montoya , listen to what he said ; you need to have the power mirror fitted your car, he DOES say that

[@ajdood]

Richard Montoya, watch the video and pay attention to what he says. He does say "As long as you have fitted the power folding mirrors" then it's plug and play for the switch. I don't think that anybody would be so stupid to think that their manual folding mirrors would become power folding ones just from fitting a switch.

[@tannenottup5036]

@@olaf2046 At 4:38 you did mention installing power folding mirrors. First guy just wanting paying enough close attention.