How to retrofit e46 M3 Power Folding Mirrors DIY (shell swap)

[@dinan53]

Year 2020, and this sort of DIY still kicks AS#! :) No trouble understanding through the steps. Prop to the author! 👍👍👍 I will be going through this swap tomorrow, wish me luck! :)

[@rosnell2006]

dinan53 i'm so glad this was helpful! thanks for the comment and good luck!

[@Mistermopar]

Many thanks from across the pond. Great video and very clear explanation, and I had no problem with your accent👍

[@rosnell2006]

Mistermopar thank you very much! I’m very glad this was useful to you

[@bentremy]

Thank you so much for making this video. I think your English is fantastic. Greetings from Texas.

[@markt9438]

2 thumbs Up for both Mirrors ! I like It and going on my M3 06 Carbon Black !!! Thx Awesome Vid.

[@rosnell2006]

Mark T thank you very much! Good luck with the install, you won’t regret it, cheers!

[@friguy4444]

Hey rosnell2006 Great job on doing this detailed video. Your English is better than many that speak it as a first language. Thanks for posting this as I'm sure it must have taken a bit of time and patience. You made me laugh too which I prize very highly LOL. I'll be doing this job on my M3 as well in the near future thanks to your video! Oh and nice car as well. Those wheels rock! I have black instead of that sweet red interior but my car is the same Titanium Silver as yours (I think it's the same but the video might make it look different). 6 speed Manual all the way!

[@rosnell2006]

Greg Wayne Hi!! Thank you very much for your kind words, i highly appreciate it. It doesn’t matter if yours is pink, e46 m3 6spd ftw every time, i love this car. Good luck with yours, if you have any question just shoot it over here, maybe i remember hehe peace!

[@yehiagenina]

love your video man .. you helped me a lot :)

[@rosnell2006]

Yehia Genina Hi!, i’m very glad it was helpful, thanks for the comment!

[@vascokkkturbo7460]

Best Video .Thank you

[@littlebaliinvienna8330]

I love your vloging :) can't wait to watch another video of you :)

[@bassstorm89]

This video helps a lot! Also great shirt! :D

[@rosnell2006]

Pieter Paßmann thanks! I’m glad i could be helpful, have a good one

[@paultatar2084]

Hey man, nice job! I have non-M power folding mirrors and I'm thinking of buying M mirrors (without auto folding). Do you think I could swap my mirror internals and make the M mirrors work? I dont know if I should buy M power folding mirrors or I could go with non power mirrors. Thanks!

[@rosnell2006]

Hey! thank you very much! as far as i know, the internal screws may not be in the same spot, so maybe looking for internal pictures of a non-M and comparing those with this video it can make or not make sense, i'm almost sure it's all different inside. Please share if you find a work around

[@darkoz1692]

If you have a pre-facelift E46 Coupe then the M3 mirrors will be a straight swap.

[@nille13ful]

Is it possible to put a motor in the non power folding mirror?

[@bigbangs808]

I have an 03 M3, where did your source the switch and power folding mirror motors ? Also do I need to code the memory module if I retrofit this ? Coding of GM Maybe ?

[@rosnell2006]

Kevin Rapoza Hi, i did source everything from ebay usa, if you have memory seats you don’t really need to recode the GM unless you want the confort close and open to open and close the mirrors

[@1mac155]

hey mate, can i use any folding mirrors? and just change the switch? as i have coupe with memory seat and tilting reverse passenger side and im thinking to buy a folding mirrors with i found one same look to mine but the switch is yellow and has 5 + 2 pins and its from non memory seat coupe. so can you help me if i can use this mirror please! tia

[@rosnell2006]

hey man, if your car has memory seats and mirrors, then it is ready for the folding mirrors, even if those are not M mirrors, but you have to change the switch, the folding mirrors switch (purple) has a little button for fold/unfold. depending on your GM module, you might need programming to enable the folding mirrors when double locking or confort lock/unlock. some people don't need programming at all, but they need the switch

[@1mac155]

rosnell2006 Thank you so much for quick reply! is that mean that i can use any folding mirror? and just change the switch? i just looked at my switch and it has blue and 4 wires in it is that mean i need to get a purple switch?

[@rosnell2006]

if your switch doesn't have a small button to fold/unfold then you need the purple one, look for pictures of it from the top and bottom, you will see what i'm talking about

[@1mac155]

rosnell2006 Thank you very much mate now i understand. i can use any folding mirror as long as it’s from coupe ( like my car) and just get a purple switch and is plug and play. thanks mate

[@nille13ful]

Hey. Do you have an idea we’re I can get the aftermarket folding mirrors?

[@coolandmellow]

My friend where do we get the internals from another 330 ci that has foldable mirrors?

[@rosnell2006]

TBH, you will have the most luck searching on ebay by part numbers, ecs, fcp are most likely a lost cause or way too expensive, best of lucks!

[@tonylou8424]

hello nice video happy to see this as I have a E46 bmw 325ci Converible 2004 I have the power and memory seats and I see when I press the button the mirror go up and when I press the button again they do not come back down but I do not no if I have the blue button or the purple under the switch could that be the problem

[@rosnell2006]

Tony Lou hey thank you very much, i’m not sure if the problem might be the button, but you should check the mechanism or the easiest way would be just swap the button with someone else that has the red one

[@tonylou8424]

I wish I had a friend who had one to just see but I do not have no one to help me so would you think it can be the box in the door where the mirror get plut go in

[@rosnell2006]

Tony Lou i would start for the cheapest approach first and then go testing up in the price range, so maybe look for a loose cable on the harness or look for a physical issue on the mirrors, the switch, etc....

[@mikebader3863]

Anyone know what bolt it is that holds the mechanism to the mirror, the single bolt… looks like it’s an M3 size but a weird thread, looks like a self tapping screw

[@leeghany5163]

What's the part number for the power folding mirrors?

[@someguyontheinternet-]

Nice car!

[@giastis125]

Do both sides need the blue and white cable I just bought a set and only the drivers side is folding the passager didn’t come with a blue and white cable

[@rosnell2006]

Nathan Giastis as long as it has the motor, the color of the wire doesn’t matter, just make sure it has the motor

[@drk2803]

Where did you get that trunk liner (is it a trunk liner) where you are putting down your tools?

[@rosnell2006]

Drk280 hey, i got it from ecstuning.com

[@djlakota8907]

Hi, have you seen the folding mirror repair kits on Ebay? Do you think that this would work on a non power fold mirror? Thanks

[@rosnell2006]

DJ LAKOTA Hi, i haven't, do you have a link i can check out?

[@djlakota8907]

@@rosnell2006 just type in m3 e46 wing mirror repair kit, maybe you could do a video on it which will save people a lot of cash on buying a folding mirror.

[@marcramirez8624]

I was thinking the same thing with the repair kit.. ever try it yet?

[@djlakota8907]

@@marcramirez8624 no not yet, but I'm sure its possible

[@marcramirez8624]

So I finally got my motors and built my mirror and it works! Check it out on my page!

[@davidramez6219]

Thanks for sharing. Where did you source the power folding motor?

[@rosnell2006]

David Ramez hey sure, no problem, i got those from ebay usa those cost me around $850 plus shipping

[@niazpetkar53]

I have a 2003 BMW E46 M Sport 320ci Coupe with manual stock door mirrors with no nemory front seats. I want to retro-fit a set of M3 powerfold mirrors and have purchased a set of manual M3 door mirrors to activate to power-fold. Do, I need memory seats in order for it to work?

[@rosnell2006]

Hi, according to my investigation, you need the memory seat module because of the wiring, that's the black box on the door it self

[@niazpetkar53]

@@rosnell2006 so the module you laid out on the table at the beginning of your video was what?

[@rosnell2006]

@@niazpetkar53 that is the memory module

[@AK-ur1ib]

Imma happy man now 😂😂

[@NoobOnTour024]

Hey Rosnell, I installed power-fold mirros on my 323i. I have the exact same modules in the doors and also have to blue switch. I installed the mirrors, enabled comfort folding in the modules with NCS expert, but the mirrors won't fold when I lock or unlock the car. I still have the blue switch, not the purple one with the fold in/out button. First I thought that this was the problem, but I asked someone I know who has oem power folding mirrors to disconnect the switch. He then locked the car and he mirrors still folded in. Have you got any clue on why it's not working for me? I checked the fuses and also tested the mirrors by putting 12v on them. They do work.

[@rosnell2006]

Hi Luck, i know it might sound weird, but in my car i have to press the lock button long enough for them to fold, they fold when my windows close. If you already tried that, just double check the NCS again, and make sure you are working on the GM. Also, if you could use a purple (borrowed) switch you could confirm the mirrors are working correctly. I wish i could help you more but those specific scenarios usually end up in try and error solutions. If you solve it, please comment it here, so maybe you can help someone else with the same issue. Cheers!

[@NoobOnTour024]

@@rosnell2006 Hey Rosnell, thanks for the quick reply. I'll try the purple switch then, just to be sure. Also you mention coding the GM5. I have a GM5 C02 and it doesn't seem to have any specific mirror settings. Just the comfort opening and closing options, which are enabled. Is there some other option in the GM5 that has to be enabled? Thanks!

[@NoobOnTour024]

So, my problem did solve itself in a rather strange matter: I did borrow a switch from one of my e46 buddies, and guess what, the folded! A big relief but I still didn't understand why they wouldn't work with the keyfob. I tested multiple times, tried getting in and out of the car, turned the ignition on and off a few times, but nothing happend when using the keyfob. I then went inside and ate lunch (mirrors folded in). As I got back to the car to connect my laptop and go through the settings one more time, the mirrors unfolded as soon as I unlocked the car. I've done quite some work on the electronics of my E46, I'm in IT, but i can't explain this. Just plain weird. Now the only issue I'm still facing is that the shop I ordered them from sent me a pair of RHD mirrors... Here in the Netherlands we drive on the left hand side. Anyways, thanks for helping me out! Cheers.

[@rosnell2006]

Luck Hermsen Hi, thanks for sharing this information here, it is really weird but i’m very glad you were able to get them to work properly. I hope you can sort the mirror’s being in the wrong configuration tho. Anyhow enjoy the new function, i love it. Cheers!

[@georgenyman8206]

can power folding mirrors be fitted to a 2015 mini jcw with manual folding ones?

[@rosnell2006]

Wow that is a new one.... i've never worked on mini's i couldn't tell you mate, sorry!

[@2016RoadkingRider]

What car did you get the mirror from and the memory adapter

[@rosnell2006]

i got the mirror from another M3, also the memory adapter but mine worked just fine, i just needed the mirror switch with the folding button

[@2016RoadkingRider]

@@rosnell2006 do you know if e90 works as well. I mean the inside to transfer to my M3 e46

[@rosnell2006]

well no idea tbh, i don't believe it will work as plug and play as e46's do

[@G33ZiM3]

Excellent DIY. Would you kindly reply back or share the OEM parts needed to make this mod work? I have power memory seats and tilt reverse and heated outside mirror options.

[@rosnell2006]

G33ZiM3 Hi thanks! In that case all you need is the purple switch... well and the mirrors off course, but just the switch should the trick, the confort fold on close needs to be programmed tho

[@G33ZiM3]

Can you kindly please provide the OEM part # of the power folding unit which replaces my manual folding unit. Why do we need new mirror? The switch I ordered purple . Look forward to your reply, thanks.

[@rosnell2006]

@@G33ZiM3 Hi, sorry it took me this long, i've been very busy, here is all the part and the price as well: www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/m3-exterior-mirror-set/51167893567~kt/

[@rosnell2006]

you need a new unit because yours doesn't have the motors inside, good luck with the project

[@MrColincas]

You mentioned that if you have the memory seats you only need the purple switch but I see you have the memory seats and you still installed the folding motors. Also I didn’t see you doing the passenger side. Is it only necessary to do the driver side or you just didn’t film it? Great video by the way. 👌🏻👍🏻🙏🏻

[@CapN-Savvy]

The mirror. Do u know what year e46 m3 that is of off? I bought a switch but the bottom was white.

[@rosnell2006]

Saif Khan 2003

[@ehhhh7]

Can İ find that motor for my opel astra? :(

[@blugurg]

how are these holding up?

[@rosnell2006]

Still working perfectly

[@epicbits4100]

How much did this cost you?? Any links to where we can buy the internals??

[@rosnell2006]

Epic Bits I couldn’t find the internals anywhere, ended up buyin them as a complete unit, it cost me around $800, i found them on ebay usa. If you live in europe it’s better to source them from ebay uk since the mirrors are different because of the driving position, cheers!

[@epicbits4100]

Thankyou nice video very detailed and easy to follow

[@rosnell2006]

Epic Bits thanks!

[@rfb4150]

HI I have a E46 non m3 folding mirror . Can i use the old internal on my M3 for folding?

[@rosnell2006]

Mike Cheung hi, what do mean by old internal? The mechanism for adjusting the mirror can be reused as i did, but the folding mechanism is the one you need to change

[@rfb4150]

I purchase a pair of M3 without folding option. But mine (non M3 mirrors) has that option. Is the folding mechanism interchangeable? Thanks!!

[@rosnell2006]

I don’t think they will have the same shape and attachment angle, therefore they might not work, i’m pretty sure they won’t actually, if you can pull it of, plase take a video and share it here so more people can make the retrofit. Good luck!

[@rfb4150]

I let you know, but i think you are ride

[@ricardsastotais1706]

There is no way I could get that wire connector trough that small hole. (8:50)

[@sydbell8508]

You could cut wires and re-join ??

[@rosnell2006]

syd bell i could, but... why?

[@fernandosepulveda7155]

Hello Rosnell2006. Do you have the old internal parts for your passenger mirror? Do you want to sell it to me? Thank you

[@rosnell2006]

Fernando Sepulveda hi Fernando, no i already sold everything sorry

[@fernandosepulveda7155]

Thank you for the quick response and for the video.. Regards

[@nicobernal9149]

hola como estas?? muchas gracias por mostrar como cambiar el motor para que espejo se mueva llevo mucho tiempo buscando un video que enseñe como y no lo abia encontrado muchas gracias deverdad queria preguntarle si me puede dar el LINK DE EBAY para comprar el set para e46 m3 folding mirror motor porfavor ese e46 esta muy vacano

[@rosnell2006]

Nicolas Bernal hola, con mucho gusto, yo pase por lo mismo. Mira links como tales no hay ya que usualmente son items que aparecen esporadicamente, sinembargo, las palabras claves que hay que usar para buscarlos son: bmw e46 power folding mirror, asi es como los encontré, mucha suerte y muchas gracias por el comentario

[@nicobernal9149]

gracias loco aver si los encuentro estoy loco por ponerlo en mi carro aca en nueva jersey no se encuentran en ningun lado

[@rosnell2006]

Nicolas Bernal suerte

[@lluviadominguez9388]

5

[@mykallstarrtafari9638]

long

[@ricardsastotais1706]

Does stock coupe mirror motors fit to m3 mirrors?

[@rosnell2006]

Ricards Astotais no idea, probably not