Jrosa55

I've been rehashing the option of acquiring some M5 or replica style side mirrors for my 2009 528xi. A salvage yard informed me that my cars only option was to buy M5 mirrors from a 2009 or 2010 M5. Would someone confirm that opinion. I've read about 1 plug and 3 plug options on threads. What's the difference? What about M5 replicas? Please stir me in the right direction. Talk to me about different features about replicas. Ok this a stupid question. The black portion on the stock M5 mirrors is it it for looks, signal light or is it painted or carbon fiber?

BlaSTiWi

The different between OEM mirrors with 1 plug & 3 plugs are due change by BMW with various control module in the car as all E60 up to Sept. '05 production uses 3 plugs mirrors and any E60 model after that cut off date uses 1 plug.

Jrosa55

[QUOTE=BlaSTiWi;1510669]The different between OEM mirrors with 1 plug & 3 plugs are due change by BMW with various control module in the car as all E60 up to Sept. '05 production uses 3 plugs mirrors and any E60 model after that cut off date uses 1 plug.[/QUOTE

Thanks for the info. Now, I guess the one plugs mirrors have different features. Ex: puddle lights, heated and auto dim. I wonder how can we distinguish these options when your buying from a salvage auto part store or eBay. What about the black portion of the mirrors. Is it just for looks? I haven't seen an M5 in the flesh to answer that question. These mirrors are super expensive. Are the enthusiasts on the forums buying these for around 900 bucks or are they going with some type of replicas. Maybe this mod is not as popular due to cost compared to purchasing a CF hood or trunk lid for close to the same amount . Thanks again for answering my newbie questions.

Margal

That good question OP as those mirrors are expensive. What about the replicas, does anyone have experience with them? Which is the most reputable? I really not looking folding feature but just adjusting
Mirrors from inside and good fitment

BlaSTiWi

M5 mirror are loaded with all option thru that single wire goes to a mirror brain in it that control various feature, as the black portion is just a different color as some member replace that black piece with carbon fiber or paint it the same body color (which in my opinion defeat the purpose of having M5 mirror) ...

Yes they are rather expensive mod 'cuz they are become hard commodity but the end result is priceless ... it gets more rare again for something like the Euro version of the M5 like I'm using ... with the mirror that has wide angle portion toward the outside glass to help avoid blind spot (and no warning on the passenger glass).

Margal

So the only way is OEM M5 mirrors?

Jrosa55

OK,

Know we're getting into it.

Questions:

If my 2009 528xi stock mirrors create a puddle when nervous in a heated moment and dims due to embarrassment can my stock mirror brain handle the M5 mirrors with the same options without folding?

Just to confirm, does that mean that 2006 thru 2010 M5 mirrors are interchangeable with the 2009 528xi as previously quoted?

How can we confirm the options of the mirrors when trying to purchase thru an outlet? The luck of the draw I guess?

Does the one plug connector match the 528xi connector without modification?

I can't think of anything else to ask.

BlaSTiWi

If you don't want OEM you can try the look a like from NVD, I think it uses the guts from your stock mirrors, IIRC the housing doesn't have puddle light not sure about auto-dim also may have some fitment issue so it's semi plug-'n-play.

BlaSTiWi

The brain is inside the mirror, and your car send signal to it for what ever function(s) your car DNA has ... i.e. heat, puddle. up+down & left+right movement and dimming but since your car has no folding DNA your car will not able (w/o proper coding) to send folding command to the mirror brain even with the mirror folding ability in place afterwards as I did I coded my car myself and have for folding ability via remote and installed cabin folding button.

Proper M5 mirrors has all available functions in it.

As I mentioned before if your car post Sept. '05 production is uses 1 plug, but let's wait for few member(s) w/ OEM M5 mirrors out there to confirm what you wonderin'.

Jrosa55

Wow, great so much detail. You have answer all my questions. Thank you so much, you just saved me a ton a money and aggravation.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/bmw-e60-m5-mirror