How to install mirror caps

BentZero · 06-03-2016, 07:05 AM

I'm posting this mainly because I've yet to see anyone mentioning the fact that you should remove the mirror to get access to the clips. It seems that the prevailing technique is to he-man those things off which can lead to broken tabs.

The person in the video uses a hook tool, but something like an Allen wrench or any smallish 90° angle tool will work. The video is of a 135, but it's still the same concept. Enjoy.

koston · 06-03-2016, 08:36 AM

Thanks, Bent. There's a few of us waiting for mirror caps to arrive.

I'll post another guide as well. This video is on a FXX chassis using a squeegee.

BentZero · 06-03-2016, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koston

Thanks, Bent. There's a few of us waiting for mirror caps to arrive.

I'll post another guide as well. This video is on a FXX chassis using a squeegee.

That was actually the first vid that I watched and I tried the squeegee thing and couldn't get it lol. It was far easier to use a metal tool for me.

BEM-S4 · 06-03-2016, 09:04 AM

You need to remove mirror to install M Perf CF, otherwise in all honesty just pull the mirror covers off. Really easy, you won't break anything, and takes 2 seconds. I'd rather risk breaking a tab on that part which you're not using than screw around with the mirror itself if you don't need to, but that's me.

BentZero · 06-03-2016, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

You need to remove mirror to install M Perf CF, otherwise in all honesty just pull the mirror covers off. Really easy, you won't break anything, and takes 2 seconds. I'd rather risk breaking a tab on that part which you're not using than screw around with the mirror itself if you don't need to, but that's me.

I'm confused, what diff is there between OEM caps and aftermarket? I actually tried just yanking them, but I found it to be a lot easier to pull the mirror since it's designed to be pulled. Anyway, I've just seen a lot of people selling caps with broken tabs and brute forcing it is why......at least I assume it's why. I have some perfect caps to sell though.

To each his/her own. Happy modding.

BEM-S4 · 06-03-2016, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BentZero

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

You need to remove mirror to install M Perf CF, otherwise in all honesty just pull the mirror covers off. Really easy, you won't break anything, and takes 2 seconds. I'd rather risk breaking a tab on that part which you're not using than screw around with the mirror itself if you don't need to, but that's me.

I'm confused, what diff is there between OEM caps and aftermarket? I actually tried just yanking them, but I found it to be a lot easier to pull the mirror since it's designed to be pulled. Anyway, I've just seen a lot of people selling caps with broken tabs and brute forcing it is why......at least I assume it's why. I have some perfect caps to sell though.

To each his/her own. Happy modding.

M Perf cf need to be screwed from the inside. The rest are just attached with clips.

BentZero · 06-03-2016, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Quote:

Originally Posted by BentZero

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

You need to remove mirror to install M Perf CF, otherwise in all honesty just pull the mirror covers off. Really easy, you won't break anything, and takes 2 seconds. I'd rather risk breaking a tab on that part which you're not using than screw around with the mirror itself if you don't need to, but that's me.

I'm confused, what diff is there between OEM caps and aftermarket? I actually tried just yanking them, but I found it to be a lot easier to pull the mirror since it's designed to be pulled. Anyway, I've just seen a lot of people selling caps with broken tabs and brute forcing it is why......at least I assume it's why. I have some perfect caps to sell though.

To each his/her own. Happy modding.

M Perf cf need to be screwed from the inside. The rest are just attached with clips.

Ah, makes sense.

BMWZ4 · 06-03-2016, 10:25 AM

I just installed the OEM CF caps this past weekend. Super easy to remove the mirror. Then pop the tabs from the ones you're removing, then screw the new ones back on. My parts guy said they changed it to screws recently because people were ripping them off.

In any case, there's a YouTube video of a guy doing this on his 135 I think it was...can't remember but the process was identical.

BentZero · 06-03-2016, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

I just installed the OEM CF caps this past weekend. Super easy to remove the mirror. Then pop the tabs from the ones you're removing, then screw the new ones back on. My parts guy said they changed it to screws recently because people were ripping them off.

In any case, there's a YouTube video of a guy doing this on his 135 I think it was...can't remember but the process was identical.

I added some 3M automotive double sided tape to mine. Hopefully it kinda holds on enough. Doubt it would stop someone that's determined

BMWZ4 · 06-03-2016, 12:01 PM

That's stuff is pretty strong once it settles in. I bet they wouldn't be able to yank 'em off.

BEM-S4 · 06-03-2016, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

That's stuff is pretty strong once it settles in. I bet they wouldn't be able to yank 'em off.

I didn't run a front plate but wanted to use the front plate EZ pass on my T-Reg, put it on with the 3M stuff. Could not get it off when I got rid of the car. I was literally jumping up and down on top of the transponder, tape held strong.

bryan_G01 · 06-03-2016, 01:54 PM

Just grab them from the top and pull them off.

HighRevs11 · 06-03-2016, 02:02 PM

I just installed mine a few weeks back. I used a plastic tool (it was one of the plastic wedges that came from a cellphone install kit when I was putting on scratch shields) to pry off the existing covers and they popped right off. You just have to take your time and slowly peel them off. I had no broken tabs - good luck!

wezzie · 06-12-2016, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighRevs11

I just installed mine a few weeks back. I used a plastic tool (it was one of the plastic wedges that came from a cellphone install kit when I was putting on scratch shields) to pry off the existing covers and they popped right off. You just have to take your time and slowly peel them off. I had no broken tabs - good luck!

Easiest way is to pop a credit card around the underside of the mirror cap which will release the bottom 3 clips and pull the top in a straight line to release the top 2, gives a bit of a crack but they are fine.. just push the new ones on perfect ....

BEM-S4 · 06-13-2016, 10:15 AM

If you're looking at the car head on, the corner that's furthest from the car and closest to the ground (it's a sharp 90) is very easy to grab with your fingers and the whole thing pops off no damage to anything.

rwrwrwrw · 06-15-2016, 03:13 PM

I just did mine with some carbon full replacement caps. I popped the mirrors, starting from the lower outside corner and then working along the bottom using a fairly rigid plastic trim tool. Much easier to release from inside.

BentZero · 06-15-2016, 03:31 PM

Looks sweet. Can you post a pic with the mirrors folded?

1LegitM235i · 06-27-2016, 09:07 PM

Just removed and replaced mine with Gloss black cap and was done in less than 5 min. Will post pics in a bit. No need to remove the mirror at all.

bmw235iSD · 06-27-2016, 09:11 PM

all you need is a pry tool on the outer edge, takes 2 seconds then pull. sounds like a lot of breaking but all my clips are intact.

1LegitM235i · 06-27-2016, 09:40 PM

I wouldn't recommend a prying tool by itself or you'll scratch the hell out of it. I used my nails to hold and pull one area at a time to remove it safely. rswbmw I hope you don't mind I used your pic to better explain my method.

1LegitM235i · 06-27-2016, 09:56 PM

Removal and installation are pretty straight forward from my previous post. Here's what it looks like folded and unfolded.

Benandluna · 07-08-2016, 03:31 PM

Yep easy, got me here,. Video in link

http://www.autoid.uk.com/store/bmw/mstylewingmirrors

06-03-2016, 07:05 AM	#1
BentZero Lieutenant Colonel 625 Rep 1,753 Posts Drives: 6MT Mineral White M235i Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (2)	How to install mirror caps I'm posting this mainly because I've yet to see anyone mentioning the fact that you should remove the mirror to get access to the clips. It seems that the prevailing technique is to he-man those things off which can lead to broken tabs. The person in the video uses a hook tool, but something like an Allen wrench or any smallish 90° angle tool will work. The video is of a 135, but it's still the same concept. Enjoy. __________________ I rev-match from neutral to first 6MT Mineral White on black M235i coupe Build thread
	Appreciate 2 Tweet Quote

06-03-2016, 08:36 AM	#2
koston Private First Class 37 Rep 101 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks, Bent. There's a few of us waiting for mirror caps to arrive. I'll post another guide as well. This video is on a FXX chassis using a squeegee.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2016, 09:04 AM	#4
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	You need to remove mirror to install M Perf CF, otherwise in all honesty just pull the mirror covers off. Really easy, you won't break anything, and takes 2 seconds. I'd rather risk breaking a tab on that part which you're not using than screw around with the mirror itself if you don't need to, but that's me. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
	Appreciate 1 JP's M2xx20.00 Quote

06-03-2016, 10:25 AM	#8
BMWZ4 Major General 1910 Rep 5,103 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	I just installed the OEM CF caps this past weekend. Super easy to remove the mirror. Then pop the tabs from the ones you're removing, then screw the new ones back on. My parts guy said they changed it to screws recently because people were ripping them off. In any case, there's a YouTube video of a guy doing this on his 135 I think it was...can't remember but the process was identical. __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2016, 12:01 PM	#10
BMWZ4 Major General 1910 Rep 5,103 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	That's stuff is pretty strong once it settles in. I bet they wouldn't be able to yank 'em off. __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2016, 01:54 PM	#12
bryan_G01 Lieutenant Colonel 1165 Rep 1,931 Posts Drives: like i stole it... Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Just grab them from the top and pull them off. __________________ www.nybmwcca.org Current Cars: 1995 M3 Coupe Manual Alpine White 1997 M3 Sedan Auto Cosmo Black Metallic 2018 x3 m40 Auto Grey Metallic
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2016, 02:02 PM	#13
HighRevs11 Private First Class 40 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M2 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (1)	I just installed mine a few weeks back. I used a plastic tool (it was one of the plastic wedges that came from a cellphone install kit when I was putting on scratch shields) to pry off the existing covers and they popped right off. You just have to take your time and slowly peel them off. I had no broken tabs - good luck! __________________ 2016 Glacier Silver m235i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2016, 10:15 AM	#15
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	If you're looking at the car head on, the corner that's furthest from the car and closest to the ground (it's a sharp 90) is very easy to grab with your fingers and the whole thing pops off no damage to anything. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
	Appreciate 1 JP's M2xx20.00 Quote

06-15-2016, 03:13 PM	#16
rwrwrwrw Private 36 Rep 98 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Loc iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 M235i [0.00]	I just did mine with some carbon full replacement caps. I popped the mirrors, starting from the lower outside corner and then working along the bottom using a fairly rigid plastic trim tool. Much easier to release from inside. Attached Images
	Appreciate 2 Quote

06-15-2016, 03:31 PM	#17
BentZero Lieutenant Colonel 625 Rep 1,753 Posts Drives: 6MT Mineral White M235i Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (2)	Looks sweet. Can you post a pic with the mirrors folded? __________________ I rev-match from neutral to first 6MT Mineral White on black M235i coupe Build thread
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-27-2016, 09:07 PM	#18
1LegitM235i 1L 156 Rep 336 Posts Drives: 2015 Glacier Silver M235i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: City of Crosses, NM iTrader: (0)	Just removed and replaced mine with Gloss black cap and was done in less than 5 min. Will post pics in a bit. No need to remove the mirror at all. __________________ 2015 Glacier Silver M235i/6MT MP Front Splitter//MP CF Short Shifter//MP CF E-brake//MP LSD//Cold Weather package//Driver Assistance package//Oyster Dakota leather//Aluminum Hexagon trim//ECS Tuning Wheel Spacers//AutoPlus Rear Diffuser//HUD//Rexing DashCam//AutoID M Mirror Caps
	Appreciate 1 JP's M2xx20.00 Quote

06-27-2016, 09:11 PM	#19
bmw235iSD Enlisted Member 5 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 235i Join Date: May 2016 Location: SD, CA iTrader: (0)	all you need is a pry tool on the outer edge, takes 2 seconds then pull. sounds like a lot of breaking but all my clips are intact.
	Appreciate 1 JP's M2xx20.00 Quote

06-27-2016, 09:40 PM	#20
1LegitM235i 1L 156 Rep 336 Posts Drives: 2015 Glacier Silver M235i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: City of Crosses, NM iTrader: (0)	Mirror Caps Removal I wouldn't recommend a prying tool by itself or you'll scratch the hell out of it. I used my nails to hold and pull one area at a time to remove it safely. rswbmw I hope you don't mind I used your pic to better explain my method. Attached Images __________________ 2015 Glacier Silver M235i/6MT MP Front Splitter//MP CF Short Shifter//MP CF E-brake//MP LSD//Cold Weather package//Driver Assistance package//Oyster Dakota leather//Aluminum Hexagon trim//ECS Tuning Wheel Spacers//AutoPlus Rear Diffuser//HUD//Rexing DashCam//AutoID M Mirror Caps
	Appreciate 1 rightrudder50.00 Quote

06-27-2016, 09:56 PM	#21
1LegitM235i 1L 156 Rep 336 Posts Drives: 2015 Glacier Silver M235i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: City of Crosses, NM iTrader: (0)	Installed Gloss Black M Caps Removal and installation are pretty straight forward from my previous post. Here's what it looks like folded and unfolded. Attached Images __________________ 2015 Glacier Silver M235i/6MT MP Front Splitter//MP CF Short Shifter//MP CF E-brake//MP LSD//Cold Weather package//Driver Assistance package//Oyster Dakota leather//Aluminum Hexagon trim//ECS Tuning Wheel Spacers//AutoPlus Rear Diffuser//HUD//Rexing DashCam//AutoID M Mirror Caps
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-08-2016, 03:31 PM	#22
Benandluna Lieutenant 126 Rep 424 Posts Drives: 2018 x3 m40i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Yep easy, got me here,. Video in link http://www.autoid.uk.com/store/bmw/mstylewingmirrors __________________ 2016 BSM M235i: Fully loaded. Dinan Stage II Tune, Dinan CAI, Fabspeed Sport Cat, Fabspeed Muffler Delete.
	Appreciate 0 Quote