BMW E36 Mirror Motor Repair

I could not adjust the mirror on the car anymore, which can be annoying, especially while parking. The motor, before it died, was very noisy and was moving slower and slower.

Got a replacement motor from the local dealer for about 90 euros. I could have taken my chances with some E36 for breaking, but given the age of those cars and the high probability it would be busted too, I decided to go for a new one.

Changing the motor is a very straight forward operation and took me about 15mn.

Here is what you need:
The new motor, a long flat tool to unclip the motor, a small philips screwdriver and a small pair of pliers to pull the 4 wires on the back of the motor.



Now press one side of the mirror all the way in, so you can fit your flat tool behind the other side in order to unclip it. Go gently. That will come out.
Keep on hand on the mirror so it does not fall on the ground.




Now that the mirror is removed, unbolt those screws.



Now disconnect the wires, be careful here, use a plier to pull them off.



Put the new motor in place and fit the 4 connectors back along with the screws.
Check the motor for operation before you put the mirror back.




Now clip the mirror back. Make sure all 4 sides are cliped in.



Job done. Fully functional mirror. Good as new.