Side mirror, heated, chromatic with discoloration damage - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

BimmerMeUp · 12-29-2012, 03:19 AM

Has anyone ever seen this kind of damage before? Know what caused it?

Edit: Also described as "brown stain" by others. See linked thread in response below. No definitive cause...

bmw1racer · 12-29-2012, 11:47 AM

^ I've never seen it on any of my cars, but I'm guessing that maybe there's some kind of malfunction in the side mirror defroster...?

If it were to get too hot, that kind of discoloration would occur....?

BimmerMeUp · 12-29-2012, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

^ I've never seen it on any of my cars, but I'm guessing that maybe there's some kind of malfunction in the side mirror defroster...?

If it were to get too hot, that kind of discoloration would occur....?

Thanks for the reply. That is kind of where I'm going, I noticed the issue after a visit to a highly trusted detail shop. Like many shops, they use warm or hot water to clean cars. I'm looking for an explanation that lines up with experience from other owners... I think I will cross post to the 3 series forums (we could use a general BMW forum for all models).

Lexington · 12-31-2012, 08:58 AM

I recall some threads on this in the past, so searching might help. Not sure of the cause but I had the same problem with the passenger side mirror. Replaced under warranty.

shemeld_135 · 12-31-2012, 09:22 AM

i had it on mine.. i took in for replacement they covered it under warranty.

BimmerMeUp · 12-31-2012, 12:16 PM

I"ve tried searching, did that first. All of my search terms are in the subject of this thread so that whoever searches for this next has better luck than I did... it can be difficult to find relevant information out of the fray.

Just out of warranty. I found a mirror on ebay (in Germany) that I will use as a replacement, and a video on replacing the side view mirror cover that makes it look like it should be an easy job. Just not positive how this happened.

jkoral · 12-31-2012, 12:29 PM

Had this problem on my E46 mirrors (also heated).

Yes, replacing side mirrors is a 5 minute, no tools DIY job.

b1aze · 12-31-2012, 02:00 PM

Doesnt hurt to try at least with the dealer. Sometimes they will warranty stuff if you are truly just out of warranty.

Lexington · 01-02-2013, 09:21 AM

[quote=BimmerMeUp;13232096]I"ve tried searching, did that first. All of my search terms are in the subject of this thread so that whoever searches for this next has better luck than I did... it can be difficult to find relevant information out of the fray.

Try this one:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ght=brown+spot

BimmerMeUp · 01-02-2013, 11:24 AM

Thanks! Still no smoking gun on a cause, but more corroborating information. Editing the original subject to include "brown stain" (yuck).

DriveHard · 03-08-2013, 10:39 AM

stumbled upon this..

just answering to complete the thread.

The Brown stain is the "electrochromatic" fluid in the glass that has leaked and has been "cooked" by the heating element. This is what developes the so-called brown stain. totally warranty as long as there is no signs of impact.

this glass is NOT cheap >>> hundreds of dollars BTW

It happens.. no big deal to replace glass, all though its a little nerve racking when pulling on the glass as one thinks it will break in their hands.

as said no tools needed per say but i use a plastic trim tool to aid in the even appliciation of force to pop the glass out of its clips.

Crazycarl · 03-18-2013, 03:14 PM

I have this same issue on both of my side mirrors. I have heated, auto-dim, and auto-dip.....does anyone know if there are any aftermarket glass replacements? I checked ECS but I don't see anything representing an 08 with auto-dip.

BimmerMeUp · 03-18-2013, 03:19 PM

The autodip is not an issue, you will be replacing just the heated dimming glass element. It pops right out once you can get something behind it to pull on the glass. There is a short pigtail wire electrical connection, but that's it.

As far as finding a replacement for less than BWM dealer prices, try ebay. That's where I found a used one for $115 shipped (from Latvia, probably not with the original owners consent). Salvage yards might be worth some effort as well, although a lot of them are on ebay already. Good luck!

cheshirecat79 · 03-19-2013, 11:59 AM

It looks like side mirrors with heat/dim from a production date of 03/2009 to present are much more expensive. Mirrors up to 03/2009 are much cheaper. Auto-dim also adds a premium.

Options are here:
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...erior/Mirrors/

Crazycarl · 04-05-2013, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerMeUp

The autodip is not an issue, you will be replacing just the heated dimming glass element. It pops right out once you can get something behind it to pull on the glass. There is a short pigtail wire electrical connection, but that's it.

As far as finding a replacement for less than BWM dealer prices, try ebay. That's where I found a used one for $115 shipped (from Latvia, probably not with the original owners consent). Salvage yards might be worth some effort as well, although a lot of them are on ebay already. Good luck!

So let's say:

Auto-Dip = Yes
Auto-Dim = Don't care
Heated = Yes

Would these plug and play?
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...rors/ES251356/

12-29-2012, 03:19 AM	#1
BimmerMeUp Private First Class Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 109 iTrader: (0)	Side mirror, heated, chromatic with discoloration damage or brown stain Has anyone ever seen this kind of damage before? Know what caused it? Edit: Also described as "brown stain" by others. See linked thread in response below. No definitive cause... Attached Images __________________ 2008 135i Sparkling Graphite Metallic - 6Sp - Black Boston Leather - Gray Poplar trim - Sport Package Premium Package - Comfort Access - iPod/USB - HD FM - Premium Hi-Fi - Heated Seats 5/27 Euro Delivery Welt - 6/5 Drop off AMS - Re-Delivery 8/8 Last edited by BimmerMeUp; 01-02-2013 at 11:26 AM. Reason: More search terms
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12-29-2012, 11:47 AM	#2
bmw1racer bimmerphile, technogeek Drives: 2012 128i Coupe 6MT Sport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: South Bay, SoCal Posts: 1,189 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 128i Coupe [0.00]	^ I've never seen it on any of my cars, but I'm guessing that maybe there's some kind of malfunction in the side mirror defroster...? If it were to get too hot, that kind of discoloration would occur....? __________________

12-31-2012, 08:58 AM	#4
Lexington First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 135i Blue Water Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 340 iTrader: (0)	I recall some threads on this in the past, so searching might help. Not sure of the cause but I had the same problem with the passenger side mirror. Replaced under warranty. __________________

12-31-2012, 12:16 PM	#6
BimmerMeUp Private First Class Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 109 iTrader: (0)	I"ve tried searching, did that first. All of my search terms are in the subject of this thread so that whoever searches for this next has better luck than I did... it can be difficult to find relevant information out of the fray. Just out of warranty. I found a mirror on ebay (in Germany) that I will use as a replacement, and a video on replacing the side view mirror cover that makes it look like it should be an easy job. Just not positive how this happened. __________________ 2008 135i Sparkling Graphite Metallic - 6Sp - Black Boston Leather - Gray Poplar trim - Sport Package Premium Package - Comfort Access - iPod/USB - HD FM - Premium Hi-Fi - Heated Seats 5/27 Euro Delivery Welt - 6/5 Drop off AMS - Re-Delivery 8/8

01-02-2013, 09:21 AM	#9
Lexington First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 135i Blue Water Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 340 iTrader: (0)	[quote=BimmerMeUp;13232096]I"ve tried searching, did that first. All of my search terms are in the subject of this thread so that whoever searches for this next has better luck than I did... it can be difficult to find relevant information out of the fray. Try this one: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ght=brown+spot __________________

12-31-2012, 09:22 AM	#5
shemeld_135 Captain Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: KOP, PA Posts: 635 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 e82 [3.80]	i had it on mine.. i took in for replacement they covered it under warranty.

12-31-2012, 12:29 PM	#7
jkoral Captain Drives: '09 135i MSport 6MT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MA Posts: 664 iTrader: (5)	Had this problem on my E46 mirrors (also heated). Yes, replacing side mirrors is a 5 minute, no tools DIY job.

12-31-2012, 02:00 PM	#8
b1aze Through detox Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Marlborough, MA Posts: 1,083 iTrader: (13)	Doesnt hurt to try at least with the dealer. Sometimes they will warranty stuff if you are truly just out of warranty.

01-02-2013, 11:24 AM	#10
BimmerMeUp Private First Class Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 109 iTrader: (0)	discoloration = brown stain Thanks! Still no smoking gun on a cause, but more corroborating information. Editing the original subject to include "brown stain" (yuck). __________________ 2008 135i Sparkling Graphite Metallic - 6Sp - Black Boston Leather - Gray Poplar trim - Sport Package Premium Package - Comfort Access - iPod/USB - HD FM - Premium Hi-Fi - Heated Seats 5/27 Euro Delivery Welt - 6/5 Drop off AMS - Re-Delivery 8/8

03-08-2013, 10:39 AM	#11
DriveHard Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 128i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 1,917 iTrader: (0)	stumbled upon this.. just answering to complete the thread. The Brown stain is the "electrochromatic" fluid in the glass that has leaked and has been "cooked" by the heating element. This is what developes the so-called brown stain. totally warranty as long as there is no signs of impact. this glass is NOT cheap >>> hundreds of dollars BTW It happens.. no big deal to replace glass, all though its a little nerve racking when pulling on the glass as one thinks it will break in their hands. as said no tools needed per say but i use a plastic trim tool to aid in the even appliciation of force to pop the glass out of its clips. __________________ '11 128i M-Sport Pkg, Sport Susp., 6AT w/paddles, BMW Perf CAI,Charcoal Filter Delete, BMW Perf. Big Brake Kit, BMW Perf. Exhaust, Ferodo 2500's, Titanium shims,135 trunk lip, BMS-PBX Box-Map 3, Castrol RBF600 ,e93 FSB, , f30 Backing Plates,GC Camber Plates, Hankook RS-3's (Track setup)

03-18-2013, 03:14 PM	#12
Crazycarl New Member Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Colorado Posts: 25 iTrader: (0)	I have this same issue on both of my side mirrors. I have heated, auto-dim, and auto-dip.....does anyone know if there are any aftermarket glass replacements? I checked ECS but I don't see anything representing an 08 with auto-dip.

03-18-2013, 03:19 PM	#13
BimmerMeUp Private First Class Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 109 iTrader: (0)	The autodip is not an issue, you will be replacing just the heated dimming glass element. It pops right out once you can get something behind it to pull on the glass. There is a short pigtail wire electrical connection, but that's it. As far as finding a replacement for less than BWM dealer prices, try ebay. That's where I found a used one for $115 shipped (from Latvia, probably not with the original owners consent). Salvage yards might be worth some effort as well, although a lot of them are on ebay already. Good luck! __________________ 2008 135i Sparkling Graphite Metallic - 6Sp - Black Boston Leather - Gray Poplar trim - Sport Package Premium Package - Comfort Access - iPod/USB - HD FM - Premium Hi-Fi - Heated Seats 5/27 Euro Delivery Welt - 6/5 Drop off AMS - Re-Delivery 8/8

03-19-2013, 11:59 AM	#14
cheshirecat79 Second Lieutenant Drives: 370z & 135i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Port Saint Lucie, FL Posts: 235 iTrader: (0)	It looks like side mirrors with heat/dim from a production date of 03/2009 to present are much more expensive. Mirrors up to 03/2009 are much cheaper. Auto-dim also adds a premium. Options are here: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...erior/Mirrors/

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