Passenger side rear view mirror won't adjust

[camano4]

Bought an '05 325i in May of this year ~ doesn't have the 'auto adjust mirror' on the passenger side while backing (I don't think?)

Mirror will not adjust using the switch on the driver's door ~ any thoughts on where to start or if this is a common problem?

I do have the memory seats, etc. which function fine with the two different key fobs ~

Next question ~ if I need to dismantle the outside rearview mirror, how do I remove the actual mirror glass? I have seen a plethora of 'opinions' on this... I'd like to avoid breaking it for sure (and 'no' it isn't auto dimming... I read about those too...)

Many thanks in advance to any and all responses!

Cheers!

G

[marti5]

For the reverse auto adjust you have to have the R/L slide switch, slid to the passenger side and when you engage reverse it should go down, if you have no control at all of the mirror I would say the switch is faulty.

However it may be a wire broken in the door hinge or a wire off in the mirror housing, to remove existing mirror glass, simply adjust mirror so that it is angled upwards this can been done by hand if the electric adjustment is not operational, then prise away from casing carefully.

[camano4]

Thank you Marti!
I have seen this description in various forms, but have been a bit reluctant to pry on the mirror glass ~ seems like an invitation to a mirror replacement! Maybe I should have a replacement glass on hand...
I don't know if this vehicle is equipped with memory mirror / canting mirror option. It does have memory seats, but there are so many option packages and configurations, it's difficult to tell.
This is my first BMW. I have owned other German autos and love them! Is interesting how BMW seems to hold so much information close to their chest, making it difficult to work on the vehicle, or I just don't know where to look for it. I run across this more and more frequently with newer vehicles and equipment (have been a mechanic for 34 years by trade). With the advent of melding computers and mechanical, it seems to have increased the complexity 10 fold, especially with BUS and sending multiple signals across the same wires.
My 325i had 24,000 miles on it when I purchased it this last May. It is a beautiful car (!) but has a few 'issues', which I aim to correct myself without emptying my wallet at the dealership! Was disappointed to have spent the money I did in July (SES light with error codes O2 sensors reversed). I know there is an update (which they charged me for) but 1 month later, it started doing it again ~ hence my wariness of dealerships.
So, enough of my rambling and thank you so much for your input!
I wish you the very best and will talk with you sometime soon!
Cheers!
Greg

[FCPGroton]

I agree with you about working on these cars. BMW is the worst when it comes to getting information out of the dealers, but Volvo is not much better. I know the government was trying to pass a law that would make it so that they would have to disclose how all the systems work to mechanics so that independent shops could work on the cars. I don't know if that ever went through.

[camano4]

Any 'hotshot' electrical engineers out there who want to tackle the "BUS' issue?
Driver side control switch ~ 4 pin. Controls 4 way function (up, down, left, right) on driver's or passenger mirror. 4 pins, minimum 5 functions... is this a special tool diagnostic or 'swap and see' approach? Don't have the luxury or the pocketbook to support that frame of mind... (let's just say I'm too bloody stubborn to throw it away and say 'it's fixed'...

Shouldn't have to be this difficult... oh, and my German is improving ten fold... ha ha ha! Haven't Sprechen ze Duetsche like this ever! Capri, Volkswagen, Porsche... even Audi... ACHT!

Sorry for venting ~ it's prolific everywhere...