BROKEN MIRROR - HELP

[Lappintyre]

Hello,

Ive just taken ownership of a Z3 2.8 (pics and thread to follow once cleaned :ymblushing: )

Problem is that the Aluminum casing on the inside of the mirror IE the actual housing is broken also the middle retaining bolt is gone.

Anyone any suggestions on a fix? I have removed the mirror from the outside and have it in pieces, I should think there must be a way to weld or bond it back together, but I want to make sure that it will rotate again.

I have came across a few guides on here but none with the actual alloy housing broken....

Thanks in advance.

 

[Aceman]

I dont think you are going to be able to repair the aluminium casting if that has coroded and snapped. It wont weld due to the corrosion and as the spring is very tight it needs to be a very strong repair to function like it should and allow it to twist. Some people have performed repairs using epoxy but this is only really a temporsry repair leaving the mirror fixed in one position. Your best bet is to keep an eye on eBay purchase a secondhand replacement, if you sre lucky you may get one the same colour if not it is only the base that will need painting as the standard Z3 mirror casings split and remove. The other thing you may wish to consider is that it maybe an ideal opportunity to upgrade to Z3M mirrors which is what I did on my 2.8 a few years ago..

Hope you get it sorted mate.

 

[hard top]

Not cheap..........

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/BMW-Direct-Sto ... itleDesc=1

 

[Lappintyre]

I dont think you are going to be able to repair the aluminium casting if that has coroded and snapped. It wont weld due to the corrosion and as the spring is very tight it needs to be a very strong repair to function like it should and allow it to twist. Some people have performed repairs using epoxy but this is only really a temporsry repair leaving the mirror fixed in one position. Your best bet is to keep an eye on eBay purchase a secondhand replacement, if you sre lucky you may get one the same colour if not it is only the base that will need painting as the standard Z3 mirror casings split and remove. The other thing you may wish to consider is that it maybe an ideal opportunity to upgrade to Z3M mirrors which is what I did on my 2.8 a few years ago..

Hope you get it sorted mate.

Thanks mate!

 

[Aceman]

Pleasure.

I used to have a 2.8 lovely engine I look forward to seein some pics.

Welcome to the site hope you enjoy zed ownership.

 

[Lappintyre]

Looks like a spot of aluminium welding just may get me by. Not sure that the mirror will be fit for retracting though.

Full find out tomorrow and update.

 

[GazHyde]

Just found this link to a chap who does repair parts for Zed mirrors! The site is in German, but Google translate seems to do a good enough job with it. That said his pricelist wont auto translate because it's an image file!

Looks like they make replacement plastic bases for mirrors. Absolute genius, and will be bookmarking this site for when mine inevitably break

http://www.spiegel-z3.de/preise.html

If you get stuck, might be worth an email.

 

[Lappintyre]

Thanks Gaz, its off to the welders as we speak, fingers crossed.

 

[Lappintyre]

RESULT!! :x

Got the mirror aluminum welded for £15 and now its as strong if not stronger than factory! Only small issue is the little bolt that would have went through the middle is missing? Might refer to another users fix though and put a bolt through it with 2 small drill holes for the electrics.