Subject: Power mirror restoration and painting project Author: DavidC (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 11918 posts Posted on: 2004-08-19 15:28:31

The power mirror housings on my '86 735i were faded and gray. I've tried every combination of rejuvination products, from Armor All to Back-to-Black to everything else. Nothing worked or lasted more than a few days and most of them left a greasy film.

Therefore, I decided to remove the mirror assemblies and paint them. This is an easy afternoon project that anyone can do. Just take your time with the sanding and spraying and you'll get good results.

What you'll need:
8mm closed-end, angled hex wrench
8mm socket wrench
flat-blade screwdriver
2,000-grit wet sandpaper
black Duplicolor Trim Spray Paint


The driver's-side mirror, before restoration.


The same mirror, after lightly wet-sanding with 2,000-grit sandpaper and three thin coats of Dupli-color Black Trim Spray Paint. The result is outstanding. It doesn't look like its been painted at all. Just factory black mirrors again.


Dupli-color Trim Paint, black.


The first step is to pop off the tweeter. Its attached with basic double-sided tape.


Then use a flat-blade screwdriver to slide the mounting plate toward the rear of the car, out of its channel.


Here you can clearly see the channel in which the knob on the back of the mounting plate was secured.



Next, use the 8mm wrenches to remove the two bolts from the mirror. Hold onto the mirror from the outside to prevent it from falling.


Disconnect the wiring harness from the connector in the door frame and pull it through the square hole, freeing the entire mirror assembly from the car.


Here's another shot of the refinished mirror in the daylight. It looks completely new.

David Cecil
'97 740iL, 126k miles
'86 735i, 94k miles

www.e38.org has links for everything about your BMW 7-series automobile

• Power mirror restoration and painting project (pic) - DavidC 2004-08-19 15:28:31 (4170 views)
  • correction: - Kevin Elmore 2004-08-26 01:03:04 (707 views)
    • Actually, the E28 tweeter is held with a plastic peg... (pic) - drmcwilliams 2004-08-27 10:19:40 (741 views)
  • Re: Power mirror restoration and painting project - david533i 2004-08-20 16:51:03 (730 views)
  • Enamel reducer... (pic) - donniej 2004-08-19 16:12:21 (787 views)
  • Nice, the fumes are getting to you, but I can not do that> - kff 2004-08-19 15:36:39 (704 views)
    • Yes, body-colored mirrors look terrific. That's something I would have to hire - DavidC 2004-08-19 15:44:21 (634 views)