Buy BMW 328i Side View Mirrors

Overview

The BMW 328i side mirror-also called a wing mirror, door mirror, or outside rear-view mirror-does much more than show what's behind you. It houses safety tech like heating, power-fold, auto-dimming glass, turn-signal repeaters, and a memory tilt that drops the passenger mirror in reverse. Keeping this assembly in good shape protects visibility, reduces blind-spot crashes, and keeps the car legal on the road. What follows is a deep dive into fitment, features, upkeep, regulations, costs, and quick answers to common questions.

Fitment & Generations

• The 328i badge spans three generations most shoppers still drive: E46 (1999-2006), E90/E92/E93 (2007-2013), and F30/F31 (2012-2019). Mirrors from one generation will not bolt straight onto another because of changes in mounting triangle shape, wiring plugs, and control modules. Checking the last seven digits of your VIN against an online parts catalog such as RealOEM ensures an exact match before ordering or installing. (Realoem)
• Coupes, sedans, wagons, and convertibles may share housing shells but differ in glass curvature and wiring (e.g., convertibles often add an antenna in the mirror).
• All U.S.-market 328i models use left-hand-drive mirrors; right-hand-drive mirrors from other regions cannot be swapped because the mirror base angles differ.

Key Features

• Power Adjustment & Memory - Driver-side mirrors remember seat positions when the memory button is pressed. Passenger mirrors tilt down automatically in reverse if the selector switch is set to the left-confirmed in the 2012 owner's manual. (Manua.ls)
• Heating Element - Below about 40 °F, both mirrors warm automatically when the engine is running; there is no separate dash button on North-American cars. (BimmerPost, Bimmerfest)
• Power-Folding Motors - Certain Premium-package cars fold at the press of the "fold" button or when the car is locked, helping avoid garage scrapes.
• Auto-Dimming Glass - An electro-chromic layer tints the mirror to fight glare; photo-cells in the interior mirror trigger the side glass. (Bimmerpost, CarParts.com)
• Integrated Turn Signals & Puddle Lights - Later F30 mirrors added an LED strip for signaling plus underside puddle lamps for entry lighting. (YouTube)
• Blind-Spot Warning Icon - Aftermarket caps can add an amber icon that lights when radar detects a vehicle, complementing factory blind-spot detection that cuts lane-change crashes by about 14 percent. (IIHS Crash Testing)

Common Symptoms

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DIY Replacement

1. Pop off the interior sail-panel tweeter cover.
2. Disconnect the multi-pin plug-note that E90 uses 5 pins while F30 uses up to 8.
3. Support the mirror and remove three T-10 Torx screws.
4. Reverse steps to install the new unit. A detailed video walk-through for the E90 chassis shows the entire process in under ten minutes. (YouTube)

Tip: Always swap glass and caps from the old mirror to the new shell before mounting to avoid scratching the paint.

Maintenance & Care

• Clean glass with alcohol-free glass cleaner; ammonia can cloud the electro-chromic layer.
• Cycle the fold motors once a month to keep gears lubricated.
• Wax the painted cap whenever you wax the body to protect the clear-coat from UV fade.

Safety & Legal Notes

• U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 requires an outside mirror on the driver's side and either a passenger mirror or compliant rear camera. (Federal Register)
• State rules vary, but most ticket driving with a missing or cracked mirror because it limits rearward vision.
• Before road trips, adjust mirrors using the AAA "zero-blind-spot" method-set each mirror so you barely see the car's flank. (AAA)
• Check your VIN on the NHTSA recall site to be sure no mirror wiring or glass retention recalls are open. (NHTSA)

Cost & Value

• A new painted, power-fold, auto-dim mirror can run $500-$800 at a franchise dealer, but labor is only about 0.8 hr.
• A mobile repair-cost estimator lists the average complete replacement for a 328i at $385-$245 parts, $140 labor. (YourMechanic)
• Swapping only the glass is far cheaper; many owners report snapping in a heated lens for under $50 and five minutes of work. (The US Sun)
• Used mirrors from salvage yards offer an OEM look at roughly half new-part cost, but inspect carefully for gear wear and clear-coat peeling.

Troubleshooting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What materials are the housings made of?
A: BMW uses a weather-resistant ABS plastic shell over a magnesium frame for strength without adding weight.

Q: Can I retrofit power-fold mirrors on a non-fold car?
A: Yes. You'll need mirror assemblies with motors, door-module coding, and a new interior switch panel. It's plug-and-play on most E90 and F30 trims once coded.

Q: Do 328i mirrors automatically heat?
A: Yes. The heater activates when the engine runs and the outside temperature is low-no manual button is fitted on U.S. models. (BimmerPost, Bimmerfest)

Q: How do I eliminate blind spots?
A: Set each mirror outwards until your own car just disappears from view. Combined with the center mirror, this covers adjacent lanes and reduces lane-change crashes by roughly 14 percent. (IIHS Crash Testing)

Q: Is driving without a passenger mirror legal?
A: Federal rules allow a single driver-side mirror, but many states require both mirrors. Check local DMV handbooks for specifics. (BMW USA)

Q: Does auto-dimming side glass fail over time?
A: The gel can leak after 10-plus years, causing brown spots. Replacement glass panels restore clarity and dimming for under $200. (CarParts.com)

Q: Will a cracked mirror fail inspection?
A: Most states fail a car if cracks distort the driver's view. Replace the glass promptly to stay compliant and safe.

Q: Why does my mirror buzz at highway speed?
A: A loose backing plate or missing foam pad lets glass vibrate. Pop off the glass, add thin weather-strip foam, and re-snap.

Q: Where can I find my exact paint code?
A: The paint code label is on the driver-side strut tower or door jamb; match that code when ordering a pre-painted cap.

Final Tips

Replacing or upgrading a BMW 328i side-view mirror is within reach of most DIY owners. Always match your VIN, avoid cheap non-heated glass in cold climates, and follow federal and state mirror rules to stay safe and ticket-free.쓴