E53 Electric folding side mirrors..STOLEN!..HELP !!!!

[Amer120]

Thanks Raj, I 'm overwhelmed by the support I'm getting from you guy's , they have left the black triangle bit in the window, and the small holder attached to that , evrything else is gone, they cut the cables , so i have some sticking out of each holder, can send pics later, or if you have an email address I can send them to from my iphone as thats where they are at the minute.

Regards

Amer

[Amer120]

Sorry my apologies my model is an E53 2003 53 plate, 3.0 diesal estate. Mirrors were electric folded, not sure if they were heated.

[Sanj]

They will be and cutting the wires is not an issue. New loom will come with the new units. They then clip into the existing connectors behind the door cards.

You need new mirrors, housing and plastic covers that match your car colour.

Oh and a big vicious dog to get the buggers next time!

No stressing, just work out how to get some new one's...

[Amer120]

I've got a night vision webcam which I'm going to set in the car hopefully, so I can catch the buggers, and test my golf clubs out on their getaway car!..I just hope I can get a set before next weekend as its my best friends wedding , and I have no car!

[X5Sport]

[quote=""Amer120""]Sorry my apologies my model is an E53 2003 53 plate, 3.0 diesal estate. Mirrors were electric folded, not sure if they were heated.[/quote]

I think they're all heated. Did they have a constant blue tint to them, or did they only tint when strong light from behind lit the interior mirror - autodimming system?

It does make a difference to the mirror glass type which could be permenently tinted (blue) or electrochromic. If you aren't sure, I think the autodimming ones will also have a light sensor bottom centre of the interior rear view mirror (mine does).

Our area is now covered by a 24/7 Day/Night cameras with a recording video system and other devices!!

[Amer120]

[quote=""X5Sport""][quote=""Amer120""]Sorry my apologies my model is an E53 2003 53 plate, 3.0 diesal estate. Mirrors were electric folded, not sure if they were heated.[/quote]

I think they're all heated. Did they have a constant blue tint to them, or did they only tint when strong light from behind lit the interior mirror - autodimming system?

It does make a difference to the mirror glass type which could be permenently tinted (blue) or electrochromic. If you aren't sure, I think the autodimming ones will also have a light sensor bottom centre of the interior rear view mirror (mine does).

Our area is now covered by a 24/7 Day/Night cameras with a recording video system and other devices!![/quote]
They only seemed tint when there was strong light behind them. If I get a set soon , it will be thanks to all the extremely helpful people whom I've met on here today, thank you again.

[phill]

Don't know if these have been mentioned, maybe worth a try

http://www.fabdirect.com/

Phill

[X5Sport]

[quote=""Amer120""] They only seemed tint when there was strong light behind them. If I get a set soon , it will be thanks to all the extremely helpful people whom I've met on here today, thank you again.[/quote]

Electrochromic (auto-dimming) then.

Richard

[Amer120]

[quote=""phill""]Don't know if these have been mentioned, maybe worth a try

http://www.fabdirect.com/

Phill[/quote]
Tried them , no luck unfortunately.

Thanks

A

[AW8]

Sourcing proper replacements cost effectively : Lots of useful links on here & advice from kind folk, however, worth calling Quarry Motors. http://www.quarrymotors.co.uk/ Apologies if already mentioned. Be careful with the parts finder websites as some non dedicated bmw breakers can try to get folk to part with cash for misdecribed stuff. Ideally only pay with credit card as card company can fight your corner in event of dispute with seller. If dealing with someone breaking a car & only listing the car or say a wheelnut to generate enquiries & buyers, you should ask them to create private listing for mirrors accurately describing the condition, serviceability and part numbers of all aspects iof the parts ie. heated glass, housings, covers etc. That way if midsescribed you can initiate ebay dispute rather than seller asking for non ebay listed paypal payment.

Which parts needed ? In order to ascertain what type you had you (tinted or elctrchromic), you can call BMW customer services info line - number is included at end of E53 buyers guide. If you call they should be able to give spec for your car & clarify exact type you had fitted. Make sure you have your VIN/Chassis Number handy.

Finding those reponsible &/or getting mirrors back : Highly unlikely however I would report this to the police. I would explain it is a £2400 theft ! If the car has not been touched/washed/rained on since the theft I would plead with them to try to take fingerprints from the areas adjacent to the mirrors such as traingles/adjoining paintwork & window glass. I suspect they may be reluctant to do this but you need to convince them it may be worthwhile due to value of the theft & the surfaces being suitable to check for fingerprints. Obviously any prints if found are only any good if the thief has their prints on the police records. Try not to get too frustrated with them & bear in mind they wont be able to find them in abscence of useful & reliable info they can act on.
Also maybe contact local BMW dealer service manager & local BMW independents to see if anyone has recently enquired into having 2 new mirrors supplied/&/or fitted for an E53. Explain you dont expect customer details but would like to be told if they have any info & in order that you can ask Police to contact them.

Ebay : I would also keep an eye on ebay both for your old mirrors or for replacements. None on there currently but a quick check of completed listings shows a used pair recently were sold individually one for £155 & one for £380. (if nothing else it gives some idea re used prices on ebay). I am not suggesting for one minute these ones were stolen but worth keeping an eye particularly if yours are identifiable due to specific marks etc. If looking to buy a pair rather than locate your originals then check with seller how they were sourced if keen to avoid fuelling a market for more of these being stolen. .......Oh & ebay germany ebay d.e.might be worth a look for replacements too.


Apologies for so much info but once I start thinking in a hurry it all comes out verbatim via my keyboard.

[4.8isFred]

Scum bag Bast.rds. These thieves should loose a finger when caught, the number of things i have had stolen from my cars over the years, just drives one mad .

Could try http://www.quarrymotors.co.uk Been good to me for spares over the years.

[phiggystardust]

hi
if its any consolation , i sent emails to all the guys on ebay breaking x5s and finally bought a pair with electrochromatic dimming for £250 all in.
so dont lose heart be patient and you will get them
cheers phiggy

[Slats]

I'm amazed by that figure! Someone smashed one off my old x5 a few years back and I picked one up on ebay minus glass with a few blemishes on for £80. (the glass on my original one was intact) we made one good one out of the two which left me with one base plate one motor and the part the glass fixes to, but no glass or cowling etc. I have those bits hanging around in my garage if you get desperate or can't source complete ones, I should probably keep them incase it happens to me!

[Amer120]

Morning guys thanks for some great information, tried telling the police the value if the mirrors, and asked if they could check for fingerprints etc, but they didn't want to know. Am waiting a call this morning where someone may have 2 manual folding mirrors.. Have been told that they will also fit, not being an expert , can anyone confirm that manual folding can be used instead. I'm not too fussed as long as I can drive my car again!.

Raj I will send the requested details to you , was at a wedding yesterday evening and did not get a chance.
Have tried quarry , they very helpful. Will keep on trying.

Regards

Amer

[AW8]

I cant confirm if they will fit albeit I am unaware of any reason whyt they wouldn't. I will stop short of confirming suitability of fitment & in the hope that others can provide trusted info.

I am sure that cost is an issue but I strongly advise you to avoid buying twice.