Need Advice: 2012 M35H Side Mirror is loose, but motor works....what is wrong?

[jthomp27]

The side-view exterior mirror housing is "loose," meaning it sways back and forth by hand, or in strong winds. I am able to tilt the mirror fine.
When I press the button to fold the mirror in, I can hear the motor turning, but the mirror does not turn in - although sometimes it will fold about an inch.

Any idea what is wrong here?

Thank you in advance for the advice!

[EdBwoy]

The gears that turn to move the motor might be stripping, but there should still be a catch to keep it centred.

Try this:
Without using the button,
Push it to fold manually closed (against your door glass), then push it all the way outwards (past 90 degrees so it is close to the fender). Now you can fold it inwards again to normal operating position.

You'll hear some unsettling noises, but trust that everything is OK... or that you can't damage it any further than it is, haha.

Does that help stabilize it? Does the button work normally after this?

[jthomp27]

EdBwoy - thank you for the advice! I tried what you requested, but the mirror still jiggles, and it does not retract.
Video here: https://youtu.be/Qizbrxn6pPU
Any other thoughts?

[EdBwoy]

I saw the video. That's odd indeed. Check on the underside of the side mirror, right about where it pivots. There should be three screws going upwards. Are they all present?
Beyond that, I am really curious and it would be awesome if I could lay my hands on that mirror and look at it, but I guess at this point replacement might be the best option going forward. Do you have comprehensive coverage?

[Larz]

Ed makes an excellent point. Perhaps , while in a car park, someone of considerable girth walked by too close to your mirror and caused damage. That is exactly what happened to me. A bloody huge woman walked between my car and the car next to me and forced the mirrors on both cars to bend forward. I saw the whole incident as I approached my car. She was very apologetic and I was properly cordial, though the voice in my head spoke differently, LOL. Luckily, I had no damage and my mirror went back to the proper position.
But if your mirror was damaged in a similar way, your insurance should replace it for $250 or whatever your deductible requires.

[jthomp27]

I am afraid you both are correct. My deductible is $500, but I see a working replacement in my paint color taken from a 2011 M37 in eBay for $490. I may try to replace. I assume it will be easy to get to the three bolts on the inside of the door. I will give it a shot and post back when everything is done. If anyone has any tips, I would welcome them!

[Mjkkb2]

One more comment regarding the insurance route: talk to your agent about filing a claim under uninsured motorist.
I just claimed some damage to my van and my deductible was only $100.

[EdBwoy]

Good advice above, I rarely thought about the uninsured route prior to moving to a state that required it as minimum coverage. It's worth a try if you ask me.

JThomp, if you do end up replacing it, may I request that you don't throw your old one away? We could work a deal for me to get it and try to look at the internals.
... but yes, access to the mirror seems manageable. I haven't done it on this platform, but from the manual it seems very similar to what I did for my y50.

Here are the relevant pages from the manual:
pg 24 - http://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual? ... 12%20M/MIR
pg 25 - http://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual? ... 12%20M/INT

VIDEOS. Pardon my self-promotion:
m45 door panel
m45 side mirror

[jthomp27]

Thanks - I may try the insurance route after all, but either way, I will reach out to see about shipping the old one.

Thank you for taking the time to link the videos and service manuals!

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Gaining access to the mirror is pretty simple. Once you remove the interior trim pieces the screws are easy to get to.

Good luck with whichever route you go.

[Debonair]

Under the mirror is an access door that can be opened with a flat head screwdriver or similar shaped trim tool. In there you will find three screws that secure the mirror housing to the base that is bolted to the door. These may be loose or stripped. I used a few slightly larger screws and washer to take some slop out of mine.

[jthomp27]

Thank you!