Driver side mirror

I have noticed that the past couple of times I have used the car the drivers side mirror will not shift from its park position. The motor runs but the mirror doesn't move. If I add some muscle to the action the mirror will flip out to its driving position, the mirror will then park normally when selected to do so. Can this mirror need lubricating? I hate to do this without some reassurance as oil or grease will only attract grit etc, I was wondering whether graphite powder might be used or does someone have any suggestions? Merry Christmas to you all may 2013 be filled with trouble free motoring for us all.

My apologises for incorrectly posting original.

I usually add a little lube to mine, but i dont have the auto fold function. I use white lithium grease.

Where exactly do you apply the lithium? I can only guess you smear it (sparingly) on the surfaces to reduce friction?

I applied some lithium lightly across the moving faces. Sadly even after several efforts the drivers side refuses to move to driving position. It seems as though it closes just to far and so jams itself. The motor is running but the mirror will not actuate. When is assist the action the mirror will unfold. It closes normally without any help. Of course my CPO expired a month ago. Any more suggestions welcomed.

well I have doused the drivers side rearview with wd40 to no avail. The mirror attempts to open to the drive position but fails. The other side is fine, and the drivers side will move to the sleep mode without assistance once I have manually opened it. Does anyone have any clues or an exploded view of the mechanism. I hate taking it back to my dealer cause I know my wallet will be a lot lighter when I leave.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...62&hg=51&fg=10

Thanx for that ... I was hoping I would get an idea of why the mirror won't unpark but I couldn't from these views. maybe someone has worked on their mirror and took some pics?