side mirrors on backup

When I first bought my X3, when backing up, the side mirrors would lower so I could see the curb, but now they don't do that. Is there something I'm doing wrong? is there a setting or something for this? Thanks!

Originally Posted by MarkusBMW

When I first bought my X3, when backing up, the side mirrors would lower so I could see the curb, but now they don't do that. Is there something I'm doing wrong? is there a setting or something for this? Thanks!

It's the setting slide/switch for setting your left or right mirrors. Change it to the other side.

dj

I tried both sides...That didn't do anything. I'm not talking about adjusting them. I'm talking about them automatically tilting down when backing up.

Originally Posted by MarkusBMW

I tried both sides...That didn't do anything. I'm not talking about adjusting them. I'm talking about them automatically tilting down when backing up.

First, only the passenger mirror tilts down. Second, according to the X3 manual, the mirror selector switch has to be on the drivers side for this function to work. Did you even look in your owners manual?

dj

I did look at the owners manual I just forgot it was just the passenger side. It still wasn't working but I played with the adjustment on that mirror and it started working. I guess it was stuck and the adjusting fixed it. Thanks for your help!

Originally Posted by MarkusBMW

I did look at the owners manual I just forgot it was just the passenger side. It still wasn't working but I played with the adjustment on that mirror and it started working. I guess it was stuck and the adjusting fixed it. Thanks for your help!

No problem. I am getting quite a few different downloaded Owners Manuals answering questions like yours.

dj

FWIW -- mine stopped working and when I flicked the switch a few times it didnt work anymore and I thought "Ahah -- the first thing to break!" But then I found that if you switch it the right and play with the up/down/sideways switch, it will then work again. give it a try

Another good thing to do is exercise the folding mirror motors. I fold mine in every time I go through a drive through or drive-up atm.

Originally Posted by thayerV

Another good thing to do is exercise the folding mirror motors. I fold mine in every time I go through a drive through or drive-up atm.

Intentionally I hope!!!!! Just kidding with you.

Originally Posted by MarkusBMW

I did look at the owners manual I just forgot it was just the passenger side. It still wasn't working but I played with the adjustment on that mirror and it started working. I guess it was stuck and the adjusting fixed it. Thanks for your help!

Just an FYI - mine started sticking just before the unit went bad and would not move. I had both the switch and mirror motor replaced. No issues since.

ok I'll bite! what folding mirror motors, and if you're serious how do you activate them?

Originally Posted by labart

ok I'll bite! what folding mirror motors, and if you're serious how do you activate them?

Sounds like you don't have that optional feature - not too common, I believe.

Back in 2004 it was included in the Activity Package (ski bag, alum. running boards, etc.)
Not sure if available standalone in later years.

Originally Posted by labart

ok I'll bite! what folding mirror motors, and if you're serious how do you activate them?

As mentioned in the thread, the right side tilts down when trans is in reverse so you can see the curb when parallel parking.

Only if you have that option on your vehicle.

Activated by right/left mirror switch in correct position (towards right I think?).

Originally Posted by madurodave

Activated by right/left mirror switch in correct position (towards right I think?).

The 2 different options (not mutually exclusive) are:

1. Automatic Curb Monitor (lots of forum members have this)
(Active when switch is to Driver side, OFF when switch is to Passenger side)

2. Power Folding Mirrors (not too many forum members have this)
(as found on many other luxury vehicles for use in tight spaces)

Originally Posted by Supercourse

The 2 different options (not mutually exclusive) are:

1. Automatic Curb Monitor (lots of forum members have this)
(Active when switch is to Driver side, OFF when switch is to Passenger side)

2. Power Folding Mirrors (not too many forum members have this)
(as found on many other luxury vehicles for use in tight spaces)

I thought the power folding mirrors was pretty common. I have them on mine. Press the small square button and "rrrrr" they swing in. Press again, and out they go. If you are moving, you cannot swing the mirrors in.

Maybe power folding mirrors are more common than I thought (in PP from '06?)

Just that they don't get mentioned (or used) much?

Mine stopped working once and after I pushed on it to unstick it, it has been fine since.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Supercourse

Maybe power folding mirrors are more common than I thought (in PP from '06?)

Just that they don't get mentioned (or used) much?

Yeah, I don't use it too much. Sometimes for a car wash, that is about it.