BMW Wing mirror left and right

BMW Side mirror: find out more! How to choose, when to change , and how much they cost

What is the purpose of the wing mirrors on my BMW?

The components enable the driver to see behind and around the sides of the vehicle. They are indispensable when parking and manoeuvring.

Some components include additional features. For example, integrated turn indicator lights which provide additional warning signals for other drivers and increase safety when entering or changing lanes. Built-in lights make it easier for the driver and passengers to get in and out of the vehicle when it is dark.

Components which feature a blind spot monitoring system usually include sensors. The sensors light up and change colour if an object or vehicle appears and approaches the car from its blind spot.

Are all BMW wing mirrors electric?

No. Earlier models were fitted with manual adjustment mechanisms. Vehicles with electric actuators have been mass-produced since the mid 1980’s.

Are the wing mirrors the same on both sides of BMW vehicles?

It depends on the model version and year of manufacture of the vehicle. First generation vehicles were only fitted with flat glass elements. Later versions included a convex glass on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. It provided better visibility but distorted the size of reflected objects. To prevent accidents and minimise blind spots, BMW started using flat elements in combination with aspherical ones, which were installed on the driver's side. The aspherical design enables the component to reflect a larger area and allows the driver to estimate the size and distance of objects on the road more accurately. Nowadays, this type of glass is being installed more and more often also on the passenger’s side of vehicles.

Can I replace wing mirrors myself?

Yes. The replacement procedure is determined by the design of the components which need to be removed and the model version. Step-by-step instructions can be found in the vehicle’s manual.