Z3 E36 Wing Mirror Replacement

Discussion in 'General chat' started by Irishgripper, Feb 4, 2024.

  1. Irishgripper
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    Irishgripper

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    Hi guys,

    Does anyone have any experience of dealing with KOR Supply shop for used and new spare parts. They are apparently based in Lithuania and have been trading in eBay since January 2018 with pretty good reviews.
    I need to replace the drivers (RHS) wing mirror on my 2002 BMW Z3 as the cast aluminium spindle that connects the mirror base to the mirror has snapped.
    Any feedback and/or on replacing the mirror would be gratefully received.

    Thanks
     

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  2. Wynne71
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    Wynne71 WARLORD Site Supporter

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    I’ve not used these for any parts, so can’t comment with personal experience. The feedback looks fine to me, and they have been around for some time, worth a go.
    Is that a common issue on the Z3?
     
  3. Irishgripper
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    Irishgripper

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    Thanks for your comment Wynne71.
    The damage to my mirror only happened yesterday so I had only done a limited amount of research when I posted on the forum here. Since then I’ve discovered a Uk company called X8R who make an alternative components. The following is copied from their eBay advert:-
    “The OEM mirror base and internal pillar are made from cast aluminium; these corrode and eventually the pillar snaps rendering the mirror useless.
    It is a very common fault with Z3 models for the wing mirror base to corrode and spoil the appearance of the mirror. This connects to the internal pillar/ spindle / frame, within the mirror which also corrodes and eventually snaps leaving your mirror hanging redundant. This spindle is also the mechanism that allows you to fold in the mirrors. The original base and spindle is made from cast aluminium, this is a poor quality cast and material for the environment in which the part is fitted, inevitably these components will oxidize / rust and snap. Previously the only option was to replace the complete mirror at vast expense from BMW. This causes further issues of colour matching and respraying to match your vehicle. The OEM part will also have the same internals which would just fail again.“
    So it appears it might a common issue.
    A little more research on my part is needed.
    Thanks
     
  4. Irishgripper
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    Irishgripper

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    After some more research I have found a UK company that manufactures a glass fibre strengthened plastic base and spindle as a replacement to the original cast aluminium one. It trades as X8R Ltd and can be found on eBay or alternatively this is the link to their website. https://x8r.co.uk/about-us
    Has anyone come across this company before and used their product to repair a broken Z3 wing mirror?
     

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