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BMW E90 Homelink/Temp/Compass/Anti Dazzle Mirror Retrofit to E46

In case you own a BMW E46 3 Series and were wondering if you could get the new features of the E90 rearview mirror on your car, the answer is yes. Here we have a DIY guide posted by a forum user from E46 Fanatics.
BMW E46 Rearview Mirror 13 photos
Photo: www.E46Fanatics.com
BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 1BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 2BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 3BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 4BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 5BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 6BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 7BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 8BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 9BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 10BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 11BMW E90 Mirror Retrofit to E46 DIY photo no. 12
This is achievable just by changing the mirrors on your car, since the E46 on board computer already knows how to list and handle all the E90 mirror functions.

In order to do this you'll need to buy a E90 mirror with Auto Dim and that has all the original trimmings uncut and unspoiled. The tools needed for this DIY are limited to any long tool that has a pointy, grippy tip, that will be used when calibrating the mirror (in this DIY a dental pick was used). Other than that, you'll just use your hands.

Step 1: Disconnect the E90 mirror's wire pigtail, leaving only the mirror and its connector. The E90 connector will fit on your E46, they are the same (if you also have the Auto Dim feature on your car). Photo no. 1 (shows the pigtail that should be removed) and 2 (shows the connector without the wires).

Step 2: Remove the current mirror. The rain sensor is fitted inside the plastic housing that is placed against the windshield, at the base of the mirror. That plastic case un-couples from the center. You'll just have to press your thumbs against them and spread the shells apart. ( Photos no. 3 and 4).

Step 3: Once spread, you'll find the mirror's neck underneath and the rain sensor (in case the car has been fitted with one). Don't remove the rain sensor. Un-clip the old connector from the E46 mirror and remove the mirror from the car. In order to remove the mirror, you'll just have to swivel the mirror 45 degrees towards the passenger side and it will pop out (Photos no. 5 and 6)

Step 4: Attach the new mirror and its connector to the car. This is done the same way the E46 mirror was taken out but in reverse order. Swivel the neck of the new mirror from the passenger side towards the driver's seat by 45 degrees while also applying pressure (Photos no. 7 and 8)

Step 5: Make sure the connector is properly inserted: turn on the car and make sure the compass lights up. Press one of the homelink buttons - a small yellow indicator lamp should blink.

Step 6: Refit the plastic housing that covers the mirror neck and the rain sensor, in the same way you took it out in step 2 but in reverse order.

Step 7: Calibrating the mirror. Once everything in back in its place turn on your cabin lights. You'll notice that the new mirror will turn blueish. That is normal, as the E90 mirrors' tint is blue, different from the E46 original one. Photo no 9 shows the E46 tint, photo no 10 shows the E90 tint.

Step 8: Drive around for some time (20-30 minutes) to allow your mirror to adjust its GPS orientation. This might solve the calibrating problem. Check with your navigation system. In case that doesn't happen, find an empty parking lot, without too many people around. It has to be big enough to allow you to do some circles. Get the tool we mentioned before. It could be a pin or a pen, but it has to be rough and long enough. You'll find a hole at the bottom of the mirror with a small button inside (Photo no 11).

Step 9: Press the button you found using the tool you chose (remember it has to be grippy and strong otherwise it might slip) until you see a C instead of the car's direction.

Step 10: After the C appears start going in circles (you can drift if you'd like to) until the C becomes a cardinal point. Check if the direction is correct with a navigation system.
Step 11: Use the tool to press the button again for 3-4 seconds until a number shows up. That number is the Zone Code of your area. Check the BMW Dealership guide to find out the code for the zone where you live.

Step 12: Go up or down until you reach your zone code by using the buttons on the bottom of the mirror. (Photo no 12)

That's it. The mirror should now show the same direction as your navigation.


This is a DIY guide and, as such, you must be aware the procedures described here involve some risks. autoevolution cannot be held responsible for any possible damage that might result while following this guide.
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