BMW 1 Series Mirror Problems: Heating & Dimming Issues

Hey there! I have some experience working on cars, and I actually faced a similar issue with my 2010 BMW 3 Series diesel (had a look at the 5 Series too when I was shopping). I had the same symptoms with my mirrors, both heating and dimming stopped working. Turned out it was just a loose connection in the wiring harness going to the mirror. Took it to my regular workshop, and they found the plug had worked itself loose over time, causing intermittent connection issues. Total repair was 95 Euro, mostly labor for tracking down and fixing the connection. Could you share if you're getting any specific error codes? Also, is it affecting both mirrors or just one side? This info would help nail down if you're dealing with the same problem I had. Just make sure to get it checked soon, those heated mirrors are really important for clear visibility in bad weather!

Thanks for sharing your experience! My BMW has 188171 KM on the clock, and it's happening on both mirrors. Haven't had any issues until after my last service two weeks ago. I'm getting error code E234 (just checked with my OBD reader). The dimming worked fine before, but now it's completely dead, no response at all when pressing the button. The heating seems to work occasionally, but it's really inconsistent. I'll definitely have my mechanic check the wiring harness based on your experience. Hopefully it's just a connection issue like yours and not the entire mirror assembly. Did you notice any other electrical quirks while your mirror issue was ongoing?

Hey again! Thanks for the additional details about your BMW, that definitely helps paint a better picture. When I had my mirror issues, I actually noticed some other quirks too. My auto-dimming was completely dead like yours, and the heating would work one day and not the next. The error code you're getting is different from what I had (mine was E238), but these things can sometimes throw different codes even with similar problems. What's really interesting is that your issues started after the service, when they worked on my car, they had to remove some trim pieces near the mirrors, and that's probably when my connection got loose. One thing I didn't mention before, I also noticed that sometimes my mirror adjustment controls would act up while all this was going on. Did you notice anything like that? In my case, all these symptoms were connected to that loose wiring harness. Just a heads up, when my mechanic fixed it, they had to remove the door panel to properly access the wiring. The repair itself wasn't complicated, but getting to the problem spot took some time. Still way cheaper than replacing the whole mirror assembly though! Keep us posted on what your mechanic finds. I'm really curious if it turns out to be the same issue as mine.

Thanks everyone for your help! I followed up with my mechanic today, and you'll never believe it, turns out there actually was a wiring issue, but slightly different from yours. The wiring had gotten pinched during my recent service when they were working on something else in the door. The mechanic showed me where the wire had been damaged, and it totally explains why both mirrors were acting up and why it started right after the service. They fixed the wiring and checked all the connections while they were in there. Total bill came to 120 Euro, which isn't too bad considering what I was worried it might be! All functions are working perfectly now, both the heating and dimming are back to normal. Even the adjustment controls feel smoother than before. The error code is gone too. Thanks again for helping me understand what I might be dealing with before I took it in. Really helped me have a more informed conversation with my mechanic! Guess I'll be keeping a closer eye on things after future services. Time to go enjoy my fully functional mirrors!