BMW X5 Mirror Heater & Dimming Functions Dead, Fixes?

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2006 BMW X3 (I used to have that before switching to a 3 Series). I've got some experience working with cars, though I wouldn't call myself an expert. Had the exact same symptoms, both mirror functions died on me. Took it to my trusted workshop and they found it was just a bad connection in the wiring harness to the mirrors. Total fix was 95 Euro, mostly labor costs for tracking down and fixing those pesky connections. Could you share your exact engine specs and if you're getting any specific error codes? This could help narrow down if it's the same issue I had. Also, have you noticed any other electrical quirks before the mirrors stopped working? Hope this helps! Let me know if you need more specific details about my repair experience.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My X5 just had its service last month at 74794 KM, and everything was working fine until last week. After reading your post, I checked the wiring as you suggested. You might be onto something there, I noticed some slight wiggle in the connection when I press around the mirror housing. Haven't spotted any other electrical issues so far. The error code I'm getting is E176B3 (mirror module communication fault). Did your repair involve taking the door panel off? Just trying to figure out if this is something I could tackle myself or if I should let the pros handle it.

Hey again! Thanks for the follow-up. Glad I could help point you in the right direction with checking those connections. And yes, that error code definitely sounds familiar, had the same one on my X3! To answer your question about the door panel: yes, we had to remove it to access the wiring harness properly. While it's technically doable as a DIY job, I'd honestly recommend letting a professional handle it. When I first noticed the issue, I tried poking around myself but quickly realized it was trickier than expected. The mirror module connections are pretty delicate, and there's a risk of damaging other components if you're not familiar with the setup. The wiggle you're feeling in the connection is exactly what I experienced. In my case, some of the pins had corroded slightly over time, which caused the intermittent connection issues. The repair shop cleaned the connections and secured them properly, and I haven't had any problems since. If your mileage is similar to what mine was when this happened, it's probably just normal wear and tear on the connections. Would love to hear how it works out for you once you get it fixed!

Thanks for the detailed advice! You've convinced me to let the professionals handle this one. The last thing I want is to mess up other components while trying to save a few bucks. The wiggling connection definitely matches what you experienced, so I'm feeling pretty confident that's the culprit. I've just booked an appointment with my regular BMW shop for next week. They quoted me around the same price range you mentioned, which seems reasonable considering the work involved. Really glad I asked here before trying to tackle this myself, those delicate connections and door panel removal sound a bit beyond my comfort zone! I'll give you an update once it's fixed. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it's been super helpful in understanding what I'm dealing with!

Hello, is it possible to change the valve stem seals without disassembling the cylinder head on a 2015 F86? Thanks

(Translated from French)

Yes, it is possible to change the valve stem seals without removing the cylinder head by using a special tool to compress the valve springs and hold the valves in place, often with compressed air or a rope trick through the spark plug hole. However, this is a complex procedure that requires precision and the right tools. If you're not experienced with engine work, I recommend having a professional mechanic perform this task to avoid potential damage. Let me know if you have any further questions!