When it comes to maintaining a BMW, sometimes the little things can add up, and one of those little things might be the side view mirror. If you’ve recently found yourself in need of a replacement or just looking to understand the costs associated with it, you’re not alone. Many BMW owners have gone through this, and the costs can vary significantly depending on a few factors. Let’s dive in!
Factors Affecting Replacement Costs
Type of Mirror:
Standard vs. heated mirrors
Mirrors with additional features like auto-dimming or integrated turn signals
OEM vs. Aftermarket:
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts tend to be more expensive but guarantee quality and exact fit.
Aftermarket parts can be cheaper but check for reviews and compatibility.
Labor Costs:
If you’re taking it to a dealership, you can expect higher labor rates.
Independent shops might offer more competitive pricing.
What I’ve Found on Prices
From my research, here’s a rough breakdown of what you might expect:
DIY Replacement: If you feel confident doing it yourself, you could get a mirror for around $100-$200 for an OEM part, and it often just takes a few tools and around an hour of your time.
Professional Replacement: When opting for a professional, the cost could easily rise to $300 or more, particularly if additional labor or parts are needed.
Community Insights
I’ve seen some forum members share their experiences:
One user mentioned they paid around $250 total for a heated side view mirror after labor.
Another user found a reputable aftermarket part for $150 but had to do a bit of modification to fit it correctly.
Questions to Consider
Have you replaced a side view mirror before? What was your experience?
Did you go for OEM or aftermarket? What would you recommend?
I’d love to hear what others have experienced with BMW side view mirror replacements. Any tips or insights would really help those of us trying to navigate this!
I recently had to replace the side view mirror on my 2018 BMW 3 Series. The dealer charged me around $600! Definitely consider third-party options if you can find a good one.
It’s wild how the costs can vary. I’ve heard some people get them replaced for as low as $200 depending on the model and year. Anyone tried doing it themselves?
For a 2012 BMW 5 Series, I was quoted $450 from the dealer and they said it could take days to get the part. Third parties seem much faster and cheaper!
I’ve been searching for a BMW side view mirror replacement too. OEM mirrors cost around $300-$600, depending on the model, but they’re usually the best fit and quality-wise. Aftermarket ones can be as cheap as $50, but I’m not sure about their durability.
That’s a fair point. I’ve had both OEM and aftermarket. The OEM mirror for my 3 Series lasted much longer. It really comes down to how much you value quality versus cost.
I’ve always gone with OEM due to the warranty and quality assurance. It’s a bit pricey, but I feel like money well spent. Aftermarket mirrors sometimes don’t fit quite right.
Thanks for the suggestions! Has anyone tried aftermarket options like Dorman? I heard they might be decent for the price. Just want a balance between quality and cost!
Just remember that some aftermarket brands might not offer warranty coverage like OEM does. It’s a gamble! Does anyone have experience with warranty claims on aftermarket mirrors?