After eagerly waiting for one of the parts to come from Germany, it finally arrives and I was able to complete the retro fit of auto folding mirrors. As for the install, it’s all plug n play. Swap out old gear and place in new gear, all in all its pretty much straight forward.
Needed parts are as follows. 61-31-6-907-498 = Window switch module 51-16-7-039-926 = pass side mirror 51-16-7-039-925 = driver side mirror
Tools. Very small flat head screwdriver, Torques screwdrivers T20-25-30 and a pry bar. NOTE: my torques screwdrivers are not marked. So either the small screws take a T20 or a T25 and the bigger screws take either a T25 or a T30 and 4 tie-wraps and pliers with a cutting edge.
Installation. First things first, you’ll have to remove the door panels. First we have to access all of the screws (4 all together) get your little screw driver and pry up the panel-trim as shown in PIC2. Slowly working your way to the front, careful with the tabs here in PIC3. Now you’re able to remove 2 of the screws as shown here PIC4 and PIC5. Next we pop out the AIRBAG badge PIC6 and inside there you’ll find screw #3. Then below by the storage is screw# 4 PIC7. Now we have to remove the light below the door panel. You can use your fingernail to do this or the flat head screwdriver. As seen in PIC8and PIC9 this is the driver’s side door panel light. Looking at it pry off the left side first then the right. Then unplugging the light in PIC10 andPIC11.
Removing the window control module. Again using your flathead screwdriver pry in and wedge the unit up a little as in PIC12 you’ll also notice the new plunger type switch to activate the folding mirrors marked in the black square. Once you have the control module somewhat out simply use your fingers to pry it up and out PIC13taking your time is a must. Now that you have the control module out PIC14 it has to be unplugged. Both drivers side and passenger side has 3 plugs. All the plugs are locked in place with a latching mechanism. Using your thumb, push down on the locking portion of the latch and swing the latch towards you as shown in PIC15 and PIC16. This applies to the white plug too. The main power plug has to be pried out with your screwdriver as shown in PIC17, PIC18and PIC19. NOTE: The drivers’ side switch is what will be replaced; the passenger side will be put back.
Removing the door panel. Here were things can get a little tricky but by all means not difficult. First you have to unlatch the locking cable unit. Use your panel puller or pry bar and wedge it in the lower corner as seen here PIC21. Slowly working your way through out the whole lower portion of the door panel. Once done grab the handle with one hand and use your other hand to work off the panel. The tricky tension clips are the ones on top. Once you’ve got the panel free from the door you now have to unlock the door-locking unit. PIC20(drivers-side) shows that you have to use your screwdriver again and unlock and push it in. DO NOT attempt to remove the panel just yet. If you happen to have the LED lit door latch you must unplug the LED light first. There is no way of unplugging this without completely freeing the panel from the door. So be careful here. Here is a pic of the LED PIC22Simply squeeze the tabs as shown with arrows and pull out. This_shit is very fragile and can easily be broken.
So far so good, huh? Hey your saving $95 and hour. ;) Moving right along,
Access to the mirror bolts and removal of the mirror. First off, allow me to apologize for not taking more graphic pics. I’ll try to be as descriptive as possible. Looking at the tweeter speaker grill you’ll see a small black tab at the bottom. Use your screwdriver to pry it out. Then you have to remove the speaker grill. It doesn’t have to be completely removed, just pulled out abit and pushed aside to get access to the 3 bolts holding the mirror in place. You’ll then see a triangular sponge, which has to be removed. It should have two small glue spots so careful not to rip it. You’ll then see two of the bolts; the third is behind a rubber cap and see here PIC23. Following the mirror harness coming through the rubber grommet, unplug any other plugs linked to the mirror. You also should see 2 tie wraps holding the harness together. Cut those. Then using either the T25 or T30 and a ratchet remove the 3 bolts PIC24. Once the bolts are out the mirror can be totally taken off now as seen here PIC25. Pic of the door with mirror taken out PIC26. Here are the mirrors side-by-side old one on the left, new one on the right PIC27. I prefer not gonna go into details as to swapping the parts of the mirror but its what has to be done. PIC1. Once your new mirror is ready to be put back simply fish the harness through the whole and bolt on the new mirror. NOTE: The new mirror will not be threaded. In other words, when you go to install the new mirror the same bolts will be used and will make new threads into the new mirror. So be sure to bolt down straight and DO NOT over tighten. When the mirror is in place work the new harness through and use two new tie-wraps to secure. Use pliers to tighten and cut the excess away. Now simply reverse the instructions and your good to go.
To all you half assed mofos. You cannot install just one mirror. If you install just one it will fold in and immediately fold right back out. Both mirrors have to be installed to complete the circuit.