Bubbling paint on Wing Mirror Bases

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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Garethdeb
Joined: Mon 17 Jan, 2011 15:32
Posts: 27

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Southampton, UK

Bubbling paint on Wing Mirror Bases

Post by Garethdeb »

Hi folks
Apparently this is a common problem on the Z3? The alluminium bases of the wing mirrors have reacted with the steel door to cause the paint to all bubble and flake off. It's the one thing that really lets down the appearance of the car and my wife is hassling me to get it sorted.
So, question is, do I take them off and try to spray them myself or take the bases off the housing (do they come off?) and get them done professionally?
I have seen some Zeds with a matt black paint on the bases, almost looks like Plasticoat coating, was this a later mod to get around the problem?
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks and regards
Gareth
Frank.A
Joined: Mon 20 Jul, 2009 21:15
Posts: 875

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Twixt York and Hull

Post by Frank.A »

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2000 Topaz 2.8 Individual.

Youth would be more useful if it came later in life!
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swacd
Joined: Thu 21 Apr, 2005 17:22
Posts: 129

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: cardiff

Post by swacd »

looking at the thread above ..........on picture 8 ??? the mirror is being unscrewed with a allen key??

do these screw go into a tapped hole or is there a fixing behind the door card ...that you need to get to ??

many thanks
Frank.A
Joined: Mon 20 Jul, 2009 21:15
Posts: 875

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Twixt York and Hull

Post by Frank.A »

There is no need to access the inside of the door to remove the mirror base.
Image

2000 Topaz 2.8 Individual.

Youth would be more useful if it came later in life!
VikingSven
Joined: Sat 22 May, 2010 17:16
Posts: 195

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Leeds

Post by VikingSven »

Frank.A wrote:There is no need to access the inside of the door to remove the mirror base.
Although it does make it slightly easier to disconnect the cables for the motors / heating.
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sidtheranger
Joined: Sun 18 Jul, 2010 13:45
Posts: 193

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Dorking

Post by sidtheranger »

Hi Gareth, I did mine a couple of weeks ago, following myredzed's & Keith's posts, which are both excellent.

You don't need to take of the door card, just turn your mirror. However, when I took the glass and motor out of the shell, I found that my ali mirror frame had snapped in the past and was held together with a large blob of body filler.:head: The ali base, thru lack of lubrication seizes and will snap if forced.

Still, not to be deterred, I sorted out the mirror base (paying special attention to use acid etch primer ) Resprayed and all was well. Due to the high cost of the mirror, coupled with its relative rarity at the mo, I followed the advice of one of the good citizens here and got some magic metal putty and rebuilt the frame. All together and stiff as old boots.
Looks good and am pleased.
It's a simple job really - especially if your mirror swivels.

Anyhow, good luck :)
Blessed are the Cheesemakers
aspron
Joined: Sun 06 Mar, 2011 21:17
Posts: 22

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Cockermouth

Post by aspron »

Great tutorial!
I am a bit worried about twisting my near side mirror (non M roadster) as the mirror seems loose on the base and I don't want to tempt fate that it falls off completely and is left hanging on the wires.

Any idea if the spring / tension is adjustable or do I have an altogether more serious problem?

Thanks,

Steve.
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Boysie
Joined: Sat 23 Apr, 2005 14:24
Posts: 1654

  M roadster S50
Location: Wallington Surrey
Contact:

Post by Boysie »

Hi

They seem very tight, but they do turn
Somebody on here, I believe said twist and hold downwards
I always twist mine when washing car
I dont think you can adjust the tension its fixed
Good luck


Ray
Ray

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S50 ///M Roadster, Arctic Silver, Imola Red/Black interior
1970 Austin Healey Sprite, Original ' Now Sold :-(
2002 Harley 1130cc V Rod Custom

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TaffZee
Joined: Thu 20 May, 2010 09:45
Posts: 1276

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Location: ACREFAIR
Contact:

Post by TaffZee »

Pull the mirror outward before turning, this will lessen the chances of it breaking at the base..
Image1998 Atlanta Blue 2.8
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