To remove a BMW mirror cap on an F30 or F10, release it from the mirror housing with gentle, steady pressure and a plastic trim tool. Most caps are held by clips, so the aim is to unclip it without breaking them. Work slowly, and do not use a metal screwdriver on the paint.
What tools do I need to remove a BMW mirror cap?
You do not need much. Gather these first:
- A plastic trim tool or a thin, wrapped plastic spatula.
- Microfibre cloths and masking tape to protect the paint.
- A hair dryer or warm cloth for a cold cap.
- Gloves, because broken clip edges can be sharp.
- The new cap, test fitted dry next to the old one.
Avoid metal screwdrivers. They scratch the housing and snap clips. Fold the mirror in if it folds electrically, so the cap is easy to reach.
How do I pop a BMW mirror cap off without breaking clips?
Method differs by chassis and by mirror type, so check how your cap is held before you pull. The general approach is this:
- Tape the edge of the mirror housing next to the cap, to protect the paint.
- Warm the cap gently if the weather is cold. Plastic gets brittle when it is cold.
- Find the seam between the cap and the housing. Most caps release from the bottom or the lower rear edge.
- Slide the trim tool into the seam and lever gently. You should feel a clip let go.
- Move along the cap, releasing one clip at a time. Do not yank the whole cap in one go.
- Lift the cap away. If anything catches, stop and look for a clip you missed.
If a clip tab breaks, it is common on older cars. Keep the pieces. Check whether the new cap has its own clips, or whether the old housing tabs are still intact.
Do I need to remove the mirror glass first?
Often not, but it depends on the car and on how the cap is secured. Some caps unclip from the outside only. On other mirrors, the glass or an internal trim piece has to come out first to reach a clip or screw.
Mirror glass is held by clips and may have heater wires behind it. Pulling it the wrong way can break the mount or the wiring. If you have never done it, ask a professional to remove the glass. Do not force it.
How do I fit a replacement mirror cap?
- Clean the housing and remove dirt or old adhesive from the contact edges.
- Offer the cap up dry. Check the shape, the cut-outs and the clip positions against the old cap.
- Line up the top edge first, then press the cap onto the housing.
- Press at each clip point until it seats with a click.
- Check for even gaps all round. Fold and unfold the mirror to check nothing rubs.
Some caps are painted, some are gloss black and some are carbon-look. If you want a body-colour finish, the cap may need painting by a body shop before fitting. Do this before you press it on, not after.
What if my mirror has a camera or indicator?
Look at the underside and the front of your mirror. An indicator, a puddle light or a camera sits inside the housing, so the cap must have the right cut-out or must leave that area uncovered.
- If your mirror has a cap-mounted indicator or LED strip, check the listing says it fits that setup.
- If your mirror has a camera, do not fit a cap that blocks it. Ask us first.
- Any wiring work should go to a professional. Coding, if a new light needs it, also needs a specialist.
If you want to add a turn signal, look at the dynamic mirror LED turn signal. It is a lighting product, not a cap. Lighting rules differ by country, so check your local rules before using it on the road.
Cap, overlay or full cover: which kind do I have?
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Replacement cap | Replaces the outer cap. You remove the old one |
| Overlay cap | Clips over the existing cap. The old cap stays on |
| Full cover | Wraps the housing more fully, so the shape of your mirror matters |
Check the product description to see which one it is. Overlay types add thickness, so check that the mirror still folds and that the gap to the door is fine.
Fitment across the range, approx.:
| Series | Chassis (approx. years) |
|---|---|
| 1 Series | F20 and F21 2011-2019 |
| 2 Series | F22 2014-2021, F23 2015-2021 |
| 3 Series | F30 2011-2019, F31 2012-2019, F34 2013-2020 |
| 4 Series | F32 2013-2020, F33 2014-2020, F36 2014-2021 |
Our mirror cover cap for F20 to F36 and the carbon-look two-piece mirror cap set list the chassis they were made for. For F10 and F11 5 Series, see the 5 Series F10 and F11 collection. For F30 and F31, see the 3 Series collection. Our fit guarantee applies if a part does not match its fitment table.
FAQ
Can I use an F30 mirror cap on an E90?
Not unless the listing says so. The E90 mirror housing is a different shape. Read the fitment table and compare a photo of your mirror.
Do I need to remove the door card?
Usually not for a cap on its own. You only need to go into the door if the mirror has to come off, which is a bigger job with wiring involved.
Can I reuse the old clips?
Sometimes. If they are cracked, they will not hold. Fit a cap that has fresh clips, and check it sits firmly before driving.
Left and right side: are they different?
Yes, caps are handed. Check whether the listing includes both sides or one, and whether your car is left-hand or right-hand drive.