Author Topic: Reinstalling rear view mirror - what glue/adhesive? (Read 3297 times)

Cobra Jet · « **on:** February 28, 2008, 09:18:26 PM »

What does everyone use to reinstall a 318 rear view mirror that has come off the windshield - what type of glue/adhesive is best?

Thx!

D. Clay · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2008, 11:51:28 PM »

Parts stores sell a little tube of special glue for the mirror bracket. Clean both surfaces with acetone or some other high end solvent.

bmwman91 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 29, 2008, 10:41:13 AM »

Do yo uhave some aftermarket one installed? The E30 rear view mirror attaches up in the top trip bezel as far as I am aware.

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2008, 08:23:58 AM »

Maybe I should have been a little more clear, the 318 I am referring to is a 91 convertible - the mirror has become detached from the windshield (factory mount location).

bmwman91 - Based on your response, I'm assuming that the coupe & 4 door variety 318's have a different rear view mirror mounting point?

I was aware of the rear view mirror adhesive/glue commonly found in "A, B & C" parts stores, but I was also not sure if some of you have used something perhaps better than the common, cheap stuff found in the local parts stores.

Thanks for the help and replies fellas!

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2008, 02:17:19 PM »

The best thing to do is go to or call a windshield replacement shop and ask what they use . I'm sure they must use it all the time and can recommend or even sell you some stuff.

tony92ic · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:14:23 PM »

First thing you do is throw out that crappy mirror BMW gave us cab owners and go down to the Pick n Pull yard, or ebay or whatever and get yourself a mirror from a mid 90s Mustang convertible. It'll cost you less than 20 bucks and will have both map lights and a dome light on it. Splice it into the cabs dome light wiring and your interior lighting will be 1000% better. (I believe it has to be from a convertible though.)

Then you need the little metal piece Ford glues to the window and some 2 part windshield epoxy. Both from your neighborhood parts store. My windshield guy uses the same stuff.

Simple, easy cab mod.

mgold · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2008, 06:16:26 PM »

I had the same problem with my last windshield, it fell off several times even with the stuff they sell at Pep Boyz. When it got replaced two years ago I asked for German glass instead of the crappy US glass. My replacement had the mount pre-attached from the factory so it hasn't been a problem since.

hoevesruperd · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2008, 07:31:14 PM »

Quote from: D. Clay;43854

Parts stores sell a little tube of special glue for the mirror bracket. Clean both surfaces with acetone or some other high end solvent.

you're right, surfaces must be clean although acetone has a tendency to burn plastic and painted surfaces, if you prefer, use methyl hydrate, its as effective, will evaporate leaving the surface clean and doesn't smell like acetone.

i dont want to sound rude. i just think there are benefits from replacing acetone with methyl hydrate, so you wont get stoned out of your brain from VOCs