[davedNconfused]

I'd like to get a copy too please. Or, can you attach it to this thread? I can try if you send it to me.

Originally Posted by dukeandtheland

sent you PM. I do have the pdf. will email to you.

[dukeandtheland]

I attached the PDF here for those who need it

Originally Posted by davedNconfused

I'd like to get a copy too please. Or, can you attach it to this thread? I can try if you send it to me.

[MysticblueX3]

Need help with the wiring for homelink mirror w/ auto dim. I got a used homelink mirror w/ auto dim. The mirror just have a bunch of wires coming out of it. It didn't come with the mirror arm or connector so I have to reuse the arm and connector from my old mirror. The problem is I don't know which wires to plug into which slot in the connector. To clarify, this is the female connector inside the mirror arm. I need to know which color wire from the mirror goes into which pin hole in said connector. Help!

Thanks.

[rattmobbins]

Killer DIY, thanks! Can't wait to do this as I sadly discovered the E91 we picked up Friday doesn't have the premium package even though it literally has EVERY other option and package (except M-sport).

[davedNconfused]

Great write-up. Got it all wired up without issue then found out that the mirror I bought doesn't attach to my windshield. I've described the problem in this thread but thought I'd post here to see if anyone else ran into this. Did you get a mirror that wouldn't mount? What model and years work with the E9X?

My stock mirror from my 2009 is the top one (without the mounting plate attached) and the one I purchased is below.

[cleex024]

hey guys hope this helps but there is a much easier way to take off the fzn...you just have to pull down the roof just enough to slip your hand in there knuckles to the sky. then you feel for the 2 clips and just press...it is a little stiff but just press hard enough and it falls down.

[cleex024]

and i just did it and it was pretty simple...i hope i dont have to use that brown wire though cause i just left it hanging.

[smiley32]

Originally Posted by davedNconfused

Great write-up. Got it all wired up without issue then found out that the mirror I bought doesn't attach to my windshield. I've described the problem in this thread but thought I'd post here to see if anyone else ran into this. Did you get a mirror that wouldn't mount? What model and years work with the E9X?

My stock mirror from my 2009 is the top one (without the mounting plate attached) and the one I purchased is below.

fit this type of mirror! just twist

[Garcia098]

Old post so not expecting reply, but can anyone tell me if it's possible to do this retrofit to my '06 E90 325i? It's the base model with a few upgrades but not the auto-dim, Homelink, compass rear view mirror.

[davedNconfused]

Originally Posted by smiley32

fit this type of mirror! just twist

Can't believe I didn't just try this originally. I got it on last night without issue or modification!

[CJPatel]

Got my issue figured out, i needed to ground the wire, I read previously that I did not need to ground, but that was the only thing that worked. GL to Everyone.

[CJPatel]

Any help on programming this thing? I have a garage opener with a smart button for programming.

[3.1L Z]

Thanks, this is the best diy on the subject. Only thing I would add is this:

I separated all the retro fit wires and feed them individually through the rubber grommet just fine. No straw or other technique needed.

Use the supplied plastic connection boxes supplied as "practice" and familiarize yourself with how they work and where the numbers of the pins are. You won't need them unless you break on of the connection boxes on your car.

Use an eye glass screwdriver to open up the connection box in the overhead unit. Use the supplied connection box to see how it works. You'll see the little tab the unit needs to slide over the top of.

Remember, all you are doing is connecting wires to already existing circuits. That's all.
You do need to use the above pdf diagram to see where you place the new wires since the pdf links in prior diys are dead. Don't need those directions anyway since what's here is all you need.

The wires only fit in the connection boxes one way and will click when they seat.

And, as mention before, forget any other suggestion on how to remove the top unit with screw drivers or kitchen tools. Just take out the visor clip units. Been there done that. Takes 2 minutes. Just get a Torx set if you don't have one already.

[robertkoors]

Can anyone tell me if this mod will work with a 2012 BMW 328i F30? I purchased the car from my brother in law recently and can't believe it doesn't have the autodim mirror and homelink when it has basically everything else. I would really love to do this. Would the same retrofit wire be necessary as well? Thanks for all your help.

[KH0]

Originally Posted by dukeandtheland

The write up helped me quite a lot. Thanks!

I installed it this afternoon and noticed a few things:

1. the pdf file is crap (homelink-retrofit-pdf-february-25-2008-8-22-pm-1-3-meg.pdf), confusing and misleading. The only benefit from that pdf is the wiring to the overhead console (the colors to match the pins) on page 12; even that, the pdf doesn't even tell you which connector to pull out. Page 11 is disaster. I will truly admire whoever made it by following that page!

2. The original post didn't metion the details of wiring the mirror end so I found this picture online and posted here. Aso, that is the main reason page 11 of that pdf became a major disaster.
I hope this will help. To clarify, for many of us that got confused, what you need to do is, leave the original wires in the original black connector (Red/Violet, Gray/Black, and Brown/Black); then you put in the new wires from the retrofit (Gray/Violet, Green/White, Black/Brown, Brown/White).
You don't need to use the solid brown ground wire - I cut it off.

3. To open the overhead console, I didn't use any tools; instead I followed tips from one of the posts and used my hand to reach for the metal clips from the winshield border. It worked very well and it took me 10 secs to open it up! You do need some powerful middle or index fingers (which ever is the longest on your hand!) though...

4. It took some fight to put the mirror back in the metal bolt on the winshield. You just need to be patient until you find that snuggy spot and turn to tighten it up.

5. The compass did not work right away. I think it may need some time or I will have to do some calibration later.

6. To test the autodim, simply turn on the headlights, and turn on the cabin light. You will notice the mirror goes tint instantly.

(I don't remember where I got this wiring pic... some guy posted it)

Your Post Really Helped Thank You

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...85#post8284685

[rbtamms]

Awesome DIY, I will do this soon...

[loginfailed]

Hey all, new member here. I just wanted to thank OP and everyone else who posted info in the thread on this DIY.

I just bought a 2006 325i. The car is a base model, with the only option being CCC. Seem sort of odd to have nav as the only option but whatever! I got a good deal on the car and it only has 40k miles on it.

My car had the "clown nose only" mirror. I got a newer one from eBay with the lower profile LED/homelink/compass/autodim for only $36 shipped! I got the retrofit harness from ECS.

The install took about 20 minutes taking my time thanks to this guide.

I just wanted to add, that there is a great tool I have from my days in the car audio business that works great for running the wires through the little boot. It is made my Thexton and the model is 436. It can be bought for less than $15 on Amazon or other places online. This tool has a lot of uses running wires through firewall grommets and things like that.

Anyways, thanks all for posting this info. Now I don't have to fumble around looking for my GDO all the time.

[dpuwookie79]

This guide interested me in trying the mod myself... it seems easy enough, but I do have a couple questions.

I have a 2011 328i w/o an auto dimming mirror. Because of that I believe I will need this harness: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-328...3.0L/ES161804/

The only thing I'm not 100% certain about is what mirror to get. There seem to be plenty of e90 mirrors on ebay with homelink/compass/autodim. My question is, do I need a specific part number or will literally any mirror work? This almost seems too easy to DIY such an expensive option. Am I missing something?

Thanks!

[loginfailed]

Yes the retrofit harness is needed. I'd recommend a mirror with the smaller more flush looking alarm LED since those are the newer ones.

No you're not missing anything. I won a mirror on eBay for $36 shipped. Add the cost of the harness and it was less than $75. Well worth it!

[g9sBMW]

Just finished installing my new mirror, and wanted to add I had better luck opening the black connector on the mirror side with a small pick, then with any screwdriver I had laying around.

Thanks OP for the DIY

[Pilot1981]

Hi,
I need homelink at 433 MHz to use in italy.
Which frequencies use your homelink in US?

[Kadence99]

Anyone in Atlanta, GA willing to help me with my homelink retro fit project? I cannot seem to remove the FZN. I tried using panel removers and unscrewing the visors.