[cbcb]

Hi All,

I have this problem with lots of cars, but it seems worse on my new to me 2007 328i.

I cannot adjust the side view mirrors "out" enough to set them properly. Even at their most outboard adjustment, they are duplicating a ton of the image that I have in the rear view.

As a consequence, I am having to use up a lot of mental energy, when I look in the sides, to figure out if what I am seeing is actually BEHIND me, rather than BESIDE me.

(For those that don't know, you should not have any duplication of rear-view image in the side-views).

Any solutions to this? I have tried to gently push them manually further than the motorized movement, but that isn't the problem.

THanks!

[Amlethae]

Huh. I don't really have an answer for you, but I've always gone by the rule of thumb that you should be able to see just a hair of the side of your car in each side-view mirror. Do you sit really far forward? If you're not afraid of looking like an old person you should get some of those convex stick on mirrors to help see in blind spots. I've got convex mirrors on my Ducatis and they are glorious once you get used to them.

[dtc100]

Originally Posted by cbcb

Hi All,

I have this problem with lots of cars, but it seems worse on my new to me 2007 328i.

I cannot adjust the side view mirrors "out" enough to set them properly. Even at their most outboard adjustment, they are duplicating a ton of the image that I have in the rear view.

As a consequence, I am having to use up a lot of mental energy, when I look in the sides, to figure out if what I am seeing is actually BEHIND me, rather than BESIDE me.

(For those that don't know, you should not have any duplication of rear-view image in the side-views).

Any solutions to this? I have tried to gently push them manually further than the motorized movement, but that isn't the problem.

THanks!

I agree, the only option is to sit very close to the steering wheel I guess but it is not an option for many of us. But if the mirror can be more out, it would look as if it is falling out

[hoboken]

I have a similar problem where they don't adjust "in" enough. Is this a mechanical problem?

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by Amlethae

Huh. I don't really have an answer for you, but I've always gone by the rule of thumb that you should be able to see just a hair of the side of your car in each side-view mirror. Do you sit really far forward? If you're not afraid of looking like an old person you should get some of those convex stick on mirrors to help see in blind spots. I've got convex mirrors on my Ducatis and they are glorious once you get used to them.

Seeing the side of your car in your side view mirrors is old fashioned. The modern thought on rear view mirror placement is you should set them so you start seeing the car in the next lane as it leaves the view or your rear view mirror. This eliminates the blind spots.

To set the left mirror, rest your head against the driver's window and adjust the mirror until you cannot see the side of the car (this is where the OP has his issue, me too). To adjust the right hand mirror, lean your head over the console and adjust the mirror until you can't see the side of the car.

This setup takes some getting used to but it's the safest way to set your side mirrors.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by cbcb

Hi All,

I have this problem with lots of cars, but it seems worse on my new to me 2007 328i.

I cannot adjust the side view mirrors "out" enough to set them properly. Even at their most outboard adjustment, they are duplicating a ton of the image that I have in the rear view.

As a consequence, I am having to use up a lot of mental energy, when I look in the sides, to figure out if what I am seeing is actually BEHIND me, rather than BESIDE me.

(For those that don't know, you should not have any duplication of rear-view image in the side-views).

Any solutions to this? I have tried to gently push them manually further than the motorized movement, but that isn't the problem.

THanks!

If you're seat is half way past the b-pillar you're sitting too far back. You should have a little overlap between the review mirror and your side mirrors.

" Some quick tips: For the driver's side mirror: Place the side of your head against the window, then adjust the mirror until the side of your vehicle comes into view. For the passenger's side mirror: While sitting in the driver's seat, lean to the right so that your head is in the car's centerline. Adjust the mirror until the side of your vehicle comes into view."

OR:

http://www.wikihow.com/Set-Rearview-...te-Blind-Spots

[Timmins10]

I had the same problem with my 2006 E90 sedan's mirrors, so I swapped them for the redesigned/larger 2009+ side mirror assemblies, and now the problem is solved for me. I bought the used side mirror assemblies from auto recyclers, about $200-250 US each. My mechanic did the swap. My user page has a couple of pics of the new mirrors.

[JayKay335i]

I still keep a small amount of my car in both my side view mirrors. Nobody should rely on their mirrors alone to completely eliminate blind spots. Too many people do this without actually checking their blind spot IMHO.

[hipnotic]

bring your seat back to help. lol

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by Socom

If you're seat is half way past the b-pillar you're sitting too far back.

Some of us have legs, and no choice.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

Some of us have legs, and no choice.

Larger car perhaps?

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by Socom

Larger car perhaps?

The coupe is better too.

I've got a 5 series now, its better, there is some room for my left elbow now.

But I like small cars and I am willing to deal with the b pillar.

[cotmfk]

I usually had this problem on other cars, but not so with the 335 (e92).

[dtc100]

Originally Posted by Timmins10

I had the same problem with my 2006 E90 sedan's mirrors, so I swapped them for the redesigned/larger 2009 side mirror assemblies, and now the problem is solved for me. I bought the used side mirror assemblies from auto recyclers, about $200-250 US each. My mechanic did the swap. My user page has a couple of pics of the new mirrors.

Mine is 2011 still not going out enough on the driver side.

Relying on the mirrors has some getting used to, as long as they do cover the blind spot, it is fine. From a safety standpoint not having to turn your head allows you to focus on where you should be, the traffic ahead of you.

[SpeedBuggy]

Does the car have Folding Mirrors (CA Option), I had test drove an 2007 e92 328i and noticed when the mirrors folded out that the mirror (Drivers Side especially) that they did not seem to set fold all the way out, causing the same issue as you described. I could not adjust the mirrors all the way out to suit my taste and pushed slightly out on the mirror housing and that seemed to correct the problem.

[Coolieman1220]

i prefer to see my car so that in tight maneuvering I can see how close my car gets to other objects. I check my blind spots and am very alert while driving. I believe that drivers should rely on the side mirrors for traffic and the rear view to see whats coming up behind quickly and for spotting cops. I dont really use my rear view mirror. just my sides. Every drive a truck? yeah, exactly

[Philz BMW]

might look kind of cheesy....but I bought some 2 inch mirrors from Autozone and stuck them to the far outside corner of my stock mirrors. Best of both worlds, can see what is back behind me and also what is in my blind spot. Cost about $3. Very effective.

[GreenThree]

I've always adjusted my side mirrors to see part of the car. Yes there is some duplication of the rear view mirror, but this is what I'm used to. Do some people really not turn their heads to check before changing lanes? Lol. I check twice always. Has saved my ass a couple times from going right into the car next to me. Lol. Better to look IMO.

[JSH3]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

Seeing the side of your car in your side view mirrors is old fashioned. The modern thought on rear view mirror placement is you should set them so you start seeing the car in the next lane as it leaves the view or your rear view mirror. This eliminates the blind spots.

To set the left mirror, rest your head against the driver's window and adjust the mirror until you cannot see the side of the car (this is where the OP has his issue, me too). To adjust the right hand mirror, lean your head over the console and adjust the mirror until you can't see the side of the car.

This setup takes some getting used to but it's the safest way to set your side mirrors.

Agree. Check out this link: How-can-I-eliminate-my-cars-blind-spot

[cbcb]

Originally Posted by Timmins10

I had the same problem with my 2006 E90 sedan's mirrors, so I swapped them for the redesigned/larger 2009+ side mirror assemblies, and now the problem is solved for me. I bought the used side mirror assemblies from auto recyclers, about $200-250 US each. My mechanic did the swap. My user page has a couple of pics of the new mirrors.

Awesome, I am going to set in a 2009+ car and see if the newer mirrors help.

Although, the problem isn't that the mirrors are too small, it's that the don't have a wide enough range of adjustment. Perhaps the newer ones are better in that regard too.

Thanks!

[cbcb]

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

I still keep a small amount of my car in both my side view mirrors. Nobody should rely on their mirrors alone to completely eliminate blind spots. Too many people do this without actually checking their blind spot IMHO.

Seriously, try setting your mirrors correctly and you basically have NO blind spot (if your car allows you to set them properly, unlike mine!). Doesn't mean you shouldn't shoulder-check, but shoulder-checking in itself is a bit dangerous because you are not looking in the direction of travel.

[cbcb]

Originally Posted by Coolieman1220

I dont really use my rear view mirror. just my sides. Every drive a truck? yeah, exactly

Yeah, but most trucks have more than one mirror on each side, to help address side view versus rear view. You do have a point, however. Your method is different than the old "just see the side of your car" rule though - your way has a deliberate purpose to it.