How to tighten side reversing mirrors? (1976 530i)

[tlake]

The big chrome side mirrors need tightening, do I have to remove the door card to do this, or is there an easier way? Thx.

[T.Hanson]

https://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/057en/index.htm

[Falkenberg]

Observe drawing in link below:
http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E12/E ... de_mirror/
There should be a small screw (part# 7) on the base of the mirror, covered by the rubber seal #5. If you undo that screw, you should be able to take off the mirror and check the tightness of screws #3.

Some common issues are:
- small screw #7 is locked because of corrosion
- the head of small screw #7 is destroyed by previous mirror remove / tighten attempts
- small screw #7 itself might not be tightened enough
- support #4 is damaged on the contact surface to screw #7 so that it is impossible to get the mirror tight
- support #4 is loose on the door because the door metal is deformed.

[tlake]

A very belated thank you. I have now tightened it up

[canada karl]

That can be a bitch to get out.It looks like it is no longer available. I suppose it might be possible to drill and tap the hole or maybe use liquid steel somehow.