🔧 Q50 - Side View Mirror Replacement

You’ll remove the interior door trim, unplug the mirror wiring, unbolt the mirror from the door, and install the new mirror. This is mostly a careful “remove and reinstall” job—take your time to avoid breaking trim clips and scratching paint.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours (per side)

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and keep the key fob away from the car.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging door wiring to reduce the risk of short circuits.
• ⚠️ Support the mirror as you remove the last nut so it doesn’t fall and chip paint.
• ⚠️ Use plastic trim tools (not a screwdriver) to prevent interior trim damage.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" extension for 1/4" ratchet
• Torque wrench (5–25 Nm range)
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Plastic trim removal tool set
• Small pick tool
• Panel clip pliers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Painters tape (1")
• Magnetic parts tray
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Side view mirror assembly (left or right, matched to options) - Qty: 1
• Door trim panel clips - Qty: 6-12
• Mirror foam gasket (if not included with mirror) - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Q50 on level ground, set the parking brake, and lower the window on the side you’re working on.
• Apply painters tape (1") along the mirror base area on the outside of the door to protect the paint.
• Disconnect the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back. Wait 2 minutes before unplugging door connectors.
• A “trim clip” is a push-in plastic fastener.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the inner sail panel (triangle trim by the mirror)

• Use a plastic trim removal tool set to gently pry off the small triangular trim panel at the top front corner of the door (inside, by the mirror).
• If it has a small tweeter speaker connector, unplug it using a small pick tool to lift the lock tab, then pull the connector straight off.

Step 2: Remove the interior door trim panel

• Remove any visible screws:
  • Use a Phillips screwdriver #2 to remove the screw(s) in the inner door handle/trim area (some are behind small plastic caps—pop caps with a small pick tool).
  • Use a Phillips screwdriver #2 to remove screw(s) in the armrest/pull handle pocket area.
• Starting at the bottom edge, use a plastic trim removal tool set to pop the door panel clips free.
• Use panel clip pliers if a clip is stubborn (this helps pull clips without tearing the panel).
• Lift the door panel upward to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Unplug connectors (window switch, courtesy light, etc.) by pressing the release tab with your thumb or a small pick tool and pulling straight out.
• If equipped with a mechanical door handle cable: use needle-nose pliers to rotate the cable end out of its bracket, then unhook the cable ball from the handle lever.

Step 3: Peel back the water shield (vapor barrier) near the mirror area

• Carefully peel the plastic water shield back only as much as needed near the front upper corner of the door.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool set to separate sticky butyl (black adhesive) without tearing the plastic.
• Keep the adhesive clean for resealing.

Step 4: Disconnect the mirror wiring

• Find the mirror connector inside the door near the mirror mounting area.
• Press the connector lock tab (use a small pick tool if needed) and unplug it.
• If your mirror has extra features (heated glass, power fold, blind-spot warning indicator, or camera), there may be more than one connector—disconnect all mirror-related connectors before unbolting.

Step 5: Remove the mirror mounting nuts

• Support the mirror from the outside with one hand (or have a helper hold it).
• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension for 1/4" ratchet to remove the three mirror mounting nuts.
• Place nuts in a magnetic parts tray so they don’t disappear inside the door.

Step 6: Remove the old mirror and transfer parts if needed

• Pull the mirror straight away from the door while feeding the wiring and grommet through the hole.
• If your replacement mirror did not include the foam gasket, transfer/install the mirror foam gasket now.
• Inspect the door mounting surface and clean off dirt so the new mirror seals properly.

Step 7: Install the new mirror

• Feed the mirror wiring and grommet into the door opening, then seat the mirror on the door.
• Hand-thread all mounting nuts first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (5–25 Nm range) with a 10mm socket to tighten evenly: Torque to 7–9 Nm (62–80 in-lbs).
• Plug in the mirror connector(s) until they click.

Step 8: Reseal the water shield

• Press the vapor barrier back into the butyl adhesive all the way around the area you opened.
• Make sure there are no gaps—this helps prevent wind noise and water leaks.

Step 9: Reinstall the door trim panel

• Reconnect all door connectors (switches/lights) and the door handle cable (if equipped).
• Hang the top of the panel onto the window ledge, then align the clips to their holes.
• Press around the perimeter with your palm to snap clips in (do not punch).
• Reinstall screws using a Phillips screwdriver #2.
• Reinstall the sail panel by lining up clips and pressing it into place.

Step 10: Reconnect battery and function-check

• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• Check mirror functions: adjust, heat (if equipped), fold (if equipped), turn signal (if equipped), blind-spot indicator (if equipped).

---

✅ After Repair

• Verify the mirror is tight and sits flush with the door (no gaps in the gasket).
• Test for wind noise on a short drive and re-check mounting nut torque if needed: 7–9 Nm (62–80 in-lbs).
• If your Q50 has memory seats/mirrors, re-save your preferred mirror position.
• If you see water inside the door after rain, re-check the water shield seal.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$650 (parts + labor, per side)

DIY Cost: $120-$450 (parts only, per side)

You Save: $130-$200+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.