BMW E53 X5 power folding mirror issues explained

hi, I wanted to show what I have found to almost always be the culprit to power fold mirrors that do not fold in or stay folded in and or mirrors that's are sloppy/floppy on their door bases.
floppy: worm gear is stripped, or motor metal housing is broken open OR
mirror folds in the immediately back out: limit switch metal tab is missing (wiring to limit switch could be cut/broken too over time)

[@btnerual]

Good explanation on how these mirrors fail. Thanks

[@March808]

My passenger mirror makes a clicking sound and doesn’t fold anymore. Thanks for your info.

[@lyndonpinnock8877]

Hi, Do you know where I can get a working driver's side motor to buy? Can you sell me one of yours? even if it's broken? I am rebuilding my mirror but did not mark how the motor is situated. I need to figure out how to put it back together. Thanks...

[@mikejohnson1228]

Sorry for late reply. I Assume and hope you got yours fixed.

[@mariuspopescu1259]

How about when it over fold? Any ideea? Thanks

[@btnerual]

It's most likely the limiter switch.

[@mikejohnson1228]

I'm not sure what you mean by over.fold. you mean as it folds back too far or in towards the door too much? I've never seen that problem that wasn't a floppy motor . The motor worm gear breaks open the metal housing causing this flop/sloppy play.