Rearview mirror - black speck?

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

My rear view mirror has a black speck that seems to be a scratch or a chip. I have absolutely no idea how it happened. Will warranty cover it? It's really odd.

[darnelld]

Hmm...on E46 models, the rear view mirror had an issue where the auto dimming (I believe) feature would malfunction (or the liquid inside leaked...not sure how that occurred) and would show up as black spot. Something like that...thankfully my E46 never had this issue, someone else might be able to chime in with more detail (or you can look it up easy enough). Regardless, this was covered under warranty... if it isn't a chip caused by external damage, I would think they would cover that too... My two cents.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

I haven't touched the rear-view at all. The car only has 3,000 miles on it. I think I'll take it in tomorrow morning, and see what happens.

[emanresu]

Originally Posted by darnelld

Hmm...on E46 models, the rear view mirror had an issue where the auto dimming (I believe) feature would malfunction (or the liquid inside leaked...not sure how that occurred) and would show up as black spot. Something like that...thankfully my E46 never had this issue, someone else might be able to chime in with more detail (or you can look it up easy enough). Regardless, this was covered under warranty... if it isn't a chip caused by external damage, I would think they would cover that too... My two cents.

In E46's, the mirror dims via a fluid. These failed A LOT because the heat would crack the layer between the fluid and the outside glass of the mirror. This would cause it to bubble up inside. It wouldn't appear black though. And E9X's should have an electronically dimming mirror

[CrucialScott]

Are you sure you're not looking at the (light?) sensor that is built in...mine has a sensor that looks like a perfect black dot.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by CrucialScott

Are you sure you're not looking at the (light?) sensor that is built in...mine has a sensor that looks like a perfect black dot.

Yeah. This is smack dab in the middle if the mirror on the bottom. It's annoying because it looks like something is on it, but when you scratch at it, it won't go away.