Porsche 993: How to Replace Side Mirror

Whether your side mirrors are broken or you just don't like the look of them, this article will show you how to replace them yourself. So continue reading to find out what it takes to replace the side mirrors of your Porsche 993.

By Jared Hammond - April 15, 2015
Contributors: Carrera3.5L & gardoni from PelicanParts

This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

Replacing side mirrors of your Porsche 993 isn't a cheap repair, but it is a good opportunity to do some modifications. Many owners prefer the streamlined look of Aero side mirrors. If you're looking to change out your side mirrors or just replace the old ones, then this guide can help you. Replacing side mirrors is not difficult at all if you know what you're doing.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement side mirror(s)
  • 4mm Allen wrench
  • Ratchet and 8mm socket
  • Small flat head screwdriver
  • Crimp pliers and crimp connectors

Make sure that your new side mirrors match the same features as your old ones. So if you have heated mirrors, you should replace them with heated mirrors. Whenever you're working with something electrical be sure to disconnect your car's battery beforehand, so you don't risk causing a short.

Step 1 – Remove the mirror glass

There is a small access hole on the underside of the mirror assembly. Take a small flat head screwdriver, and insert it to where it slides into the plastic locking ring. Rotate the ring counterclockwise to loosen the mirror glass. You should be able to gently pry off the glass using your fingers.

Figure 1. Remove the mirror glass.

Pro Tip

If you have heated mirrors, disconnect the contacts from the back of the glass.

Step 2 – Disconnect the motor and electrical harness

The motor is bolted to the mirror assembly with three 8mm bolts. Remove these, and pull out the motor. Then, disconnect the electrical harness plug.

Figure 2. Dismount the motor and harness.

Step 3 – Cut the wires and remove the old mirror assembly

Write down which colored wires connect to each other. With so many different colored wires, it can be confusing to keep them all straight, especially since the wires for the driver's side and passenger's side mirrors are colored differently. When you're ready, cut the wires from the harness. Take a 4mm Allen wrench, and remove the small hidden hex bolt at the base of the mirror assembly. With this, the whole thing should come off.

Figure 3. Write down where each wire connects.

Pro Tip

You'll probably notice that the mirror assembly leaves behind some ugly marks. If your new side mirrors don't cover these marks, you may want to take some time to buff them out with rubbing compound and car wax.

Step 4 – Mount the new mirror and connect the wires

Attach the gasket to the car door first. Then, pull the wires up through the new mirror as you get ready to mount it to the car door. Fasten the hex bolt with the Allen wrench. Strip and crimp the wires, and then attach crimp connectors to each of the wires. Attach the motor, and connect the wires exactly as you had written it down. When all the wiring is settled, reconnect the car battery to test if the motor operates as it should. To finish, all you have to do is re-seat the mirror and lock it into place.

Figure 4. Aero side mirror.

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