The windshield rear view mirror on my 2005 XK8 came off while cleaning the windshield and I cannot get it reattached. Here are a couple of pictures of the mirror and windshield base. Any help is appreciated.

Rear View Mirror 2005 XK8

Mirror Windshield Connector

 

Yuck. It looks like the metal base came off. It is normally professionally bonded at the factory and comes with a new windshield. Folks have had major problems to get this to ever properly bond again when it comes off, if at all successful. You can start with the dedicated glue from the parts store, but keep your expectations in check. You might have to replace the entire windshield unfortunately.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

PS: Other data points here: /rear-view-mirror-fix

 

Thanks, fmertz! I had the windshield replaced a few years ago and have had problems ever since.

 

This happened to me last summer. The parts store epoxy glue will not work. What you need is a professional automotive glass facility that have black urethane glue available. Anything less than that will not work. Mine has stayed glued to the glass since summer using the urethane glue without a problem.

This glue requires a 24-72 hour curing time if I am not mistaken.

If you can’t find any shops that can glue with the urethane, BMW parts departments do have it for about $80. However, they will sell you far more than you will need.

 

Thank you giandanialXK8. Good advice. I will try experimenting with different glus. Gorilla glue has had some very good recommendations.

 

Yikes, Gorilla glue probably will not work (and will need to be sanded and clamped for 24 hours). I'd stick to the glues like activated cyanoacrylate (i.e. the two part superglue they sell in the auto shops for mirror remounting) or a urethane glue specifically for mounting mirrors to auto glass. Advice, prep well, both surfaces need to be as clean as you can get them. The superglues are probably easiest to use and I have had them stick for many years with heavier mirrors/similar base area/same aggressive calm and sedate driver.

 

How to solve the rear view mirror dilemma.

 

Thanks for the advice. I have several options and I will post results when I have them. Thanks!

 

BTW - I loved the Italian solution!

 

The rear view mirror dropped on my 2006 XK8 too, more than a year ago. I stopped at a large windshield replacement company, willing to pay them to reattach it, to which they said the same thing. That the windshields come with the metal disk already attached to the windshield.

I went to Autozone instead & bought some rear view mirror adhesive for $5.99, then did the install myself. It was easy & has worked perfectly.

Picture attached.

Worked for me @ $5.99

 

I tried the Permatex adhesive and it didn't work. I tried JB Weld epoxy and fashioned a makeshift compression device to hold the metal plate in place for a day and the mirror has been in place for about 6 months.

 

Since this thread came up again, I will report that mine is still glued in place after having it glued with black urethane rear view mirror glue from a professional automotive glass repair shop. It has been two years since I had to deal with this.

However, make sure it’s the guys that dealerships farm out the job to. Chain glass repair shops will not have the appropriate glue.