If you’re working on PPF, wrapping, or detailing your Audi R8, you may need to remove the side mirrors for easier access and cleaner results. This step-by-step guide explains how to safely remove mirrors on a 2015 and newer Audi R8, including both Gen 2 (2016–2023) and Gen 1.5 (2015) models.
Disclaimer: Always disconnect the vehicle battery and follow factory repair procedures. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
Plastic trim removal tools
Torx drivers (T25)
10mm socket and ratchet
Small flathead screwdriver
Microfiber towel or fender cover
Painter’s tape (optional, to protect painted surfaces)
Step 1. Disconnect the Battery
– Optional –
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any electrical shorts when unplugging the mirror’s wiring harness. This step is especially important if your R8 has power-folding or heated mirrors.
Step 2: Remove The Door Panel
On the passenger side door panel, use a trim tool to pry off the trim piece near the air vent. One of the T25 bolts that holds the door panel on is located behind it.
Using a pry tool from the bottom, pop off the upper speaker grille above he door handle. You will find another mounting bolt behind it.
Remove the main speaker grille at the bottom of the door panel. This one will pry off at the right side with just your hands.
Remove the 3 T25 bolts holding the door panel on.
Wedge a pry tool between the door and door panel at the bottom to pop out the first few clips. Continue around the sides of the door panel, pulling away to release the clips and then the panel will pull straight up.
Unlatch the door handle cable and lift up the white tab on the large blue harness connector. The door panel can now be set aside.
Simply repeat these steps for the driver side door panel.
Step 3.: Remove the Mirror Mounting Bolts
Locate the three 10mm nuts securing the mirror assembly to the door frame. Don’t worry, the mirror will not fall out with the nuts removed.
Step 4.: Disconnect the Mirror Wiring Harness
You will need to pull the rubber grommet around the mirror wire loom toward you and past the connector. It’s too thick to make it up and out of the narrow hole on the outside of the door.
Now begins the tedious part. You will have to feel for 3 clips that hold the mirrors long wire loom to the inside of the door panel. You make need to use a flathead screwdriver or hoot tool to get them off.
The entire harness has to be fed up and to the right to clear the small hole that allows it to eventually pass through the other side. Be patient and use you hands to feel. You don’t want to break the connector.
Repeat the same steps for the driver side.
Step 5.: Reinstallation
To reinstall the mirrors:
Feed the wiring harness back through the opening.
Tighten the three mounting bolts evenly.
Reconnect the wiring harness.
Reinstall the interior trim and reconnect the battery.
Test all mirror functions (adjustment, heating, folding, and signal lights).
Common Issues and Tips
Loose clips: If the mirror or door trim doesn’t sit flush, double-check the clip alignment before tightening bolts.
Electrical faults: If mirror functions don’t work after reinstallation, verify that all connectors are fully seated.
Mirror vibration: Ensure the mounting bolts are torqued evenly to avoid vibration at highway speeds.
Why Mirror Removal Matters for Vinyl and PPF
Removing the mirrors allows for:
Cleaner paint protection film (PPF) or vinyl wrap edges
Mitigates trapped dirt falling into the install.
At Southern Tint & Detail Pros, this procedure is part of our meticulous prep for mirror-area PPF, wraps, and tint work on Audi R8s and other luxury vehicles.