The side mirror on our '09 R56 flops around when driving at speed. My guess is that some teeth in the actuator motor are broken.

We have fold-in heated mirrors, if that matters.

First: is this the likely cause? Or something else?

Second: how do you replace the actuator? Do the mirror covers have to come off first, then the mirror from the actuator? How likely is one to not break the glass during this process?

Thanks

 

Check the motor itself. You cannot get the motor itself on this model. Just the whole side housing. You will need the powerful version Here is a picture of the housing and the set up with the cap and mirror removed.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2007-Cooper-R56-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_N14B16A/Exterior/Mirrors/4