T5 Mirror Fitted to T5.1 or T6 Van: Height Mismatch Fix

The Problem

Your driver-side wing mirror sits noticeably lower than the passenger side on a T5.1 or T6 van — something many owners assume for years is normal. The cause is usually that a previous owner fitted a T5 mirror to a T5.1/T6 door, typically as a cheap replacement after the original was damaged. The T5 and T5.1/T6 mirrors locate their three mounting points in different positions, so a T5 unit bolted to a T5.1/T6 door base sits lower, producing the height discrepancy.

Solution

1. Confirm the mismatch before buying anything. Compare the three fixing-point positions on the base of your current mirror against the genuine T5.1/T6 pattern. Do not rely on eBay listing photos as a reference — they are inconsistent and often mislabelled. Instead, either physically offer up a known-good T5.1/T6 mirror, or ask a VW dealer parts desk to pull the fitment from the ETKA parts diagram for your VIN, which shows the exact mounting-point layout for your van.

2. Identify the correct variant for your van. T5.1 and T6 mirrors come in several variants that are not interchangeable at the connector even when the mount pattern matches: manual-fold vs power-fold, heated vs unheated, and (on later T6/T6.1) camera or blind-spot variants. Match the variant to your existing wiring — a power-fold or heated mirror needs the corresponding loom and connector already present in the door. Quote your VIN to the parts desk so the correct side, colour and electrical variant are supplied. (Verify the exact OEM part number for your side and variant with a VW dealer or parts specialist before ordering — these differ between T5.1, T6 and T6.1 and between left/right and electrical specifications.)

3. Source a genuine OEM VW mirror for the correct side and model from a VW dealership, a reputable VW parts specialist, or a trusted breaker's yard. Avoid aftermarket mirrors — a cheap Reflex Silver replacement was found to rattle unacceptably at driving speeds.

4. Fit the correct genuine mirror to the existing door. The door, its loom and the mirror mounting points on the door are the original T5.1/T6 specification and need no modification — only the mirror itself is replaced. To fit: prise off the internal triangular trim panel to access the mounting, unplug the mirror connector, remove the three Torx retaining screws (typically T20/T25), then fit the new mirror in reverse, reconnecting the loom before tightening. (Tighten the mirror fixings to the VW-specified torque — confirm the exact figure with a VW dealer or workshop manual before final tightening, as overtightening can crack the plastic mounting base.) Refit the trim panel and test fold, heat and adjustment functions before driving.