We are debating getting the auto dimming side view mirrors and are interested in the opinions of others. Our 2006 MCS rides pretty low and truck lights were a problem sometimes but with the Countryman riding higher I wasn't sure if it would still be an issue. Would like to hear others thoughts on auto dimming side views. Thanks.

 

I really liked them in both my BMW 1 series and the 2011 MCS that I recently bought.

If you do not do a lot of night driving then it probably is not needed, but if you find yourself on the road a lot at night, they are great to have.

 

IMHO

I'd go for it, it's an inexpensive option and it works flawlessly. I had it in my previous audi, and my other BMW, I wouldn't be without it for night driving. It's something I've had for some time, but didn't really notice it until I drove another car for a while and sure missed it.

 

Agreed. I HATE being blinded at night by Xenon blasts bouncing off my mirrors. This should be important especially in a car this low to the ground.

 

I would say don't bother as it is $250 I think. I tinted my windows and it has the same effect. Yes. while untinted it was rather annoying, but with 15% all the way around I don't get blinded anymore. I also came from a 4wd truck on 35" tires so it was a new, very annoying situation.

 

I live in a state where it's illegal to tint the front windows. Based on my experience with my '03 I would say it's worth it for me.

 

Advising someone not to get an option because you have tinted windows strikes me as a wee bit, shall we say, odd. Option is a relatively inexpensive way to make your Mini experience more enjoyable and make you a safer driver. Once you have self-dimming mirrors, you'll wonder how you lived with out them. I say - Go for it.

 

Well we decided to go for it and got the option. At only $250 I don't want to be kicking myself for spending $35k+ on a car only to cheap out on what might turn out to be a very useful option. Thanks for all the opinions on this, much appreciated.

 

Tinted windows <> auto-dimming mirrors

Tinted wndows are always darker while auto-dimming mirrors automatically adjust to the lighting conditions to provide the appropriate amount of reflection.

 

You won't regret it.

 

I would only get them if I was adding all of the other lesser options. The price is easily hidden in the payment so that shouldn't be an issue. To me, it is just something else that can go wrong. I've had 4 MINIs now and most of them have had the auto dim rearview option but I've never noticed it ever working.

 

I'd go for it.. I have the auto dimming rearview and it works great, unless the truck behind me is wide enough that it's headlights hit my side mirrors bang on. I'd gladly pay $250 for a retrofit to add it to my side mirrors!

 

In my experiences, you only notice auto-dimming mirrors when they are NOT working.

Sort of like offensive linemen in football, you only notice them when they miss a block.

 

I don't see how it is odd. I said I would not get them and explained why it would not be a necessity for me. Furthermore, I explained it might be worth it if you had not tinted the windows. Sorry my response might have been a bit "odd" but I thought it was a decent explanation.

 

Sorry, I must have been looking at someone else's post. Darn bifocals will do it every time.

 

If I could afford to get a new Mini I would definitely spring for the auto dimming mirrors! My wifes Boxster has them and it makes it so much nicer to drive at night... I do have pretty dark tint on my MCS also (4% past legal the Sheriff tells me) and I still would like the side mirrors to auto darken...

M2C,
JTB

 

It seems some of the above posts are referencing the auto dimming rear view mirror and not speaking about the side view mirrors. Maybe I am misinterpreting. Definately get the auto dim rear view. Side view is a "nice to have" especially if doing alot of driving. For anyone consistantly in the car in the evening it would be worthwhile. But if night driving is minimal, short trips, then you just need to weigh spending another $250. All those $250's and $500 options add up. Personally, when I get a Countryman All4 (have a 2009 MC that is loaded now, I expect I will get the auto dim side mirrors.