I just bought a Country - brand new. It does not have auto dimming rearview mirror.


Dealer sold me the mirror parts (bracket & auto dimming rearview mirror) but now saying that it is another 700 dollars to install!!!!


There is prewiring for the mirror BUT they are claiming that they have to run power wire from the mirror position to the fuse panel!!


Any insights much appreciated !!

 

Should have specced the auto dim mirror when you bought the car... This is fairly typical of most things buyers try to retrofit after the purchase.

 

Off topic but here it is...
I was limited by the in-stock inventory.
This damn thing has all the packages I wanted but when I look at the rear view it is manual...dealer said it s swappable or I had to wait for 4-6 weeks to get a car.


I have been a long time owner of Bimmers and a Cooper for last 5 years...Countryman seems to be an oddball!


Are these so custom that even the wiring is different based on options...seems ridiculous. Never had an issue with bimmers.


Any way, talking to Mini customer service as well.

 

Urgent?

Anyway, kinda funny because I prefer the old style manual flip mirror like my wife VW Golf still has. Wanna trade cars?

I'd check with an Indy shop to see if they would do it for a lot less, otherwise move on and enjoy all the other features of the car.

 

Just got to a car audio shop, they can probably tap power from the over head console.

 

Bit the bullet and go it done...keeps everything under warranty

 

Glad you got it done mpower8. I think $700 to install is excessive though.

 

$700 is excessive. I would have just tinted my MINI

 

The retrofit kit is one wire. Takes about ten minutes to pull the trim panels and run the wire down. Plug it in at each end, refit the mirror. Take another few minutes to code the car (update the vehicle order string in the computers, quick job). Test it to ensure it's working. Done.

They shouldn't charge more than 1 hour labor, in and out. They are taking advantage of you.

 

Here is the retrofit kit — one wire and some zip ties, $18:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/6112...aign=postreply

 

Zip ties can be tricky to install, $35/ea labor seems about right.

 

What dealer was so kind?

 

They definitely skinned me on this!!


Bill Jacobs Mini - both Sales and Service.


Mini will get their feedback - charged me more like 4 hours of labor

 

Man, that stinks. I don't understand why dealers do this sort of thing. Starts off with a relationship of distrust; is $5-600 extra profit really worth a customer that doesn't trust them anymore? Don't they want to get more service and sales revenue in the future?

This story really makes me appreciate Mini of Peabody in Massachusetts. Buying a car from them is simple, no BS. They negotiate as aggressively on price as you would expect (who wants to leave money on the table?) but there is no jerking around and they act in good faith. I'm happy doing business with them, and I don't begrudge them their profit either. They work for it. Good old fashioned long term self interest at work

 

Did this work with your R60 Countryman with the wire ?

 

This kit DOES work for the Countryman even though it was only meant for the R56. I used this kit and instructions to install the auto dim mirror. Worked perfectly.

 

Thanks for the update. Knew it was meant for the R56. Nice that it did not change for the R60.