Mikey sells a module (that only works with the OEM alarm) that will fold the mirrors in automatically when the car is locked.
I didn't go for it because:
- I didn't want to spend another 50 quid
- Concern about the MTBF for the motors
- Sometimes I like the mirrors out

 

Eric, awesome job on the retrofit and documenting how you did it!

Anyone retrofit a R56 yet? I haven't received an answer back from Mike to see if he has a retrofit kit for the R56 but really anxious as I need another weekend project.

 

I thought this was standard in the R56, no? Hmmm, maybe it was just an option.

 

Thanks!
Don't see it on his site. Maybe because they're available as an option so not much call for aftermarket? Even so, you should be able to buy the OEM power mirrors and rig up a wiring harness and a DPDT switch.


Yep, it was an option, not standard.

 

nice nice. what would be really cool is if someone makes a mirror with both turn signals and power folding. any idea on whether or not the turn signal mirrors that moss mini is selling can be converted to power-fold? the site says that the turn signal kit is just the mirror cap, and not the entire mirror assembly, and i'd be really interested in putting both powerfold and turn signals on my mini's mirrors.

 

If the turn signal is simply mounted in the mirror cap, then it wouldn't be a problem to install that on a PFM and run an additional wire through the harness to a signal wire.

 

great, i will have to try this one day.

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...15&SortOrder=1

i think they're just mirror caps, not entire mirror assemblies.

 

Has anyone seen these on a mini before? I'd love to see some real world pics, but my search came up empty.

 

I am waiting for my autofolding mirrors to arrive from NewMINIStuff.com. I also ordered the OEM Mirror adjustment switch with auto fold button. I am going to try and incorporate this in my install rather than the switch on the Euro Parcel Shelf.

 

I have powerfold mirrors on my R50 and I love it.. gives me peace of mind in busy parking lots and on the street. Great write-up btw!

 

A fine option. Mine are very useful in our very narrow garage, so the switch works for me. Still need to get the '05 console so I can mount the driving light switch though.
Are you doing the install yourself?

 

I will be performing the install myself. I purchaed the conversion kit from New MINI Stuff, the oem switch for adjusting and folding mirrors from a U
UK MINI dealer and waiting for everything to arrive. Should be about two more weeks.

 

OK, I'm intrigued. You can use the OEM switch incorporated in the mirror adjustment panel?! Details??

 

I won't know for sure the details until the parts arrive. I ordered the switch and the connector that plugs into the switch.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...92&hg=61&fg=35

If the wires for folding the mirrors aren't there I will add them and run them during the install. I will have the details if successful once I get it. There must be a way to get this to work. I purchased control unit for alarm so the mirrors fold when I lock the car. I'll let you know once start the install.

 

Do post on your progress/success.

Does that really read $135 for the switch panel?

 

I don't have heated seats so after conversion from GBP to USD the panel and connector set me back $68

 

The Euro's have the powerfold switch. I'm hoping mine gets here soon too. My folding mirrors are already wired in place (thanks to Eric's write up) with a standard ugly switch doing the dirty work at the moment.

I plan to wire this directly into the OEM swtich and hope for the best. Here's a pic I found on the euro site of what it looks like:

 

Oh my mirrors have finally arrived. YAY!!!! I can't wait to install them. Damn I wish my OEM switch would arrive soon. I think I am going to start the install this weekend since I have the auto fold with OEM alarm. will prewire for the switch and have the leads run to the center console for the OEM mirror switch. Pics will follow very soon!!!

 

I found a picture of the OEM switch side by side comparison with non/seat heaters.

 

Please keep us posted. I will do this pretty soon. It would be great to see your install as well.

 

I am installing the mirrors tomorrow so I will let you know how it goes. I don't think I will do a how to since Eric has covered it pretty well but I will do an addendum for the OEM switch. I hope it works out.

 

Finally finished. I haven't run the oem switch. I need to get pins and fabricate a new connector. I also need to find a wiring diagram for the harness. Anyways I will post pics later.

 

Very cool - are they functional yet, or are you waiting for use with the OEM switch. Any issues with the install?

 

They are functional. Right now I am using the switch that was provided with the kit. I need to go to MINi of San Diego this week to have the OEM Alarm programmed, and once that is done the mirrors will fold when I lock the car.

The hardest part was getting the wires from the door thru the grommet. The driver side was much easier than the passenger side. Also running the wire to the back of the car to the alarm roof sensor was also a tad bit difficult but not impossible. I love them and I can't wait for them to fold automatically. I will definitely post a video of that.


Here in my gallery are random pics from today's install.

http://gallery.me.com/wdprice1#10017...r=black&sel=10

 

Yeah, mine aren't automatic, but it's fun to fold them in and out.

So then how will yours work - if you fold them in prior to locking the car, will they just stay in?