I find the view in the outside rearview mirrors of the MINI to be quite restrictive. This is a case of "function follows form". Although they look very stylish, their small size is quite limiting.

I had the same problem when I first purchased my '94 325is M-Technic (same suspension, wheels and body kit & mirrors as the M3). The solution was Euro-model mirrors.

Does anyone know if the European versions of the MINI have wide angle mirrors (esp. on the driver's side)?

Explanation: by wide-angle, I mean slightly convexed, like that of the passenger side mirror, thus giving a wider angle of view. This definitely enhances the safety of any vehicle.

When I was in Germany a number of years back, I rented a 316i and although it didn't strke me right away, I learned to really like the euro-BMW mirrors. See the following weblink:

E36 Wide-angle Mirror

I got a set of these for my '89 E30 325i. After this, almost other outside mirror seemed
inadequate. Once I got my '94 325is M-technic, this was a real problem, since the M3-style mirrors are even smaller than the regualar E36 mirrors. So, I got the Euro-spec part, and while it doesn't have the split view shown on the above link, it is a little convexed and makes up for its small size.

I have the same problem with the MINI mirrors, and would like a similar solution.

Thanks,
Jay


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'03 IB/IB MCS Premium/Sport/Winter to be picked up 8-2 --- can't wait!!!!

 

I am not sure I am clear on what exactly your problem is but if it helps, my mirrors are 170mm and are not angled in any way. I presume they are the same as yours.

 

>>I find the view in the outside rearview mirrors of the MINI to be quite restrictive. This is a case of "function follows form". Although they look very stylish, their small size is quite limiting.
>>
>>I had the same problem when I first purchased my '94 325is M-Technic (same suspension, wheels and body kit & mirrors as the M3). The solution was Euro-model mirrors.
>>
>>Does anyone know if the European versions of the MINI have wide angle mirrors (esp. on the driver's side)?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Jay
>>
>>
I have a prototype on my Mini now of a mirror we will be carrying. It is made out of the same glass like you see in your higher end BMW's. Stay tuned for details.

-Peter

 

I'm glad to see this post, i thought i was freaking out! Picked up my MCS 6.28.03. The drivers mirror is somwhat convex, like the passenger mirrors on most cars. You know, "Objects in mirror are closer than they apper"! At first i thought it was messed up, but have come to realize that it must be on purpose. is it possible this is a newer thing, do older Mini's have this? you could always check with a dealer to verify and if that's the case it should be a direct swap. either that or my mirror is just warped.

 

Wierd. I can see out of my mirrors just fine. Of course, I used to drive a transit bus, so I've learned to do a lot with a little visability.

 

Verruckt,

I can see just fine, but the view is much more restricted than in most other cars with normal sized mirrors. See my editted initial posting for more....

 

>>I'm glad to see this post, i thought i was freaking out! Picked up my MCS 6.28.03. The drivers mirror is somwhat convex, like the passenger mirrors on most cars. You know, "Objects in mirror are closer than they apper"! At first i thought it was messed up, but have come to realize that it must be on purpose. is it possible this is a newer thing, do older Mini's have this? you could always check with a dealer to verify and if that's the case it should be a direct swap. either that or my mirror is just warped.

We're getting ours tomorrow, I'll let you know. I drove KevM's last weekend, it was picked up the same week as yours, and the mirror is definitely flat.

J.


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'03 IB/IB MCS Premium/Sport/Winter to be picked up 8-3 --- can't wait!!!!

 

Jay, sounds like your solution would be a good one for your preferences. I found visability to be perfectly adequate, but when my daughter was recently in town and drove my MINI for the first time, she commented on the small rear-view mirror as some others here on MCO have. Maybe I adjusted somehow, but its all perfectly fine for me. The fact is that each driver is a little different and some need to seek more tailored solutions for safety/comfort.

 

I just picked up 2 of thoes round hot spot type stick on mirrors... I'm now quite well covered, and they look pretty cool on the rounded MINI mirrors to boot..

Rocketboy_X

 

I prefer the rectangular stick-ons myself - even with the round side mirror on the MINI. I wouldn't drive any of my cars on the highway without one of these:

 

>>Wierd. I can see out of my mirrors just fine. Of course, I used to drive a transit bus, so I've learned to do a lot with a little visability.
>>
>>

 

Hi,

I have '05 Mini Cabrio. My side mirrors are heated.

I was wondering can the stick on mirrors be placed on the side mirrors? Will the adhesive melt too much? I have seen some at Walmart that I like.
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Most of the European manufacturers offer split/aspherical mirrors. I've had them on a variety of BMWs and a VW. My brother has 'em on his Boxster. I had to find them in Europe - I guess the'y're just the sort of item that freaks the Feds out. While some may feel they're unnecessary they simply make me feel more comfortable that I can really see what's around me. I'd buy them if they were available for the MINI

 

For improved rear visibility, the '05 inside rear view mirror is larger; and can be adapted to fit your car. Also, if your car has an aftermarket suspension; and the OEM mirror vibrates - this will be eliminated, too. The new mirror is not cheap - so if you are on the frugal side, as a lot of Mini drivers are - don't bother calling your dearler Parts Department for the price. "$60,000+ Club."

 

The aspherical mirror glass is helpful. I would buy the pieces if they were available.

However, the older I get the more bothered I am by headlights on cars behind me. Prior to the MCS, I owned an '00 VW Jetta VR6, which had blue tinted side mirror glass. The blue tint cut down on headlight glare tremendously. So far, VW is the only vehicle manufacturer I've come across that offered this glass.

I don't suppose the European market MINIs have aspherical, blue-tinted side mirror glass, do they?

 

Pop in a right side mirror glass.....P/N 51-16-7-058-048....works like a charm...Classic Mini sales them for less then $40...objects appear closer but you quickly adapt....