So, I got my black S convertible about two weeks ago. Naturally, I haven't been able to drive it much -traveling on business etc.
I had one nice 300 mile trip on a Saturday night and a couple trips to work.
I'm really enjoying it especially w/ the top down.

But, 500 miles in, I'm struggling with the driver's side blind spot.

Maybe I don't have the mirrors dialed in, but my confidence is not good changing lanes.

Has anybody got a fix for this (besides top down all the time)? Stick on fisheyes? Griot's Garage has a convex deal that clips on the mirror, but... it's not too cool.

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks!

 

I have a '09 S Convertible on order and I have already purchased a rear view camera and display per the following post. The display is actually now about $54 and the poster did a great job finding the right camera. I will install this as soon as my MINI arrives the first week in June. This may seem extreme but it completely eliminates the blind spot! Happy motoring........... What colors/options did you go for?

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...up-camera.html

 

I'm surprised that you mention the driver's side, because it is the passenger's side blind spot that people have the most trouble with. The driver's side blind spot in the convertible is no different from the hardtop. You probably need to adjust the mirror much further out. With mirrors properly adjusted, you should not see the side of the car.

I have an '06 convertible which has even worse blind spot issues than the current model. The passenger side blind spot is huge, and it took a while to get comfortable with right side lane changes and merges. You have to learn to use the mirrors. Mirror adjustment is critical, but it also helps to have a wider angle mirror. A Multivex mirror is very wide angle and eliminates the passenger side blind spot. It relieved a lot of anxiety about the blind spot when I first got my convertible. Some people also like Multivex on the driver's side, but I never had a problem with the driver's side blind spot, and I stayed with the original mirror for better distance perception. Another option is to to get the OEM European mirror, which is wider angle than the US version. It is part # 51162755626. You'd have to ask a European vendor (such as genuinemini.co.uk) to get one for you.

I also have a rear view camera, which is great for backing out from between cars and parallel parking into tight spots. I like it so much that I want a rear view camera on all of my future cars.

 

I find it helps to pay attention to the traffic around you, that way you know whether or not there is a car in your blind spot before it would have gotten there.

 

I'm a BIG fan of the multivex mirrors. Between having twin multivexes, and having them set properly (you should NOT see the side of your car in the mirror) and maintaining situational awareness of what's around me, I never have to turn my head or wonder what might be back there. The multivexes let me see everything for two lanes on each side.

This, combined with making a habit of backing into parking spaces whenever possible so I don't have to back out "blind", completely eliminated my cabrio visibility angst (which, as has been said, is considerably worse in 1st gen cabrios).

 

+1 It is the passenger side that I struggle with.
You really have to pay attention to what is going on around you.

But what it a niggle or two when the car is so awesomely fantastic?

 

Thanks,

I'll investigate all suggestions, very much appreciated.
I find the passenger side is no problem, but I'm 6'6', have the Dr seat all the way down and all the way back, so with a head swivel I can kind of see sideways out the back window.

I'm sure I don't have the mirrors fully dialed in, but I understand the point about situational awareness. I generally have a good grip, but fear the blind spot if it ever came to accident avoidance.

Thanks again.

FWIW, it's a Black S w/ Premium and Cold Weather, Tuscan Beige Leather
Oak /Black Interior, LSD, DTC, Xenon, etc., etc.

Drove the Mrs around in it tonight following by long motorcycle circuit. Lots of fun...8-)

 

The more you drive it the easier it is. Actually, you really learn to drive with your mirrors. Habit I always lean forward just slightly and can see in the mirrors the blind spot.