Hi all,
New to posting but a long time lurker. I used to have a 2006 R53 Checkmate which I absolutely loved but it had to go in 2011 so that I could buy a bigger car :(
I always knew I'd buy a new Mini one day and so when I rolled in to the dealership yesterday and my wife saw the GP, we wasted no time in securing the car. It's going to be a few more weeks before it gets to come home because of travel etc. and we can't wait.

I noticed some key features missing in the car and I wanted to start with the rearview mirror. Is there an OEM solution to adding homelink and auto dimming to this mirror? If so, where can I source the part?

I've done this in my other car but ourchased a non OEM mirror for the job - can't bring myself to do that to the Mini!

 

Hi, there is an OEM Homelink available, but the GP isn't wired for it. there are two wires that go to the mirror but they're for the antenna that controls the door locks. I had to buy the connector pins at the dealer and ran the power wires (one neg. wire and one pos. wire) from the drivers side sun visor. The mirrors are a little pricey, I found a used one on eBay. It's not hard to do, it just takes a little prep work. Unfortunately the dealer is most likely going to tell you it can't be installed in a GP.

Good Luck,

Steven

 

Does your garage door opener work when the car is off?

 

The standard one doesn't work unless the car's on. It has to be on so the fuel gauge petals are lit, not just radio on.

 

Yeah thats how my bmws were. I saw some people did the retrofit and it worked with the car off. So was wondering how his install went

 

Yes, it does still work after you remove the key. I haven't checked, but I think the power to the visor may time out like the dome light does a couple of minutes after the key is removed.

Steven

 

It just depends on what you wire the Homelink power to. It will work with the car off if you wire it to an always-on power source. The factory Homelink is wired to the ignition switch as a security precaution (otherwise if your car is parked outside, someone could enter your house by breaking into your car and using the garage door remote).

 

Just to clarify, are we saying that If I get an OEM home-link/dimming mirror for the R56, All I need to do is run power to it to get it to work? (I'm not at all concerned about connecting specifically to ignition - visor mirror. would be fine)

If so, I think I can figure this out for myself! sounds pretty easy. I've looked for unofficial DIY's but can't find one. If anyone can point me in the direction that would be great. Otherwise I'll order a mirror and figure this out for myself. Might even post my own DIY

 

Yes

 

My mirror just arrived! Waiting for the dealer to call and tell me the wiring is in! Cant wait to get this baby installed!! Stole it on ebay for 50 bucks shipped! Auto Dim and Homelink!

 

Done! Wiring kit in and it works! No fuse even needed, well couldnt even put the fuse in. No holder for it lol.

Garage door opener works, need to go for a ride to confirm auto dim but i did it in my garage it seemed to be darker than a normal mirror

Edit auto dimming does work and to answer my other question from before the car has to be on the "ON" position for home link to work just like my previous BMW's