OK... In the 05+ MCS, they should rename the rearview mirror to rearblocking mirror.
For us biggins who have the right side windshield view blocked by this overly large mirror... we need some help on this.

On Mini2 there is a post from someone who replaced the 05 rearview mirror with an 04 version which is much smaller. He mentioned the mounts were the same and it fit fine. Not sure if the US versions are different?

link to mini2 mirror post

Also note that the 05 mirror houses the antenna board for the remote keyfob. So this must be carefully removed from the mirror and relocated.

Has anyone tried this on a US model ? I am ready to buy the mirror but it must be ordered and can't be returned. Would be nice to know it works first.

 

Why not try and save yourself a bit of money and see if you can find a wrecked MINI in a junkyard that you could scavenge the mirror from?

This would let you see if it would work without shelling out a lot of bucks on a new mirror that you couldn't return...

 

Humourously enough, by the end of that link (to Mini2) they're throwing to a discussion on NAM:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=62041

 

Having owned and driven MINIs with both the old smaller mirrors and the bigger ones I can say that neither has bothered me to the point of wanting to remove it. I always taught the old rear view mirror was a tad too small but again not a big issue.

I am 5'10" so my height doesn't seem to be incompatible with the mirror size, but then again, before MINI I used to drive full size GM sedans with HUGE (By MINI standards) self dimming rearview mirrors packed with OnStar buttons, map lights, compass display, etc.

 

That thread does not reference the 05 to 04 retro fit. Nobody seems to have done this except for the one thread on mini2.

 

My '03 mirror seems huge, especially in the twisties. And I'm tall.
Is there a small one that is similar to the exterior aftermarket ones?

 

We're planning to autocross ours (when it gets here in August). Is there a way to move it out of the way without removing it? This is what I've been doing with our '99 Miata for years.
--
Mitch & Sherry

 

My 03 would simply twist and pull down so it would not be in my view during twisties. This was the base mirror. My 06 twists and pulls down but I have yet to remove it as it has a wire holding it in place. It too is the standard base mirror. I was told it comes apart some how but I have yet to figure out how.

I agree though. It can be in the way a lot. For me at least it does.

 

I changed out my rearview mirror on day one when I picked up my '03 MCS. That tiny little oval thing looks cool, but I think its pretty worthless as a mirror. I did not realize that '05's have larger mirrors.

Anyway, this will sound crazy to all of you who think the OEM mirror gets in the way but... I have a 5-panel panorama mirror made by Wink that I have owned since 1979. I used it in my '71 Datsun 510, '73 240Z, 84 VW GTI, and '89 Civic SI.

Now, after storing it in the garage for six years, it has a home in my MCS. Even though it's about 36" long, it fits up agaist the headliner and blocks the view less than the tiny OEM oval. Plus, THERE ARE NO Blind spots. These mirrors are awesome in Urban traffic. I don't know why they faded from popularity. I'm nearly 5' 11 and have no problems with the view.

Anyone out there remember these mirrors? I think they're still available.

 

dimini,

I remember those mirrors! My grandfather had one a long time ago

 

Part of the problem is the mirror is a bit too low and too far forward. If it was mounted up almost touching the headliner and closer to the windshield, it would be more out of the line of sight. It does block my view trying to see traffic forward and to the right (watching for cars pulling out of intersections).

 

I clamped a German panoramic mirror with velcro twist ties over the existing tiny 03 rear view mirror. It still has blind spots, but it's much easier to use in urban environments.

 

Taller folks should consider adjusting the driver's seat to a lower/lowest setting for better visibility.

 

Done that.. still need more sight.. besides.. its less comfortable in the low position

 

How tall are you?

 

6'3" .. but it depends on how the height is distributed.. torso or legs..

 

OK I see your point. You are a big guy.

 

My 03 mirror takes in the entire rear window. Every bit. Just like my company car Taurus.
Are you using the panoramic mirror instead of your exterior mirrors?

regards,
Red