I loved a recent test drive of a 2006 Cooper S. At 6'5" (196m), I found the car comfortable. However, I couldn't see around the rear view mirror. On sharp right corners, I had to duck down considerably in order to see the curving road.

Also, I couldn't see cars merging onto the highway because the mirror blocks that view from my sight.

Anyone here aware of known solutions to this problem? Mirrors that mount higher or on the dash?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Porter
Portland, Oregon, USA

 

Chewbacca,

While not as tall as the typical Woukie, I too have a long torso, and have adjusted my driving because of the rear view mirror blocking my view as well. What I did was 1) lower my seat to the lowest position and 2) recline the seat back to where I could comfortably still handle all the controls but minimize lost vision from the mirror. I'd love to hear of other solutions to this problem.

 

I'm "only" 5'10" but noticed that the mirror is a tad large, and has a large nonreflective frame (looks nice, doesn't add to the functionality).

I'm seriously considering removal and replacement with one of the things American carmakers do well - a rectangular rearview mirror. Haven't got around to researching it, taking pics, or checking shop manuals though.

Long way of saying: ME TOO!

 

You might find this interesting.....
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ghlight=MIRROR

 

Thanks David. But, for some reason your link redirects me to an HTML page at the W3 consortium website.

 

I'm 6'2 with a 30" inseam, so basically 95% torso

The mirror on our '04 is too small and gets in the way.
The mirror on our '05 is too big and gets in the way.

I've decided I'm going to rip the stupid thing off the '05 and mount a camera in the rear wing. Details to follow...

 

I'm only 6'2", but I've noticed the mirror getting in the way as well. Fortunately, it only *really* bothers me during autocross events, and I can tilt it out of the way then.

I'd second the recommendation of playing around with seat height/tilt and fore-aft adjustment to see if there's a better position that's still comfortable.

 

The link had an extra "http://" in it... I removed the extra and it works now. I also edited your quote of his post to correct the link.

 

This has always bugged me too. I'm in the habit of ducking to see.

 

I am 6'2" with 32" inseam. My plans are to exchange the mirror in my '06 for one of the earlier mirrors. I understand that it can be done.

I think I will try to get one of the early clocks at the same time and mount that also.

 

I have noticed it too but have adjusted my driving around it as I am certainly not giving up my MINI because of the rear view mirror. I hate to say it but you do get somewhat used to it after a while. Are you working with Rasmussen or Northwest MINI?

 

I guess they never ordered their kit

 

I know!! Don't look back! Just kidding..Maybe you should swing back by and we can try adjusting the seat around...Give me a call and I can ask the parts department about retrofitting the old style rear view. You took the test drive with me right?

 

With all the chromey doodads available for the MC/MCS, one would think that a smaller sized mirror, in ALL reflective (no big black useless mirror shroud) would be available?

(Santa: hint, hint!)

 

I'd actually like for the mirror to be larger. My 02 MC has a tiny one compared to the mercedes and other cars that I've driven.

 

Follow this link to a discussion on this subject. I think the best solution is to get an earlier mirror. There is a picture in this link that shows an 02 vs. 06 mirror, and it fits with only minor mods to the wiring inside the mirror. Maybe more difficult if you have an auto dimming mirror. I'm thinking of doing the switch myself.

Good Luck

http://www.mini2.com/forum/interior-...=mirror+wiring

 

Thanks a lot for the link. I have the smaller mirror with the flip for night driving. I didn't realize that mirrors were different on different year Minis. Another thing: I love NAM's format better than mini2's.

 

Not to steal the thread, but have any of you tried the www.LightInSight.com device?

They are fantastic. If you sit tall in the seat it is sometimes difficult to see traffic lights when you are first in line. The light-In-Sight device is a flat lense that allows you to see higher up without bending your neck. They are teriffic. They stick to the windshield without any glue and can be repositioned whenever you need to. I even transfered mine from my first MINI to my second.

Great device, could recommend them more highly.

 

Yes, they're great - a modern re-interpretation of the windshield-mounted prisms that people used to use as far back as the 30's. My wife and I have them on our MINIs, and I bought a third on for one of my other cars but ended up not needing it, so I gave it to a friend for his truck.

 

I've used a light-in-sight for over two years now (the company that makes them is just a few blocks from where I live). Helpful yes, except for those damned turn signal arrows, which are too pale to make it through the frenel lens on a bright day. Still the mirror is a PITA.