Any help with verifying that my new auto dimming rear-view mirror functions ok would be appreciated.

I replaced the standard rear-view mirror in my 2006 MCC yesterday with a new auto-dimming one. This is the auto-dimming model by itself (no homelink).

For those of you who have the auto dimmining mirror, any description of how it works or performs would be appreciated. When I look into the new rear-view mirror at night, what should I see (assuming there are bright headlights behind me).

My remote door locks/unlocks still works from a distance, so I think the new mirror's plug has been inserted correctly.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

I have it from factory in my '05 MCS (Convenience package, with Homelink buttons and rain sensing wipers)) and used to have it also from factory in my '04 MCS (smaller mirror design).

The way it works is pretty straightforward:

1) The mirror will automatically darken if the sensor detects a higher than normal amount of headlight glare from cars behind you hitting the mirror's surface. You will still be able to see the vehicles behind you, but without the blinding glare of their headlights, specially SUVs. The funtionality is the same as with a regular manual rearview mirror. When you have headlight glare, you pull the "night" tab and this in turn pulls the mirror up, away from the glare, but you can still see the cars behind you but not as clear as in "day" mode.

2) I believe the self dimming function is automatically disabled when you put the car in reverse gear for safety.

3) When the excessive headlight glare ceases, the mirror automatically "clears" for normal view.

4) The self dimming rearview mirror only works at night. The mirror DOES NOT adjust for excessive sun glare either morning or afternoon.

5) There are no additional user adjustments for the self dimming rearview mirror. Its modus operandi its fully automatic. The only adjustment available to you is to adjust the mirror so you can see out, but nothing else.

6) Aftermarket tinted windows may affect its functionality. My '05 MCS hardtop does not have tinted windows for this reason.

That's basically it. Enjoy!

 

I had to special order my MINI because all I really cared about was having a self dimming rear view mirror. They are a God send on saving the old eyeballs when some idiot driving a truck/SUV with halogen lights forgets he's got his high beams on and is also tail gating....

...The mirror is self adjusting and you don't have to do anything to it. Make sure you don't have any dangles or things on the mirror or your rear window that would block the sensor. Headlights from behind activate it, the mirror will get darker, but won't totaly block your images. The best way I could describe the effect is if you were to wear dark glare reducing sunglasses....your vision isn't blocked but the glare is greatly reduced...then all I have to do it re-adjust the side view mirrors to prevent getting beamed from the sides....

....the mirror is activated by the light intensity and will only be activated by vehicles in close proximity. Once the light intensity diminishes, the mirror will return to "normal". Mine seems to activate when someone gets within a 1/2 mile or closer...

...I know what makes it work and how it works, but lack the technical vocabulary to describe it, so I hope my basic, layman's description helped....Mick

 

The self dimming rearview mirror is actually a fine piece of engineering. What makes the mirror surface go dark is the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) similar to the displays used in digital wrist watches and calculators. When the light sensor picks up a "higher" than normal amount of headlight glare hitting the mirror surface, the sensor automatically activates electrical current thru the "dormant" liquid crystals in the mirror. The current makes the crystals "change shape" and therefore automatically darken the surface to cut down the glare.

This is the "chop-chop" technical version of how the self dimming rear view mirror works.

I used to have one in a 1987 Ford Aerostar van from factory. The way those mirrors used to work 20 years ago was completely different from the one's today. Essentially, the mirror had the same light sensor mounted on it, but instead of getting dark, the sensor would activate a little electrical motor that would automatically move the mirror case up and away from the glare. No LCD fancy stuff back in the 1980's. The mirror had a dial **** underneath it labeled with numbers from 0-9 which meant you could adjust the distance in which the thing would move by adjusting the distance sensitivity. You could also turn it on and off via a small power switch if it got to be annyoing. It worked well and it was funny to see the thing jumping up and down with the headlight glare.




But today's LCD approach is much, much better in my book.

 

I didn't pre-order my car but since I bought the car with most of the convenience package installed, I was under the impression I had the auto-dimming mirror and the garage door opener. In fact, my dealer told me that ALL the minis he ordered for his stock were ordered WITHOUT the dual function mirror. Needless to say I was disappointed....especially when I was out in the car trying to figure out how to program the garage door remote. I couldn't do it because I didn't have one.

ANYWAY....upon finding out I was without (what I call) a major convenience, I asked the dealer if I can get an aftermarket upgrade. He said he was checking on it because another customer had made the same request. He didn't know if the upgrade was possible and he would get back to me when he found out. I said that it couldn't be THAT difficult since everything theses days is usually fairly modular and the plug for the mirror is probably in place already......just like the plug for the cd changer. He said yes, maybe, he wasn't sure....etc. He also said that 'normally' an upgrade like that could cost up to 3 or 4 times the factory price of $200.....go figure.

Well to make a long story longer, he hasn't called me back. And after reading this post, it sort of looks like I can make this upgrade.....whether by it's myself or dealer-assisted.

Could someone shed a little light (pardon the pun) on this for me. Because like Flora Blue....I think it's kind of dumb to have such a feature packed automobile with a tinker toy **** to manually dim the mirror. I'm not sure where this dealers' head is when he orders these cars. He says that he specifically requests that there be no auto-function mirror because of it's lack of popularity......so what if you don't have a garage.....the auto-dimming is priceless at $200.....in my opinion of course.

 

From what I've read here, that Auto Dimming mirror with HomeLink is an easy install. All the wiring is already in your new MINI. IIRC it's about $400 for the part. I thought I had ordered an auto dimming mirror with HomeLink. When my car came in it had an Auto Dimming mirror, but no HomeLink. My MA said he'd call & let me know how much it would be to retrofit the correct mirror. Over a month later & I'm still waiting. At least I have the Auto Dimming one & not the manual one. Gosh I wonder if we have the same MA. I'm not bashing all MA's here. Just mine.

Chuck

 

Ok....I get a little lost with some of the buzz words....like ice link and home link etc. Thinking about it, I guess homelink is referring to the garage door opener. Forgive me, what's IIRC?

Do I have to order this through the dealer?

 

OK, first off IIRC = if I remember correctly. Second, HomeLink is a remote opener function that is built into the auto dimming mirror. You can program it to open your garage door. There are three buttons so it can control three devices. You can also order the auto dimming mirror without Homelink. You will need to oder these from your dealer. Classic MINI offers a NAM discount. Classic MINI Phone:800.388.1098 or 440.266.6700

If you do a search you will find some more info on these mirrors in a MINI.

http://www.homelink.com/home/home.tml

Chuck

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me chuck. And thanks for the links. It's been a while since I've mingled in the forums and I'm new to minis. So some of the lingo escapes me. I appreciate your patience.

 

Someone, anyone, please tell me what the plug/wires look like for the Auto-Dim/Homelink mirror? I have a 2004 and would like to add this to my car. I noticed a couple of "extra" unused plugs in the wiring harness above the sunroof switch in the headliner and wonder if either of these could be used for the connection.

 

I don't know for sure, but I'd bet a couple of bucks those are them. One is probably for the auto dimming mirror & the other for the Home Link.

Chuck