Hello everybody, I am currently looking at purchasing a Mini Cooper, but there is one thing that has been driving me away from the purchase. It is the size of the rearview mirror. Has anyone else noticed the small size of it? I was wondering if they are any after market products that would be able to replace it with a larger one. I appreciate any response. Thank you

Aaron

 

>>Hello everybody, I am currently looking at purchasing a Mini Cooper, but there is one thing that has been driving me away from the purchase. It is the size of the rearview mirror. Has anyone else noticed the small size of it? I was wondering if they are any after market products that would be able to replace it with a larger one. I appreciate any response. Thank you
>>
>>Aaron

Welcome to MCO Aaron!

There have been quite a few posts about the rearview mirror size.
You can get aftermarket units if you really want. There are lots out there including some that are auto-dimming, some that have external temp indicator and some that have a digital compass. Prices for these fancy ones range from 100 - 200 $$.

I first disliked the small mirror as well. However, as others have pointed out: a wider mirror would for the most part afford you a better view of the rear pillars of the car. I cannot imagine any but super-wide mirrors having a wide enough angle to affor rear views through the rear side windows. In addition, you get used to the small mirror. The only real advantage I could still see in a wider mirror is that you continue to have a good view as you squirm around in your seat. So: don't squirm!!!
In addition, as some have pointed out, a larger rearview mirror cuts more out of the front view.
Bottom line: I do not anymore mind the small mirror.
I have auto dim, which is a great feature IMHO.
I just wish they would not couple the interior auto dim mirror with external auto dim mirrors!

 

I was shocked by the dimunitive size as well. But upon closer inspection I realized that, as small as it is, it is still limited by the size of the rear window.

You can get one of those super-gigantic mirrors that the folks on the south-side use in their Buicks at any south-side auto parts store. Just make sure you're armed. There was even a recent thread here or there about one of those that was installed and the guy said he had incredible visibility -- even out the side windows but he couldn't get women to ride in the car with him.

 

yeah, you'll get used to it, definitely, as with all other differences in the MINI from other cars (i.e. centrally located speedometer).

definitely NOT something to be a deciding factor in purchasing a MINI

good luck in your consideration and welcome to MCO,

Ryan

 

Aloha, Aaron!

IMO, the mini-sized mirrors are perfect for the MINI.
Anything wider would obstruct the view of the Christmas tree liii....I mean traffic lights

 

Yup, it's too small, which is why I replaced it with a 13 inch 20/20 panoramic mirror made by Hercules in Germany. It cost about 20 bucks.

I've had it glued over the original mirror twice by an auto glass place, but have had to resort to blue velrco straps to hold it on until I can think of a better adhesive. It doesn't look too rigged. The extra visibiltiy really does help. Good luck!

 

Its definately small, and after falling in love with my previous car's interior mirror (VW GTI) that automatically adjusted for night driving, the MINI mirror was something of a disappointment. Hey it can't all be wine and roses, and the mirrors are about my only gripe, the exteriors are long on style, short on function.

 

I have to agree about the side mirrors. I got used to the rearview mirror quickly (and still have a hard time thinking that a bigger one would prove worthwhile), but it took me substantially longer to get comfortable with the sides. Typically, I'm pretty good at spatial orientation, but the side mirrors on the MINI gave me a mini challenge!

 

The only thing keepin ya from buying?
Would socks keep you from walking outside?

 

The rear-view mirror IS the right size, believe it or not. As mentioned, it fits with the size of the rear window...anything bigger wouldn't really accomplish much. IMO, the side mirrors work beautifully...not the slightest complaint here. (...they even seem a bit oversized in fact.) To me, visability has just not an issue in the slightest with this car. There are a lot of proportions on the MINI that seem atypical from a "normal" car, but they're right for MINI. It's good to get all your questions answered though... :smile:

 

Size doesn't matter....it is how you use it...

 

I think the mirror is TO BIG as is. I have a problem seeing traffic ahead of me on a up hill right turn. Maybe it is because I like to have my seat a little higher than the floor boards. That way I can rest my left arm on the window sill on a level plane.

 

>>IMO, the side mirrors work beautifully...not the slightest complaint here. (...they even seem a bit oversized in fact.) :smile: <<

I think they are fine now... In comparison to the 3 or 4 days that it took me to get used to the rearview, however, it took me about 2 weeks to get comfortable with the sides. Now everything is good!

 

The mirror certainly is small considering that everyone else is back there! lol

 

Mirrors are just fine. I get the whole rear window, and what more does one need?

 

The rear view mirror is the first thing I changed, I bought a wider after market one for under $20. You can see out if the rear window and out the 2 side windows. The after market mirror isn't too big and doesn't block the view of the windshield, the mirror is actually about as big as the stock one so it doesn't look too wierd in the car. The mirror is by Broadway and its the smallest model they have, be careful of getting the cheap brand mirrors becuase they can make you dizzy when you look from the rearview to the side view mirrors (it does that to me anyways)

 

Had the same initial thought but soon found out that it is sized perfectly. While piloting a MINI is sometimes daunting when surrounded by 18-wheelers; on the move, you soon appreciate that the size of the mirrors (side as well as rear view) afford you an excellent view. I came from a pick up with huge side mirrors and was duly concerned - but I had no reason to be.

 

Anything in the rear view is in the past! If you drive fast enough it doesn't matter.

Seriously. Like it was said before you will get used to the mirrors. Another factor is where you position the seat. The higher you sit the more the mirror is in the way and also makes the side mirrors harder to shift your eyes to see. Now if you sit too low you have to rely on the side mirrors because you can't see out as easy when you turn to look for a lane change.

Something to think about.

 

Oh poo, its just fine. I've mentioned the clutch on an E-type in another post... you should see the mirrors, they're 2" by 3". Literally. And there's only one. To merge on the highway you have to stick your head outt he window, heehee.

 

>>Hello everybody, I am currently looking at purchasing a Mini Cooper, but there is one thing that has been driving me away from the purchase. It is the size of the rearview mirror. Has anyone else noticed the small size of it? I was wondering if they are any after market products that would be able to replace it with a larger one. I appreciate any response. Thank you
>>
>>Aaron

Click and Clack were talking about this problem and had a suggestion about solving the problem of blind spots behind you involving how you set the side mirrors. Here is a solution a listener taught them, complete with illustrations:

http://cartalk.cars.com/Columns/Arch...vember/07.html

 

The mirror, while it is "little", is the perfect size to see though the back window.

They put outside mirrors on every one in case you want to see more.

It is not a problem.

 

Why worry about what is "behind" you?

Even though it is small, the mirror is fine