In cars without this option, does the mirror have the old school flip below it to adjust the mirror so the lights behind you aren't blinding?

For those with it, are you happy you got the option?

 

Yes, it has the rotating **** on the bottom to adjust the angle of the mirror. I'd wished I'd ordered the mirror with all of the big 4 wheel trucks in the area. It's the first thing I'm going to ask about upgrading in the new year...

 

I have been very happy with mine and the mirror dims quickly, I might add I was sure it was the one of the two options I could live without. The other option I have been pleased with is the rain sensing wipers!! The cycle just when I would want them to! I would still pass on the sunroof.

 

This is the first car I've owned with the automatic dimming feature. I have avoided using the flip switch in past vehicles unless the car behind me had its brights on.

The auto-dimming has taken some getting used to, but I like it. It only dims when lights from behind set off the sensor. Otherwise, it acts like a regular mirror. One thing I haven't gotten used to yet is judging the distance of a car behind me when the mirror is in dim mode. I don't have enough experience to judge whether a car is fairly close or really close when within one or two car lengths.

 

I had the auto-dimming mirror in my first MINI. However I passed on it with my second one, as I purchased off the lot. Although I can obviously live without it, as I am, the mirror was a good convenience and I'll definitely spec it on my next MINI.

My one issue with it is what was mentioned above. I have problems seeing vehicles behind me when it's in full on 'dim mode'. That's most of the reason why I only use the switch on my manual dimming mirror when absolutely necessary.

 

This is my first car with an auto-dimming mirror as well. It works well. The only odd thing about it is that in the daytime when the car is in the garage, it thinks it is night and dims the mirror. Not a problem because I don't use it for backing out.

BTW, the auto-headlights also turn on in the garage. That is a problem. They are Xenons and I don't want them coming on unnecessarily.

 

Although it kinda defeats the purpose of having auto-lights, why don't you just turn the switch to off while you're in the garage, then back to auto once you're out? That's one of the features I really appreciate about the MINI. Other cars don't have a setting for off when you have auto-lights so there's no choice.

 

I will never own another car without the auto-dimming mirror. I consider it a "must have" safety feature. It sure takes the edge off of night-time driving.

 

The auto dimming Mirror is truely wonderful. It adds a nice touch to the interior and It does its job very well. I was very fortunate I bought my MINI from a showroom and it had every option I wanted. I will never own a car with anything less than my MINI is equipped with. Whod of thought a little mirror could be so good.

 

The one thing that is missing from the Auto-Dim feature (at least on my 06) is diming the side mirrors. My last car would dim the rear view AND the side mirrors and I was disapointed when I found out the MINI didn't do that.

That being said, auto-dim is a must have feature and although I originially thought it was a silly waste of money, I quickly became so used to it that when I drive a car without it at night I find myself getting irritated with a "lesser" car

 

I too am a big fan of the auto-dimming rear view mirror. To see how really well it works, try putting your index finger over the sensor at the bottom of the mirror when you have cars/trucks behind you. After a few seconds you'll see how bright and distracting their headlights are. Then remove your finger from the sensor and gradually over a few seconds their headlights dim. This might help those of you having difficulty judgeing distance make that estimate.

 

I love the auto-dimming mirror in my MINI. I wanted it in my 2003 but I passed on it. I was not going to make that mistake in my new one. It dims before I even have the chance to think about bright lights. It has made night drive a whole different experience. I agree Dolmangar that I would like to see the driver's side mirror also dim.

 

Yea, it's the same for the 2007's (and 2008's from everything I've heard). If it was all 3 mirrors which were auto dim, or even just the interior and driver's side exterior, it'd have been a lot more of a much have feature for me. I don't understand why the MINI's don't at least have tint on the exterior mirrors like many BMW's do...

 

This is my first car with an auto dimming mirror. I find I don't have any problem with determining distance to cars when it's in full dim mode. The only problem I have which is just personal preference is I don't think it dims enough. Headlights are really bright still in it to my eyes. It's only about half as dark as the regular mirror in my other car. That's good and bad. Better visibilty at night is good since it's not so dim, but I find my eyes squint with any cars behind me. Which is bad when I return my eyes to looking forward. My eyes aren't normally that sensitive to light. I rarely use sunglasses and don't squint during the day. Maybe with more seat time I'll adjust to it. Maybe it's the color of the lights in the mirror being a certain frequency that bothers my eyes. The auto dim seems to change the color of things slightly.

 

I haven't experienced any blinding lights from the rear, so I must like the auto-dimming mirror. I never really thought about it, which is probably the highest mark for an "auto" anything.

 

My wife's BMW came with the premium package which included the auto dimming mirrors. If they work we haven't noticed it yet. We took it back to the dealer and they said it could not be fixed if it did not work. This is a 2001 car. We've had three BMWs since and I will never get the auto dim again. I guess I was just unlucky. I'd like to experience the auto dim for myself.

 

Its a waste of money

 

Thanks for reinforcing my opinion. I thought it was just me and my wife who thought the auto dim was worthless.

 

Wouldn't tinting the windows help dramatically? My last car had tinted windows (legal tint) and headlight glare in mirrors was not an issue for me. Only once in a while I would have to self dim the mirror, only when someone has abnormally bright headlamps. The car I am driving now has no window tint and the glare is horrible on both side and rear view mirrors. For my MINI order, I was planning on not ordering the auto-dim, then tint the windows after I receive the car.... would this be a mistake?

 

My windows were tinted in my 2003 MINI and I didn't have the auto-dim mirror. I was always bothered by lights. This time I did both and would not have it any other way. If you are ordering I would order to auto-dim. You won't regret it.

 

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!
I had a loaner car for four days and it did not have this and I can't tell you how much I love this option! I missed it the first time.

 

It was certainly worthless if it never worked on your BMW. I hope they gave you a refund on a feature you paid for. On MINI, the "fix" would be to replace the mirror unit (takes just a couple of minutes).

I'm fine with manual dim and wouldn't have ordered auto dim separately, but on my '06 it was included with the Convenience Package (also includes auto headlights, auto wipers, and remote Homelink). For me, auto dim becomes active earlier than I would like (when it isn't that dark outside) and also dims the mirror darker than I want.

 

one of my favorite options. Here on Long Island there are so many SUV's. Their lights are blinding. I wish they had self dimming side view mirrors.

 

What kind of response is that from the dealer? If you were supposed to have it and paid for it then it should work. If it was never installed to begin with then that is something else. I'm not sure I understand why a dealer would say something that relatively simple "can't be fixed?"

I've had this feature on my Mini and the car before it. Like many others here I would not (by choice) buy another car in the future without it. I simply never have to think about being blinded from behind again.

 

I have this feature on my Audi A4 and miss it greatly on the Mini. On the Audi it works great and is definately a huge plus with all of the SUVs with too bright of headlights. Possibly the Mini/BMW auto dimming is poorly executed?

I plan on adding this to my Mini once I find a place to buy the mirror