Just picked up a 2012 British Racing Green R56 this past weekend. Am definitely loving it.

I know the power folding mirrors come as an option and I know I don't have them. However, can the mirrors still be manually rotated in? I think I know where they'd pivot (included a pic of where I think they pivot). But upon trying there seems to be a fair amount of resistance and I'm hesitant to really put force on them. Plus the plastic stem/base housing seems to be cheap plastic.

Can anyone chime in if they know for certain that 2012 base cooper comes with at least manual folding mirrors?

Here is where I think they would pivot.

 

My 2010 certainly has them. I thought it was a safety requirement to minimize injury to pedestrians.

 

As far as I know all mirrors will fold in manually, even those with the power option. I know mine do at least. I can fold them in manually or by the switch.

 

hmmm seems promising .... but still too scared to push too hard

is there much resistance (especially for those that just have the manual option) and is the picture showing the correct pivot point to rotate?

perhaps i'm just a chicken

 

I don't have the option on my 08 S but they definately fold (handy in Athens, Greece :D)

 

There's a strong detent / spring-something that keeps them in place, but yes, they'll pivot.

I've done mine twice, accidentally, when my over-enthusiastic German shepherd knocked me into one. Glad they're rounded, too!

 

I was scared to fold mine in on my 09 the first time too, (only a month ago) but once I got past the stiff detent/spring/whatever, they swivel in quite easily.

 

When I ordered my '13, my MA assured me that the non-power fold mirrors did fold manually.

 

'12 base Cooper here, yes they fold in manually, as in your photo. Just checked a minute ago

 

Great thanks for the help everyone.

I will definitely have to man up and check once the car is out of the detailing shop!