Auto-dim rear view mirror retrofit?

fun2drv · 11-15-2008, 09:54 AM

Has anyone tried to retrofit the auto-dim rear view mirror to a car without the premium package? That is about the only component of the premium package that I'm interested in.

Thanks!

Tom K. · 11-15-2008, 10:55 AM

After owning BMWs both with and without auto-dimming, IMHO you are better off without it.

Tom

Duckw · 11-15-2008, 11:15 AM

After 2 Audis with auto-dim and trouble with both of them, I second staying with the do-it-yourself. Yes, having to twist the clown nose is a bore. Having your self-dimming mirror suddenly fail is a bigger bore. The compass gimmick is cool, but hardly one of life's necessities. Even if you've had that feature before you're not likely to miss it much, while the stock mirror will never fail to dim for that blinding truck you just can't shake. Ockham's razor wins again.

fun2drv · 11-15-2008, 02:00 PM

I'm not asking anyone for their opinion about this feature. I had it in my '01 330Ci and my current '04 M3 and would like to have it in my future 135 that will replace my daily driver sometime next year...

Duckw · 11-15-2008, 02:30 PM

In that case, you can have it if you order the Premium Package. Retrofit might be a problem, depending on whether you can find a supplier for both the mirror and a wiring harness adapted to the 135. A good BMW tech might be able to help you.

AndyM · 11-15-2008, 02:40 PM

The wiring harness costs ~$30. Installation is very straight forward and the BMW instructions are simple. The mirror will run around $400 for new, but you can pick a used one up on ebay for a lot less. The only trick is the coding that is required. I have all the parts and will be doing the install after the holiday, I am trying to time the coding to get the alarm done at the same time.

fun2drv · 11-15-2008, 03:14 PM

Thanks Andy!

You guys have an awesome store! I love LeatherZ and have purchased from you guys before for my M3.

MONTEGO_E82 · 11-15-2008, 05:06 PM

I completed the retrofit. You need the mirror and a wire harness like stated previously. Install was pretty easy, have to add a few pins to the roof switch console (have to pull down map light/sunroof switch unit). No coding necessary on my car, garage opener, compass, & auto dim functioned immediately after plug in.

G5Ti · 11-15-2008, 05:52 PM

Though only tangentially-related, I think the auto-dim feature is fantastic. It works perfectly in my car, and I love it.

AndyM · 11-15-2008, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MONTEGO_E82

I completed the retrofit. You need the mirror and a wire harness like stated previously. Install was pretty easy, have to add a few pins to the roof switch console (have to pull down map light/sunroof switch unit). No coding necessary on my car, garage opener, compass, & auto dim functioned immediately after plug in.

I was told the coding was related to the auto wipers and not to get the mirror to dim. :iono:

SlickShift · 11-16-2008, 01:43 PM

Don't bother with the auto-dimming mirror. It's tough to see if the car behind you has a lightbar.

imported_mega · 11-16-2008, 06:39 PM

bmw is the only brand I will always buy auto mirrors with, the bmw manual mirrors suck, bad, real bad, you have to twist it, not easy with gloves on, if they had a fliper like every other brand I would have got manual mirrors, the only thing in premium I could not do without is those mirrors

Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! · 02-04-2009, 05:21 PM

All I wanted from the premium package was the fold in side mirrors, it would have made it much nicer when entering my tiny garage. But, 09 idrive was more enticing an option that almost 4 grand for mirrors.

Robert · 02-04-2009, 06:45 PM

Andy,

If you can figure out how to make the alarm light blink without an alarm will make me very happy :-)

AndyM · 02-04-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

Andy,

If you can figure out how to make the alarm light blink without an alarm will make me very happy :-)

There is a thread on e90post where some guys built a circuit board to blink it.

AW128i · 11-05-2010, 09:20 AM

Found this thread through search. I'm looking to retrofit the auto-dim mirror to my 128i. Not so much interested in the Homelink or compass, but definitely the auto-dim function. I've had an auto-dim mirror in my last few vehicles and call me lazy, but I don't want to live without it now! Anyone know if the auto-dim mirror from an E85/E86 Z4 will fit the E82? Also, how about a part # for the wiring harness that's needed to do this retrofit?

AndyM · 11-05-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AW128i

Found this thread through search. I’m looking to retrofit the auto-dim mirror to my 128i. Not so much interested in the Homelink or compass, but definitely the auto-dim function. I’ve had an auto-dim mirror in my last few vehicles and call me lazy, but I don’t want to live without it now! Anyone know if the auto-dim mirror from an E85/E86 Z4 will fit the E82? Also, how about a part # for the wiring harness that’s needed to do this retrofit?

I used a mirror from an MZ4. You can find the retrofit PN on E90post.

ivannw · 06-23-2017, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MONTEGO_E82

I completed the retrofit. You need the mirror and a wire harness like stated previously. Install was pretty easy, have to add a few pins to the roof switch console (have to pull down map light/sunroof switch unit). No coding necessary on my car, garage opener, compass, & auto dim functioned immediately after plug in.

Can you please share if you still have the instructions to do it?

jkoral · 06-23-2017, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivannw

Can you please share if you still have the instructions to do it?

I haven't done this, but I recall this older thread with more details (including link to e90 DIY):

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222825

11-15-2008, 09:54 AM	#1
fun2drv Lieutenant 262 Rep 561 Posts Drives: '23 M5 Comp Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Columbia, TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M5 [10.00] 2023 BMW M5 [0.00]	Auto-dim rear view mirror retrofit? Has anyone tried to retrofit the auto-dim rear view mirror to a car without the premium package? That is about the only component of the premium package that I'm interested in. Thanks!
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11-15-2008, 10:55 AM	#2
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	After owning BMWs both with and without auto-dimming, IMHO you are better off without it. Tom
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11-15-2008, 11:15 AM	#3
Duckw Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 241 Posts Drives: '08 135i, 2010 VW Sportwagen Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	+1 After 2 Audis with auto-dim and trouble with both of them, I second staying with the do-it-yourself. Yes, having to twist the clown nose is a bore. Having your self-dimming mirror suddenly fail is a bigger bore. The compass gimmick is cool, but hardly one of life's necessities. Even if you've had that feature before you're not likely to miss it much, while the stock mirror will never fail to dim for that blinding truck you just can't shake. Ockham's razor wins again. __________________ 135i, SGM, 6 MT, Black Leatherette, Grey Poplar, ZSP
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11-15-2008, 02:00 PM	#4
fun2drv Lieutenant 262 Rep 561 Posts Drives: '23 M5 Comp Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Columbia, TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M5 [10.00] 2023 BMW M5 [0.00]	I'm not asking anyone for their opinion about this feature. I had it in my '01 330Ci and my current '04 M3 and would like to have it in my future 135 that will replace my daily driver sometime next year...
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11-15-2008, 02:30 PM	#5
Duckw Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 241 Posts Drives: '08 135i, 2010 VW Sportwagen Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	In that case, you can have it if you order the Premium Package. Retrofit might be a problem, depending on whether you can find a supplier for both the mirror and a wiring harness adapted to the 135. A good BMW tech might be able to help you. __________________ 135i, SGM, 6 MT, Black Leatherette, Grey Poplar, ZSP
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11-15-2008, 02:40 PM	#6
AndyM Lieutenant 134 Rep 536 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2007 iTrader: (2)	The wiring harness costs ~$30. Installation is very straight forward and the BMW instructions are simple. The mirror will run around $400 for new, but you can pick a used one up on ebay for a lot less. The only trick is the coding that is required. I have all the parts and will be doing the install after the holiday, I am trying to time the coding to get the alarm done at the same time.
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11-15-2008, 03:14 PM	#7
fun2drv Lieutenant 262 Rep 561 Posts Drives: '23 M5 Comp Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Columbia, TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M5 [10.00] 2023 BMW M5 [0.00]	Thanks Andy! You guys have an awesome store! I love LeatherZ and have purchased from you guys before for my M3.
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11-15-2008, 05:06 PM	#8
MONTEGO_E82 Enlisted Member 6 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2011 bmw 335xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	I completed the retrofit. You need the mirror and a wire harness like stated previously. Install was pretty easy, have to add a few pins to the roof switch console (have to pull down map light/sunroof switch unit). No coding necessary on my car, garage opener, compass, & auto dim functioned immediately after plug in.
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11-15-2008, 05:52 PM	#9
G5Ti Purveyor of fine roads. 17 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 128i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	Though only tangentially-related, I think the auto-dim feature is fantastic. It works perfectly in my car, and I love it. __________________ 128i alpine \| coral \| premium \| sport \| cold \| xenons \| ipod+usb
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11-16-2008, 01:43 PM	#11
SlickShift Lieutenant Colonel 323 Rep 1,804 Posts Drives: '11 BMW E90 M3 ZCP, '21 X5 ZMP Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (7)	Don't bother with the auto-dimming mirror. It's tough to see if the car behind you has a lightbar. __________________ -Nick 2018 BMW 440i - M Sport, Exec Glacier Silver Metallic/Coral Red Dakota Retired: '00 323i, '06 325Ci, '09 135i, '06 Z4M Roadster, '93 525i, '76 2002, '14 X1, '14 M235i, '16 X4, '16 435i
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11-16-2008, 06:39 PM	#12
imported_mega Colonel 122 Rep 2,199 Posts Drives: various bmw's Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: neverland iTrader: (0)	bmw is the only brand I will always buy auto mirrors with, the bmw manual mirrors suck, bad, real bad, you have to twist it, not easy with gloves on, if they had a fliper like every other brand I would have got manual mirrors, the only thing in premium I could not do without is those mirrors __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. Driving e82, e72, e85, R53 Gone but not forgotten.. 1974 2002, many various 3s.
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02-04-2009, 05:21 PM	#13
Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! Captain 34 Rep 786 Posts Drives: 09 135i, 98 M rdstr Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	All I wanted from the premium package was the fold in side mirrors, it would have made it much nicer when entering my tiny garage. But, 09 idrive was more enticing an option that almost 4 grand for mirrors. __________________ '09 135i 6MT : Space Grey/Black ette : Cold Weather Package : Sport Package : Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim : iPod and USB : Nav : HD radio : Premium hi-fi system
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02-04-2009, 06:45 PM	#14
Robert Major General 417 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	Andy, If you can figure out how to make the alarm light blink without an alarm will make me very happy :-)
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11-05-2010, 09:20 AM	#16
AW128i Major 44 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: E82 N51 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southeastern, PA iTrader: (1)	Found this thread through search. I'm looking to retrofit the auto-dim mirror to my 128i. Not so much interested in the Homelink or compass, but definitely the auto-dim function. I've had an auto-dim mirror in my last few vehicles and call me lazy, but I don't want to live without it now! Anyone know if the auto-dim mirror from an E85/E86 Z4 will fit the E82? Also, how about a part # for the wiring harness that's needed to do this retrofit?
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