Auto-dimming rearview mirror

[august8pm]

In my search of the forum I didn't find any suggestions for an auto-dimming rearview mirror. I know size is an issue (ha), and that was discussed, but not a dimming solution.

(The one in my MINI fits nicely, so I am hopeful.)

[08-4-2]

We have one of these on one of our cars. Given the choice, I think I'd like rain sensing wipers. (I've never tried them but like the concept.) I know it may not seem related but I think the sensor for these wipers is on an optical sensor on the back of the rearview mirror.

[CruisingAZ]

I have the auto-dim feature on my Commander and think it is neat, I can see how it would be a real plus for a smaller vehicle where the lights from other cars can come right in the back window.

[jwight]

If we are talking electrochromatic mirrors here, try this link for some additional info: http://www.z3mirrors.com/ec.htm

Might be nice to have the Home Link feature as well if you can find it all in one mirror.

John

[MercuryX100]

If I can mount it neatly, I plan on adding an autodimming / Homelink / compass mirror. I have similar mirrors in two of my other cars and love them, plus I'd get lost without a compass!
From what I saw at the dealer yesterday, the Rainsense sensor is a large disc below and to the left of the mirror. As far as I could tell the mirror was just a mirror, i.e. not M-B's usual alarm status lights or anything in it which would make it impossible to replace.

[DaveInTexas]

I installed my own Mito Corp. auto dimming mirror im my Miata. It makes a world of difference in night time driving. I had very little difficulty installing it myself.

[SmartAzz]

I know this is not about getting the mirror, but in the event it helps someone I thought I'd mention that we've found that tinting the windows has made the auto dimming rearview mirror unnecessary and are fine when a car doesn't have it now. You can probably do just the rear window cheaply just to try it (doing the full sides obviously helps too but it depends on your state's legal status regarding tinting the driver/passenger windows and how you want to work with that). Guess the tint really only applies with a coupe since it clearly won't help if the top is down

Anyways, that's what works for us in terms of cutting headlight glare at night and sun in the day too, hope it helps someone

*As a side note there when I was on BMW boards there were occasional reports of auto-dimming mirrors failing and leaking and making a mess so it made us a bit less enthused about that option.

[mdfortwoguy]

I've got an electrochromic/compass/temp mirror in my VUE... I will not consider owning a car without one/the ability to install an aftermarket Gentex (same as OEM for GM) one.

That being said, I'm not too worried with the smart. The mirror is small, oddly shaped, and rendered halfway useless when set up the way I need it because of the headrests. I can see between them just fine, but I get the feeling that they are going to be blocking headlamps a lot.