Side View Mirrors Auto Dimming ????

[shlim8]

It's been almost 2 weeks since I collected my E93 335i and I'm enjoying the car tremendously.... so far clocked over 1000km ha ha... It certainly makes the highway journey very relaxing, comfortable and exciting at the same time. The car pulls strongly even when I accelerate from a very high speed and this is still stock !! Entertaining.... But I'm still surprised at how compliant the M Sport suspensionis even on 19" wheels, maybe a bit too soft (I'm on non RFTs).One main niggle though.... at night when it's dark (eg no street lights) and there are cars behind me, I find that the side mirrors (not the rear view mirror) are so dark that I can't see when filtering through lanes. Initially I thought my tint was too dark, but's the huper optik ceramic 40, which isn't that dark.Then I began to realize that when the rear view mirror auto dims, the 2 side mirrors seem to do so too !!! I tried that on my E90 323i and the side mirrors certainly don't auto dim....Question - is there such a thing as auto-dimming side mirrors for the E92/93 and if yes, can they be turned off (without turning off the rear view mirror's auto dimming - ideally) ? It's darn dangerous at the moment not to be able to see the space beside the car at night !

 

[jwah]

check the side mirror whether you can see a light sensor facing you. If do then it is, if not then it is your tint too dark

 

[shlim8]

oops, I found my answer. Looked into the manual again and found that there are inside and OUTSIDE mirrors (option) that auto dim. Both are controlled by the 2 sensor on the inside rear view mirror (one front and one facing the rear).

Looks like I found my culprit. I guess the combination of the tint and the auto dimming is just too dark. I guess there should be a electrical connection to the side mirrors, guess can probably plug out the connection ??

 

[jwah]

Afraid the power supply also control the tilting of the side mirror.
Temporary solutions:
blind the sensor with a tape so it won't detect any light from rear vehicle. Do you think the auto dim useful?

 

[dark1234]

i though auto dim is enable when the there is a high beam from the back, thats how my f10 behave.
normal condition its clear even at night but when highlight it autodim

 

[shlim8]

Afraid the power supply also control the tilting of the side mirror.
Temporary solutions:
blind the sensor with a tape so it won't detect any light from rear vehicle. Do you think the auto dim useful?

The auto dim is useful for the rear view mirror, but I guess with the side window tint, it's already dark enough without auto dim side mirrors too...

Yeah, I think I'll have to "blind" the sensor, tired putting my hand to the sensor and viola, I can see again the side mirrors.... darn... was hoping the wiring would be separate for the mirrors.

 

[jwah]

In this case you might try to partially blind it. You try to put a tape that partially cover it, or make a pin hole with tape for cosmatic purpose. Let say cover 20% 30%... I think the auto dim may kick in ONLY once a very bright headlight right from behind. To reduce the sensitivity. You may need a second car at behind at night.

 

[shlim8]

In this case you might try to partially blind it. You try to put a tape that partially cover it, or make a pin hole with tape for cosmatic purpose. Let say cover 20% 30%... I think the auto dim may kick in ONLY once a very bright headlight right from behind. To reduce the sensitivity. You may need a second car at behind at night.

jwah, that's a very excellent idea - to reduce the sensitivity of the sensor. The sensor seems to be overly sensitive now, autodimming as long as I have a car behind me at night ! Probably get a tape and punch a smaller hole in the center - can try to use the leather hole puncher. Just need to look around for something presentable to use as blackout tape and something I can easily remove in future.

 

[HT7]

Can stick a smiley face sticker on it and punch 2 holes on the eye