As it says really. Regular readers will know of my love / hate relationship with my new Octy 3 VRS - it's a great car all-round, but Jeez, some of the 'tech' features are leaving me frustrated and really testing me!

 

I've decided that I will try and stick with it, enjoy the things I like about it, and change the things that I hate!

 

Amongst the real hate features for me is the bloody auto-dimming rear view mirror. It's useless, it doesn't dim anywhere near enough for me. I can see it dimming, yes, so I know it's working, but it's just not good enough. It's nowhere near as effective as the old-school manual dip mirrors. Especially when I get something high-up behind me like a Range Rover, with retina-melting HID's. Well, that's my opinion anyway - maybe I just have sensitive eyes or something, I dunno.

 

I've taken to grabbing the entire mirror unit and swivelling the whole flipping thing down now, just to get some relief! Totally impractical, as I am sure you'd agree.

 

So, question is, do you guys reckon I can get a normal manual mirror out of another Mk. 3, and swap it out for this one? What will happen if I disconnect the thing, will it throw up a warning light and chuck the ECU into a spazz if it's missing? Or do you reckon it won't make any difference and the car won't notice?

 

Finally, if any members fancy fitting an auto-dip mirror to their cars as an 'upgrade' and wants to swap with me for their normal unit, then let us know :D

 

Cheers!

 

 

I agree entirely, and raised this issue here a few days ago. 

 

What I have decided, as an experiment, is to cover over the sensor on the rear of the mirror, perhaps with a piece of sticky tape. Then to dim the mirror I can just switch it on, switch off to return to normal. 

 

K

Be careful that the sensor on the back of the mirror isn't used for other functions.

 

I think most of the extra technology on the MkIII is up on the top of the windscreen (lane assist and traffic recognition camera together with the rain/wiper and headlight sensors) so you should be OK.

I agree entirely, and raised this issue here a few days ago. 

 

What I have decided, as an experiment, is to cover over the sensor on the rear of the mirror, perhaps with a piece of sticky tape. Then to dim the mirror I can just switch it on, switch off to return to normal. 

 

K

 

Surely the sensor is on the front of the mirror, isn't it on the actual mirror glass?

 

Having the sensor on the rear of the mirror would have it dimming with oncoming traffic rather than those behind you.

As I understand it, there is a sensor on the front of the mirror, at the bottom (by which I mean the one which sees lights from behind)  and one on the rear of the mirror (by which I mean the one which detects 'ambient' light from ahead. Covering the rear sensor will fool the mirror into thinking that is is very dark outside and any light from behind will make it dim. 

 

I think

There is a simple experiment. Sit in the car, ignition on, normal daylight, and put your finger behind the mirror to cover the rear sensor. The mirror will dim (if it's switched on)

Also consider fitting tint film to the rear windows or blinds.

Tinting the windows will reduce the amount of light entering the cabin but it will also reduce the effectiveness (even more) of the dimming rear view mirror.

 

There have been a few complaints from owners of cars with the factory fitted sunset glass on the performance of the dimming rear view mirrors.

Tint the rear view mirror with some film.

I've got the vanstyle blinds on the hatch and rear doors of my car. It really keeps the dazzle down. Haven't had to dip my manual mirror so far.