Auto-Dimming mirror question

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Crix

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I just picked up a 2004 325i and absolutely love it [see previous post]. It did not come with the premium package, so I had the dealer install the auto dimming rear view mirror as a stand alone option.

For some reason though it doesn't seem to be working. Its simply not dimmed when driving at night. (I previously drove a vehicle with this feature and know by comparison that the one I have on the new bimmer is not working)

The installed mirror in my new vehicle has the little "eye" on the top center, so I know its the auto dimming model. To be sure, I tested it against the original rear view mirror (which I asked for) and there is no difference between the two.

Do I need to "activate" it somehow?

Thanks again in advance.
 
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dm_longhorn

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My friends and I were drinking some beers and we got into the whole dimming mirror bit.

Not really, but I don't think activation is the problem... Look at it... any buttons to push?

I really can't help on this one.. but I sure can provide some moral support. Good Luck.


brb, beer
 
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Crix

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I'm guessing the 325i without premium package is not pre-wired to send an electrical current to the electrochromic mirror (could be wrong) and the dealer simply did not know about this requriement.

Any other takers?
 
3

330i and like it

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Go back to the dealer! There are no buttons to press and nothing to active on the auto dimming mirrir, I just could be faulty. I would find it hard to believe that it would get installed without a power source, but who know's
 
fins

fins

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it's definetely faulty or "not activated". i have that mirror too and it works just fine. one way to test it (from what i read in the manual) is to rotate the 'clown nose' under the mirror.. but it doesn't seem to turn on my car o_0
 
bmwrocks

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The clown nose on the auto mirror doesn't rotate because that feature is to angle the mirror. No need on an auto mirror for the anti-glare angle. The clown nose is fixed on an auto dimming mirror.

The thing is electrical. Maybe you have to add a fuse for it? Some of the fuse slots are left open if a car doesn't have a need for powering a circuit. Check your fuse bank in the glove box to see if there is a separate circuit for the mirror missing a fuse?
 
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Crix

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bmwrocks is absolutely right. The clown nose on the non-dimming mirror (no fish eye) rotates. The auto dimming clown nose does not. (I asked for the original mirror back). I'm going to check the fuses today.

I'm also going to try and see the dealer today.
 
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Crix

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It looks like there are two fuses that need to be plugged in for the electrochromic mirror. The dealer only put in one. I've put the other one in using a spare, but we'll see later tonight if it works when I test it...

I just hope the feature doesn't have to be turned on by computer, and if so, I hope the dealer did it and just forgot to put in the second fuse.

more to come...
 
bmwrocks

bmwrocks

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Crix said:
It looks like there are two fuses that need to be plugged in for the electrochromic mirror. The dealer only put in one. I've put the other one in using a spare, but we'll see later tonight if it works when I test it...

I just hope the feature doesn't have to be turned on by computer, and if so, I hope the dealer did it and just forgot to put in the second fuse.

more to come...
Click to expand...
Good deal on the fuses. I hope that fixes it.

I know the mirror works by comparing light levels coming into the two sensors (1 front, 1 back). I think it does this in the mirror electronics, not in the vehicle computer, so you should be OK there.
 
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Crix

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Doesn't work.... =/.

I was actually thinking that the BMW techs may have to plug in their handheld diagnostic tool (don't know what its called, but its VAG-COM for Audi's. Its the same thing that swtiches on or off the DRL feature) to switch on the auto dimming feature. I'm concerned that a 325i without premium package doesn't have this option though. I'm going to call my dealer tomorrow.
 
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Ozam

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[bigcry] I am having the exact same problem with my autodim/compass mirrror. Apparently, if you do no have the rain sensor, the autodim and compass features do not recieve any power and do NOT work. BMW sells a wiring harness to fix this problem but the dealers in Atlanta have not/did not know about this option and will not quote me on how long/how expensive it will be to install it!!?? It appears somewhat complicated. This is after wasting 1.5 hours at a dealer who had no idea why the mirror didn't work! I've read about quick fixes using the UGDO wires but unfortunately there are no DIY posted anymore. Does anyone know more about this situation?
 
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Bimmerlife

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I think this option is absolutely a waste of time and money. Also the rain sensor for wipers. I think I still know when to turn on my wipers. [idea]

And the price of $3,300 for this little options plus the moonroof is way too much.
 
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snowcrash

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The rain sensor does more than just turn them on. It automatically adjusts the speed which is very useful in stop and go traffic (more rain when you go fast, less when you are stopped). It makes it so you don't have to constantly adjust your wiper speed. =)
 
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TheBry

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snowcrash said:
The rain sensor does more than just turn them on. It automatically adjusts the speed which is very useful in stop and go traffic (more rain when you go fast, less when you are stopped). It makes it so you don't have to constantly adjust your wiper speed. =)
Click to expand...
I have this feature, and it's a bit more involved (and valuable) than you say. Not only does it adjust the wiper speed based on how fast you're driving, but it also adjusts the frequency of wipes (regardless of whether at a stand-still or driving) based on the amount of water hitting the windshield. That little blue patch on the glass behind the mirror measures drops of water and adjusts the frequency of wipes accordingly. That's what makes it so cool. I'm sure I could live without it... and without the auto dimming feature... but I like not having to fidget with these controls -- I just let the car take care of this stuff so I can focus on the road.
 
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