Anyone have an auto-dimming rear view mirror that actually works?

**crespo** · Saturday 20th February 2010, 20:20

anyone know if these can be retro fitted to an s model s60 with the normal manual type. my finger can no longer take the strain. ;-)

**Al115** · Saturday 20th February 2010, 21:05

Maybe. But will involve dealer to code the computer in the mirror.

**Flash B** · Saturday 20th February 2010, 23:00

It would probably be cheaper to buy a new car with one already fitted

**Al115** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 11:23

In case anyone cares, here's a photo showing the difference between early and late Phase 2 auto-dimming rear view mirrors... they have an amazing amount of electronics in them....

**S60-MBS** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 11:32

IIRC you cant retro fit auto dim mirror to early phase 2 cars as the mirror also contains the CEM the main brain of the car.The newer cars post 2004/5 had CEM relocated to bulkhead.

**Al115** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 12:01

My Phase 2 is an early one (2001) and doesn't have the CEM in the mirror...?

**S60-MBS** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 12:18

Originally Posted by Al115

My Phase 2 is an early one (2001) and doesn't have the CEM in the mirror...?

Possibly another Volvo randomness thingymagig,I was told by maindealer I cant have retro fit as I will need software worth more than the mirror itself.

**Al115** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 12:32

LOL, I love it when they say that.

**crespo** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 14:51

Surely all you need is to swap the mirror to a auto dim unit and possibly take power from the interior light as all it needs is a power source to make the thing dim. All the electrics etc are already in the mirror. All it needs is a power source. I cant think what software you would need to get it to work. Its not like you are adding Fogs which require a switch.
I did this mod to my old mk3 Mondeo and it was pretty much a straight swap. But then this is a Volvo.

**Al115** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 15:01

You're logical, but Volvo ain't.

Look at my photos above to see how complex the damn thing is - it's more than two LDRs and an electro-chromic mirror...

**Al115** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 15:02

That said... you could probably hack one together on the basis you described, and just not "tell the car" about it!

If you want the electronics out of my one to try, you're welcome. They were just about to go in the bin... er... recycling centre. Just pay the postage and it's yours.

Mirror glass is intact but has a huge air bubble in it which is why I replaced it, you can have that too if you want to play around.

**crespo** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 15:28

Originally Posted by Al115

That said... you could probably hack one together on the basis you described, and just not "tell the car" about it!

If you want the electronics out of my one to try, you're welcome. They were just about to go in the bin... er... recycling centre. Just pay the postage and it's yours.

Mirror glass is intact but has a huge air bubble in it which is why I replaced it, you can have that too if you want to play around.

Thanks for the offer but i think it would be easier to source a second hand mirror with the interior light unit still attached because at least that way if it goes tits up i can still put my old mirror back on.
You should be able to do it as all it needs is power which the constant live from the interior light would supply. The only reason i can think you would need a software update is to turn it off when you select reverse. And the mirror would be permanently on but unless you park the car on a motorway overnight it should be ok as it wont be dimming in your drive and will not use any power.
I shall persevere and report back my findings.

**Al115** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 16:23

It detaches from the interior light fitting! But whatever's easiest. Good luck!

**mexybhouy** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 22:41

Originally Posted by Jaseb77

mines is fine too,

Another Posh Git!!!!! lol!
Can they be retro fitted to a 1998 v70? if so what model from?
Sorry Jase, could'nt resist that one!!!

**abdul** · Sunday 21st February 2010, 23:43

how do u check if its auto dimming

**Al115** · Monday 22nd February 2010, 00:18

It will be a deep mirror (about 2" or so) and have a sensor in the back and a sensor in the front (above the mirror, to the right of the red flashing warning light that you get when you haven't got your seatbelt on). And it will go dim when someone drives up behind you at night!

**siamblue** · Monday 22nd February 2010, 01:44

Also it has a green light on the front to tell you it is on, well mine does..

Gary.

**LeeT5** · Tuesday 23rd February 2010, 02:16

Originally Posted by S60-MBS

Possibly another Volvo randomness thingymagig,I was told by maindealer I cant have retro fit as I will need software worth more than the mirror itself.

Yeah, and we always believe what the dealer tells you!

BTW, my auto dim mirror works very bloody well i'll have you know. When you look in it at night everyone behind you looks as thou they have very dim HIDS. Then you look in the side mirror and they haven't...just crappy halogens.

**p fandango** · Tuesday 23rd February 2010, 04:07

Originally Posted by crespo

Surely all you need is to swap the mirror to a auto dim unit and possibly take power from the interior light as all it needs is a power source to make the thing dim. All the electrics etc are already in the mirror. All it needs is a power source. I cant think what software you would need to get it to work. Its not like you are adding Fogs which require a switch.
I did this mod to my old mk3 Mondeo and it was pretty much a straight swap. But then this is a Volvo.

i have read a write-up on an internet site about a race team who brought an S60R, stripped the interior in preperation but couldn't get the car to start after. Turned out the ECU wouldn't let the engine start because they hadn't put the mirror back in

**p fandango** · Tuesday 23rd February 2010, 04:08

Originally Posted by siamblue

Also it has a green light on the front to tell you it is on, well mine does..

haven't noticed it on Bonny

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