TeddyBGame

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/32631/euro_blind_spot_mirror.jpg"></center><p>
Well, I've seen these advertised on several group buys etc...so I thought, "what the heck, I'll give them a shot”. I apologize in advance for the dirty picture of my mirror.

The highlights:
- Very easy DIY installation. You can handle each side in 45 minutes (tops)
- Fairly inexpensive...unless you have auto-dimming mirrors (see below)
- I only installed the drivers' side mirror. After a month of use, I plan on buying the passenger side.

Bottom-line: Has made a noticeable difference when navigating in traffic (most of my driving is on the highway). These will probably make a bigger difference if you drive a lot in the city.

Description (I pulled this from another website): Why these mirrors aren't available outside of Europe, we may never know. The Blindspot Mirror Glass adds safety and security to your vehicle, allowing you to see objects both near, far, and in areas that are normally easy to miss. While basically normal by all appearances, these European Blindspot Mirrors are curved (aspherical) at the outermost edges, allowing for greater range of view.


Fitment for Models/Years: C5 A6/S6/RS6/allroad MY1998-2004
(FYI - the mirror glass from a B5 A4 (MY1999.5-2001) and B5 S4 (MY2000-2002) is the same glass/part used in the C5 A6.)
- C5 A6 MY1998-1999 (those with the smaller passenger/right side mirror. For this car, I am not sure if someone offers a blind spot mirror for the smaller exterior mirror. You might need to install an exterior mirror housing from a newer C5 A6. Sorry, other than that…I can‼sup&gt;TM&lt;/sup&gt;t help you there (hint: search the forum for any details from those that have done it in the past).
- C5 A6 / S6 / RS6 MY1999.5-2004 (V6 and V8 models all have the same exterior mirrors)
- C5 allroad MY2001-2005 (V6 and V8 models all have the same exterior mirrors. I believe that only www.Vagparts.com offer the allroad versions)

Part numbers (via vagparts.com) for C5 A6/S6/RS6 (1998-2004) FYI - I used the part#'s that they gave me for the B5 A4 1999-2001 as they share the common part; also a part# starting in 4B0-XXX-XXX might work).
Auto-dimming, heated version
- Left/drivers' side: part#8D0-857-535H
- Right/passenger side: part#8D0-857-536H

NONE auto-dimming, heated version
- Left/drivers' side: part# 8D0-857-535E
- Right/passenger side: part# 8D0-857-536E

Part numbers for C5 allroad MY2001-2005 (via vagparts.com)
Auto-dimming, heated version
- Left/drivers' side: part# 4Z7-857-535A
- Right/passenger side: part# 4Z7-857-536J

NONE auto-dimming, heated version
- Left/drivers' side: part# 4Z7-857-535B
- Right/passenger side: part# 4Z7-857-536D

C6 A6 from 2005 - ?:
C6 A6 MY2005+ ? I believe the B6 A4/S4 (and possibly the D3 A8) share the same size/shape exterior mirrors...but I'm not positive (I posted the question on the C6 A6 forum a month ago…and I didn't get a response). In this scenario, you could add the euro blind spot mirrors as they are listed on www.Vagparts.com (both auto-dim and non auto-dim) under the parts section for the B6 A4/S4 (MY2002-2004).

Part numbers (via vagparts.com) for C6 A6 (and possibly S6/RS6…when available):
Auto-dimming, heated version
- Left/drivers' side: part# 8E0-857-535H
- Right/passenger side: part# 8E0-857-536H

NONE auto-dimming, heated version
- Left/drivers' side: part# 8E0-857-535E
- Right/passenger side: part# 8E0-857-536E

What if I have exterior auto-dimming mirrors?:
Chances are, most of the C5 A6 owners have the convenience package with interior/exterior auto-dimming mirrors. I've noticed that the auto-dim blind spot mirrors are ridiculously expensive (Ouch! $500+ for a pair). Incidentally, the dealer charges $200/each for a replacement auto-dimming mirror (non euro blind spot).

Based on my research via the Bentley schematics, the three (two exterior and one interior) auto-dimming mirrors all work in concert together to adjust the dimming of all three. You might ask, "how do you know this?"...well my 2001 A6 didn't have the convenience package...and I REALLY wanted the interior auto-dimming mirror. Well, back in June 2002, Achtuning was running a Group Buy for the interior auto-dimming compass mirror for $200. What a bargain! (If you search on achtuning.com you will see the compass mirror listed for $250..but it is backordered). I then consulted the schematics in my Bentley manual and spent some time on the phone with the Audi parts department to figure out what parts I needed and how to hook it up. If anyone would like to add an interior auto-dimming mirror (and/or compass version) to their A6...just drop me an email (teddybgame@hotmail.com). I can send you the parts info for the wires/connectors etc. See also this great article by Joshua (<a href="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/int36.shtml">Compass Mirror Tech Article</a>)

Behind the exterior mirrors you will find a separate wiring harness (two wires - see link/pix)
that connect to the perimeter black membrane of the mirror. FYI - this black membrane is auto-dimming sensor.
<img src="http://www.pccchicago.com/images/paul/mp29.JPG">


I don't see why you wouldn't be able to just disconnect those wires and install none auto-dimming [euro blind spot mirrors]. Of course, all C5 A6's have heated mirrors, so these are all heated as well.

Thoughts after 1 month of use (based only on drivers' side):
This mirror has already saved my a$$ twice while driving on the Mass Pike (Boston area). If you drive with these mirrors....then drive another car (i.e. your spouse's car), it will be a bit disorienting. I've grown accustomed to that added visibility...but when I go to drive my wife's 2005 Pacifica....I need to take some time to adjust. Of course, you could always just buy euro blind spot mirrors for both cars. Problem: solved! On the flipside, if someone (i.e. your spouse) else drives your car, then he/she will need to adjust to this convex lens as well...because it takes a little while to adjust to them.

Related posts (for those savvy enough to use the "search" function):
<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/tt/msgs/607582.phtml">related post</a>
<a href="http://www.toolworks.com/bilofsky/boxster/mirrors.html">related post</a>
<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/242383.phtml">related post</a>
<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/110989.phtml">related post</a>

<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/514669.phtml">Installation fitment post</a>



Source:
(Dear Forum Moderators: Before you decide to delete this post...please keep in mind that I only listed sources that are advertisers on Audiworld)
- Achtuning (AW advertiser): Not sure...as I could only find the version for the TT on their website.

- Stratmosphere (AW advertiser):
<a href="http://www.stratmosphere.com/audi_mirrors_and_housings1.htm">Stratmosphere</a>

- EP Importers: http://www.epimporters.com/products/description.php?II=93

- VAG parts - they offer the allroad and the C5 A6 version (located under the 1999-2001 B5 A4 grouping) - (www.vagparts.com) Enter Online Shop/Product Overview/Audi etc. www.vagparts.com
https://sslrelay.com/s74326199.oneandoneshop.co.uk/sess/utn;jsessionid=1542419c21857c3/shopdata/index.shopscript

- ECS Tuning:
http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?make=Audi&amp;engine=2.7T&amp;mod el=B5%20S4&amp;submodel=Avant&amp;category=Exterio r

- Pure Motorsport
http://www.pure-motorsport.com/products/category.php/CA=562/PA=1

Links to helpful installation information (very easy job):
<a href="http://www.stratmosphere.com/Installation%20instructions%20TT%20Mirrors.pdf">In stallation post</a>
<a href="http://www.audipages.com/upgrades/chromemirrorold.html">Installation post</a>

I hope this was useful for you. I tried to cover every possible question that the forum (nooB's and veterans) could ask of me.

Standard Disclaimer: I am not associated with any of the companies that sell/import these mirrors. You assume all responsibility for any damage or unsatisfactory result obtained by following this modification. Please read it all beforehand, just to make sure you understand the implications of this modification and how it will impact your driving ability.

- Ted (Go Celtics!!)

Boston Driver

because I kept seeing your references to the blindspot. I'll let you know when they come in so you can check them out. Price too low to advertise here!

MCH 2.7t

Great (and extensive) write-up!

Grapeking

of course you did.... one more mod, coming up!

Boston Driver

Of course..for safety ))

kpereyra

Apparently you're fluent in German and Ebay-sien. What might the less fluent of us look for?

TeddyBGame

I had to follow-up with your dynamat install. Nice work...BTW.

ECMEsq.

we owned one right after they came out (fall '02?) and it took some getting used to, particularly when you are in the passenger seat and try to look out the passenger side mirror. In general, however, it is a useful option. I don't know why other marques don't offer them in the U.S.

Kimchee

another EXCELLENT write up!

Boston Driver

which will give you results for internal and external mirrors, external mirror glass, as well as mirror housings.

Then, you have to find a seller willing to ship "weltweit" = worldwide, or contact the seller, use an on-line translation (like Google language tools), and of course, apologize for the poor grammar.

Happy hunting!!!