Boston Driver

So I take a minute last night before bed to install the mirror on the driver's side. I got these mirrors (heated and autodimming) from eBay Germany. The seller listed as for the A4/S4 (B5) as well as the A6 (B4? I figured it was the Euro version of the C5...), so I figure "what the heck!" I know that the A4/S4 (B5) mirrors are the same size (other than the years with the "Nemo" smaller size on the passenger side), so I felt okay trying these out.

<b>Installation</b>

After I pop off my old mirror, I notice a slightly different shape. To make a long story even longer (which is typical for me), the mirror is the wrong size. Fits in the housing just fine, but there is about a 1/2" gap in the upper-inboard corner. There is no impact on safety, since the upper corner simply reflects the side of the car or the sky anyway.

Went to bed a bit disappointed...

<b>IMPROVED VISIBILITY!!!</b>

So on my way to work with this mis-fit mirror installed, I am feeling a bit cross-eyed every time I go to check the side mirror. Kind of a weird sensation because of the convex image on the extreme outer edge. As I look to shift lanes, I position myself so I have a car in my blindspot in the lane to my left, look in the mirror, and BINGO, there it is in the mirror. Cool!

As I run in the fast lane (which my wife affectionately calls "in the groove") I can see the highway barrier looking like it is curving behind the car.

<b>The final result...</b>

Despite the improved visibility for the blindspot, I am not going to keep these. The wiring harness is showing because of the gap, and I figure since I spent a good deal of $$ on the RS6 mirror mousings, why blemish the look with less-than-perfect fitting mirrors.

With that said, does anyone know which modles this mirror really fits? Maybe previous version A6? Which model A4? Anyone have any ideas so I can relist these with the proper model referenced?

Sorry audiSean, keeping my stock driver's side mirror ((

And now, for some pictures:

This is the stock...
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/hliu55/DSC01263.jpg">

for comparison, the blindspot mirror...
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/hliu55/DSC01259.jpg">

and the two next to each other for comparison.
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/hliu55/DSC01260.jpg">

FYI - The mirror fits perfectly in the silver C4 A6 that you can see in the second picture, so I know that the driver's side mirror fits in that model.

There is no Audi part number on the back, but it has all the same OEM wires and connections. It has one green sticker on the back that reads "GENTEX GMBH 415 063.03" I don't have the right side mirror with me today (it is at home).

I would appreciate any help in deciphering which Audi models these mirrors will fit. Thanks in advance for your help!

ThreeTTwo

Rats. Too bad. Can you photo them before demounting?

I'd seen the (presumably) correct ones FS on Martyn's catalog at Vagparts -- and winced at the cost, though he's a great bloke and I've ordered more than a thing or two from him with happy results.

Time to bite the bullet and email Martyn? Like you, I found that once I've driven with them, I can't go back...

Boston Driver

My eyes still hurt from the weird image...but I see the plus in safety. Not sure I want to spend 179 euros for one mirror, and I am unwilling to give up the heated and autodimming feature.

absolutcq20v

Doh! Snap some photos before you remove it...just for comparison to the housing.

ThreeTTwo

Was I hallucinating before?

And no, don't give up the heat and self-dimming. I never liked auto-dimming mirrors -- until I had my A6. And now I love 'em.

But I'm still holding out hope that there's a less-pricey way for North Americans to get hold of these!

Boston Driver

<ul><li><a href="https://sslrelay.com/s74326199.oneandoneshop.co.uk/sess/utn;jsessionid=15406047db4883c/shopdata/0010_Audi/0130_Allroad/0010_Exterior/0060_Mirrors/product_details.shopscript?article=0030_Allroad%2B auto%2Bdim%2BLH%2Bblindspot%2Bmirror%

ThreeTTwo

TeddyBGame has an extensive cross-fitting list on his sig links (have to confess I just skimmed them).

Are Allroad housings the same size as your/my C5's? According to TeddyB, they are... and that means that Martyn/Vagparts have them.

Search "blind spot mirror".

MikekiM@PureMS

I can certainly get the correct PN, and figure out what you've got.

PaulW

I imported these mirrors years ago.....the 97-99 A8's came with the small right side mirror (Nemo series) and the 00 and later's came with the newer 175mm size on each side.

You have the 175mm on each side.

The difference is that both the left and right side mirror changed, even though at first look the left side mirror appeared to stay the same.

It's still 175mm, but a different shape. I believe you were shipped the lower one, but you need the upper one to fit your mirror housing.

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/upgrades/mirror2.JPG">

I replaced a delaminating mirror years ago, I would never go back to a non convex mirror again.....you do have to get use to it, takes about a week. Either look to the left or the right of the line....if you look at both you'll get a headache.

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/upgrades/mirror3.JPG">

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/upgrades/mirror4.JPG">

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/upgrades/mirror5.JPG">

Boston Driver

The mirrors I have look like the lower one you pictured, pre-00.

I will try to get the part numbers later and post them here.