I was just wondering if they rewired the '99 models so that the heating element in the heated mirrors only turns on with the defrost? or did some other modifications? If they didn't, this would keep me from ordering the all-weather package.<p>de<p>

But since you brought it up, you would let this keep you from getting the all-weather package?<p>There has been a small vocal minority of people that have had problems with their mirrors. Compared to the number of A4's in use, this is a small issue.<p>You are willing to give up the rest of the package (heated seats, heated drivers door lock, heated washer nozzles, ski sack) because the mirrors *might* have a problem? I think you're blowing this out of proportion.<p>Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.<br>

I live in California, so I would only be buying the all-weather package for the ski-sack to ski up at Lake Tahoe. Everything else is just extra stuff to me, but since the heated mirrors are standard now, it's no longer an issue. <p>My original question wasn't answered though, was the problem fixed or do these mirrors still run all the time?

c

You perceive this as being "broken" or at least, needing to be fixed.<p>I don't think Audi holds this view.<p>Buy the car. Any model. Any engine. Any options. You will love it!<br>

Looking at the list of TSB there is 66-98-01 titled "Outside Rear-view Mirrors, Heating Conditions." Does it mention if the mirrors are temperature activated or on all the time. <p>Mine are on probably all the time, since they get warm when its 80F outside. Already had one replaced.<p>Paul<p>98.5 2,8 QMS

c

Drew I don't know what year A4 you own but the majority (99%) of A4's have the mirrors on all the time! They "ALL" degrade with time and usually become worthless for people who live in the snow/ice belt until they are replaced. I had 4 replaced in 2 years until I rewired them to come on with the rear defroster switch. New mirrors have a heating grid resistance of 6 to 9 ohms and will increase to 100 to 600 ohms in less than 6 months when powered constantly. From 6/9 to 100/600 ohms, you figure how much heating ability you are loosing!<p>All Audi has to do is redesign the mirror heaters to last longer. Really a simple task, but I guess they are more happy to shell out tons of money to dealers for warranty repairs.<p>If you look at older A4 brochures you will find that the mirrors have "defog" features. Not deice! They knew they had problems and it just amazes me that the '96 A4 had mirrors contolled by the rear defroster switch that lst forever! Infact, my '97, '98 and maybe '99 A4's have the same '96 rear defrost switch with the mirror power terminal available but they didn't use it!!!!!