Folding mirrors on most cars fold relatively flush with the window glass. On the Q5, however, there's not much folding going on. It seems to swivel (as opposed to fold) and saves - what - something like 1-2 inches max. Kind of defeats the purpose. Thoughts?

I have ordered fording mirrors. I thought the same as you so I went to the dealer and tried them out. I took some pictures from the border of the car and when the mirrors was folded they (nearly) didnt stick out. The reason is that the car goes in (slope) at top and the mirrors goes upwards. Anywone else who have thougths?

Folding mirrors on most cars fold relatively flush with the window glass. On the Q5, however, there's not much folding going on. It seems to swivel (as opposed to fold) and saves - what - something like 1-2 inches max. Kind of defeats the purpose. Thoughts?

I agree completely. I was shocked when, during a test drive, I folded the mirrors in and saw how little space this folding feature saved. Why even bother? This is a wasted/poorly implemented feature on the Q5. It’s a nice luxury crossover—maybe even the best one out there in terms of driving experience, but it still has considerable room for improvement. These “folding mirrors” are one example.

Folding mirrors on most cars fold relatively flush with the window glass. On the Q5, however, there's not much folding going on. It seems to swivel (as opposed to fold) and saves - what - something like 1-2 inches max. Kind of defeats the purpose. Thoughts?

They get out of the way a little more than that- 5-6 inches by my measure. You also have to consider the Q5 mirrors are HUGE! That's a great deal of mirrored real estate you need to move out of the way, but your point taken.

Some bad quality pictures:

I just got my Q5...and i have a really damn question...i am not sure if my mirrors fold electrically or manually...i don’t want the try the manually until I’m sure they are.

Where is the button for folding them electrically located ?

10x :)

Where is the button for folding them electrically located ?

There should be a small icon at the 6-o'clock position on the mirror adjustment knob.

The same button on the drivers door that adjusts the mirror position. Just rotate it to the "down" or "back" facing position. Or set it in the Car/Setup so they fold automatically when you lock the car.

phxflyboy

Thanks edwyun & phxflyboy, ill have a look

I agree completely. I was shocked when, during a test drive, I folded the mirrors in and saw how little space this folding feature saved. Why even bother? This is a wasted/poorly implemented feature on the Q5. It’s a nice luxury crossover—maybe even the best one out there in terms of driving experience, but it still has considerable room for improvement. These “folding mirrors” are one example.


What is this whining about the folding mirrors?? :D

This seems to be in category "brake dust crying whining byhyy"

Like my LA friend said at the LAX airport after I landed and walking at the car parking and looking MB with folded mirrors, that "folded mirrors are guys with small penis syndrome to show off they have car with electric mirrors"

I have driven Busses, 18 wheelers, vans and passenger cars around the world and only time my mirror was crashed was with 18 wheeler in Germany when metro bus came too close to me and smashed driver side mirror....

As folded, the outer edge of mirror is as wide as front fender so stop whining and start driving :D:D

Well said kleinbus! None of my prior cars ever had folding mirrors, just the fact that it can do it is cool. It may be a useless feature, but I like it. I'm just enjoying all that's great about the car to worry about what's not. That's why we can buy new cars every once in a while to appreciate all the upgrades and improvements.

I have driven Busses, 18 wheelers, vans and passenger cars around the world and only time my mirror was crashed was with 18 wheeler in Germany when metro bus came too close to me and smashed driver side mirror....

I guess you haven't driven in NYC.

I guess you haven't driven in NYC.


Went through NYC and sure it is busy and traffic is a bit more anoying than down town LA, briefly I could say NYC is my breakfast while Japan (Tokyo and Hokkaido) gave me sweaty palms...

End of this time wasting pissing contest, my "folded mirror as wide as fender" point was that if someone comes that close to your car then the paint will have marks on whole side of the car and not just on mirrors.

Also safety feature of Q5 mirror pivot point, if mirror takes a hit, it rotates on its shaft that is in angle and does not break the window. I got hit to the mirror from oncoming vehicle and as mirror shaft was pretty much paraller with window, mirror slammed against my window and smashed it in...

I got hit to the mirror from oncoming vehicle and as mirror shaft was pretty much paraller with window, mirror slammed against my window and smashed it in...

happened to me too - in NYC.

edwyun is just stating a concern about a feature on his car. I understand your concern, replacing a mirror with electrochromic glass and LED turn signals would be $$$$. Using the word 'whining' 3x in a reply is a bit harsh I think.

Personally I'm glad for this feature. I used to park in a garage with a column in the centre that I had to manouver my mirror around so this would be useful in that instance. Or if the parking spots were tight I would probably fold them before I leave just to avoid scratches etc. Btw I noticed a little LED light at the bottom of the housing for lighting the exterior floor area... cool!

A couple of more pics for anyone interested...

http://forums.audiworld.com/picture.php?albumid=160643&pictureid=218465
http://forums.audiworld.com/picture.php?albumid=160643&pictureid=218464

Using the word 'whining' 3x in a reply is a bit harsh I think.

You gotta remember, he's in Finland and Kansas - need to cut 'em some slack. :p

at the risk of being shunned, I'll chime in now ;) ... When I park my A4 at work I constantly go our to see that someone walked by my car too close and snagged my mirror with thier coat (most likely purse) and flipped my mirror back. This really bugs me and I always think about manually folding my mirrors in manually "next time" but always forget. I like the idea of making this automatic and will use this feature is mine comes with it (Premium Plus + NAV + S-Line + Tech). If it doesn't, well I guess I'll set up a bear track beside my car to snag anyone who get's too close :D

just my 2 cents

at the risk of being shunned, I'll chime in now ;) ... When I park my A4 at work I constantly go our to see that someone walked by my car too close and snagged my mirror with thier coat (most likely purse) and flipped my mirror back. This really bugs me and I always think about manually folding my mirrors in manually "next time" but always forget. I like the idea of making this automatic and will use this feature is mine comes with it (Premium Plus + NAV + S-Line + Tech). If it doesn't, well I guess I'll set up a bear track beside my car to snag anyone who get's too close :D

just my 2 cents
I think (I maybe wrong) all European car came with folding mirror do to luck of good parking spaces.

I think (I maybe wrong) all European car came with folding mirror do to luck of good parking spaces.

Once again us in NA get the shaft ;) They getting us back for WWII? :o

Just kidding Freunde

I think (I maybe wrong) all European car came with folding mirror do to luck of good parking spaces.

european models do not come automatically with folding mirrors. it is an extra to be ordered.

Looking at those pictures, they fold in about 2 to 3 inches on each side.

I never thought much about folding mirrors until we went on vacation to Los Angeles and Anaheim CA. Parking slots compared to the ones we have here in TX are tiny. At a Dodgers game, the only way we could get out of my Lexus was by folding the mirrors.

Also, at a little league baseball game this past summer, one of the coaches carrying a huge equipment bag almost tore off the passenger side mirror. Live and learn!

I have a different take on folding mirrors. To me the mirros are a relatively inexpensive "sacrifice" item so I leave them fully out. In the past I've been casually hit in the mirror twice (while driving through parking lots) by drivers who both admitted it "woke them up" and they swerved before hitting the doors, fenders, etc. I would rather take the risk of having to touch-up or replace a mirror than the whiole side of the car. My 2 cents!

I have a different take on folding mirrors. To me the mirros are a relatively inexpensive "sacrifice" item so I leave them fully out. In the past I've been casually hit in the mirror twice (while driving through parking lots) by drivers who both admitted it "woke them up" and they swerved before hitting the doors, fenders, etc. I would rather take the risk of having to touch-up or replace a mirror than the whiole side of the car. My 2 cents!
I see your point, but in Q5 mirrors is huge (they are from Q7).
And even if I never get hit in the mirror I folded mirror very often in my 3 on parking lot to prevent damage.

I have a different take on folding mirrors. To me the mirros are a relatively inexpensive "sacrifice" item so I leave them fully out. In the past I've been casually hit in the mirror twice (while driving through parking lots) by drivers who both admitted it "woke them up" and they swerved before hitting the doors, fenders, etc. I would rather take the risk of having to touch-up or replace a mirror than the whiole side of the car. My 2 cents!


YIKES! Inexpensive? I had to replace the mirror on my Lexus 350 and price was over $600.00. And the worst part was that the antifreeze leaked out onto my door panel and stained it so bad it had to be professionaly sanded out.

Bob

Those side mirrors are not inexpensive, they are self dimming, heated and with signal light markers.

I know, but compared to having to repair and paint the entire side of the vehicle is what I meant. $600 vs. perhaps $3,000. I live in an area where a lot of drivers navigate by ear; that is, they wait for the sound of hitting you gently to tell them to steer the other way. Sad, but true :<(

I know, but compared to having to repair and paint the entire side of the vehicle is what I meant. $600 vs. perhaps $3,000. I live in an area where a lot of drivers navigate by ear; that is, they wait for the sound of hitting you gently to tell them to steer the other way. Sad, but true :<(

http://www.e90post.com/forums/images/smilies/laughabove.gif

:D:eek::D