Autodim Mirror

[Marc01]

BradMa do you have an update on this yet?

[bradams]

My 'new' Volvo was already in stock in the UK, which is why it came without the autodim mirror. A real black mark against Volvo here (and don't get me started on the folding mirrors!! But that's another story).

After speaking to the dealership techie, who confirmed that a software patch (costing £15!) was required (and available), I ordered an autodim mirror kit and I am just going to experiment with it. However I haven't been back in to pick it up yet.

I'll keep you posted.

[tt82]

You lads really need to get the compass as well, then you can enjoy your passengers asking why it says '5' on your mirror. You then get to explain that it is actually an 'S' which stands for South and it is an inbuilt compass and see the surprise on their faces.

Though a part of me does wonder why they only ever see S and not SE, E, NE ,N ,NW, W or SW? Do they disregard it, is it chance or am I stuck in some sort of rip in the space time continuum that means I can only ever travel South?

[Derek UK]

It just means that the mirror is going south................

[OldCroc]

Originally Posted by bradams

My 'new' Volvo was already in stock in the UK, which is why it came without the autodim mirror. A real black mark against Volvo here (and don't get me started on the folding mirrors!! But that's another story).

After speaking to the dealership techie, who confirmed that a software patch (costing £15!) was required (and available), I ordered an autodim mirror kit and I am just going to experiment with it. However I haven't been back in to pick it up yet.

I'll keep you posted.

Br - i am also interested in the folding mirros. I am sure the motors must be in there already.
Are you aware of this website? http://www.volvotech.eu/Audio

[bradams]

I've finally got to the end of my 'autodim mirror' saga, so here's an update for everyone who took an interest.

I took a punt and bought then fitted a Volvo autodim mirror. My dealer was good enough to try to install the designated software upgrade, but it did not 'take', so that avenue was a dead end.

I then bought a Gentex autodim mirror (which only requires a 12v supply) and fitted it by combining its ball-swivel end with my original Volvo mounting. I sawed the ball off the Volvo bracket and part of the adjuster 'tube' off the Gentex unit, then bonded the one inside the other. I tensioned the ball (to stiffen the adjustment) with a small plate bolted inside the bracket - sorry, I should have photographed it before refitting; send me a pm if you want a diagram - and the whole thing installed perfectly.

Wiring was a bit of a chore, feeding it though the roof lining then carefully removing the A-post trim so as to keep the wires away from the pillar airbag. Then down via the dashboard and tunnel to the 12v socket in the rear central cubby hole ('cause its the only one that is hidden plus works only with the ignition on). That way I also kept clear of any cam-bus implications. I wish manufacturers would put 12v supplies in the dashboard for accessories. Where do they think you are going to plug your sat-nav in? (I included a 'cigar socket' in the aforementioned wiring below the dashboard.)

The whole exercise was a complete success, made so not least by the fact that the two mirrors still cost me less than Volvo's 'factory option'!

I made my annoyance about why a mirror couldn't be dealer-fitted known to Volvo, but they just referred me back to my 'expert' dealer ... who was as much in the dark about why as me.

Sorry I did not get back to you, Villarsch; I didn't get the usual email telling me there had been a post. The car I chose was already in stock in the UK, which is why it didn't come with an autodim mirror as actually ordered.

[Marc01]

Thanks for the update Bradams, seems such fuss to not be able to simply plug and play the autodim mirror, especially as it relies on no logic and function only by sensing light level outside with its built in sensor.

[bradams]

Originally Posted by Marc01

Thanks for the update Bradams, seems such fuss to not be able to simply plug and play the autodim mirror, especially as it relies on no logic and function only by sensing light level outside with its built in sensor.

I completely agree. That's what the Gentrex does.

Although my previous two Volvos both had autodim mirrors (so I never remember to 'flick the tab'), I think I did this mod more out of frustration than necessity.

[chiptivo]

I miss my auto diming mirror, and have been told by my dealer that as long as it is the standard auto dimming mirror (not the one with the home call). It is a standard swap with no changes.
We even had a look at the standard fit mirror and the cabling is already to go.

Interesting that you struggled. :/

I will wait for now, will regret it in the winter I'm sure.

[conedia]

You have given me hope chiptivo. After reading here and on other Volvo blogs that it wasn't even possible to retrofit an auto dim mirror on the V40 (or if it was it was going to cost a small fortune), I will pop along to my Volvo dealer this week and see what they say.

Having said that, I also phoned Motor Mods (came up on a Google search), and they said that it was very likely possible, especially as my car had the auto lights/auto wipers, but they would get back to me in a few minutes to confirm. That was 4 hours ago....