Auto- dimming mirrors with compass and temperature

[m_a_t_r_i_x]

anybody here has this option? is it worth having it?? how much is this option from the dealer (parts and labor)

[bluntman]

It interferes with the rain sensor for the automatic wipers so it\'s not offered up here.

[m_a_t_r_i_x]

isnt the sensor for the temp located somewhere below the front bumper? ....then why is it in the accessories brochure for Mazda Canada if that option is not available/offered here??

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by m_a_t_r_i_x


isnt the sensor for the temp located somewhere below the front bumper? ....then why is it in the accessories brochure for Mazda Canada if that option is not available/offered here??
The sensor is under the windshield. The mirror wasn\'t compatible with the rain-sensing option.

[lukel90]

that black square patch on the top of the front windshield is the rain sensor. Hit it with your fingers a few times and you\'ll learn the hard way as i did..

[Xenon]

Yes that is an accessory for our cars, but it\'s meant for the cars like the GX, that don\'t have the RSW.

[Krakilin]

Originally posted by Xenon
Yes that is an accessory for our cars, but it\'s meant for the cars like the GX, that don\'t have the RSW.

OMG, I rather get that then the stupid RSW that doesn\'t even work.

[FLIPDADY]

I would get one as soon as they are available.;)

[ThePartsStore]

Mazda Canada has just anounced that there will be an auto dimmining mirror with compass and temperature available for the Mazda 3 very soon..they have come up with a kit that will enable you to install it with vehicles equipped with rain sensing wipers...

If there many people interested I may do a goup buy on this item when it comes available

All interested parties just PM me and let me know so I can work out the price accordingly

[iconicrocket]

I would be interested in one, depends on the cost though. How much do you think its going to be approximately?

[ThePartsStore]

Won\'t know the pricing until MCI releases the part but I will try to work out a steal of a price for the TM3 members...

[bluntman]

I think I should have a tab at MoT. :D

Kinda like Norm from Cheers.

[ThePartsStore]

Bluntman you\'re always welcome at MoT...:)

[FLIPDADY]

How about a tab at the MTO?

You know when it\'s time to renew my sticker?;)

[civiclad]

Originally posted by ThePartsStore


Mazda Canada has just anounced that there will be an auto dimmining mirror with compass and temperature available for the Mazda 3 very soon..they have come up with a kit that will enable you to install it with vehicles equipped with rain sensing wipers...

If there many people interested I may do a goup buy on this item when it comes available

All interested parties just PM me and let me know so I can work out the price accordingly



I am very very interested. I will PM you.
Thanks

[Zaku_4]

Originally posted by ThePartsStore


Mazda Canada has just anounced that there will be an auto dimmining mirror with compass and temperature available for the Mazda 3 very soon..they have come up with a kit that will enable you to install it with vehicles equipped with rain sensing wipers...

If there many people interested I may do a goup buy on this item when it comes available

All interested parties just PM me and let me know so I can work out the price accordingly



very interesting.

and interested :D

[Mica3SGT]

also interested!:)

[billyfo]

I think the mirror showing at the MoT service waiting area, is the one using for 3.

[RedRaptor]

Dave & Joe,

Any news on this mirror in terms of pricing?

[FLIPDADY]

Parts are still not available.

[Kewlman]

Hey - Thepartstore - count me in too. Thanks.:)

[TheProfessor]

I had the auto dimming mirror in my 6 and while useful I wouldn\'t pay any significant money for it. I say this mirror will be in the $500 neighborhood, which IMO isn\'t worth it (especially if you have an 06 where you already have the ambient temp sensor).

[RedRaptor]

Notice how most of the people who are interested are 04-05 owners? The mirror is not $500 CDN since it retails for $170 USD as an acessory for US models. Unless the new Canadian custom clip puts on another $300 in price, then I don\'t see this being a $500 option. It is probably a $250-$300 option installed by a Mazda dealership. I\'m not saying its worth it, but let\'s not scare off the GB before it happens. ;)

[TheProfessor]

Is it $170USD as an upgrade while purchasing or as a part after the fact? What about install?

[RedRaptor]

The price is an aftermarket one. It was listed as $170 USD with HomeLink and even cheaper without. On Ebay, you can find it for $125 USD to $140 USD depending on how many are posted. Converting the high of $170 USD = approx $210 CDN. I don\'t think the install by a Mazda dealership would cost $300 to make it a $500 option...

[TheProfessor]

Isn\'t the one being offered in this thread a genuine Mazda part? If so, it\'s gonna be considerably more than an aftermarket unit. Either way, I guess we\'ll see soon enough what the price will be, but I still have a feeling it\'s gonna be more $300.

[RedRaptor]

I meant you can get the Geniune OEM Mazda mirror as an aftermarket accessory for your car. I said it would be a $300 option, you\'re the one would said it was going to be $500.

$177 USD from Showcase Mazda USA (http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=225119&siteid =213989&catalogid=3313)

So we\'re at $215 CDN with a (1.22 conversion rate). Add about $100 for dealer installation, which puts us at around $300 CDN.

If you read up a few posts, thats exactly what I said.

[TheProfessor]

Hey, I hope for everyone interested that it costs $100CAD installed, but I\'m just saying I have a feeling it\'s gonna be a lot.

Edit: If you price out a base Mazda6 on mazda.ca you can add the auto-dimming mirror with compass for $307CAD plus tax and install. So on a Mazda6 you\'re at a minimum of about $400, and that doesn\'t include any parts required to work with rain sensing wipers, and the mirror does not have an ambient air temp sensor.

Guess we\'ll just have to wait and see what the Canadian pricing will be.

[iconicrocket]

Originally posted by PSIVIC


I had the auto dimming mirror in my 6 and while useful I wouldn\'t pay any significant money for it. I say this mirror will be in the $500 neighborhood, which IMO isn\'t worth it (especially if you have an 06 where you already have the ambient temp sensor).

I just don\'t see it being in $500 neighborhood for that part. Then again I don\'t work for Mazda of Canada Inc. :sarc Stranger things have happen, like the Mazda5 shift knob thats ~$160. :p

[civiclad]

Guess, if someone really wants this option then a few hundred $$$ will not make a difference.

[TheProfessor]

Originally posted by civiclad


Guess, if someone really wants this option then a few hundred $$$ will not make a difference.


Very true.

[Kewlman]

Could some one suggest any good American parts dealer who can install the mirror on a Canadian Mazda 3, 2005, which has an auto rain sensor. I am travelling to New York/ Jersey and can use the opportunity to have it installed on the way.

[TheProfessor]

You should probably check over at mazda3forums since you can ask some American members or read about past experiences with some dealers in that area. Why not just wait until it\'s available here though?

[ds2chan]

this sounds interesting.. but I don\'t think I\'ll have $300 to blow on something like this.. damn u economy.. give me more money!! :p

[McGuyver_3]

since i role in a 05 gx i was able to get the gentex 51k auto dimming with homecomming temperature and compass mirror cost me about 200 us from ebay it works like a charm except i have not had time to troubleshoot the homecomming ink yet

[Gods Son]

Anybody have a pic of how it looks like?

[Skarbro]

Anybody have a pic of how it looks like?

This is a very late response but...

http://www.mazdastuff.com/custom/productzoom/M3_compass_mirror_B.gif

[b]

My invoice for my 3 had it down (I wanted it) and I was charged for it. It was to be installed at time of delivery. I waited 1 month for it to come in stock and when it did... They couldn't hook it up. Yes. It was due to the wiring & bracket for the auto wipers. This was back in 2003. It took me 2 months to get my money back. Burlington mazda kept saying "we are waiting for a fix from mazda canada" so... long story short... I wanted it and was willing to pay for it. Just couldn't get it at the time... now that it will work with our cars... I could care less. Lost it's appeal.

[Skarbro]

+1

The only thing I was interested in was the compass. But I would rather get a GPS navigator that will tell me direction and so much more for a couple of hundred dollars more.

I could care less about the auto-dimming feature.

[RedRaptor]

I could care less about the auto-dimming feature.

I used to feel the same way. I got mine to get the compass and ambient temp reading (2003-2005 didn't have amb temp reading). Now I love the auto dimming feature especially because the Mazda3s are pretty low from factory, its not hard for mini vans and pick ups trunks to be shooting their headlights straight at your rear view mirror. I can tell the difference because my side mirrors are blinding me while the rearview doesn't.

Blackman: Back in 2003, there was no "fix" for the rain sensor. The problem was these mirrors have the compass at the base of the mirror which conflicted with the rain sensors. Well a little bit of brain work our end solved that. Here is the link to what DonalidTin and I did to fix that issue making the retrofit possible.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=13224

[b]

I used to feel the same way. I got mine to get the compass and ambient temp reading (2003-2005 didn't have amb temp reading). Now I love the auto dimming feature especially because the Mazda3s are pretty low from factory, its not hard for mini vans and pick ups trunks to be shooting their headlights straight at your rear view mirror. I can tell the difference because my side mirrors are blinding me while the rearview doesn't.

Blackman: Back in 2003, there was no "fix" for the rain sensor. The problem was these mirrors have the compass at the base of the mirror which conflicted with the rain sensors. Well a little bit of brain work our end solved that. Here is the link to what DonalidTin and I did to fix that issue making the retrofit possible.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=13224

You are the best... thank you.

(damn... I hit quote and it logged me out and I had to login and come back to this post)

[RedRaptor]

Np man. If you want to tackle this project and need some help, give me a shout. The install is actually quite straight forward. ;)

[b]

Np man. If you want to tackle this project and need some help, give me a shout. The install is actually quite straight forward. ;)

Thanks RedRaptor, I appreciate the offer. I am going to think about this. I kinda wrote it off a few years ago... but now that I know that it is possible... I bet it will eat away at me until I do it. I'll keep ya posted.

[Skarbro]

I used to feel the same way. I got mine to get the compass and ambient temp reading (2003-2005 didn't have amb temp reading). Now I love the auto dimming feature especially because the Mazda3s are pretty low from factory, its not hard for mini vans and pick ups trunks to be shooting their headlights straight at your rear view mirror. I can tell the difference because my side mirrors are blinding me while the rearview doesn't.

Blackman: Back in 2003, there was no "fix" for the rain sensor. The problem was these mirrors have the compass at the base of the mirror which conflicted with the rain sensors. Well a little bit of brain work our end solved that. Here is the link to what DonalidTin and I did to fix that issue making the retrofit possible.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=13224

I assume you didn't buy the one with the install kit for cars with rain sensors?

How fast is the auto dimmer? Is it instantaneous?

[RedRaptor]

In my post that I linked (I'm assuming you didn't even read it), I specified what parts I needed and bought for the install. As I've mentioned, the only reason why the older auto dimming mirrors don't fit is the compass base that is found at the bottom of the mirror stalk. The newer models don't have this compass base because they have probably integrated inside the mirror. All the Rain Sensor Kit is: a new updated cover for your rainsensor, some wire harnesses and some zip ties. I bought the Rain Sensor Kit for the updated cover and if you looked at my pictures, you would have noticed that my rain sensor cover isn't the stock one.

The auto-dimm is instant. There is a light sensor in the back and when the ambient light is low, auto dimm is active. In the morning, it acts like a regular mirror. I've always said this, don't knock it until you've tried it.

EDIT: I don't mean to pick on you...but seriously, you have to actually read my linked post before asking me the same questions that I've already answered.

[Skarbro]

Thanks for the response. I wasn't knocking the auto-dim feature at all. In fact, I've never even seen it before.

I just got a line on one of these things for diiiiirt cheap (newer one without homelink). I'm debating on whether or not it's worth it. I might just jump on it. A compass would be nice.

[Wild Weasel]

When I get a car, this is something I absolutely will be getting. There's a dealer on eBay selling them for a reasonable price.

I've wanted it for years but the Canadian distributer I found a few years back wanted something rediculous (I believe it was around $800) for the aftermarket one.

[JPAV8S4U]

I think it is a nice thing to have in the car... Depending on the price.... 200 is a bit much I think. In reality our M3's have a lot of High-End car toys in them already....I think the mirror would definitely compliment them all! I personally like the LED Side mirrors that had leds front and rear as well auto-fold close and open! but 500US for them is a lot! But I think I might get em one day!

[FLIPDADY]

It's actually not that pricey compared to what other auto manufacturerers charge for the option.

Auto-Dimming Mirror $157.47

Install kit (required) $27.82

[Wild Weasel]

It's actually not that pricey compared to what other auto manufacturerers charge for the option.

Auto-Dimming Mirror $157.47

Install kit (required) $27.82

Is that all they cost through you? What about the one with HomeLink?

It's over $400 on the options list!!

[FLIPDADY]

Is that all they cost through you? What about the one with HomeLink?

It's over $400 on the options list!!
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/ compass and Homelink $280.62

Install kit (required) $47.80

Still a good deal IMO.

[CoolColombian]

^^ Hey Joe, is that the one that shows the Temp??

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Damn you Joe!

Knew I shouldn't have read this thread.

[SonicBoy]

Auto-Dimming Mirror w/ compass and Homelink $280.62

Install kit (required) $47.80

Still a good deal IMO.

Is this the auto wiper friendly version?
Part# 0000-8C-Z04

What's the install kit? (tie wraps?)
Part# 0000-8C-L06

If this is the kit, click (http://www.finishlineperformance.com/instructions/mazda3/Mirror_Comp_Rain_Sensor_Home_Link_(0000-8C_Z04)_Mazda3.pdf) here for the install instructions.

[Skarbro]

I believe the install kit is the kit you need to install it with rain sensing wipers.

[FLIPDADY]

^^ Hey Joe, is that the one that shows the Temp??
Just the dimming and compass Juan.

[FLIPDADY]

Is this the auto wiper friendly version?
Part# 0000-8C-Z04

What's the install kit? (tie wraps?)
Part# 0000-8C-L06

If this is the kit, I found the install instructions as well @
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/instructions/mazda3/Mirror_Comp_Rain_Sensor_Home_Link_(0000-8C_Z04)_Mazda3.pdf
Yup the Z04 mirror is for rain sensing equipped vehicles.

The install kit comes with tie straps and the harness.

[RedRaptor]

Just the dimming and compass Juan.

Juan, if you want temp you will need to retrofit an older model mirror into your car just like myself and DonalidTin did. The mirrors that are available now are meant for 2006 and above since they already have the temp sensor on the dash LCD.

[SonicBoy]

^^ Hey Joe, is that the one that shows the Temp??

Click here (http://www.finishlineperformance.com/instructions/mazda3/Mirror_Dim_Comp_Temp_(0000_8C_B07)_Mazda3.pdf) to take a look at the instructions for the one with the temp. Has the part # of 0000-8C-B07D

[RedRaptor]

Click here (http://www.finishlineperformance.com/instructions/mazda3/Mirror_Dim_Comp_Temp_(0000_8C_B07)_Mazda3.pdf) to take a look at the instructions for the one with the temp. Has the part # of 0000-8C-B07D


Thats exact one I installed into my car. ;)

[b]

Auto-Dimming Mirror w/ compass and Homelink $280.62

Install kit (required) $47.80

Still a good deal IMO.

Wow that is a good deal!

[faibs]

Auto-Dimming Mirror w/ compass and Homelink $280.62

Install kit (required) $47.80

Still a good deal IMO.

how much is it for labour?
also, how do I check if it will work with the gate at my complexe and the garage

[SonicBoy]

how much is it for labour?
also, how do I check if it will work with the gate at my complexe and the garage


No idea what a dealership would charge. Joe? Chime in.

As for Homelink, try this link (http://www.homelink.com/home/home.tml).

Most new systems today support Homelink. Gate makers supported are Allstar, Chamberlan/Elite, Linear, Link, and Sentex.

[CoolColombian]

Thanks guys for the replies and links. :)

[SonicBoy]

Maybe in the spring when it gets warmer when we can work outside more comfortably, we can try a group buy/group install.

I'd be willing to assits if RedRaptor does since he is the resident expert on this kind of stuff. It's not too hard and seems some people here would go for it minus the difficulty level of installation.

Something to think about and make you go Hmmm?

[RedRaptor]

Sonicboy,

Good idea. I'd be willing to come out and show the people interested how the install goes. The install is pretty routine and after you do some of the hands on work, you will realize that it doesn't take much to tackle this project. The install kit comes with all the wire taps and wire harnesses you'll need so that the install is very much plug and play.

[Skarbro]

Mine is sitting at a buddy's house in Buffalo right now. I'm just waiting to meet up with him to get it. It sounds like a pretty simple install.

[GeraldC]

Hey guys,
I'm new to the forum and saw that you were discussing the auto dimming mirror. I got one installed on my 06 GT sport at Dave Wood Mazda in Newmarket. I paid 315.00 plus tax (which includes labour). I thought it was a good deal. My previous car had one and I also wear glass, helps a lot with the glare at night. Mine just had the dimming and the compass don't need the temp since its already on the dash.
The service guys at Dave Wood are really nice, got mine 3 there August 06 and they are really helpfull when I am there. They even offer a rewards program for service. You can get a whole bunch of things done with the points you get.
Anyways...back to the mirror, it works great. Definite must have.

[Wild Weasel]

It's not cool unless is has Homelink. :)

heh.

I want one. :)

[b]

Hey guys,
I'm new to the forum and saw that you were discussing the auto dimming mirror. I got one installed on my 06 GT sport at Dave Wood Mazda in Newmarket. I paid 315.00 plus tax (which includes labour). I thought it was a good deal. My previous car had one and I also wear glass, helps a lot with the glare at night. Mine just had the dimming and the compass don't need the temp since its already on the dash.
The service guys at Dave Wood are really nice, got mine 3 there August 06 and they are really helpfull when I am there. They even offer a rewards program for service. You can get a whole bunch of things done with the points you get.
Anyways...back to the mirror, it works great. Definite must have.

Welcome to the forum GeraldC!

[Skarbro]

It's not cool unless is has Homelink. :)

heh.

I want one. :)

Bah! Who needs homelink. I don't want a dedicated remote to my garage in my car at all times. I like to be able to remove it when I park the car in the driveway.

[Skarbro]

Bah! Who needs homelink. I don't want a dedicated remote to my garage in my car at all times. I like to be able to remove it when I park the car in the driveway.
LOL Funny I posted this back in February and now I've gone and installed a Homelink-style remote (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=19870) in the car yesterday. :chuckle :blush

Anyway, I've just finished installing the auto-dimming mirror with compass. I have to say that it was one of the easiest installs I've ever done. Took me 1/2 hour. Haven't got a chance to really try it out at night or calibrate the compass yet though. I did test the polarizer by putting my hand over the sensor. Works like a charm. Pics...

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/3273/dsc00289qw8.jpg

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/2060/dsc00290dd4.jpg

[asif9t9]

Any fancy tools needed?

[Skarbro]

Any fancy tools needed?
The only tools I used were a 4mm flat-head screwdriver, ratchet with 10mm socket, and a #20 torx.

[RedRaptor]

Anyway, I've just finished installing the auto-dimming mirror with compass. I have to say that it was one of the easiest installs I've ever done. Took me 1/2 hour.

Wow...

It only took you 30 min to:

Pry off the auto sensor cover and take off OEM mirror.
Route the temperature sensor to the front grill through the firewall.
Take off the driver side kickpanel and the A-pillar trim.
Tap into 12V Ignition wire and route the mirror wires in the headliner.
Install AD mirror and new auto sensor cover.
Clean up wires along the A-pillar and put back A-pillar trim and kick panel

Cleaning up wires would take 10-15 min itself.

Are you sure you timed yourself correctly? Dr. Phil is actually an one hour show.

[Skarbro]

Wow...

It only took you 30 min to:

Pry off the auto sensor cover and take off OEM mirror.
Route the temperature sensor to the front grill through the firewall.
Take off the driver side kickpanel and the A-pillar trim.
Tap into 12V Ignition wire and route the mirror wires in the headliner.
Install AD mirror and new auto sensor cover.
Clean up wires along the A-pillar and put back A-pillar trim and kick panel

Cleaning up wires would take 10-15 min itself.

Are you sure you timed yourself correctly? Dr. Phil is actually an one hour show.
Yes it took me 1/2 hour. You learn to rush things when you have a newborn. :) It's not like this was rocket science. I already had experience removing all of the required panels, so that was easy. And I pre-memorized the instructions, so I knew what to do without having to read. It's all almost plug-and-play like you mentioned in a previous post. Cleaning up the wires took like 1 minute. All you have to do is wrap up some electrical tape around the bundle neatly like the way it was before taking the factory tape off. Anyone can do this mod, you don't have to be a Mazda tech. Oh and you forgot the steps to disconnect and re-connect the negative battery terminal at the beginning and the end. And I don't watch Dr. Phil, but it is only 42 minutes if you PVR it and skip the commercials. :)

[Skarbro]

Got everything calibrated and working. The one thing I discovered this morning was that the power button only turns off the compass. The auto-dimmer is always on when the key is on. I'de like to be able to turn it off manually (those with kids who sit in the back seat will understand), so I'll be installing a switch spliced into the power line soon.

I think on other versions (i.e. the one with Homelink), you can turn off the auto-dimmer with the power button?

[Wild Weasel]

I'll find out someday hopefully... :)

I was wondering how you like the dimming with the windows tinted. Did you drive last night in the dark at all?

[Skarbro]

I'll find out someday hopefully... :)

I was wondering how you like the dimming with the windows tinted. Did you drive last night in the dark at all?
Not yet. But soon.

[asif9t9]

How many of you actually flip the rear-view mirror up while driving at night, to reduce glare? I find it too dark, especially with tint, so I never do it. You can see headlights, but nothing else. Kinda freaky.

Can you set a darkness level for the dimmer?

[Skarbro]

How many of you actually flip the rear-view mirror up while driving at night, to reduce glare? I find it too dark, especially with tint, so I never do it. You can see headlights, but nothing else. Kinda freaky.

Can you set a darkness level for the dimmer?
I've always used the manual dimmer at night.

There isn't a setting to set the darkness level on the auto dimmer.

[Skarbro]

I'll find out someday hopefully... :)

I was wondering how you like the dimming with the windows tinted. Did you drive last night in the dark at all?
OK got a chance to check it out at night. Visibility is no problem with tints. I learned that there is a second light sensor pointing to the rear of the car (you can see it in the pics - little white square to the right of the power button). The mirror uses some kind of algorithm to figure out the correct darkness based on the readings from the front and rear light sensors.

For example, if you put your hand over the sensor towards the front of the car, it gets dark. If you then put your second hand over the sensor toward the rear of the car, it lightens up again. And there are in-betweens.

[asif9t9]

So, it does vary the darkness level? Cool.

[Skarbro]

Got everything calibrated and working. The one thing I discovered this morning was that the power button only turns off the compass. The auto-dimmer is always on when the key is on. I'de like to be able to turn it off manually (those with kids who sit in the back seat will understand), so I'll be installing a switch spliced into the power line soon.

I think on other versions (i.e. the one with Homelink), you can turn off the auto-dimmer with the power button?
Awesome. On the advice of a friend, I tried pushing and holding the power button. After about 4 seconds, it independently turns on and off the auto-dimmer. Now I don't have to go through the trouble of installing a switch. Funny, this isn't in the instruction manual.

[leems]

would someone help me install this mirror if/when i get it?

yes i know i brought this old thread back.

pm me if you can
leems