Folding Door Mirrors

I've just returned from vacation in Europe, and the 2 cars I was in most were a Merc C Class and the new Range Rover Evoque. On both of them the door mirrors fold in when the car is locked, and reverse when unlocked. I also believe this is standard functionality on the F30 in Europe.

So why do BMW USA not allow this feature? What is the logic behind it?

I know there's some way through coding it can be activated, just wondering why it's not standard?

you need premeium on 328 to get it

Originally Posted by justinnum1

you need premeium on 328 to get it

I think he means that in the U.S. you have to manually push a button to fold them in (and they don't unfold on an unlock). I agree it would be nice if it did this automatically when parking (or at least an iDrive setting to engage it or not).

i assume this should be doable with a simple recode, at least it was on my E90 (without Comfort Access)

now I can fold up the mirrors by holding LOCK on keyfob, and the mirrors unfold on UNLOCK

I like the fact that we can push a button to fold and unfold the mirrors. We have a somewhat narrow two car garage, and like that we can fold the mirrors prior to entering the garage. Same is true exiting the garage, keeping them folded until we are out of the garage. I would not like it if they were to only fold or unfold when locking or unlocking the car. I think some new Volvo's do this. However, I don't see a problem if it is something that can be programmed, just don't lose the push button option. It is a function we look for when looking at new cars.

FYI, I have noticed that the mirrors will automatically unfold when you reach a certain speed (20 mph or so).

Originally Posted by dr.s

I like the fact that we can push a button to fold and unfold the mirrors. We have a somewhat narrow two car garage, and like that we can fold the mirrors prior to entering the garage. Same is true exiting the garage, keeping them folded until we are out of the garage. I would not like it if they were to only fold or unfold when locking or unlocking the car. I think some new Volvo's do this. However, I don't see a problem if it is something that can be programmed, just don't lose the push button option. It is a function we look for when looking at new cars.

FYI, I have noticed that the mirrors will automatically unfold when you reach a certain speed (20 mph or so).

Its nice to read a post on the subject from some one that knows what they are talking about," 20 mph or so" without the gibberish or B/S.
cheers
vern

Dr.S makes a very good point... i like the fact that i have options, given the possilibity... unstead of being stuck with one way or another...

people nowadays have become so lazy... soon we will have mind control for everything

Originally Posted by DrivenByF30

Dr.S makes a very good point... i like the fact that i have options, given the possilibity... unstead of being stuck with one way or another...

people nowadays have become so lazy... soon we will have mind control for everything

Yes so they just need to give an option in iDrive if you want it or not, simple.

Just to confirm, is the folding mirrors standard or only included in the prem pkg?

Originally Posted by m3kidd

Just to confirm, is the folding mirrors standard or only included in the prem pkg?

Premium package.

Let me get this straight:

It's okay for the engine to shut itself on and off when it decides to but it's not okay for the mirrors to fold in and out?

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Let me get this straight:

It's okay for the engine to shut itself on and off when it decides to but it's not okay for the mirrors to fold in and out?

BJ

You got it straight.

Originally Posted by tturedraider

You got it straight.

"Vee vill trust zee engine to turn itself on and off venever eet vishes but vee vill not allou zee mirrors to folds automagically under anee circumstvances, yah? Vile zee engine mite possiblee cause a collizin, zee mirrors mite deesturb a resting bird and vee cannot hase that, yah? Deefeets the feel-good of zee Eco Mode then, yah?"

BJ

2013 3 series it's a standard feature - or it appears to be when I look at my list of features of my '13 in production.

As for on-off fold/unfold, I'd rather a button or a speed thanks (say over 8 mph).

Originally Posted by brkf

2013 3 series it's a standard feature - or it appears to be when I look at my list of features of my '13 in production.

As for on-off fold/unfold, I'd rather a button or a speed thanks (say over 8 mph).

If you don't open the mirrors by pressing the button they will open automatically once you hit about 25mph...

I just checked the F30_DOT_FINAL.pdf doc for the 2013's and it mentions Power-adjustable folding exterior mirrors with automatic-dimming function as standard. Does this mean the power folder?? I'm placing my order tomorrow and not planning on the prem pkg but do want the power folding mirrors. Can anyone without premium package confirm? Dealer will get back to me in the morning, but I seem to be telling him more than he tells me

"Power-adjustable" likely refers only to moving mirror glass.

Originally Posted by Elk

"Power-adjustable" likely refers only to moving mirror glass.

Correct. I haven't seen anything that indicates the power folding mirrors are standard for 2013 rather than part of the premium package.

Originally Posted by m3kidd

I just checked the F30_DOT_FINAL.pdf doc for the 2013's and it mentions Power-adjustable folding exterior mirrors with automatic-dimming function as standard. Does this mean the power folder?? I'm placing my order tomorrow and not planning on the prem pkg but do want the power folding mirrors. Can anyone without premium package confirm? Dealer will get back to me in the morning, but I seem to be telling him more than he tells me

They fold (manually) and are power adjustable but unless you get the premium package they do not have the power fold feature.

Maybe I read it wrong. Doesn't matter to me, I'd never use that feature anyway. Really wish the '13s didn't have dimming mirrors as I do not look forward to putting up with that worthless junk for 3 years.

Originally Posted by brkf

Maybe I read it wrong. Doesn't matter to me, I'd never use that feature anyway. Really wish the '13s didn't have dimming mirrors as I do not look forward to putting up with that worthless junk for 3 years.

Are the BMW auto-dimming rear view mirrors bad? Haven't had them yet, wondering why you made the comment as I haven't read any complaints to this point.

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Are the BMW auto-dimming rear view mirrors bad? Haven't had them yet, wondering why you made the comment as I haven't read any complaints to this point.

BJ

People with tints don't like that you can't turn them off. I had them on my previous e90 and they were fine.

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

People with tints don't like that you can't turn them off. I had them on my previous e90 and they were fine.

i have tint and it seems fine to me.

Originally Posted by bcl0328

i have tint and it seems fine to me.

I think it's that they find the view through the mirror too dark when dimmed and through a tint. All I know is some people would like the option to turn the auto dim off which is not an option on the E90.

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Are the BMW auto-dimming rear view mirrors bad? Haven't had them yet, wondering why you made the comment as I haven't read any complaints to this point.

BJ

Don't like dimming mirrors inside or out on any car. They only serve to obfuscate what's behind me. Sadly BMW's system does not appear to have an off/on switch like some brands. Nothing worse, to me, than glancing at a mirror and the cars behind me appear to be in a haze when it's a clear night. Never been able to figure out the purpose of dimming mirrors beyond making it impossible to spot the headlight patterns of specific makes/silhouette details of cars.

Oh and never tint my windows. No need in San Diego.