Self-dimming rear view mirrors availability

[Jinster]

I think these kits only fit later year Boxsters/996s, is that right? Do these mirror kits actually fit a MY97 too?

What about a 987 mirror (fits 986?)?

[03BoxsterS]

What's everyone's opinion on the auto-dimming mirrors? I have one in my BMW and absolutely hate it. It dims too dark and at the wrong times. If I get a car coming up quick on my behind at night, it dims and I can't see anything else behind me. I know the solution is to stomp on the gas so this doesn't happen :P but I actually would prefer a manual switch.

I have one in my 2003 Toyota 4Runner that works great and I love it. The one in my wife's 2005 Infiniti G35x is a piece of crap, works terrible. So I conclude that it is completely dependent on the quality of the manufacturer. My Boxster has the old style manual mirror, which can't be beat in terms of price and reliability. I wouldn't buy an auto-dimming mirror unless I had tested it myself in a previous vehicle.

[RatboneRanch]

What's everyone's opinion on the auto-dimming mirrors? I have one in my BMW and absolutely hate it. It dims too dark and at the wrong times. If I get a car coming up quick on my behind at night, it dims and I can't see anything else behind me. I know the solution is to stomp on the gas so this doesn't happen :P but I actually would prefer a manual switch.

I have one in my 2003 Toyota 4Runner that works great and I love it. The one in my wife's 2005 Infiniti G35x is a piece of crap, works terrible. So I conclude that it is completely dependent on the quality of the manufacturer. My Boxster has the old style manual mirror, which can't be beat in terms of price and reliability. I wouldn't buy an auto-dimming mirror unless I had tested it myself in a previous vehicle.

+1. I installed one (Mito brand, an OEM supplier) in a previous vehicle and hated it because it dimmed too slowly and never got dark enough. Sometimes high technology isn't better, just more complicated.

[DK570]

Anyone have any updates for this? I think this will be the next project I tackle. Looking at mirrors, I think I like the Gentex 453. Seems that mirror is used in many Subarus. It has an amber display to match the 996 dash lights, plus a compass and homelink. I found this DIY which seems to make everything very clear http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutorials/article/297-gentex-auto-dimming-mirror-with-homelink-install/

[1dmurrray]

Anyone have any updates for this? I think this will be the next project I tackle. Looking at mirrors, I think I like the Gentex 453. Seems that mirror is used in many Subarus. It has an amber display to match the 996 dash lights, plus a compass and homelink. I found this DIY which seems to make everything very clear http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutorials/article/297-gentex-auto-dimming-mirror-with-homelink-install/

That's my DIY. 6 months later: works great, no issues. Easy.

[DK570]

Anyone have any updates for this? I think this will be the next project I tackle. Looking at mirrors, I think I like the Gentex 453. Seems that mirror is used in many Subarus. It has an amber display to match the 996 dash lights, plus a compass and homelink. I found this DIY which seems to make everything very clear http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutorials/article/297-gentex-auto-dimming-mirror-with-homelink-install/

That's my DIY. 6 months later: works great, no issues. Easy.

Thanks for the DIY. I bought a mirror today off of ebay, hope to install it in about 2 weeks. I have a cab which is slightly different, but it should be basically the same install process.

[psng]

It is all personal preference. I still love mine since I have installed it 5 years ago. It dim gradually and is not too dark by my standard.

[lkchris]

Auto-dimming mirrors are available from Porsche for 986

 

For early, see http://www.classicshop.porsche.com/pcos/986/zubehoer-986-alle-baujahre/interieur/innenspiegel-fuer-porsche-911-944-928-993-und-986-99373198200.html

 

For late, see  http://www.classicshop.porsche.com/pcos/986/zubehoer-986-alle-baujahre/interieur/innenspiegel-satinschwarz-fuer-porsche-986-und-996-ab-2001-9967315110201c.html

 

The part numbers shown are good at the website of my usual parts ordering dealer.

[lkchris]

Early one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161986005260