Wide angle driver's side mirror (US market)

[docron]

Ok, latest update to this scientific experiment. After some very detailed research by myself and my Parts Manager, we found the part for the LH convex mirror that is used in the EU. There are a couple versions, one with autodimming which is expensive at around $432 USD and one without autodimming, in the $25 range.

Went to pick up the mirror yesterday, installed it and the convexity view on the US driver’s side is quite nice. i wont be able to tell how it is on the road yet since its below freezing and snowing here.

Installation was super simple, tilt mirror up, use a plastic pry tool to disengage clips, disconnect defroster wire pins and disconnect autodimming harness. Take new mirror, reconnect defroster wire pins and snap mirror on via clips.

More part number information to follow.

 

[docron]

8898915126 (RH convex USA, this one does have auto dim) $405.54
8898916236 (RH convex USA) $24.10

8898915878 (LH convex EU) $26.30
8898914399 (RH convex EU) $26.30

U.S. Federal-Spec LH Mirror Only (OEM Configuration):
- Part Number: 8898916305
- Description: Left-hand exterior mirror glass only
- Features Supported: Heated/defrost mirror glass and electrochromic auto-dimming (if originally equipped).
- Compatibility: This is the correct OEM replacement to retain all factory mirror functions with no wiring or programming modifications required.

European-Spec LH Interchange Option:
- Part Number: 8898915878
- Description: Right-hand convex mirror glass only (European/ROW specification).
- Physical Fitment: The glass will (theoretically) mechanically clip into the U.S. mirror housing.
- Functional Limitations: This does not include heating elements or electrochromic auto-dimming layers. If installed, the mirror will function as a basic reflective surface only, and the vehicle’s heating and auto-dimming circuits will be inactive.
Mirror Curvature: Convex European profile; perceived distance and field of view may differ from U.S. federal (FMVSS) specification, which requires a flatter driver-side mirror, which may slightly alter field of view and perceived distance.

Important information:
- Installing the European glass should not require electrical modification, but any/all factory features tied to the mirror glass itself will be lost.
- No ECU or body control module coding is required if using either option as described above.

For US cars wanting LH convex side mirror (you will lose autodimming) I have 20% tint and rarely drive in traffic in the dark so doesn't matter for me

 

[docron]

For EU cars wanting RH driver side convex mirror, your would order 8898916236

 

[docron]

Top one is EU LH convex without autodimming

Bottom one is US LH with autodimming


EU LH convex installed

 

[jp129]

Great information and thank you for doing the leg work.

 

[seneca blew me]

I do this on my E36 M3, its super helpful to run a UK mirror on the driver's side. However, as of this year prices for the mirrors have gone from ~$30 shipped to ~$130 shipped, which sucks since I broke mine in the last race :-D

Yo I'm also an emira owner who also has an E36 M3!

 

[Okiedoke]

Is it possible to have someone post the before and after ? Im curious how much of a difference it makes. Thanks !

 

[Emira Fan]

field of view will be the same view as your right mirror

 

[docron]

The convex view is interesting. Definitely “objects in mirror are closer than they appear”