how effective are the auto-dim mirror and auto-wipers??

[mmalc]

I'm currently contemplating the Convenience package.

Really I'm only interested in the keyless entry and the Bluetooth phone prep, however since for an additional $300 I can get several hundred dollars worth of other features, I'm tempted in that direction. My main concern is for their efficacy...

To reprise an old Citroen 2CV advert, I already have an auto-dim rear-view mirror. If it gets too bright, I automatically reach up and dim it. Similarly with the wipers, if there's too much water on the windscreen, I give the wiper stalk a flick. This has served me well for a couple of decades. I'm not sure how well an automatic system will do what I want rather than feeling intrusive. In particular, I don't want the mirror to suddenly go dark just when I really need to see what's behind me (for example, someone else's turn signals on a motorway, or another car when I'm parking at night), and I don't want the wipers to start up when there's water on the screen but visibility is nevertheless good (I usually use Rain-X which I find works just as advertised -- I can sometimes see better in rain with the wipers off than with them on).

I'd appreciate hearing of others' experiences an recommendations (pointers to other threads discussing these issues would also be welcome -- I couldn't find any myself).

mmalc

[Cooper S Dan]

re the auto dimming mirror, they are priceless!!

i have gone from a car that does not have auto dimming mirror, to my MCS which has, and it is great! in times where more and more cars have xenons, i used to find that i couldn't be behind a car that had xenons on, as it was just too bright, even when i altered it manually. but the new mirror in the MCS blocks this out, and i don't struggle at all.

as for the wipers, i agree, it's not hard turning them on yourself, and in a way it's just something else that could break, but i guess it's worth having them - as the auto headlights etc.

re the mirror though, go for it!!

[Paul]

Auto wipers never seem "quite" right unless it's either dry, or raining lots. Drizzle etc they're not great. Auto dimming mirror is excellent. I live in a place surrounded by dark country lanes, driving without an auto dimming mirror at night is a real chore now!

[Jon Chalk]

I've always found the auto-wipers to be OK, particularly when compared to, say, a MkV Golf, or Renault Scenic, both of which are supposed to be adjustable, but in reality you have five or six settings, none of which you're ever quite happy with!

Less happy with auto-dim mirror - it seems to lag behind the light appearing behind you, but once it has dimmed it is very effective.

[Paul]

The wipers are OK, I did use them when I had them, but I'm a bit of a control freak in that sort of respect and they could be off-putting if not "quite right" for me. They don't play too well with "Rain-X" and the like either!

[MiniMpi]

Huge improvement over first generation ones.
Wipers are excellent now were as they were way too slow to adapt to situation.

[popey]

Light and Wipers work very well

[harrietb]

I didn't get the auto mirror so can't comment on that..

The wipers are good but as Paul said, not so good in drizzle..

I find the auto lights very good. I was worried they'd be on all the time as a few people mention on previous threads, but changed the setting the normal instead of sensitive and they're great now!

Go for it!

[Purple Dave]

Quote: Originally Posted by harrietb (original)

I didn't get the auto mirror so can't comment on that..

The wipers are good but as Paul said, not so good in drizzle..

I find the auto lights very good. I was worried they'd be on all the time as a few people mention on previous threads, but changed the setting the normal instead of sensitive and they're great now!
Go for it!

Don't forget you can only adjust them because you specc'ed Sat Nav. There are a fair few people on here that can't adjust them and are complaining.

I have Sat Nav too, so I'm happy. I've got them on "SLOW" setting though.

[mmalc]

I ordered the navigation system with mine

Thanks for the heads-up, though.

mmalc

[bugiz]

Cheers guys, handy..

[Purple Dave]

Quote: Originally Posted by mmalc (original)

I ordered the navigation system with mine

Thanks for the heads-up, though.

mmalc

Nice spec mmalc. I like.

[Avalon]

Auto-Dimming rear view mirror is a must have on any Mini

[Leedz]

I specced the Visibility package primarily to get the heated windscreen (wish you could get it on its own....). I really like the auto-dim mirror, not so convinced about the auto wipers, and I hate the auto lights. I seem to drive around most of the time with them on, which I find a bit embarrassing, but as I don't have sat-nav I can't adjust them I end up switching to manual.

[Rocco9999]

Stop being silly and buy them!


they are ace.
ADRVM is the best by far, never noticed it working - but in a good way! Seamless operation.
Lights are also perfect, especially on later models with sensitivity adjustment (or is that just for the wipers - cant recall.
Wipers are ok, better than manual and of course only work for intermittent operation which is the one time normal wipers work badly (IMHO)