Euro Wide Angle Outside Mirrors
 

In the spirit of our new home, I thought I'd post some pics of my (semi)-secret mod.
Lets start posting some mods people :D
This isn't new but I've never posted about them before.
These are mirrors which are normal flat mirrors from the inside to the dotted line. Then, they have the outer portion concave so as to eliminate the blind spot. And boy do they. You can literally see down the length of the side of your x and directly beside you in the same field of vision. All 3 mirrors now have overlapping fields. There is no area not covered.
This is one of my favorite mods, but it sure isn't cheap. Approx. $295 per side. Mine are the heated and self dimming versions. The non htd and dimming ones are considerably cheaper, but only available for import through outside sources.
Some of you Euros might be asking what the big deal is. Well, these aren't really available in the States. If anyone's interested I suggest you contact Vaheh at Crevier BMW. He's a good guy and can get you just about any part you need. (Other guys here will recommend Louie at Pacific for parts as they are sometimes cheaper. Vaheh will match Pacific's price if you press him. I prefer Vaheh. That's just my opinion.)
I'd appreciate your comments and would be happy to answer any questions.
http://members.roadfly.org/abubacus/IM009800-2.jpg

Notice how they bend the parking lines

http://members.roadfly.org/abubacus/IM009814-2.jpg
http://members.roadfly.org/abubacus/IM009811-2.jpg

Nicely done although I already knew about your "secret mod". Muhahaha!

After being inspired by you when I learned of your mod, I contacted Vaheh to get the non-dimming ones. He could not get them and he was positive that he couldn't. I think at one time he could but it was listed in their computers as not available. If I want them I would need someone in Europe or Asia to get them for me. Helloooooo, Euro people speak up.

Let the mods begin :thumbup:

Nice job Mr. Monkey! It's nice to finally see some pics. Let me ask you, do you think just doing the drivers side would be a good benefit, or do you use both? It's nice not to have one of those little 'stick on' mirrors....

X5M, that's very impressive the blindspot is virtually eliminated, especially on the driver's side. And the nice thing is it's heated but not that you need it. :D I'm curious how that little portion of distortion (outer lower portion) affect your whole view. And is it hard to judge distance compared to std mirrors?

Thanks for sharing.

X5Mon: Very cool, but outta my fixed income budget...
my 2 buck convex stick ons look dorky, but will have to do.
Is several coats of Zaino a "mod"?! Lol!

I'd say so. :thumbup:

btw, from 1 X5 to another - :wavey:

Thanks Phong. Well, it does take a little getting used to. i can't verify this but it appears that both mirrors are now of the "objects in mirror are closer than they appear" variety. although, neither mirror has the writing on it now. the bend in the mirror doesn't effect how you judge views. 99% of what you see will still be in the flat part of the mirror. it just took me a while to re-learn how to judge how quickly and how near to me cars were when approaching from other lanes.
it took me about 2 weeks to get used to. backing up is a little different too but you learn that just as fast.
still, i wouldn't be without them. they don't virtually eliminate the blind spot. it's completely gone

I think it would be a benefit if that's where your major blind spot is. i use both sides religiously.
the only problem might be if the different mirrors are different sizes. you might have depth perception issues. you'd probably be able to learn it fairly quickly, though.
thanks chris

I know md. I wouldn't want you and the mrs. to have to start on the alpo diet. :)
thanks for making the journey over to x5world. it wouldn't have been the same without you.

That's a fantastic mod, monkey! I was aware of this mod beforehand - I wanted to do it on the old 330i, but I sold her before I got around to finalizing that.

I did not know it would cost me nearly $600 US total though. That's a lot of money - that's enough for a simple sub+amp in the trunk, or an iPod setup even.

Crossroads of the wallet!

:mad:

Nice mod XMonkey...
.... 2 days ago, three women tried to stole one of my Euro-mirrors (left side) ... they broke it and left it behind my X5. Heres the pic.

Total cost at dealer = $240 (non electrochrome) plus taxes. Black market sells it here for $30 each.. I 'm not used to support this people so I got it from the dealer.

http://members.roadfly.com/paolo_bis...ken_mirror.JPG

Rename the thread, "CAN YOU SEE ME KNOW?!"
 

mUHAHAHAHAHAH
:rofl: :rofl:

Instructions for removing mirrors - Thanks
 

I also just purchased the Euro mirrors in Spain... Do you have instructions on how to remove the old mirrors? Any help will be very much appreciated.

thanks :)

Just sent you a PM.

This article should serve as a good reference guide - http://www.xoutpost.com/articles.php?...icle&artid=111