Auto-dimming Mirror
 

Has anyone had an auto-dimming mirror installed? What did it run you?

I installed the auto-dimming mirror (identical part to the Protege, as it includes instructions for installation for three different models) and it cost about $260 at Performace Buyers Club, installed. My 2002.5 P5 came with the mirror already on the car, and I think it added about $200 to the invoice. I obviously like the mirror very much...

my friend has a 00 bimmer and it has that ,, wich is so cool ,... I have tints on my car so high beams and bright lights don't bother me anyway ...
Bruce:D

I've Got It
 

I went out and just bought the Mazda OEM electrochromatic rear view mirror and installed it myself. Cost me around $260 U.S., and it's the model that includes a compass and outside temperature reading-- It's really cool, and works very well at dimming trailing cars' headlights at night. About my only complaint is the display is in green which doesn't match the amber instrument cluster in my ES...

Indeed, if you haven't one in your car I recommend them!

Is it the same size (surface area of the mirror) as the regular rear-view mirror?

It's way too small for my tastes. That's the reason why I didn't get it.

Every vehicle I've ever owned has had one and I'm so used to the compass and temperature that I find not having it annoying. The sales guys told me that they didn't think that Mazda offered it as an aftermarket part but the Service guys had a different opinion. For 250 installed I'm going to get it - just so I don't have to flip the stupid thing over at night.

The only really annoying thing about them is that they aren't adjustable as to how much light makes them dim - I used to drive a '92 TBird which had the adjustment, and none of the newer ones seem to have this.

I have one in my car as well, and I don't seem to have a problem with it dimming needlessly. I have to agree that it would have been nice if the display was amber to match the dash, but I don't notice it anymore unless I think about it.

I find it a useful tool when travelling. On the highway, the thermometer is fairly accurate, but creeps a little on the high side when in traffic. The compass, however, is spot on, and it helps to know the general direction you are heading when you're trying to find your way back after getting lost in an unfamiliar town.

I ordered the mirror a week after taking delivery on the car. When I took it in for the install the tech told me none of the Mazda wiring for the optional mirror was in place. He said 4 hrs. labor, and hacking into a few wire bundles would be necessary for the install. I cancelled, and sent the mirror back. I'd like to have had the option, but rather, the GM version with the green led display in the mirror itself rather than along the bottom edge. I'm checking www.mitocorp.com for the style I like (Genk20)

I got one when I got my P5, and did the install w/ my brother. It took almost 2 hours, but he had to take off the fuse box a second time cause he goofed up.

You could easily put it in yourself.

Re: I've Got It
 

$260? You got ripped! I got mine for around $220 shipped fronm:
Mazdastuff.com

Go to the 2002 accesories for the Protege. It works great! I installed it in about 30 minutes. The dimming feature is hard to live without now. I drive to work at night, and bright ass headlights on my ass from angry drivers does not phase me at all! It just dims right out. The compass has managed to keep me on track on many occations. Nothing like an accurate (when moving) temp reading.

The one at mitocorp has the same trim-space along the bottom even with the display in the mirror.

Is there a difference between the auto mirrors for the protege and p5. At www.mazdastuff.com the p5 mirror is $9 less. I am thinking about getting one and want to see if getting it from mazdastuff will be cheaper than my dealer.

If I get it from mazdastuff I think the shipping might be high. My dealer usually marks up stuff a bit because of shipping but I also get 10% off at the dealer.

No, they are the same mirror. The instructions that come with the mirror show instructions for installation into a Protege, MPV, and Miata. There is no difference between a Protege sedan and a P-5 as far as the mirror is concerned.