Hey everyone,

So I went to get my car inspected (NY) and failed because the side mirrors tinting is messed up. There is about an inch across the top of the mirror that isnt colored and the rest has this reddish-brown coloring. After reading some of the thread on here I think the auto tinting messed up (I dont have heated mirrors and the car came with the hot-weather package). This is happening on both sides.

Here is my question: Ive heard people say to just buy the whole mirror housing, glass and all. But I was wondering if it possible to just replace the glass. I see on rockauto that they sell the glass only. But there are flat and convex and several different diag measurements. Which way do I measure the glass and do I want flat mirrors for both sides? Is it a huge PITA to just replace the mirror glass? I live in a pretty rural area and there are not a ton of junkyards around to look for a set of black side mirrors. I have zero experience replacing exterior mirrors and I hope you guys can give me some advice.

Thanks in advance

-Drew

2000 A4quattro 2.8L

 

Don't know who would tell you to replace the whole thing. Yes you can just get the glass, and it might take 3 minutes per mirror to replace it. Check the video at ECS, that will show you how are it is to replace.

Audi B5 A4 Quattro V6 30v ECS News Heated Blind Spot Mirror Set for AUDI B5 A4/S4

I see that too. Have no idea what all those options are. The right hand mirror is convex (objects in mirror are closer than it appears) and the drivers side isn't. I haven't bought one for a while, but Google around and you'll find right part. ECS might not be bad with their blindspot mirror. But $200 for the Audi part is f'n stupid expensive.

 

Thanks mtroxel,

I got up the courage to just go out and take the passenger mirror off carefully and it looks like I DO have heated mirrors since there are connectors on the back of the glass. So I guess it must be the rusting issue that I have read about.

I thought it sounded stupid that I was going to have to replace the entire housing and all. But since it isnt hard to remove the glass I should be okay.

Thanks again.

EDIT: O and btw, the f'in mechanic that failed my car told me it would be easier to replace the entire unit.... so it looks like I wont be going back there again...