OMG our 2008 BMW 135i is kick-ass. It's so easy to get into trouble with all that power in this small, compact package. Shifts are so smooth and that exhaust note is addictive. But look for a dyno test in the near future to give you all the info about just what this newly reflashed 1 Series can do.
Instead I'll just talk about how tiny the side mirrors are and how difficult it is to see anything at night. And is it just me or are they slightly tinted?
Here's a shot of the 7 Series' mirror just for comparison's sake.
On the BMW Web site, it says that auto-dimming exterior mirrors are part of the Premium package, which we don't have on this car. And yet it looks like that's what they are, slightly blue.
I found checking my mirrors before a lane change at night to be a tricky proposition. I might as well have been checking my blind spots with my compact mirror. Other editors, as well as some BMW forums, have complained about this, too, so I know it's not just me.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor @ 23,088 miles
PDXLager says:
12:42 PM, 06/15/09
Yep, this is an auto-dimming exterior side mirror, and it does darken when there are bright lights hitting it at night (after a few moments.) I haven't noticed this to be an issue, but the mirror is a bit on the small side (also hasn't been an issue.)
It may not be an issue for me because I always check my blind spots regardless of how large my mirror is...I can imagine how both the smaller mirror size and the auto-dimming might be an issue for others though.
rjg96 says:
12:45 PM, 06/15/09
I think BMW coupes all come std w/ auto headlights and auto dimming mirrors.
PDXLager says:
12:47 PM, 06/15/09
apologizes, I misread your comment about these being part of the 1-series premium package (thought that was re: 7-series mirrors.)
It is NOT an auto-dimming exterior side mirror after all (though I do have one on my 135i.) It's still small!
clarkma5 says:
01:27 PM, 06/15/09
They probably have a slight blue tint to them, it's pretty common on german cars. My 2002 GTI had blue tinted mirrors and it was a surprisingly nice touch, though my 2004 does not for some reason.
bwillz240 says:
01:31 PM, 06/15/09
like all bmw mirrors after the late 90's have slight blue tint on the rear view side mirrors. i dont know why they do this but it makes rear viewing a bit more obtrusive to me
nealibob says:
02:14 PM, 06/15/09
The mirrors on my 335i (auto-dimming) seem to be even smaller than they actually are. It must be due to the black hole created by the N54's torque. :-P
djd352 says:
02:36 PM, 06/15/09
I am not 100% certain, but I believe that they can now manufacture auto dimming mirrors with no tint. Now most German brands have tinted side mirrors if they do not have auto dimming mirrors, to sort of make up for the feature, but if you get the auto dimming mirrors there is no tint. I know that many German manufacturers do this, however, they are not consistent both across the company and even individual lines. For example, I think VW may have stopped this methodology on the base Jetta as a cost cutting measure, but in Germany, where a Jetta and Golf sell for much more they continue this logic.
brian55 says:
03:19 PM, 06/15/09
Here's a simple solution...Just stick on a 2 or 3 inch spot mirror & problem solved! They eliminate about 90% of shoulder checking. I've been using spot mirrors for more than 35 years. All my cars hav'em, both sides...
bzzzbom says:
05:50 PM, 06/15/09
How did the dyno session go on Friday, June 5th? When are you going to post the dyno HP and TQ numbers?
ddoouugg says:
10:19 PM, 06/15/09
How about a Dinan boost kit near the end of your time with this car?
bzzzbom says:
03:01 AM, 06/16/09
It already has the DME Tune!
bimmerjay says:
09:59 PM, 06/16/09
djd352 is correct.
Inside Line's cheapo no-premium-package 135i does NOT have interior or exterior auto-dimming mirrors, so the outside mirrors are tinted.
With ZPP (Premium Package), all three mirrors are auto-dimming and lose the tint.
ohh_my says:
02:07 PM, 08/11/09
how do you guys live without auto dimming mirrors? took my audi in for service once and they gave me an A4 without auto dimming mirros. I couldnt wait to get my car back.
for the record, auto dimming mirrors dont have the blue tint on them.