Rear view mirror upgrade to auto-dim w/ compass

[bobA4]

I just got a 2008 A4 Avant (6-speed manual Quattro). It has the basic rear view mirror.

I am thinking of adding the auto-dim mirror with compass. I know when putting a similar mirror in a B6, you plug in the connector at the dome light, and then you have to splice in a power wire down by the driver footwell.

So my question is, when upgrading a B7 car from a basic mirror to a B7 auto-dim compass mirror, do you also have to splice the footwell wire? Or should it work by just connecting the plug at the dome light?

[bobA4]

Anyone?

[Jay-Bee]

This DIY for adding auto dim side view mirrors to a B7: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...light=auto+dim

directs you to this B6 rear mirror install: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...DIY-%28long%29

So yea same install.

[csevans]

I went through this last year (hey, finally a subject I can contribute back to the community with 😎)
I ran all the wiring down to fuse taps.
The most nerve wracking part of the install was figuring just how much force I needed to get the old mirror off it's mount.

Another small change - a convenience feature.

Got a great deal on a new rearview mirror Gentex 85ADFMCHV Frameless Auto Dimming Compass/HomeLink Rearview Mirror (thats not the price I paid) -

So ....

Before:


After:


Yes, it says "C" - I need to take it out to calibrate the compass.

But now I don't need the ugly remote hanging off the sun visor, and my muscle memory to reach for the mirror (its been a long time since I've had a car without the homelink buttons there) to open the garage door is back in play.

(Excuse the dirty windscreen, I'm currently parking outside a lot and getting covered in pollen and dust)