Adding a passenger side mirror?

[SeaDweller]

My Euro car has only a drivers side mirror, which makes maneuvering in traffic more difficult. I've been considering adding a passenger side mirror, but the apparent complexity of doing so has kept me from doing it.

If I add a passenger side mirror, how much wiring is involved? How does the factory dual mirror setup operate? Are both mirrors controlled with the joystick on the door panel, with a switch controlling which mirror is operated? Would it be difficult to re-wire the system, and adding the necessary switch?

Thanks!!

[WJG2]

There have been several very complete discussions of this -- including one I initiated -- in the past couple of weeks. Have a look.

[SeaDweller]

Thanks, that'll cover me! Looks like an expensive proposition, particuarly if factory wiring harnesses are involved.

One gentleman said the doors have to be removed, but I can't figure why they'd have to come off?

[alan911]

Door doesn't need to come off. Just be careful on the measurments of the holes. Get all the info you can before you drill. Ask me how I know !!! Don't even use the Drivers side for measurments!!!!. Personally I skipped the wiring bit. Set the mirror once and for get it. Haven't had to adjust mine in 12 yrs. No need to adjust it if you're the only driver.

[SeaDweller]

Thanks.....Can a power mirror be manually adjusted?

[grant lyon]

It's not as elegant as the factory mirror, but I've got one of those autobahn mirrors on my passenger side. It's upside down, close up against the windshield frame. Works well at ~$20.00, and no fussing with putting on the car cover with a passenger mirror.

Big hulking SUVs, and even P-cars, are easy to see.

[78targa]

Michael,

I was probably the one that indicated the door needed to be removed for wiring installation of a passenger side mirror. I was basing that per the factory workshop manual.
I guess I should clarify that this step is only required if you need to drill a third set of holes in the door jamb to run the mirror wires. If your car has the holes already then you can probably get by without removing the doors. Heck you might be able to use one of the two existing holes, but then again, why would the factory indicate 3 were needed?

I can understand your desire to add another mirror. One of those projects that can become really expensive if done incorrectly. Good luck. Patience and accuracy will definately lead to success on this one.

[alan911]

Yep. Electric mirror can be manually adjusted. Targa's right though, project can get really expensive for what you get out of it. One of the biggest expense is if you don't get the holes in the right place and have to cover up what got messed up. And the other expense (and time) is the wiring loom. For what the power switch does and the # of times you will use it, it's not worth it. The Passenger side mirror itself is actually worth the project time and expense. It will immediately balance out the exterior of the car. Look at yours then look at other P-cars. Yours will look kinda weird. Mine did. Don't know why Porsche made it an option back then.

[SeaDweller]

It does look a little odd with the single mirror.........

I wonder if I'm going to go to this trouble, and expense, if I shouldn't consider the newer teardrop mirrors for an updated look? Then again, I'll bet that's another can of worms altogether!