2.5 wired the same as 3.5?

[mikemart]

I'm sure I'll get a lot of crap on this one, but I'm considering adding 3.5 mirrors to my 2.5 (when it comes in).

I've already got a price for the parts; the service manager says, however, that he won't no for sure if the wiring will be there until he takes the mirrors off. He is assuming so.

I'm having foggies put on at the dealer when the car comes in, just weighing my options; maybe have this done at the same time?

Any thoughts???

Now here come the "why didn't you just get a 3.5?" questions!!!!!

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Hard to say really.

If the 2.5 is initially wired to just have power mirrors with no blinkers etc than there would be no reason for Nissan to have them there to begin with. Car company's cut corners to save money so why would they pre-wire a car with a chance that the owner might upgrade the mirrors. Hell, for all I know maybe they are there. Only one way to find out.

Be the guinea pig for the 2.5 owners

There has been a couple threads already posing this question but I don't believe anyone has reported back with an answer.

[mikemart]

I guess the theory is these cars are pretty much wired the same, its just that the final option parts aren't put on. ( Just the opposite of your assumption. It is cheaper to have just one harness/wiring setup for all models) The example the service manager gave me was that these altimas are wired for satellite at the factory but not installed. The dealer can then install satellite themselves later. ???

Another example I guess is the fact that I'm having factory foggies put on. They are installing the lights/housing and a new stalk. The wiring is there.

I would really like to do it. I'm just worried that they'll take my mirrors off only to discover the wiring isn't there. Then my little lady is going to sit at the shop with no mirrors on her for who knows how long!

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Yea, I can see things such as the fogs being able to be added on, also the satellite. The mirrors may be a different story.

[mikemart]

Any thoughts as to where I could find more info on the wiring?

If the wiring isn't there, then I'll forget about this forever. If it is.......we both know what I have to do...........

[Cali 2 Balti G]

Do you have a relationship with a body shop - they may have access to the info - otherwise wait until you get your car and check for yourself. Don't order the part until you ar sure it will work. Also be on the lookout for the cd based shop manuals - not sure if or when someone will produce one. but this will tell you how to dissasemble your car.

You also have to consider the cost of piece-mealing your options.

[phakfear]

Here is a thread about it on another site:

http://www.nissanclub.com/foru....html

It was for sedan but should be the same. Seems like a fairly simple process. Order, Paint, put it on.

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Mike,Check the FSM for the coupe here:

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Altima/2008/

Perhaps you can find something that may help finding your answer. Each of the .pdf files you see there are for a separate section. I suggest just downloading them all and sticking them in a folder for future use.

[mikemart]

Thanks guys!I'm going back to Nissan tomorrow after work; got a few more questions for them, but it sounds like its going to work! This may be a mod I can do myself, we'll see. My salesman says my car is arriving shortly, so I've really been thinking about ways to set it apart. (not that I have to try too hard...there is only one in town right now!)

[SHIFT_2.5S]

Why are you getting the side blinkers? If anything, get fog lights.

[mikemart]

Already getting fog lights! In fact, they are just sitting waiting for the car to show up; which according to my dealer, should be soon.

[mikemart]

Well the mirrors will have to be painted. Not a big deal, shouldn't be too pricey. Right now, I'm thinking about using a body guy my dad knows to do the painting (the installation I may still do myself), and the fog lights. He's a good guy that has done some work for us before.

I'll keep you posted! My stupid dealer keeps telling me any day now on the car!

[stsxcrle]

Any updates to this? Personally I'm not as interested in the side blinkers as the heated mirrors. Do they function correctly and what would turn them on in the 2.5? The defrost button?

Is there a separate button on the 3.5 that turns on the heated mirrors?

[Plastics]

the heated mirrors on the 3.5 is turn on by the rear defroster button.

Plastics

[notaverage]

Rear defroster turns on the heated mirrors in the 3.5 SE, they are on a timer, so they turn off automatically