Question about factory installed frameless review mirror with universal remote

[mark1coop]

I have another question about the 2018 Nissan Rogue I recently bought. I bought the SV model and it had some accessories in it such as the frameless review mirror with universal remote. Probably would not have added it myself for $385 cost. The dealer had to get the car from another dealer. Well, even though the sticker had the frameless review mirror with universal remote listed, it came without it. The dealer agreed to install the mirror. This is where my question comes in. On the Nissanusa website, it clearly says for this accessory that it comes with the auto-dimming feature. The one installed by the dealer has a tab on the bottom of the mirror (similar to standard mirrors) that allows you to change the angle of the mirror to see better at night when headlights can shine in at you from behind. It may also have the auto-dimming feature in addition, but I have not checked it out at night yet. Seems odd that it would have that tab at the bottom if it does have auto-dimming because it is not needed. So, my question is for anyone who got the factory installed frameless review mirror with universal remote, do you have the tab on the bottom? Does it have the auto-dimming feature?

Hate to have to deal with this stuff on a new car.

Thanks for any input

[mark1coop]

So I actually did a little research. If you look up the part number for the accessory rear-view mirrors, it clearly lists a part that does not have the auto-dimming feature. But the nissanusa website clearly describes a auto-dimming mirror under accessories. Would be helpful if someone who bought a 2017 or 2018 Rogue SV and got the rear-view mirror as an added accessory could post here which one it is.

[Rogue One]

It would help if you posted a picture of yours.

[mark1coop]

Here's a pic of what the dealer installed. Note the the tab on the bottom. I believe the ones with auto-dimming do not have that tab because no need to shift the position of the mirror.

[DTASFAB]

I like the look of that mirror, and I like the built-in programmable garage door opener. I HATE the auto-dimming feature because I'm more afraid of not seeing an idiot who forgot to turn on his lights at night than I'm worried about being blinded by someone's high beams.

I have the one with three programmable garage door buttons and the auto-dimming feature that turns on automatically every time I start the vehicle, which used to be annoying until I just got in the habit of turning it off EVERY SINGLE TIME I DRIVE. Mine's not frameless, but I'd be thrilled to trade with you if there were an easy way to do it. Mine also has the compass which I look at on average probably about twice a year, but could very easily live without.

[mark1coop]

I had my concerns whether I would like it or not. From the Nissan website:
- The brighter the glare, the darker the mirror becomes
- Detects headlight glare at night and automatically dims

So I would think if the person behind does not have their lights on, it would not dim. So, I'm not sure I understand what you don't like.

For me, it has to do with the dealer not giving me what I paid for. Again, it's not clear if the auto-dimming description is just a misprint. The name does not imply that it is auto-dimming ("FRAMELESS REAR VIEW MIRROR WITH UNIVERSAL REMOTE") and the part number the dealer (and I) looked up is not for the auto-dimming. But given that the website clearly describes it that way, I either want them to install that one or just refund the cost of the auto-dimming one. Also, $385 for the non-dimming one being factory installed seems very overpriced given that I believe I can buy the same mirror I got for around $100 at a Nissan dealership.

[DTASFAB]

On a single lane road with one car behind you, I guess it wouldn't dim, but on a three lane highway with multiple cars behind you and only one has its lights off, that thing is going to dark green and I can't see crap.

The dimming function takes several seconds to take effect, and turning it off is not instant either. It takes a few seconds to return to full brightness. It's not like flipping a light switch. The dimming mechanism is actually changing the composition of the glass.

[Rogue Jarhead]

I have that auto dimming feature on mine. Maybe because mine is an 11 and using antiquated technology but I hate it as well. I don't know how many times I have reached for the little button to flick it and I think "ohh yeah, don't have to do that" . Of course the reason I'm reaching for it is because it just doesn't seem to work very well. I would never ask for that feature on a new car, and certainly never pay extra.

[mark1coop]

On a single lane road with one car behind you, I guess it wouldn't dim, but on a three lane highway with multiple cars behind you and only one has its lights off, that thing is going to dark green and I can't see crap.

The dimming function takes several seconds to take effect, and turning it off is not instant either. It takes a few seconds to return to full brightness. It's not like flipping a light switch. The dimming mechanism is actually changing the composition of the glass.

You are on a 3 lane highway at night. You don't have auto-dimming, so I imagine you have the mirror in the night position. I believe you still won't see the guy without his lights on. Auto-dimming is doing the same thing you would be doing manually. I guess if you knew the guy behind did not have his lights on, you can switch back to the day position with the regular mirror. Granted, I never had an auto-dimming mirror before, and maybe I won't like it, but I don't see your argument.

[DTASFAB]

I very much have the auto-dimming mirror and I turn it off as described, every time I drive, day or night. When I had manual mirrors in previous vehicles, I NEVER used the night position, for the exact same reason I don't use the auto-dimming mirror now. Why would anyone want to limit the amount of information they can see in their mirrors? With a manual mirror in night mode, it's practically impossible to see pedestrians, animals, buildings, roadside railings, etc., unless they're actively being lit up with a bright artificial source of light. All you can see are other vehicles, and only if they're following typical driving protocol of keeping their headlights on properly. I suppose the auto-dimming mirror (which, on the flip side, is an auto-brightening mirror in the absense of other vehicles' headlights) is slightly better than a manual mirror that's stuck in night mode.

Unless someone has eyes that are extremely sensitive to light (and thus probably has no business driving at night for that specific reason) I see no reason why any dimming should be available. Actually, I think it should be illegal.

[mark1coop]

You certainly have an interesting perspective. I usually don't have such a need to see pedestrians, animals, buildings, roadside railings, etc. that are behind me. To be honest, the biggest problem I have with my rearview mirror is people who have their brights on. It is sometimes blinding to me as a driver. In addition, with many new cars having "better" lights, like LED and fog lights, the issue of blinding lights in my eyes has increased. I certainly respect your opinion.

[datechboss101]

I very much have the auto-dimming mirror and I turn it off as described, every time I drive, day or night. When I had manual mirrors in previous vehicles, I NEVER used the night position, for the exact same reason I don't use the auto-dimming mirror now. Why would anyone want to limit the amount of information they can see in their mirrors? With a manual mirror in night mode, it's practically impossible to see pedestrians, animals, buildings, roadside railings, etc., unless they're actively being lit up with a bright artificial source of light. All you can see are other vehicles, and only if they're following typical driving protocol of keeping their headlights on properly. I suppose the auto-dimming mirror (which, on the flip side, is an auto-brightening mirror in the absense of other vehicles' headlights) is slightly better than a manual mirror that's stuck in night mode.

Unless someone has eyes that are extremely sensitive to light (and thus probably has no business driving at night for that specific reason) I see no reason why any dimming should be available. Actually, I think it should be illegal.

This is true if this is in a parking lot area or on residential streets. However, on highways and main roads, I think its necessary to have this feature available, as you rarely see anything other than cars (unless if there is a person wanting to commit insurance fraud or wanting to die). I do respect your opinion also.

You certainly have an interesting perspective. I usually don't have such a need to see pedestrians, animals, buildings, roadside railings, etc. that are behind me. To be honest, the biggest problem I have with my rearview mirror is people who have their brights on. It is sometimes blinding to me as a driver. In addition, with many new cars having "better" lights, like LED and fog lights, the issue of blinding lights in my eyes has increased. I certainly respect your opinion.

Those bright lights are an issue with me too. Especially driving in a sedan, like the Accord, the intensity used by those lights are blinding, regardless of where I am.

[DTASFAB]

I'm definitely on the same page as you guys with the blinding bright lights. I just write that off as the price I have to pay to drive at night and see what I believe is essential to see. I've also noticed the problem has increased dramatically in the past 10-12 years because many cars are using LED or halogen headlights. When I was taught how to properly use my high beams, it was clear that it was important to not blind oncoming vehicles AND it was equally as important to not blind drivers in front me by way of their mirrors. Now that selfishness and lack of consideration are more widespread in general in this society compared to the past (not to mention distracted driving as well) the problem is getting much worse.

People who were not taught how to properly use their high beams and also routinely make use of an auto-dimming mirror (or the night position of a manual mirror) never get the full experience of knowing what it's like to be blinded in this manner (because the dimming mirror "protects" them), so they're less likely to understand why it's both inconsiderate and dangerous. Thus they're less likely to adjust their behavior out of consideration for others. This is yet another reason why I don't like the idea of dimming anything, ever. If they can't be taught the lesson they need by a good experienced driving instructor, maybe some of them can self-learn through experience.

I have no problem with LED or halogen lamps for regular headlights as long as they're aimed properly, but high beams exist for one reason and one reason only, which is to increase distance visibility for the driver of the vehicle who is lighting up the road in front of him. High beams should be traditional bulbs only, which can still be very effective at accomplishing their objective, while also mitigating some of the risk of blinding other drivers.

People who knowingly drive with their high beams continuously because they don't feel confident driving without them shouldn't ever be allowed to drive at night. Get them off the road and you won't need an auto-dimming mirror anymore.

[datechboss101]

I'm definitely on the same page as you guys with the blinding bright lights. I just write that off as the price I have to pay to drive at night and see what I believe is essential to see. I've also noticed the problem has increased dramatically in the past 10-12 years because many cars are using LED or halogen headlights. When I was taught how to properly use my high beams, it was clear that it was important to not blind oncoming vehicles AND it was equally as important to not blind drivers in front me by way of their mirrors. Now that selfishness and lack of consideration are more widespread in general in this society compared to the past (not to mention distracted driving as well) the problem is getting much worse.

People who were not taught how to properly use their high beams and also routinely make use of an auto-dimming mirror (or the night position of a manual mirror) never get the full experience of knowing what it's like to be blinded in this manner (because the dimming mirror "protects" them), so they're less likely to understand why it's both inconsiderate and dangerous. Thus they're less likely to adjust their behavior out of consideration for others. This is yet another reason why I don't like the idea of dimming anything, ever. If they can't be taught the lesson they need by a good experienced driving instructor, maybe some of them can self-learn through experience.

I have no problem with LED or halogen lamps for regular headlights as long as they're aimed properly, but high beams exist for one reason and one reason only, which is to increase distance visibility for the driver of the vehicle who is lighting up the road in front of him. High beams should be traditional bulbs only, which can still be very effective at accomplishing their objective, while also mitigating some of the risk of blinding other drivers.

People who knowingly drive with their high beams continuously because they don't feel confident driving without them shouldn't ever be allowed to drive at night. Get them off the road and you won't need an auto-dimming mirror anymore.

I totally agree with you here about the placement of the lights and when to use high beams. I was also taught by be a gentleman driver and courteous to those around me on the road, since the road is used by everyone. Its those jack***es that are ignorant and wants to ruin everyone's day and eyesight. Also, you have to bear in mind the height of the other vehicles too, as those that are higher will blind you more than those that are lower. And instead of blaming other drivers, we have to blame IIHS, NHTSA, and car manufacturers, for putting LEDs, Halogens, Xenons, auto-high beams, etc., on vehicles, because its hurting the eyes of the front people. When there is so much light coming from other cars around me, I have to avoid looking at the side mirrors and the rear-view mirror to change lines, as those reflect the bright light directly into my eyes, whereas if I turn my head around, there isn't any bright light reflected.