Retrofit Electrochrome Mirror to C3 Picasso

patriotbarrow · Unread post by **patriotbarrow** » 27 Sep 2017, 11:55

Since we're on the subject of swapping out OEM parts for better OEM parts, my car's interior rear view mirror has partially delaminated and I have to replace it. Have been thinking of maybe getting an auto-dimming one since it was available as an option. Is it pretty much a straight swap or do I have to make my own leads for power and so forth?

Hell Razor5543 · Unread post by **Hell Razor5543** » 27 Sep 2017, 12:19

I got an auto mirror for my C5 Mk1. As she has the rain sensing wipers the wiring for the sensor was already in place. All it needs is power (as the mirror does the rest of the work itself).

GiveMeABreak · Unread post by **GiveMeABreak** » 27 Sep 2017, 13:05

For your C3 Picasso, although you have the front wiper with rain sensor, there is also a surround / shroud that MAY be required for the electrochrome mirror - hard to say as to whether they will be wired differently without the electrochrome mirror and just the rains sensor or when both are fitted.

EDC5 · Unread post by **EDC5** » 27 Sep 2017, 13:58

Just a slight detour question on the subject of electrochrome mirrors. My C5 has the auto dimming rear view mirror but the side ones don’t dim. Is this normal? I'd assume if you were to dim mirrors you might as well do all 3?

GiveMeABreak · Unread post by **GiveMeABreak** » 27 Sep 2017, 14:18

Hi Elis, yes that is normal - yours is listed as:
EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR (GLASS APPEARANCE) TINTED EXT REAR VIEW MIRROR
Mine is listed as:
EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR (GLASS APPEARANCE) ELECTROCHROME EXT REAR VIEW MIRRORS
I think you'll find it was part of the Detection Pack 2 which also included the rear passenger and rear window sunblinds which I have on mine.

Do yours also have the same indexing function as mine - when hitting reverse then moving the mirror control switch to the left or right will dip and index the mirror on either the driver or passenger side?

EDC5 · Unread post by **EDC5** » 27 Sep 2017, 14:23

Yep, the indexing is present however I wish it worked on both mirrors at the same time... it's a pain having to move the switch to the appropriate mirror side depending on which kerb I’m pulling up to.

Damn.... I've got to get hold of some electrochrome side mirrors....

I'm guessing the sunblinds are integrated into the door cards so it would be a big job to change them just to add a small feature?

Unread post by **elma** » 27 Sep 2017, 14:30

EDC5 wrote: 27 Sep 2017, 14:23 Yep, the indexing is present however I wish it worked on both mirrors at the same time... it's a pain having to move the switch to the appropriate mirror side depending on which kerb I’m pulling up to

A huge leap forward from the Xantia though where only the ns has this feature and only on really top models (I believe it's just the ones with electric seats).

GiveMeABreak · Unread post by **GiveMeABreak** » 27 Sep 2017, 14:34

EDC5 wrote: 27 Sep 2017, 14:23 Yep, the indexing is present however I wish it worked on both mirrors at the same time... it's a pain having to move the switch to the appropriate mirror side depending on which kerb I’m pulling up to.

Damn.... I've got to get hold of some electrochrome side mirrors....

I'm guessing the sunblinds are integrated into the door cards so it would be a big job to change them just to add a small feature?

Yes they are integrated into the doors and the rear window blind is integrated into the parcel shelf unit. The electrochrome element of the door mirrors is powered with connections integrated into the internal rear view mirror - but I don't have the diagram for your setup as it's not the same as mine

EDC5 · Unread post by **EDC5** » 27 Sep 2017, 16:25

Hmm, I'm guessing it's one of those "more trouble than it's worth" upgrades.... although that never usually stope me

patriotbarrow · Unread post by **patriotbarrow** » 29 Sep 2017, 11:09

I'm not afraid of tinkering to get things to work right; and splicing some power from the interior dome lights or rain sensor won't be a problem if I can't find an original OEM part. All I need is a mirror that fits, preferably in the ball joint of the existing mirror. Maybe one from the C4 would fit?

GiveMeABreak · Unread post by **GiveMeABreak** » 29 Sep 2017, 11:42

No, they are all different - even within the same model range and also depends on the year of production. You can't just put one in from another model.

In your case, the electrochrome internal mirror was only introduced on the C3 Picasso models from late November 2012 to 2014 according to the specifications and is part number 8154 89.

Given that it was not an option until this time, it is HIGHLY unlikely for there to be any control wiring for the unit on your 2009 model - as it was not even optional. It's not just power, don't forget that the mirrors automatically lighten when reverse gear is selected, so it will likely require a CAN connection commanded from the BSI. My setup for example has a ribbon cable interface to handle that and other functions of equipment in the roof console. You also need to have the correct BSI and software level - so again highly unlikely it will available on your model for that year.

Looks like you'll have to stick to a pair of these

patriotbarrow · Unread post by **patriotbarrow** » 30 Sep 2017, 11:33

Or I could get any other electrochromic mirror which fits neatly in the ball joint and run 12 V from the cigarette lighter (or dome light) to it for the dimming functions and call it a day.

GiveMeABreak · Unread post by **GiveMeABreak** » 30 Sep 2017, 11:59

That would be a bit overkill IMO. The higher fuse rating for the cigar lighter would not be suitable for the electrochrome function and the wiring would be messy; the lighting function for the front interior lamp control unit and front courtesy light is handled directly by the BSI - so that might have unintended consequences mucking about with that. But if you are that determined to have a tinted interior mirror...

Xantippa · Unread post by **Xantippa** » 30 Sep 2017, 14:31

EDC5 wrote: 27 Sep 2017, 13:58 Just a slight detour question on the subject of electrochrome mirrors. My C5 has the auto dimming rear view mirror but the side ones don’t dim. Is this normal? I'd assume if you were to dim mirrors you might as well do all 3?

I remember reading somewhere (user manual maybe) that dimming outer mirrors are not available if car is black. Me too didn't have them on my black -08 sedan exclusive, but I have them on my "new" white -09 tourer exclusive. I still don't understand what car color has to do with dimming outer mirrors...

GiveMeABreak · Unread post by **GiveMeABreak** » 30 Sep 2017, 14:37

It can't be the colour - it's down to the option packs available at the time - there were changes on the '08 launch models to the '09 on models and again later. Also will depend on Country as to what you can get at what time. I've seen a few variations. The option packs are different even between these 2 years. Haven't seen anything regarding colours and mirrors anywhere though.

On the X7 specifically - I've just had a look at the options and for the UK 2008 brochure, the Electrochrome Mirrors were only available as part of Detection Pack 2:

Detection Pack 2 - front parking sensors with parking space ‘gap’ measurement system, (includes electrochrome door mirrors and sunblinds)

Yet on the 2009 UK Spec. the option has been removed....

Detection Pack 2 – front parking sensors with parking space ‘gap’ measurement system

... Yet in practice, it would seem to be the reverse

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