Ding, Ding, Ding....We have a winner

 

I would agree that ordering full leather in any of the GT cars (GT3, GT3RS, GT2, GT2RS) is odd to me (almost as odd as seeing ads for used ones that say never been tracked), as it seems like they are going in the wrong direction from the intended purpose of these cars, but Porsche is a profit driven company that will pretty much give the customer anything they want as long as they are willing to pay for it.

 

In response to your actual question I saw post on the Rennlist forum indicating that a self dimming mirror can be retrofit into a modern Porsche. The entire self dimming otion would be another story given the side mirror wiring needed and such. But, the rear view mirror shouldn't be that big an issue so long as you stay with a Porsche OEM mirror mount. I believe Suncoast can get you a self diming rear view mirror or can buy one used from several of the Porsche salvage yards on line. Install shouldn't be that complex as their is power available from the dome lights in the windshield header. I have also seen a mirror by **** at autoanything.com that is self dimming and has the compass and temp and uses the cam lock mounting system that Porsche uses. I would double check with the seller to confirm it will work with the newer 997 cars but there appear to be options available. Not cheap but then nothing for a Porsche is cheap.

 

Thanks. Looks like this is gonna be a big deal to do. I thought there might be a good aftermarket option but doesn't sound like it. Weight is not even a concern so not sure why that came up. It should be a simple after the fact option Porsche should offer and I imagine if it was easy to do and just connect power to the dome light, they would already offer it for profit opportunity. But bottom line looks like a costly install according to my dealer. So I guess it's not an easy install as some think.

 

Ok just had a discussion with the head service guy at Porsche service and told him my predicament. I asked him if I could buy the rear view only self dimming mirror and connect it to the dome light to power it and replace mine. He told me that if you connect any additional power to the dome light, it would trigger faults in the system with the addition draw on the voltage. So basically the sled dimming rear view would need it's own power line which is why it's not feasible because it would require major rewiring and if not ordered from the factory, you are basically screwed. So I guess for all of us without it, we are SOL

 

gosh, justy drop a new wire from breakers box upto the dome area.
just buy the part and either install it yourself or visit any local mechanic.

>would trigger faults in the system with the addition draw on the voltage

I think it is a total BS btw.

 

+1. Had self dimming mirrors in my previous car and absolutely hated them, especially since you couldn't turn the feature off. I like to see what's behind me and I rarely feel blinded by lights.

 

Yes, you can turn it off. Page 28 in the manual (997.2 version), and I think it's the same mirror in 997.1.

 

Peoples eyes can react differently - glare bothers me a good deal, and even more now that I have had Lasik.

And it can be turned off in the 911. I can't imagine it weighs that much more if at all than a normal mirror. I'd love to see the option list on some of these cars whose owner's go on about weight - I bet it would sand bag that objection big time. And most of us could probably ease up on the fries and burgers to cut a lot more operational weight off the car.

There's really not much reason to not include this option that I can see - cost cutting - follow the money.

 

FYI be removing 90 lb from your car you gained an extra 8.5 hp!

 

I thought folks hardwired radar detectors to that power source and I've not heard of any faults being triggered. Sounds like an answer of convenience by the tech.

 

IMHO, for cars such as Porsche that sit at a certain (lower) height, I see the self-dimming mirrors no less of a safety issue/device than mandatory seat belts.
Again, IMHO, YMMV, etc.

 

That just allows me to carry more beer in the car

 

Thanks for the information. I should have mentioned that my previous car wasn't a Porsche.

 

I respect your opinion and knowledge (used your hack for DRL).
When you say you think it is BS, what are you referring to?
Do you think I could tap into the power at the map/dome lights and not have an issue?
I currently have a manual dimming mirror in a 997.1 Cab S.
I just ordered an OEM self dimming mirror off a wreck from a disassembler in Australia.
Was figuring on having to run a new line from the fuse box (C5 which is switched available), but if I don't have to do that I would love to avoid running that long line.
Appreciate any help you or anyone else wants to give.