Volkswagen Jetta 7th Gen Wide Angle Mirror & Power Folding Mirror
Service Price
$approx. $1,500+
Estimated price · Actual price may vary by shop
VW Jetta 7th Gen wide-angle and power folding mirror upgrade enhances safety and convenience. Improves visibility and adds auto-folding.
Enhancing Your 7th Gen Volkswagen Jetta's Visibility and Convenience
Many owners of the 7th generation Volkswagen Jetta find the stock mirrors to have significant blind spots, leading to a frustrating and potentially unsafe driving experience. This review details a comprehensive upgrade involving the installation of wide-angle mirrors and power-folding side mirrors, transforming the Jetta's functionality and safety.
Wide-Angle Mirror Upgrade: Expanding Your View
The primary issue addressed is the limited field of vision from the factory mirrors. The solution involves replacing the stock mirrors with 800R wide-angle units. A key consideration during installation is the transfer of the original mirror's indicator lights (turn signals) to the new wide-angle mirrors. This ensures that the indicators function identically to the factory setup, maintaining consistent brightness and operation, even during automatic car washes or nighttime driving. The 800R curvature significantly broadens the driver's perspective, drastically reducing blind spots.
Power Folding Mirror Installation: Adding Essential Convenience
Another common inconvenience with the North American spec Jetta is the manual operation of the side mirrors. They must be folded by hand, which is cumbersome when parking, using valet services, or going through automatic car washes. The installation of power-folding side mirrors resolves this by integrating with the vehicle's remote key fob. This feature allows the mirrors to automatically fold and unfold, typically within 2-3 seconds, greatly enhancing daily usability.
There are generally two types of power folding mirror kits available for the Jetta. One type involves a complete replacement of the mirror housing, often of Chinese origin. The preferred method, however, is to retain the original mirror housing's exterior and replace only the internal motor assembly. This approach ensures a seamless integration, maintaining the factory look and utilizing the original wiring harness with a plug-and-play system. This method also simplifies future maintenance or removal, allowing for an easy return to the original configuration without damaging the vehicle's wiring.
Installation Process:
- Carefully remove the original side mirror assemblies, ensuring no damage to the wiring.
- Transfer the indicator lights from the stock mirrors to the new wide-angle mirror modules, ensuring precise alignment for proper function.
- Replace the internal motor assembly within the original mirror housing with the new power-folding mechanism.
- Install the new 4-stage folding switch inside the cabin, which controls folding, unfolding, and mirror adjustment.
- Connect the wiring harnesses using the original vehicle connections, ensuring proper insulation and waterproofing.
The result is a significantly improved driving experience, with enhanced safety due to reduced blind spots and increased convenience through the automatic folding mirrors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does the wide-angle and power folding mirror upgrade cost for a Volkswagen Jetta 7th Gen?
The cost for this specific upgrade in Korea was detailed in the article. In the US, similar aftermarket power folding mirror kits can range from $150 to $400, depending on the brand and features.
Q. How long does the wide-angle and power folding mirror installation take on a Volkswagen Jetta 7th Gen?
Installation typically takes a few hours, usually between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the technician's experience and the specific kit used. Proper waterproofing of the motor assembly is crucial for longevity.
Q. Are wide-angle and power folding mirrors worth adding after purchase for a Volkswagen Jetta 7th Gen?
Yes, these upgrades are highly recommended for Jetta owners who frequently deal with blind spots or find manual mirror folding inconvenient. They significantly enhance both safety and daily driving comfort.
Q. How are wide-angle and power folding mirrors installed on a Volkswagen Jetta 7th Gen?
Installation involves removing the stock mirrors, transferring indicator lights to the new wide-angle mirrors, replacing the internal motor assembly in the side mirror housing with the power-folding unit, and swapping the interior folding switch. Wiring is typically integrated using the original vehicle connections.
Q. What is the difference between dealer-installed options and aftermarket upgrades for a Volkswagen Jetta 7th Gen?
Dealer-installed options are typically OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts approved by the manufacturer, often installed during production or by the dealership. Aftermarket upgrades, like the ones detailed here, are made by third-party companies and can offer more customization or cost savings, but compatibility and quality can vary.
Kakao Parts
