Auto Dimming mirror and Rearview Camera Opinions

[Koppey]

So my R finally arrived about a week ago, absolutely love it. Like most of us I was disappointed when I heard my R would ship with a prism (old school) mirror. The thing is, I happen to be an engineer at Gentex, the company that makes the fancy auto dimming mirrors, some of which incorporate a rear camera display in the mirror. I'm toying with the idea of installing a rear view camera, but I can't decide if I want use the RNS-315 or a mirror that incorporates a 3.5" display in it for the camera.

Opinions? Either way I'll be installing an auto dimming mirror with homelink. It's just a matter of whether I want to take the easy route and use the RNS-315 or do a custom install to the mirror. My boss already suggested I take it to the prototyping lab to work with the guys on creating a set up so that won't be a problem.

More or less the type of RCD mirror I'm considering...

[VWPDX]

Go with the custom option. Document it, post it, and sell us the mirrors at discount pricing. Just my non biased advice.

J/k I do think that mirror looks very cool though.

[trueunion]

X2 your custom mirror

[ftillier]

I love the auto-dimming mirror with the rearview camera in my Odyssey. When we test drove the sienna vs. the odyssey, having the display in the mirror vs. the dash was way more natural to use.

[speedbump2]

It's nice to have the video image in the mirror, but I find that the mirror's video screen in my wife's RAV4 is hard to see in the daylight. And, if I'm not mistaken, that is a Gentex unit, built for Toyota.

--Chuck--

[Koppey]

Thanks to all, I guess custom will be the route I will go. I think if I play this install correctly it could lead to a new job to boot! Will do my best to document it and write a DIY for those of you who are interested in something similar.

[Koppey]

Also... I found a rain sensor that attaches to your rearview mirror. That might find it's way into the build as well.

[b-R-ad]

Let me know how it works...I live just up the road from you, so...hook a brother up

No really...I liked the camera in the mirror over the dash display...its more natural while backing up and you are checking your mirrors to look in the rear view rather than looking at the dash.

Let us know how the install goes.

[NY TDI]

Hi Koopey,

If you want the custom mirror, then do your thing, and install whatever makes you happy. However, Consider the following:

You have a very nice ride, and there is something seamless about OEM installs. My mkvi TDI came with an RCD-510, but I installed an RNS-510 just so that I could use the OEM flip-out camera under the rear VW emblem (and the nav directions on the MFD are nice to have while too!). No drilling into the rear bumper or through the under carriage. I just think that it would be a shame to cut holes into your brand new $35,000 car, that's all.

Just my two cent. : D

[VWPDX]

Hi Koopey,

If you want the custom mirror, then do your thing, and install whatever makes you happy. However, Consider the following:

You have a very nice ride, and there is something seamless about OEM installs. My mkvi TDI came with an RCD-510, but I installed an RNS-510 just so that I could use the OEM flip-out camera under the rear VW emblem (and the nav directions on the MFD are nice to have while too!). No drilling into the rear bumper or through the under carriage. I just think that it would be a shame to cut holes into your brand new $35,000 car, that's all.

Just my two cent. : D

It may make a lot of sense to integrate the mirror to the flip out camera. That way you get no drilling and the autodim/homelink/backup camera mirror.

[Jay07GLI]

I prefer the auto dimming mirror from an Audi for a nice OEM look. I purchased an OEM garage door switch and wired to my remote so I don't need home link. But I know you're biased to the Gentex, they are good products, just not OEM VW

[A.Bursell]

I prefer the auto dimming mirror from an Audi for a nice OEM look. I purchased an OEM garage door switch and wired to my remote so I don't need home link. But I know you're biased to the Gentex, they are good products, just not OEM VW

There's a pretty good chance those OEM mirrors are actually made by Gentex. They do seem to make the majority, if not all, of the OEMs I have ever seen.

To the OP, since you are going to prototype a mirror, there are two things about my Gentex that bothered me-- that would probably be easy fixes for you. I would like to see availability of the OEM VAG mirror mount, instead of using an adapter or removing and replacing the windshield button. And, on those same mirrors, the light for power should probably be red, while Homelink lights up green. To better match the interior lighting.

Adam

[ilimit]

Thread revival! So, OP.. what did you end up doing? I have a gentex mirror from my old car that I parted out w/ the camera option. You think the VW badge camera will work?

[VeeDubDriver]

Thread revival! So, OP.. what did you end up doing? I have a gentex mirror from my old car that I parted out w/ the camera option. You think the VW badge camera will work?

I believe the VW camera has an RGB output, which may not be supported by the Gentex mirror monitor.

[ilimit]

I believe the VW camera has an RGB output, which may not be supported by the Gentex mirror monitor.

Bummer. Thanks for your input man. Hope someone out there can confirm? I miss my auto dim. The mirror reflects the overhead console at night

[ilimit]

The RCD 510 version 2 with HD radio doesn't work with VW badge camera right?

[McSpiffy]

Greetings:

I just purchased a 2011 JSW TDI and would like to install the GENK3345S in my vehicle. My previous vehicle ('07 Honda CRV EX-L w/Navigation) had a rear camera display that was featured in the navigation screen; I also paid for the dealer to install OEM backup sensors in the vehicle as well. I've grown accustomed to having these features and would really like to find a reasonable solution for my JSW.

Did your installation work properly? Any difficulty in the process? Did you install the system yourself or did you hire someone?

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your reply.