The rear view mirror in my XKR-S drives me nuts. It's bigger than it needs to be and it blocks significantly the view, especially when turning right. I am at 6'4" and sit a bit higher, which probably makes the issue worse. Is anyone aware of a good aftermarket smaller alternative? Right now, I see back windshield and both rear pillars at the same time. No need for the rear view mirror to be so wide. Has anyone swapped the rear view mirror? Is it some kind of standard connector to the windshield?

 

You will lose auto-dimming external mirrors and maybe whatever else is built into the OEM mirror, as in if you have Auto Wipers. Most brands have lots of stuff inside. Does the stock mirror block too much to the front, as in you cannot see through a portion of the windscreen because of it? Also, does it matter that you can see the C-pillars? I'm 6-2 and have never noticed a problem. Mine's wide enough to see the entire rear window and a tiny bit of pillar, but then I have a convertible so the window is a bit closer to the mirror and appears wider.
I do know that the OEM mirror doesn't have the double-articulation of mirrors of the past and therefore cannot be adjusted up and down.
I'm just trying to understand your motivation is all...

 

Yes, it block the front windshield too much for my liking, especially when taking a right corner. For example, it's hard to see a pedestrian wanting to cross, or any other potential obstacle coming from right. I do not mind loosing auto-dimming since I have tint all around anyway and that blocks some light already, but i did not realize wipers are impacted as well. I thought XKR-S GT might have a smaller mirror, but it looks the same from the pictures.

I am a tall guy and my head it close to the top. Reclining the seat back helps, perhaps that's the easiest solution. Just need to get used to it.

 

Yes, the stock mirror location sucks. I'm either looking over it or under it for anything to the right side of the car. In a coupe it would work better installed upside down so the mirror pattern matches the rear window pattern. I don't think there's any real benefit to getting rid of it since the windshield glass is blacked out for the rain sensor.

 

You put your finger on it.
You dont need a smaller mirror- you need a good fabricator to adjust it for your height. Perhaps even invert the mount.

 

I'd almost rather it be mounted to the dash.

 

I had a Ford Bronco- what a POS, you had to be in the rear seat to use the sideview mirrors. no joke.

 

here is a pic of one like it.
Basically on all trucks now they go where the door and fender are, this one is a foot back.

 

Probably your easiest option would be to revert the side mirrors and markers to those used on the 2007 - 2009 models. I have both a 2007, and 2010. When making that transition, it was immediately obvious that Jag did newer owners an injustice. I think they just grabbed mirrors from an XF and called it 'good enough'. The 2007 is a different story. The mirror is smaller, and more sport oriented. What you will loose is the folding capability, but not the auto dim. I understand some countries got a folding option, but we missed out in the US. You might have luck looking for a used set from overseas.

Vince

 

Mine fold.

 

Can you clarify? Are you talking about side mirrors or rear view mirror? My issue is with the rear view mirror. Higher mount or smaller unit would help.

 

MyBad... I misread your post thinking you were referring to the oversized side mirrors, which is a complaint of mine.

SorryBoutThat
Vince

 

Man, you set the side mirrors up correctly and this car has no blind spots out the back or sides.

 

Off topic for the OP, but the 07 covered blind spots as well. It also gave you significantly better visibility around the A pillar looking forward. The 2010 and up block a massive amount to forward view in comparison. I guess when you get to move back and forth between the two regularly the differences are night and day.

As I said, we all got folding mirrors on the 2ng gen XK (you've a 2010, right?).
I can't swear to all US imports of the first gen, as maybe something like a 2009 portfolio may have gotten power folding mirrors (anyone?). I do recall that they were common on 1st gen Euro models.

 

My 2009 XKR Portfolio convertible has power folding side mirrors. I have them set up to automatically fold inwards whenever I lock the car and fold outwards when I open the door. They can be manually operated by pressing the right and left mirror control buttons at the same time.

 

My 08 had power folding os mirrors as well.

 

I have the same problem, pedestrians and cars entering the interstate can disappear behind that mirror.

G&C's suggestion of remounting might work.

Mount it higher, mount it upside down.

 

For grins I tried spinning my mirror upside down, wouldn't go. Too much stuff in the way. Could probably disconnect it and try again, but what about the Rain Sensor on the wrong side? Dunno, probably nothing.
If you flip it, wouldn't the cars behind you appear upside down???