Excellr-A8

I just installed my new larger passenger mirror on my 1998 A8 last night. I have finally gotten rid of the blind spot that I had on the passenger side. The factory mirror is only 125x100mm on the passenger side, which not only looks odd, but also left a blind spot no matter how you adjusted the mirror. I just replaced it with the optional 175x100mm mirror that matches the driver's side.

I was able to get the parts to do this from the local dealer by ordering just two parts. The main bracket that includes the motor and lower plastic cover is 4D1 858 532S 3FZ and the housing which needs painted is 4AO 857 508 3FZ. You may want to verify these part numbers based on the memory seat option.

You will also need the mirror, which I got at Parts4vws.com. I used the German Split Wide Angle Mirror. I also believe that Paul W can get these mirrors at a good savings also. I unfortunately bought mine before he had them.

I now have the German Split Wide Angle Mirror on both sides of my car and it has completely solved the blind spot issues. It makes the A8 much more enjoyable to drive on the highway with the new mirror conversion.

Jeff B

RCBENZ2

I just test drove a 2000 A8L and was surprized at the blind spot on the passenger side with the full size mirror. I wish I could see the improvement with the German split wide angle mirror. Might be a "gotta have it feature" when I buy my 2000 or 2001 A8L.

That 2000 A8L is an awsome car. I've driven a '97 and '98 A8 before and today was my first 2000 A8L. Didn't notice a difference in length at all from the driver's seat. Car had lots of pep but a little bit of downshift lag. Black over black was very nice. Dealer wanted $42,000 for the car with 33,000 miles, Assured, parktronic, navigation and 17 inch 5-spoke wheels with Eagles. I think price was too high and looked to have a misalignment between the rear qtr and pass rear door. Qtr was "pushed in" 1/8 inch relative to the door, just below the rubstrip.

borden

Could you confirm that the a8 mirrors are the same as the A4??

Excellr-A8

I think that the German Split Angle Mirror really helps. It made a big difference on the driver's side compared to the standard mirror. On the passenger side I made two changes (larger mirror and German Split Angle Mirror) so the difference was dramatic but I still think the German Split Angle Mirror would be a big part of the improvement. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to spend the money on German Split Angle Mirror if I were buying a 2000 A8 and especially for an A8L.

The transmission can be reprogrammed which makes a huge difference in the shifting. See Paul W's internet site at audipages.com for instructions.

I would be very suspect of an A8L that had that much misalignment to the panels. I would do a very comprehensive check on the car before I even considered buying it.

Jeff

TVO

How much were each of the parts from the dealer?

D3AeighT

Can one order Small Passenger and Large Driver's side Split Wide Angle Mirror for 99's? If so, where be they "at" and how much?

Excellr-A8

The local Audi parts dealer prices are listed below for the larger mirror (175x100mm):

Description Part No. Cost
Main Bracket 4D1 858 532S 3FZ $195.00
Housing 4AO 857 508 3FZ $61.00

The mirror came from Parts4vws.com and cost around $55 a few months ago but I saw on their internet site that they are $65.00 now.

Jeff

Excellr-A8

I'm not sure if you can get the small passenger side mirror. I originally thought I was getting the small mirror when I ordered it.

When I received the large mirror I thought it would be nice to have the larger mirror on the passenger side so I looked up the part numbers for the housing and bracket and ordered them.

Jeff


Jeff