T5.2 / T5GP OEM folding mirrors install

[YellowLemon]

After some loser smashed off one of my T5's mirrors, I got quoted a replacement from VW adding up to ~$700++: $275 for the new base + $200 for new mirror + $200 labour for install (it takes < 5 minutes all up ??) + new mirror cover and painting (if required) ranging from $50-150. Note the VW mirror design is also partly to blame for breaking because they swivel "up" and NOT front/back like a normal mirror. (I've hit the old T4 mirror lots of times on the garage door backing out, and it never broke off)

I thought it will be fun to fit the electric folding mirrors!

1. *** PARTS ***

A - The actual folding mirror assemblies:

7E2857508DG Driver's / right side assembly
7E2857507DB Passenger / left side assembly

--> ETKA price is AU$190 each side but in reality it's more like $300 per side (?)



2. The glass inserts that just clip in - only needed if yours is smashed:
7E1857522F Driver's side glass
7E1857521M Passenger side glass

3. Optional OEM folding mirror switch
I think the part number is 7E1959565 without a letter at the end - TBC. These are ~$70 from dealer or ~$20 from eBay/AliXpress



(Check it yourself on ETKA here or here .. click on CarProg2 for the latter link)

2. *** WIRING ***

There are 3 options:

1) OEM as per factory
Now in the T5GP/T5.2 the OEM folding mirrors when factory optioned work off the window motors, which communicate over a LINBUS. HOWEVER you need the correct window motors, which my car unfortunately did not have. You can buy the correct window motors, but at $300+ cost it's not worth it to me.
PROS: no wiring between the doors is required with this method as it's all over LIN bus.
CONS: 1. cost 2. no automation - you have to flick the mirror switch everytime you want folding, and only with the key in.)




2) OEM using separate VW mirror folding module
In the original T5, but only those built between ~2003-2010, the folding mirror function used a special relay called the "AUDI 361 relay" with part number 4A0 907 440. This provided the same function, namely interfacing the door mirror knob to the folding mirrors, by powering the mirror motors for 3 sec when the switch was moved.
PROS: Still all OEM parts. Cheaper (the relay is AU $30-50 online)
CONS: Have to run wire across the car in between the two doors. Still not automated, have to flick switch each time.




3) Aftermarket mirror control module
The OEM VW mirrors run off two wires, and inverting the polarity causes them to fold or unfold. There is no internal logic or auto-stop: once the mirror is fully open, the motor keeps on running and will burn out if not disconnected. Someone measured the mirror motor consumption as 0.8A while moving at 2A when stopped. There are many 'universal' aftermarket options starting under $15 on eBay/aliexpress.
CONS: Aftermarket solution so less sex appeal.
PROS: These have a function to link in to the door locks and automatically fold or unfold the mirrors eg when the door is locked or when ignition is turned on or off.
NOTE: If you have auto-lock enabled, and want the 'fold on lock' feauture, this MIGHT cause your mirrors to fold while driving! (Depending on the setup/options in the unit) In any case you could wire a bypass relay running of the ignition to bypass the 'lock' wire while the ignition is running.

Examples of aftermarket units:

$12 from eBay:



$150 delivered from Germany:



If anyone with ELSAWIN could please post a WIRING DIAGRAM of the door lock module (5 wires) and window motor module that would be a great help.

I'll keep this updated as I go along with the install......