[rnlabas]

As most of you are aware, I was itching to replace my rearview mirror with a larger one AND use a HomeLink version to do so. I found a nice Gentex version on ebay for $50 and it even had red digits for the compass. I knew by simple examination that the mounting gimbal would need to be changed if it was even possible for the mirror to fit. I checked and re-checked the space, dimensions, clearances and found it all physically possible.

I split the replacement mirror carefully, wired up the device, programmed the HomeLink, changed compass zones and calibrated the compass. All was cool for the new one except to verify the gimbal mount exchange from the Audi mirror. I took out the Q3 mirror today, split it and found that the Audi mount is NOT even remotely practical to change over. The design is such that it's just not possible with out a new case and face design. The Audi mirrors made by Gentex are rather unique so this mod is going to be more of a challenge.

Plan B is to find a newer (13-14-15) used Audi mirror out of a Q5 or A5 that is the right size and has the latest 4 prong mount rather than the older (and NOT swappable either) 3-prong mount. This will fix my mirror issue.

See my HomeLink thread for thoughts and plans on that ...

 

[rdboles]

Did you ever find a solution on the homelink mirror. I too bought one and realized it would not work because of the rain sensor causing unique mounting bracket. if I wanted to remove the rain sensor it could work by replacing with an old style mounting bracket but I like the rain sensor and I don't want to rig it. Solution?

 

[rnlabas]

Did you ever find a solution on the homelink mirror. I too bought one and realized it would not work because of the rain sensor causing unique mounting bracket. if I wanted to remove the rain sensor it could work by replacing with an old style mounting bracket but I like the rain sensor and I don't want to rig it. Solution?

I did NOT, and I tried pretty hard. It would've solved 2 problems for me, the larger mirror and the addition of HomeLink. Problem is, the unique Audi mount is used on all their mirrors, not just the rain sensor ones. But the sensor complicates things a little more due to the extended area of the mount on the windshield.

I was willing to either put an Audi mount on the other Gentex mirror OR put the guts of the other mirror into the Audi mirror. Neither was workable cuz of the mount gussets inside the mirror or the circuit boards of the mirror compass and HomeLink.

What I ended up doing was install an A5/Q5 mirror - 2 minute swap, and install the Audi HomeLink Kit ... 20 minutes. In the end - pretty happy. The HomeLink module works very well, although I'd prefer it be integrated into the overhead console (2018 MQB platform, along with memory seats). The mirror is perfect, even better than the new one in the 16s -

 

[Quatto]

I did NOT, and I tried pretty hard. It would've solved 2 problems for me, the larger mirror and the addition of HomeLink. Problem is, the unique Audi mount is used on all their mirrors, not just the rain sensor ones. But the sensor complicates things a little more due to the extended area of the mount on the windshield.

I was willing to either put an Audi mount on the other Gentex mirror OR put the guts of the other mirror into the Audi mirror. Neither was workable cuz of the mount gussets inside the mirror or the circuit boards of the mirror compass and HomeLink.

What I ended up doing was install an A5/Q5 mirror - 2 minute swap, and install the Audi HomeLink Kit ... 20 minutes. In the end - pretty happy. The HomeLink module works very well, although I'd prefer it be integrated into the overhead console (2018 MQB platform, along with memory seats). The mirror is perfect, even better than the new one in the 16s -

That's some good install time, but of course you're one of the more experienced owners here. How long do you think it'll take for someone new to working on their car?

 

[rnlabas]

That's some good install time, but of course you're one of the more experienced owners here. How long do you think it'll take for someone new to working on their car?

My car was serial number 1 for the Audi area (NOT dealer) service tech and together it took the 20 minutes. I would suppose that anybody with a 2015 or 2016 that could/did NOT get the PIO, could ask their area service tech to do this for FREE - just pay for the cost of the parts - if not, then withOUT the special tools, I would expect this to take perhaps an hour or less - it just wouldn't be as idiot-proof, but still quite doable as MBPQ3 noted in his posts on it ...

The mirror swap is about as dead-easy as you can imagine - squeeze off the cover bit - 30 seconds, twist off mirror, 30-60 seconds, unplug - remove - reverse goes faster - even if you contemplate this for 10 minutes, or play around with your grip on the mounting (I have BIgFoot hands), you still have it done reasonably quickly -

 

[Noccer]

I just bought a loaded 2017 Q3 and just assumed it had HomeLink. Are you saying I can buy a Q5 mirror with Homelink and replace it?

 

[rafi.kadafi]

If U are from US. Your homelink should be installed

 

[rnlabas]

I just bought a loaded 2017 Q3 and just assumed it had HomeLink. Are you saying I can buy a Q5 mirror with Homelink and replace it?

NO ! Not at all - There is NO HomeLink in ANY Audi mirrors. My references were for a few different options. Many OTHER manufacturers DO have HomeLink mirrors, and I tried to retro-fit a Subaru one to my Q3 - UNSUCCESSFULLY as the mounts are in NO WAY compatible. In the end, I installed the Audi OEM HomeLink kit in my Q3, AND separately a Q5 mirror (to get a bigger rear view).