"Bubble" mirrors & BLIS - OK together?

[MikeS]

I have always used those stick on bubble-blind spot mirrors on every car I've driven.

 

QUESTION:

 

Will it interfere with the BLIS system? I obviously wouldn't affix them to the top/left/outer corner of the mirror where the light flashes if someone is in your blind spot?

 

I guess my question: where is the sonar (or whatever) sensors? Are they in the mirror assembly or on the body of the car somewhere else?

 

Has anyone used the stick-on bubble mirrors WITH the BLIS system?

 

Thanks,

Mike

 

PS: Urgent (sorry I didn't think of this question earlier, I'm picking up the car in 2.5 hours!)

[2010 Sport Blue SEL]

I have always used those stick on bubble-blind spot mirrors on every car I've driven.

 

QUESTION:

 

Will it interfere with the BLIS system? I obviously wouldn't affix them to the top/left/outer corner of the mirror where the light flashes if someone is in your blind spot?

 

I guess my question: where is the sonar (or whatever) sensors? Are they in the mirror assembly or on the body of the car somewhere else?

 

Has anyone used the stick-on bubble mirrors WITH the BLIS system?

 

Thanks,

Mike

 

PS: Urgent (sorry I didn't think of this question earlier, I'm picking up the car in 2.5 hours!)

I don't have BLIS on my Fusion but my educated guess is it will not affect the operation of the system. The sensors are located on the outer ends of the rear bumper, it's only an indicator light on the mirror. Of course, you can ask a service technician when you pick up the car. I hope this helps.

 

Edit:

It just dawned on me. If you are picking up a new 2011 the spot mirror is integrated into the flat mirror, no need for a stick on convex mirror.

Edited October 9, 2010 by 2010 Sport Blue SEL

[FFHdriver]

I don't have BLIS on my Fusion but my educated guess is it will not affect the operation of the system. The sensors are located on the outer ends of the rear bumper, it's only an indicator light on the mirror. Of course, you can ask a service technician when you pick up the car. I hope this helps.

 

Edit:

It just dawned on me. If you are picking up a new 2011 the spot mirror is integrated into the flat mirror, no need for a stick on convex mirror.

I don't think you get the BLIS and blind spot mirror too. IMO you shouldn't need both.

Edited October 9, 2010 by FFHdriver

[2010 Sport Blue SEL]

I don't think you get the BLIS and blind spot mirror too. IMO you shouldn't need both.

You're right. I now remember reading that when the specs came out for the 2011's.

You're also right about not needing one if you have BLIS, it's a bit redundant. I installed a 1.5" convex mirror on mine the day after I picked up the car and use it all the time.

[MikeS]

In terms on 'not needing both', in my first day of driving with BLIS, I did encounter a situation where I think I might have liked to have both. (In fact, I'm on the way to the store to buy some bubble mirrors this afternoon).

 

I was entering a highway via a ramp on the right side of the highway.

 

There was a car 2 lanes over to the left which for some crazy reason wanted to be in the lane I was merging into.

 

The BLIS didn't light as he was 2 lanes over (too far away).

 

It eventually did light as he got closer (left to right), but I think the bubble mirror would have been helpful as a supplement.

 

(That, and I've driven with them forever, and am really used to them).

 

Despite this example, I must say I TOTALLY LOVE BLIS, and would not consider getting a car without it now.

 

It is especially handy at night, when it's typically harder to see cars in the bubble mirror.

 

I think the 2 together will be awesome.

 

I'll report back my experience next week.

 

Mike

[akirby]

If you adjust your mirrors properly and glance over your shoulder you'll never have a blind spot.

[MikeS]

I'm totally against glancing over my shoulder.

 

At 60mph, things happen really fast.

 

The bubble mirrors have always served me well, and now with blis, I'm in bliss !!!

 

Miike

[akirby]

I'm totally against glancing over my shoulder.

 

You're willing to bet your life on an electronic gadget? They do malfunction you know. You should never change lanes without glancing over your shoulder.

[MikeS]

No, I agree about relying 100% on the electronic gadget. That's why I'm getting the good old fashion bubble mirror which I think is much safer than turning one's head over one's shoulder.

 

BTW, Volvo agrees with you 100%: they don't use real human victims in their pedestrian avoidance systems. In fact, there's a funny youtube video of their demo going horribly wrong and killing the test dummy.

 

 

Mike

[MikeS]

BTW, anyone using the round bubble mirrors?

 

What size do you like?

 

My Tribeca had big mirrors, so I suspect I'll need to get smaller ones.

[FFHdriver]

BTW, anyone using the round bubble mirrors?

 

What size do you like?

 

My Tribeca had big mirrors, so I suspect I'll need to get smaller ones.

I've always used a small round convex mirror on the driver's side except for the Fusion. I used the biggest one that didn't obscure the entire mirror. When I had a VW, I ordered a replacement VW European style mirror. The outside 1/3 of the mirror glass was convex and the inside was regular flat glass. It worked great.

Edited October 12, 2010 by FFHdriver

[MikeS]

Consistent with my general fear of commitment , I bought $20 worth of blindspot mirrors of various sizes, didn't open up any packages, cut out paper to the various shapes, held in place to get a sense of what I liked.

 

Per the attached photos, the 2" was too small, and the 3" was just right.

 

Just a tip: it works better if the bottom left of the circle extends beyond the bounds of the big mirror so there's not a sliver of real mirror visble beyond the blindspot (this effect can be very disturbing).

 

Of course if you have blis, don't cover up the LED indicator.

 

Mike

[Jshell757]

The mirrors look cool. Oh yea, here is a question, on the 2011, is there a low fuel light? Not the warning on the MCDU, but a low fuel light?

 

The only part that sucks about the stick ons is they don't heat up with the mirror, but oh well.

[MikeS]

I don't know about the fuel light.

 

BTW, had my maiden voyage with the bubble mirrors and it worked great, especially with the BLISS combo.

 

I feel much more aware of all the cars around me.

 

Two thumbs up!

 

Mike