Of the two things lacking on my 2000 Rx one being steering wheel radio controls and a compass, I know nothing can be done about the radio controls but I think a compass mirror might be possible (but not at Lexus price), has anybody come across one?

 

I am in the same boat with you. I would really like the have the compass in the rear view mirror like the 2001 RX, but not for the $600+ that the dealer wants. Also, the dealer told me that it may not install due to a different wiring harness b/c of the compass. Not sure though. If I come accross anything else I will tell you and hope you do the same.

 

Has anyone found a cheaper price on the rear view mirror.

 

There was an outfit called Mito Corp that was selling the Gentex
mirrors, they have different options I think the one with the compass was
$249. I know that the Gentex is the supplier to most American cars and some others, you can start at the Mitocorp page and search from there.

 

Another supplier

 

Also to remember is that most of the aftermarket mirrors that have compasses lack the auto dim function. I too looked at this last year but just gave up.

 

Check out the Gentex interior rearview mirror model lineup, pretty impressive features! They have an auto-dimming, compass model with LED map lights. There is also one with a tire pressure monitor...very nice.

http://www.gentex.com/automotive_products2.html

 

I understand that mirror with compass perform a function, but one should consider alternatives .... How about plain old compass? Should be less than $5.00 (wasn't there a craze for floating earth in a shell)

Anecdote:

NASA spent close to million dollars developing ball point pens that would write under zero gravity. When Soviet astronauts were asked how did they peform the important task of writing in space, thier reply was "pencils".


Salim