Your Vehicle in Detail

Rearview Mirror

~6min read

Extreme caution is required when working on airbags or adjacent components. The Kia Opirus specifies that only qualified personnel using special tools and protective measures may work on these systems. Even small mistakes, such as incorrect installation or static discharge, can lead to unintended deployment. This manual provides an overview of safety requirements, removal instructions, and transport regulations for airbags.

Exterior mirrors

Always adjust the outside rearview mirrors before driving.

CAUTION
  • The right outside rearview mirror glass is convex. On some country versions, the left outside rearview mirror glass is also convex. Objects in the mirror image are closer to the vehicle than they appear.
  • When turning, look at the interior rearview mirror or directly behind you to determine the actual distance of following vehicles.

NOTE

Do not scrape ice from the mirror glass, as this could damage the mirror surfaces. If ice or snow prevents you from adjusting a mirror, do not try to force the mirror.

To remove ice from mirrors, use de-icer spray or a sponge or cloth soaked in very warm water.

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The mirror switch allows you to electrically adjust both the left and right outside rearview mirrors. First set the selector switch (1) to position L or R to select the left or right outside rearview mirror. Then press the corresponding part (▲) of the adjustment button to move the mirror up, down, inward, or outward.

After adjustment, move the selector switch (1) to its neutral center position to prevent the mirror from being moved unintentionally.

NOTE

  • When the mirrors reach the maximum adjustment angle in the respective direction, they stop, but the adjustment motor continues to run as long as the corresponding button is held down. Therefore, do not run the adjustment motor longer than necessary, as the electric motor could be damaged.
  • Do not try to adjust an electrically adjustable outside rearview mirror manually. The mirror could be damaged.
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Automatic Mirror Tilt in Reverse*

When the gear selector lever is shifted into reverse (position R), the outside rearview mirrors automatically tilt downward by approx. 5° to improve the view when reversing. The mirrors remain in this position until the selector lever is moved out of reverse (position R).

Effect of the mirror selector switch setting on automatic mirror tilt: L (left): Both outside rearview mirrors (left and right) tilt downward by approx. 5° when reverse is selected.

R (right): Only the right outside rearview mirror tilts downward by approx. 5° when reverse is selected.

Center: Automatic mirror tilt is deactivated for both outside rearview mirrors.

The outside rearview mirror(s) automatically return to their previous position when either the mirror selector switch is moved to another position or the gear selector lever is moved out of reverse (position R).

Example: If the gear selector lever is shifted into reverse (position R) while the mirror selector switch is in position L (left), both outside rearview mirrors (left and right) automatically tilt downward by approx. 5°.

If the mirror selector switch is moved to position R (right) while the gear selector lever is in reverse (position R), the left outside rearview mirror returns to its previous position. The right outside rearview mirror does not return to its previous position.

If the gear selector lever is moved from reverse (position R) into any other gear while the mirror selector switch is in the neutral (center) position, the right outside rearview mirror automatically returns to its previous position.

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Folding the Outside Rearview Mirrors

Manual

To fold in an outside rearview mirror, grip the mirror housing and fold the mirror backward toward the vehicle.

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Electric*

Press the switch in the driver's door to fold in the outside rearview mirrors. Press the switch again to unfold the outside rearview mirrors.

NOTE

Do not fold the outside mirrors manually if your vehicle is equipped with electric outside mirrors, as this may damage the mirror motor.

Outside Rearview Mirror Heater*

The outside rearview mirror heater is combined with the rear window defroster.

Press the rear window defroster switch to turn on the outside rearview mirror heater.

The outside rearview mirror glass is heated to remove ice and condensation.

This improves your rearward visibility in unfavorable weather conditions. To turn off the outside rearview mirror heater, press the rear window defroster switch again. After a heating time of approx. 20 minutes, the outside rearview mirror heater switches off automatically.

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Interior Rearview Mirror with Day/Night Mode

Manual Adjustment

Adjust the interior rearview mirror so you have a centered view through the rear window.

Adjust the interior rearview mirror before driving and with the switch in the "Day" position.

In the dark, pull the day/night lever toward you to reduce glare from vehicles behind you.

Note that the mirror image is less clear in the night position than in the day position.

CAUTION

Do not place objects on the rear seat or the parcel shelf that could block your rearward view.

Automatic Dimming*

The interior mirror with electric day/night adjustment automatically reduces glare from vehicles behind you in darkness and dim light. A sensor in the mirror glass measures the available light level. A chemical reaction reduces the glare from following vehicles in the mirror image.

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Automatic Anti-Glare Mirror Function (Type A)

When the engine is running, a sensor automatically controls the brightness of the interior mirror. As soon as the selector lever is moved to reverse (position R), the mirror automatically switches to maximum brightness to improve rearward visibility for the driver (e.g. in dark parking garages).

When the ignition is switched on, the automatic dimming function is activated automatically.

To deactivate the automatic dimming function, press the ON/OFF button (1). The mirror indicator light then goes out.

To reactivate the automatic dimming function, press the ON/OFF button (1) again. The mirror indicator light then comes on.

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Automatic Anti-Glare Mirror Function (Type B - with compass*)

When the engine is running, a sensor automatically controls the brightness of the interior mirror. As soon as the selector lever is moved to reverse (position R), the mirror automatically switches to maximum brightness to improve rearward visibility for the driver (e.g. in dark parking garages).

When the ignition is switched on, the automatic dimming function is activated automatically.

Press and hold the ON/OFF button (1) for 3 to 6 seconds to deactivate the automatic dimming function. The indicator light in the mirror goes out.

Press and hold the ON/OFF button (1) again for 3 to 6 seconds to activate the automatic dimming function.

The indicator light in the mirror comes on.

CAUTION

To clean the interior rearview mirror, use only a cloth or tissue dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass cleaner directly onto the mirror, as the cleaning fluid could penetrate the mirror housing.

The rearview mirrors of the Kia Opirus 2003–2011 offer numerous comfort and safety features. Whether manual or electric, they can be adjusted precisely and help provide optimal visibility.

The automatic anti-glare function protects against glare from following vehicles, making driving at night more relaxed. This makes the Kia Opirus even safer and more comfortable for everyday use.

The high-quality construction of the mirrors reflects the premium character of the vehicle and provides a high level of functionality.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Opirus quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.