To instantly know if your Audi has folding mirrors, check for a dedicated button featuring a mirror icon on your driver’s door panel or center console. You can also confirm this feature through your vehicle’s MMI infotainment system settings or by reviewing your owner’s manual for specifications.

Find Out How Do I Know If My Audi Has Folding Mirrors

So, you’re squeezing into that impossibly tight parking space, the one between a delivery van and a concrete pillar. Your heart does a little tap dance as you inch forward, eyes glued to your side mirrors. And then it hits you: “Wait, do my mirrors even fold?” It’s a modern car mystery that feels almost silly until you really need to know. I’ve been there, leaning out the window in the rain, giving my mirror a tentative push, half-expecting a costly “snap” instead of a satisfying “click.”

If you drive an Audi, you’re piloting a vehicle renowned for its technology and thoughtful engineering. But with so many models, trim levels, and optional packages over the years, figuring out exactly what features your specific car has can feel like detective work. Power-folding side mirrors are one of those brilliant convenience features—protecting your mirrors in tight spots, adding a layer of security, and delivering that satisfying “tuck-in” look when you lock the car. But how do you know if your Audi has them without just… pushing and hoping for the best?

Don’t worry, we’re going to solve this puzzle together. No guesswork, no risky poking. This guide will walk you through every surefire method, from the simplest visual check to digging into your car’s digital brain. Let’s find out what your Audi can really do.

Key Takeaways

• Check your owner’s manual: It lists all features including mirror functions.
• Look for a folding button: Located on the door or console.
• Consult your VIN number: Decode it for exact equipment details.
• Use the infotainment system: Navigate to vehicle settings for mirrors.
• Inspect the mirror housing: Some models show visible folding mechanisms.
• Test with ignition on: Try adjusting the mirror control knob.
• Contact an Audi dealer: Provide your VIN for confirmation.

What Are Power-Folding Mirrors and Why Should You Care?

First, let’s talk about what we’re actually looking for. Power-folding mirrors are electrically operated side mirrors that can fold inward towards the car’s windows at the push of a button. This is different from manually folding mirrors, which you have to push in by hand (and often with a bit of force).

The “Why”: More Than Just a Party Trick

You might think this is just a gimmick, but it’s a genuinely useful feature. Here’s why:

• Space Saver: The obvious one. Folding your mirrors can give you those precious extra inches when parking in a narrow garage or a cramped city spot.
• Protection: It helps prevent your mirrors from being clipped by passing traffic, shopping carts, or in tight drive-thrus.
• Security & Status: A folded mirror can signal that the car is locked and secure, potentially deterring casual tampering. It also gives your Audi that sleek, “parked and secured” posture.
• Convenience: No more getting out of the car to fold mirrors in or having to manually adjust them back to the perfect position afterward.

Now that we know *why* it’s a feature worth having, let’s figure out how to confirm if it’s sitting there, ready to use, on your car.

Method 1: The Physical & Visual Inspection (The Hands-On Check)

This is your first and most direct step. No tools needed, just your eyes and a careful touch.

Step-by-Step Visual Guide

First, look at the mirror housing (the plastic part that holds the mirror glass itself). On the inner edge, closest to the car’s window, do you see a visible seam or hinge line? Most Audi mirrors designed to fold will have a clear separation point. Next, get inside your car. Locate the mirror adjustment control. This is usually on the driver’s door panel. The control knob or pad that you use to adjust the mirror angle is the key. Look closely at the buttons or icons around it. Do you see a separate button with an icon that looks like a mirror with a curved arrow pointing toward the car? That’s the dedicated folding button. On many Audi models, it’s a physical button you can press.

The “Careful Push” Test

If you don’t see a button, you can try a manual check—but be gentle! With the car on (or in accessory mode), stand outside and apply light, inward pressure to the outer edge of the mirror housing. Do not force it. If it’s a power-folding mirror that is simply turned off in the settings, it might resist or not move at all. If it’s a manual folding mirror, it will hinge in with a bit of pressure. If it doesn’t budge and feels solid, it’s likely a non-folding mirror. When in doubt, err on the side of not forcing it.

Method 2: Consult the Ultimate Authority – Your Owner’s Manual

This might seem obvious, but your owner’s manual is a treasure trove of specific information about *your* exact vehicle. Don’t have the physical book? No problem. Audi provides digital versions online.

How to Find the Info in the Manual

Grab your manual and head to the index or table of contents. Look for sections titled “Exterior Mirrors,” “Mirrors,” “Vehicle Features,” or “Convenience Functions.” Within those pages, it will explicitly describe the operation of the mirrors and include diagrams of the control panel. This will definitively show you if your car has the feature and, crucially, how to operate it. Sometimes the folding function is tied to a long-press of the mirror adjustment knob or is part of the MMI menu, which the manual will clarify.

Finding Your Digital Manual

Search online for “Audi Owner’s Manual” followed by your model year and model (e.g., “2018 Audi A4 owner’s manual”). The official Audi website or owner’s portal is your best bet. This is a foolproof method that removes all guesswork.

Method 3: Dive Into Your Car’s Settings (The MMI & Vehicle Menu)

Modern Audis are like computers on wheels. The answer often lies within the infotainment system, known as the MMI (Multi Media Interface).

Navigating the MMI for Mirror Settings

Turn on your car (you don’t need to drive). Press the “CAR” function button on your MMI console or screen. Navigate to the vehicle settings menu—this might be labeled “Vehicle,” “Car Systems,” or have a car icon. Look for a submenu called “Exterior Mirrors,” “Mirrors,” or “Convenience.” Inside, scroll through the options. Here are some things you might find:

• “Fold mirrors when locking”: This is the golden ticket. If this checkbox or toggle exists, your car has power-folding mirrors.
• “Mirror fold” or “Folding mirrors”: A direct on/off switch for the feature.
• Mirror adjustment controls: Sometimes the folding action is initiated by holding down the mirror adjustment knob in a certain position.

Play around in these menus. The presence of any of these options is a 100% confirmation.

Method 4: The Model & Trim Level Investigation

While not a guarantee for any single car, knowing what was typically offered on your specific Audi model and trim can point you in the right direction. Features like folding mirrors were often part of optional packages (like the Convenience Package, Premium Plus, or Technology Package) or became standard on higher trim levels (like Prestige or S-Line).

General Trends Across Popular Audi Models

Here’s a rough guide to set your expectations. Remember, this varies wildly by year and individual options.

• Audi A4/A5/Q5: On models from the mid-2010s onward, power-folding mirrors were frequently included in mid-to-high level trim packages. On base models, they were often an expensive standalone option or part of a package.
• Audi A6/A7/A8/Q7/Q8: Given their luxury positioning, these models were much more likely to have folding mirrors as standard or in the base trim, especially in newer generations.
• Audi A3/Q3: On these entry-luxury models, folding mirrors were a very common option but less likely to be standard.
• S and RS Models: High-performance models often bundled luxury conveniences, making folding mirrors standard or near-standard.

The best way to use this info is to confirm a suspicion. If you have a base model A4 from 2015, it’s less likely. If you have a 2020 A6 Prestige, it’s almost certain.

Method 5: Consider the Aftermarket & Retrofit Possibilities

What if, after all this searching, you discover your Audi doesn’t have folding mirrors? It’s a bummer, but it’s not necessarily the end of the story.

Can You Add Them Later?

The short answer is: yes, but it’s involved. The process is called “retrofitting.” It typically involves:

• Replacing both mirror assemblies (housing, motor, glass) with OEM power-folding units.
• Running new wiring into the doors and to the control module.
• Coding the car’s software (using diagnostic tools like VCDS or ODIS-E) to recognize and activate the new feature.

This is a complex job best left to specialized Audi technicians or very experienced DIYers. The cost for parts and labor can be significant, often running into the thousands. You need to ask yourself if the convenience is worth the investment compared to, say, just being careful where you park.

Quick Reference: Audi Mirror Types at a Glance

To summarize the physical differences, here’s a simple comparison.

Mirror Type	How to Identify	Control Method
Power-Folding	Dedicated button on door with mirror/arrow icon; option in MMI “Car” menu.	Button press, MMI toggle, or automatic with lock.
Manual Folding	Visible hinge; can be pushed inward by hand with moderate pressure.	Physical push by hand.
Non-Folding (Fixed)	Solid housing with no clear hinge; will not move inward.	Not applicable. They are fixed in place.

Putting It All Together and Taking Action

Figuring out “how do I know if my Audi has folding mirrors” doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with the easy stuff: look for that button on your door. If it’s there, mystery solved! If not, don’t start pushing yet. Get cozy with your MMI settings menu—spend five minutes exploring the “CAR” functions. That alone will give you an answer 95% of the time.

If the digital world fails you, the physical owner’s manual (or its PDF twin) is your absolute, no-nonsense guide. Use the model and trim info as context, not confirmation. And if the final verdict is that your beloved Audi didn’t come with this particular party trick, weigh the retrofit cost against your need. Sometimes, knowing for sure is the biggest relief of all.

So, go on. Walk out to your car with confidence. You’re now equipped to solve this little modern motoring mystery. Happy (and safe) parking!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if my Audi has folding mirrors?

Look for a button on the driver’s door panel with a mirror icon and an arrow indicating folding. You can also consult your owner’s manual or use a VIN decoder to review your vehicle’s specific features and options.

Do all Audi models come with folding mirrors?

No, folding mirrors are not standard across all Audi models. They are typically available in higher trims or as part of optional packages, so it depends on your specific model year and configuration.

Where is the button to control the folding mirrors on an Audi?

The button for the folding mirrors is usually found on the driver’s door panel, near the window and mirror adjustment controls. It may be a separate button or integrated into the mirror adjustment knob with a folding symbol.

Can I add folding mirrors to my Audi if it doesn’t have them?

Yes, retrofitting folding mirrors is possible but often requires new mirror assemblies, wiring, and professional installation with software coding. It can be costly, so check with an Audi specialist for compatibility and estimates.

What are the signs that my Audi has power-folding mirrors?

Signs include a dedicated folding button on the door, automatic folding when locking the car via key fob, and the ability to adjust mirrors from inside. Reviewing your vehicle’s build sheet or options list can provide confirmation.

How do I use the folding mirrors feature on my Audi?

To use the folding mirrors, press the folding button on the door panel to retract them, and press again to extend. Some models may also fold automatically when you lock the vehicle, depending on your settings.