any idea if the side mirrors on the japanese bB are any different that what we get here? for example, coming from the vw community, the japanese versions had a stubby mirror on one side.

the only difference i think is that they were heated and motorized

(having been, as far as I know, the first person to get a set of JDM mirrors into an xb and wired.) - the only difference really is that motorized fold-in was an option on some bB's.

The outside housing is the same part #. The mounting bases are different from USDM to JDM models (due to the fact the driver sits on different sides and viewing angle would be/is different). The mounting bases are also slightly different internally for a motorized version than a US version - US version has to be slightly modified.

You also have to reuse the the USDM glass as JDM glass is out of angle - but both are visually the same - as in the are interchangeable in the housings - but the USDM mirror has the better rear view.

The only reason to buy $300, $400 JDM mirrors (and all you need is the motor and dash switch for the 3 or 4 bills) is becuase you want a motorized function and/or you just simply want the parts (my only reason was becuase to many people told me "no" - so I bought them just to spite them :) )

Really - the only thing that is "different" visually to an on-looker to see with your JDM mirrors is that you have on your mirror adjustment panel a little push button with a mirror icon on it. That's it.

thanks for the info!