Vehicular rearview mirror with blind spot viewing system

This invention relates to exterior rearview mirrors for vehicles and, more particularly, to a vehicular rearview mirror system allowing repositioning of the mirror reflector for desired time periods to view areas adjacent the vehicle which otherwise would be hidden from view in the driver's blind spot to improve safety during lane changes, merging with or passing of other vehicles. A vehicular exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly which enables moving the reflective mirror element to an alternate position for viewing of areas adjacent the vehicle which otherwise would be hidden in the driver's blind spot. The blind spot system includes a reflective mirror element mounted on a pivot member such as an electric actuator for adjusting the field of view of the mirror element for different drivers about an axis which is preferably centered on the mirror element. A support member has a joint spaced laterally of the axis and pivotally connected to the pivot member for moving the mirror element between a first rearward viewing position and a blind spot viewing position. A power source such as an electric motor is preferably mounted on the pivot member and is spaced from the support member joint, and includes a threaded member pivotally connected to the support member and driven by a gear. The electric motor is preferably connected via a control circuit to a remote switch such as in the passenger compartment to allow the driver to pivot the support member and mirror element for blind spot viewing when desired.