I was told it will switch on automatically, how does that work? Cheers. Freelander 2 XS MY 2012, 19" rims, Barolo Black. Privacy glass, spoiler.

Heated rear window switch does the job. It's mentioned in the handbook somewhere

It's the heated washer jets that activate automatically  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

On my one I have to turn them on with the twist knob that you use to adjust them with.

Edit: Or is that on my Golf? I'll check later for to be sure. Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Handbook says;

HEATED MIRRORS
The heated external rear view mirrors operate
automatically according to the external
temperature and windscreen wiper operation.

Wiper operation is a bit of an odd thing to link the Heated Mirrors to, wonder what the thinking there is?

On the 2007, Wing Mirrors come on with the heated rear screen. 
Hung like Einstein, smart as a horse.

Yes, I can't work that one out!!

Steve D wrote:

On my one I have to turn them on with the twist knob that you use to adjust them with.
Edit: Or is that on my Golf? I'll check later for to be sure.

It was/is on your Golf...

 

yep...kinda vague from the handbook, dunno what kind of combination would kick off the heat... >.<

What if freezing with frost on the mirror but no need for the wiper to operate?  Freelander 2 XS MY 2012, 19" rims, Barolo Black. Privacy glass, spoiler.

I do know that my mirrors have never had frost on them in 4 years of ownership, not sure how it works, but my wipers are always on auto, maybe that's why   MY2014 SD4 XS
Ipanema Sand

MY10 TD4-e GS Manual
Lago Grey Now retired after 8 trouble free years

The fact the mirrors fold in will help prevent frost as they are not as exposed. I had a MY10 GS and can recall driving to work on a frosty and foggy day and the mirrors misted over as I drove down the A38.

I pressed the rear heated screen button and they activated and cleared the mirrors no problem LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

folding wing mirrors can also be your enemy in the frost. My partner had one of her powerfold mirrors break when it tried to open and a build up of ice was holding it back - one of the plastic cogs inside broke off so now when she locks it she gets a clicking noise from the guilty mirror when it folds in. It is a well known fault with fords not sure if the same could happen to the FL2.

Is the handbook right about the link between the wupers and heated mirrors? Surely on a frosty day with an iced over windscreen the last thing you want is your wipers scraping over the ice and destroying the rubber? I have always assumed that the heated wing mirrors work in conjunction with the heated rear window. Now - 2017 BMW X3 M Sport Carbon Black
Gone - 2014 BMW X3 M Sport Space Grey, faultless!
Gone - 2011 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Bali Blue with xenons
Gone - 2008 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Rimini Red with bodykit

I always thought it was linked to the rear screen, I'm positive my mirrors cleared only when I pressed the heated rear screen button.

I know the hand book says auto, but that's not my experience. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

i was under the impression they were automatic

i started my car this morning, obviously didn't use the wipers as the screen was covered in ice, but before i pressed the PROG button i am sure i saw the mirrors starting to steam a little

As I remember from a post some time back, it was tested by a few members and found that they only came on with the rear screen heater. Not auto and defo nothing to do with the wipers. But, as posted, this is not what the handbook says.