Side Mirror Position
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
MB C230K
Side Mirror Position
I've had a tough time adjusting to the limited visibility when changing lanes with my C230. But then I listened to Car Talk this weekend where they give some help on mirror positions.
It turns out, the best position for the left hand mirror is obtained by putting your head against the left side window, then adjusting the mirror so you can just see the side of the car.
For the right hand side mirror, you lean right as far as you can, then adjust the mirror again to just see the side of the car from that angle.
I tried it out and low and behold - no more blind spots! I tried it out while slowly passing people on the freeway and it really works! And I no longer need to crane my neck! I thought I'd pass on this tip.
I've been driving for over 20 years without this vital piece of info....
It turns out, the best position for the left hand mirror is obtained by putting your head against the left side window, then adjusting the mirror so you can just see the side of the car.
For the right hand side mirror, you lean right as far as you can, then adjust the mirror again to just see the side of the car from that angle.
I tried it out and low and behold - no more blind spots! I tried it out while slowly passing people on the freeway and it really works! And I no longer need to crane my neck! I thought I'd pass on this tip.
I've been driving for over 20 years without this vital piece of info....
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From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
i read that in a post while back. ive never tried it but i hear it really works. personally i like the split mirrors. those are something i cant live without. this will be my 2nd car with them. i love em! maybe i should have tried the head on the window trick, would have saved me a few $$$.
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From: Peoria IL
2003 MB C230 coupe
okay, i've read a few articles and i'm confused. when you move your head to either side and do the adjust, should you only be able to see the side of your car and nothing else, or should you just barely be able to see the side of your car with the street taking up the rest of the view. it's a wording issue that's confusing me. i think it's the latter that's correct.
EDIT: nevermind, i found an illustration. it is the latter.
EDIT: nevermind, i found an illustration. it is the latter.
Last edited by truelove; Jan 30, 2003 at 10:43 AM.
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I readjusted my mirrors, and it works ! The driver side mirror is tilted outward and I wouldn't have normally done it that way, but I followed the directions above, and it works !
Last edited by Jerry MB230K; Feb 3, 2003 at 11:28 AM.
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There is an easier way to accomplish the mirror adustment. Adjust the interior to your preferred setting. Note what you can see at the extreme right of the mirror. Now adjust the right side mirror so that what you see at the extreme left of that mirror is the same as what you see at the extreme right of the interior mirror. Use the same procedure for the left mirror.
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From: Montvale, NJ
C230K and ML320
Just get a set of Euro spec mirrors from Steve... The euro spec mirrors are aspheric on both sides and totally eliminates blind spots. I can see even traffic on my left side from my right side mirror!!! It a cheap, but very effective mod.
Dave
Dave
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From: SF
2007 VW GTI
Originally posted by dwang
Just get a set of Euro spec mirrors from Steve... The euro spec mirrors are aspheric on both sides and totally eliminates blind spots. I can see even traffic on my left side from my right side mirror!!! It a cheap, but very effective mod.
Just get a set of Euro spec mirrors from Steve... The euro spec mirrors are aspheric on both sides and totally eliminates blind spots. I can see even traffic on my left side from my right side mirror!!! It a cheap, but very effective mod.
I've used the technique described in the first post for a couple of months now and I barely even turn my head anymore.
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From: Montvale, NJ
C230K and ML320
Originally posted by session
Simply moving your mirrors is just as effective and is cheaper.
I've used the technique described in the first post for a couple of months now and I barely even turn my head anymore.
Simply moving your mirrors is just as effective and is cheaper.
I've used the technique described in the first post for a couple of months now and I barely even turn my head anymore.
Yeah, but that takes out all the fun of modding your car... 
Dave
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From: Peoria IL
2003 MB C230 coupe
Originally posted by session
Simply moving your mirrors is just as effective and is cheaper.
I've used the technique described in the first post for a couple of months now and I barely even turn my head anymore.
Simply moving your mirrors is just as effective and is cheaper.
I've used the technique described in the first post for a couple of months now and I barely even turn my head anymore.
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From: CA
03 C320 Sedan
blind spot
Just a note: even throught adjusting the optimal mirror position, and eliminating the blind spot, I think you still have to turn your head just to see if there are any cars on the 'other' lane that is planning on moving over to the lane next to you. The mirror pretty much only covers the left and right lane on your sides. Just a safty reminder...
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Here is a similar thread about "autobahn mirrors," which can be added to fill any areas where people want extra assurance. There are two pictures of these... mine is in the last post...
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...tobahn+mirrors
I agree with spacetrain, however. None of these mirrors will keep you from swapping paint with a car two lanes over as he pulls right while you move left into a center lane. Drive your car like a WWII fighter pilot... "head on the swivel." Hundreds of stories abound about pilots who relied on their c0ckpit frame mirrors, only to be killed by their enemies behind.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...tobahn+mirrors
I agree with spacetrain, however. None of these mirrors will keep you from swapping paint with a car two lanes over as he pulls right while you move left into a center lane. Drive your car like a WWII fighter pilot... "head on the swivel." Hundreds of stories abound about pilots who relied on their c0ckpit frame mirrors, only to be killed by their enemies behind.
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From: Peoria IL
2003 MB C230 coupe
yup, i've gotten into the habit (beaten into my head from drivers ed all those years ago) to look over my shoulder before changing lanes. it seems strange to me now to just go using only my mirrors.
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Originally posted by truelove79
yup, i've gotten into the habit (beaten into my head from drivers ed all those years ago) to look over my shoulder before changing lanes. it seems strange to me now to just go using only my mirrors.
yup, i've gotten into the habit (beaten into my head from drivers ed all those years ago) to look over my shoulder before changing lanes. it seems strange to me now to just go using only my mirrors.
I figure if I get too lazy to swivel my head, I'm too old to drive and should turn in my license.
