Nevada Jack

Could someone fill me in on the situation with the side view mirrors on the C350. Was (or is) there a problem of some kind on the '08 - '09 models? Were the mirrors redesigned for '09 but have not yet been added to the production cycle?

Thanks

TB5...

anyone got pics of the new side mirrors... can't find em.

cjh.

Heya, Jack!
To my knowledge, there have only been a few countries that have gotten the newer mirrors on the C-class. I'm not sure of the reasoning for this.

These are the "new" 2009 mirrors in certain markets. They are NOT power-folding like the 2008 model's.


These are the 2008/2009 mirrors found on most (US) w204's.

Nevada Jack

Hey cj... thanks for the pics. do you know why they changed the mirrors?

I am close to getting a loaded C350 from my friends in Denver ( Westminster MB) and saw some discussion on the mirrors. Build date was 11/11/08 and it is in the port in Maryland. On a truck (or train) heading west. Some good financing with MB (1.9%) and they are eating the first two month payments.

RLE

I have a price quote for two W204 new style folding mirror assemblies which will be interchangeable with my '08's mirrors. Three bolts and two plugs per side, plug and play.

They are expensive.

cjh.

Congrats...the photo gallery here will be quite lively if you do end up getting it.


As to why they changed the mirrors, who knows. I personally like the design of the new mirrors, but they are not power-folding, which is a flaw.

Nevada Jack

I prefer the folding mirrors and unless there was a major problem with old ones, they will do fine.

Yeah... I might shoot a couple of pics to post...:-)

NewC180

I'm from Singapore and got my C180 in Nov'08, and the car came with the new mirrors. Yes, they do have the auto folding function.

The new mirrors are part of the Blue Efficiency program that Mercedes are incorporating into the W204.

duboisi

I'm from Malaysia. Only C200k and C230 are being offered here due to high tax structure, about US$70k for a C200k Avantgarde. All W204s sold after 1st Apr have the new mirrors and with auto folding function. I noticed that the new mirrors height is shorter and length is longer. Read somewhere that they reduce wind noice at high speed. Cost about US$800 to replace a pair of old to new.

Mr Enigma

The new mirrors do have the power folding option. I checked this at the dealer before I ordered mine.

woofwoofz

I like to bold look of the older mirror styling. In Canada, GLK has the newer mirror and they don't look as cool as the old one.

-DW

Nevada Jack

Based on the pics above I would prefer the older mirror, but if they create wind noise then I would consider replacing them. There must have been a pretty strong reason for MB to change those mirrors after only a year or so on the street.

RLE... is that quote from a dealer and does it include install?

flagman

My C350 built in Feb. 09 in Germany still has the original mirrors.

The reason that has been stated on the forums for the change is complaints about excessive wind noise from the original mirrors. It may also improve aerodynamics slightly, hence the connection with the Blue Efficiency strategy of MB.

I've only had my car for a week, but I don't notice any excessive wind noise, except when heading into a very strong headwind. On the highway at 120 km/hr they are fine. Maybe at Autobahn speeds the noise might be objectionable. But then again, our C's have excellent sound systems, so turn it up...

I compared the original mirrors to the GLK mirrors and agree with what was stated above, they are narrower and longer than the originals. I prefer the original design as I think it offers better visibility.

Nevada Jack

Thanks flagman... nice assessment and eases my concern about wind noise.