Broken Driver Mirror, 10 cent fix

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Jan 8, 2007 | 06:35 PM

jrs

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From: PA

1997 E420

Broken Driver Mirror, 10 cent fix

'97 E420, the driver side (exterior) mirror started flopping around. The internal spring that keeps it tight broke off inside the mirror. What actually broke was the spring's mounting point on the mirror's internal aluminum frame.

I used 2 plastic wire ties (zip ties) to secure the end of the spring to the frame. There's an opening through the frame near the original spring mounting point. I threaded the zip ties through that hole.

The spring doesn't see any significant load unless the mirror gets pushed back, so I think the ties will hold.

John

Jan 8, 2007 | 06:54 PM

mv420xx

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...

nice, will definitly hold... good to know to. thanks.

Jan 8, 2007 | 07:47 PM

galleryvw

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From: California

1997 E420, 1983 300D

good call, that's exactly how i fixed mine! I think i used the 15 cent ties though.

The only problem is the tension isn't quite the same and the mirror wobbles a little if the door gets slammed. Someday I'd like to upgrade the whole thing to the folding mirrors, since it probably broke because of some idiot walking by in a parking lot

Jan 8, 2007 | 08:59 PM

FlatlineEF9

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From: Hawaii

1996 E320, 2018 Ducati Panigale V4S, 2012 1199 Panigale

Hahaha. I wasnt going to post because I thought I was the only one to do this. Lol. I was amazed that just a little plastic tab was holding the huge spring in there.

Jan 8, 2007 | 11:28 PM

my E430 rocket

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From: Naples, FL

BMW X3. R33 skyline

got pics?

Jan 9, 2007 | 01:13 AM

CQHall

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From: Atlanta

W222 AMG S63

Ha! The same thing happened to me a few weeks back. I fashioned a wire hanger into a { type shape and hooked the hook of the spring into the middle. Yeah, it was a lot cheaper than buying a new or salvaged mirror.

Jan 9, 2007 | 05:45 AM

jrs

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From: PA

1997 E420

Here are some pics.

Galleryvw - I think I was able to put enough tension on the zip ties so it holds the mirror pretty tight. I pulled the ties tight using pliiers.

John

Attached Thumbnails

Broken Driver Mirror, 10 cent fix-dscn0210.jpg

Broken Driver Mirror, 10 cent fix-dscn0209.jpg

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Jan 9, 2007 | 10:45 PM

king_j

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lol.
same thing happened to me. i ended up drilling a hole just after the spot where the tab was for the spring. i bought another spring, its not as tight and the mirror can be easily moved.

i might try the above method.

in the 1st pic, is the assembly on the car?
if so, why is the mirror on the assembly if the housing is off?

Jan 10, 2007 | 02:38 AM

#10

jrs

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From: PA

1997 E420

king 1,

Yes the mirror is on the car. If you''re asking why the mirror glass itself is still there, on this particular mirror, the housing can be unclipped and pulled off without removing the glass.

Good luck everyone.

John

May 26, 2008 | 04:05 PM

#11

saad12

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E320

Thanks - I fixed the spring mount on the side mirror

Thanks a lot to all those who responded.
I used the tie wrap and it is fine. It is a just a bit wobbly when I slammed the door but I guess that's the best it can get because the tie wraps are plastic/nylon and are flexible.
I didn't try two tie wraps though - just one - how long do you think it wil last ?
Thanks

May 27, 2008 | 08:23 AM

#12

Air Marshall Eldritch

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John Deere

I tried the ties but the mirror was too wobbly, and passing inspection was the goal, where they yank on it.

So $5 of JB Weld epoxy did the trick.

Jun 3, 2008 | 10:41 AM

#13

koskesh

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1997 E320

I did mine for $0. I ended up twisting the hook on the end of the spring 180 degrees so it faces the opposite of the original direction and pulled and hooked it onto the hole that was created as a result of the tab breaking off.

Feb 1, 2009 | 06:24 PM

#14

skipsantos

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From: Gretna, LA

2008 E350 Sport/2016 E350

I used ties as well about 8 months ago. I was able to tighten with needle nose pliers. Still works fine. I would prefer a more permanent fix, but the cost and time requirement worked for my schedule. I have a feeling it will outlast my ownership of the car.

Mar 26, 2009 | 12:08 PM

#15

Ricco

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97 E420

Thanks...I needed this info. I have to fix mine soon.

Mar 27, 2009 | 10:14 AM

#16

Carcrazy1

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Volkswagan

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It is good for you to have a conclusion about your problem, but this is not enough to solve it. Try to make a further investigation about 97 E420.

Sep 5, 2011 | 10:30 PM

#17

tmounib

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From: Winchester VA, USA

wdbjf55fxtj020203

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffreyP

Can anyone tell me,, first of all how to take the OUTER COVER off the mirror in order to get to the spring?????????????????//

Thank you all

Sep 5, 2011 | 10:45 PM

#18

raymond g-

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From: Seattle WA

99 E320

try this

Sep 5, 2011 | 11:12 PM

#19

tmounib

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From: Winchester VA, USA

wdbjf55fxtj020203

Thank You Raymond,, that did it,, you are the one,,
T.Mounib

Sep 6, 2011 | 07:25 PM

#20

nelbur

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1997 E300D

Instead of using wire ties, you can use a piece of wire routed the same as the wire tie. Bring the ends of the wire together at the end of the framework and twist them together. Now take a pliers and pull on the wire to tension the spring, and twist tighter to lock the tension on the spring. Clip off the excess wire and bend the twists out of the way. This should be a more permanent repair and it holds the mirror more firmly against the mount gasket. A wire that will not rust will work best, like stainless safety wire, but many other types should work.