a strange phenomenon
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: Portland Area
2000 C230K and 2002 ML320
Be a little more specific... the body of the mirror... or the color of the glass?
Our mirrors darken themselves at night if someone is behind you... along with the drivers side mirror.
Our mirrors darken themselves at night if someone is behind you... along with the drivers side mirror.
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 244
Likes: 2
From: Hunterdon County
'06 E 350 4matic wagon; '05 E 500 4matic sedan; '09 S550 4matic
Much more common on the driver's side mirror but the original photochromatic mirrors have a problem and something chemically leaks causing this permanent sepia tint. Careful when you go to inspection, chop-breakers will fail you for this if they notice.
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 18
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so what is the solution???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 11
From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
This thread is very unhelpful without pictures...
What year is the car? Is it equipped with auto-dimming mirrors? Are both mirrors (interior/exterior mirrors) brown? Any leaks of the mercury that's inside the mirror present?
What year is the car? Is it equipped with auto-dimming mirrors? Are both mirrors (interior/exterior mirrors) brown? Any leaks of the mercury that's inside the mirror present?
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,642
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From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
Do a search here and at benzworld, Mercedes did have a bad run of mirrors and the company that supplied them is in the USA. I understand that they had replaced many factory direct, don't need to go through MB.
Yes they did leak an oil like substance and change color to a light brown.
Yes they did leak an oil like substance and change color to a light brown.
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Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 244
Likes: 2
From: Hunterdon County
'06 E 350 4matic wagon; '05 E 500 4matic sedan; '09 S550 4matic
It is easier to find a parts direct company for inside mirror, a true same for same replacement for outside mirror does not save much once you include shipping. Not sure of rearview savings online. Also don't know if there is any difficulty to rear view replacement. I went to dealer parts, ran into an SA who knew me and he offered to swap it out hinself so no charge other than a nice tip which I had to push on him.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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yes 100/100 that what happend with my MB 98 E320
so do you recommend that i replace it???
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 11
From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Look at the interior mirror again, if the colour has changed to an uneven brown (should be like a wave inside the mirror) then that means that some mercury has leaked.
Check underneath the mirror on the console, are there any black liquids or burn marks? Any discoloration on the wood? We're looking for liquid chemicals that have leaked out of the mirror.
What I think is odd is that since both the inside and outside mirrors have gone bad, the mercury shouldn't have leaked since they wouldn't have both leaked the chemicals at the same time, I am thinking that either the power supply or the sensor went bad.
If it wasn't a leak, I recommend that you go to the dealer and have the mirrors replaced.
Check underneath the mirror on the console, are there any black liquids or burn marks? Any discoloration on the wood? We're looking for liquid chemicals that have leaked out of the mirror.
What I think is odd is that since both the inside and outside mirrors have gone bad, the mercury shouldn't have leaked since they wouldn't have both leaked the chemicals at the same time, I am thinking that either the power supply or the sensor went bad.
If it wasn't a leak, I recommend that you go to the dealer and have the mirrors replaced.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1
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SL320
Hi Patrick Y!
I have a problem with my mirrors also! Both the inside rearview and the driver's side mirrors had a brownish liquid that initially streaked the mirrors, but has now settled to the bottom half of the mirrors. They both leaked, the driver's side mirror leaked onto the door paint and actually ate through it a bit. The rearview mirror leaked onto the console below. Can I replace these mirrors without spending a fortune at the dealer?
It is on a 1997 S320 model.
Thank you!
I have a problem with my mirrors also! Both the inside rearview and the driver's side mirrors had a brownish liquid that initially streaked the mirrors, but has now settled to the bottom half of the mirrors. They both leaked, the driver's side mirror leaked onto the door paint and actually ate through it a bit. The rearview mirror leaked onto the console below. Can I replace these mirrors without spending a fortune at the dealer?
It is on a 1997 S320 model.
Thank you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,942
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
for outside mirror, you can try replacing glass from this GB outfit. i've read
of a couple of satisfied buyers on various MB forums. i'm putting in an order
to them this week.
...as well as Potomic for OEM take offs, inside and outside mirror units
of a couple of satisfied buyers on various MB forums. i'm putting in an order
to them this week.
...as well as Potomic for OEM take offs, inside and outside mirror units
