My side mirror (driver's side) changed color.
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1999 E320 & 2008 S550 Designo
My side mirror (driver's side) changed color.
Has this happened to any of you? For some reason...oxidation or whatever.. the color of the mirror is now golden/brownish. I can still use the mirror but it is like having a color tint over the mirror. If I wanted to replace it...can I just replace the mirror it self? and how to you remove it? I hope it does not require the replacement of the entire side mirror assembly..other wise I can just live with the color change as long as it does not get worst and turn totally black on me.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
i think that is the indication that auto dim is failing....the goo
mirror is affixed via snap fittings, wire retainer, as well as dbl stick tape so
you may need to use a flat bladed screwdriver/knife to carefully pry mirror
off from the plastic flange which is attached to the motor.
UPDATE 6/3/2020 = it appears the Youtube video link has dead ended. if you are needing
photos from a MB w210 showing exterior mirror removal, search Youtube as there are other
videos other than the one I shared (and which died). I may have still photos from my own
car though. If you need, email or PM me.
mirror is affixed via snap fittings, wire retainer, as well as dbl stick tape so
you may need to use a flat bladed screwdriver/knife to carefully pry mirror
off from the plastic flange which is attached to the motor.
UPDATE 6/3/2020 = it appears the Youtube video link has dead ended. if you are needing
photos from a MB w210 showing exterior mirror removal, search Youtube as there are other
videos other than the one I shared (and which died). I may have still photos from my own
car though. If you need, email or PM me.
Last edited by raymond g-; Jun 4, 2020 at 07:22 PM.
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
And the
auto dimming glass mirror is a pricey part,so unless you are really bothered by it or it starts to leak the almost impossible stuff to remove.Let it be,let it be,speaking words of wisdom.Let it be.
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98 e320
usaims
Thread Starter
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Posts: 340
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1999 E320 & 2008 S550 Designo
I did not realize the outside rear mirror had the
If it cost $400, then forget it...I can live with it...so let it be perhaps.
Thread Starter
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1999 E320 & 2008 S550 Designo
Please clarify...can I just replace the mirror only?
i think that is the indication that auto dim is failing....the goo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn0bgoME_mQ
http://tinyurl.com/5vrvv4
mirror is affixed via snap fittings, wire retainer, as well as dbl stick tape so
you may need to use a flat bladed screwdriver/knife to carefully pry mirror
off from the plastic flange which is attached to the motor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn0bgoME_mQ
http://tinyurl.com/5vrvv4
mirror is affixed via snap fittings, wire retainer, as well as dbl stick tape so
you may need to use a flat bladed screwdriver/knife to carefully pry mirror
off from the plastic flange which is attached to the motor.
Thanks Raymond.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
I don't think its the "auto dimming" , I think its the oil used in the heat portion of the "heated mirrors".I had mine leak all over my drivers door and as ohlord stated, it isn't fun to get off.If you don't want to pay to have it replaced ,stop by a glass shop and have them cut you a replacement piece and attach it over top the old one.I wouldn't compromise my safety by trying to navigate with a cloudy drivers side mirror. 
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Thread Starter
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1999 E320 & 2008 S550 Designo
That is a good idea, but will it look too thick and funny ?
I don't think its the "auto dimming" , I think its the oil used in the heat portion of the "heated mirrors".I had mine leak all over my drivers door and as ohlord stated, it isn't fun to get off.If you don't want to pay to have it replaced ,stop by a glass shop and have them cut you a replacement piece and attach it over top the old one.I wouldn't compromise my safety by trying to navigate with a cloudy drivers side mirror.
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
I don't think its the "auto dimming" , I think its the oil used in the heat portion of the "heated mirrors".
Thread Starter
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1999 E320 & 2008 S550 Designo
Holy smoke!!!
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
you're going to cry more when I tell you that i sold a mind condition OEM
mirror with autodim for $75 shipped several months ago to a forum member.
still have one more but that'll be my personal spare. did you check your
local auto wrecking yard? worth a call(s)
mirror with autodim for $75 shipped several months ago to a forum member.
still have one more but that'll be my personal spare. did you check your
local auto wrecking yard? worth a call(s)
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'08 CL600 with 152k km; '01 E430 4Matic with 433k km; '17 Porsche Cayenne with 130k km
If you're still in need of one and you have a facelift model W210, fleaBay has one for a decent price:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...spagenameZWDVW
OR you can opt for eurospec blindspot mirrors. I replaced my OEM ones for these. Granted, there's no auto-dimming feature; I was willing to part with it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...spagenameZWDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...spagenameZWDVW
OR you can opt for eurospec blindspot mirrors. I replaced my OEM ones for these. Granted, there's no auto-dimming feature; I was willing to part with it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...spagenameZWDVW
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2004 E320 4matic
Inexpensive option
Thread Starter
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1999 E320 & 2008 S550 Designo
very good to know...
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From: Hunterdon County
'06 E 350 4matic wagon; '05 E 500 4matic sedan; '09 S550 4matic
I had the jerk at the NJ inspection station fail me for "bronzed mirror", no crack or external leaking, just the slightly darker tint. I didn't want a non-standard paste over, etc. so allowed myself to get the fleecing from the MB shop- $400+.
Thread Starter
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1999 E320 & 2008 S550 Designo
Luckily they don't inspect for that in CA.
since mine is bronze as well...I can still see through the tint without any problems as long as it does not get any darker
Ouch on the $400+ bill for a side mirror.
Ouch on the $400+ bill for a side mirror.
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From: Südflorida
'99 E430, '05 ML500, '15 GLK350
How to get rid of the mirror goo?
Mine finally gave out and drizzled down the door. It looks like it ate some of the paint on the mirror housing as well.
What's the best route for removing this crap? Soap and water didn't do much.
Thanks.
What's the best route for removing this crap? Soap and water didn't do much.
Thanks.
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
I bot mine for a post face lift car from Autohaus for around 328 last year versus the dealer wanting $607 plus labor. The post face lift mirror glass is an easy pop out and pop the new one in with two small electrical contacts that plug in and out. It is the liquid used for auto dim that goes bad. It chemically breaks down and the seal erodes and then begins to leak. If your mirror is changing color you may have a few more months before you will be dealing with a big mess. Bite the bullitt an get it taken care of now. Glass shops simply use a precut mirror made overseas (not a good fit and looks lousy) and some windshield sealer glue to do the paste over. I, like all of you facing this, tried that first and immediately had them take it off before I left their yard. It looked like sh#t and like something you would do to a 1980s piece of #### clunker that you did not care about. As for the goo try bug and tar remover or or go stronger and use the Purple cleaner degreaser. It will remove the wax and oils from your car so a good wash and rewax after is on the agenda.
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From: Südflorida
'99 E430, '05 ML500, '15 GLK350
Update on mirror goo
The electrochromic gel (proprietary product of Gentex) had solidified pretty well on the paint before I could get to it. About an hour of vigorous fingernail scaping and rubbing with 3M Performance Finish got it off the driver's door, but there are some residual stains in the clear coat.
Not sure what I'll do on the clear coat stain - any ideas?
Not sure what I'll do on the clear coat stain - any ideas?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
The electrochromic gel (proprietary product of Gentex) had solidified pretty well on the paint before I could get to it. About an hour of vigorous fingernail scaping and rubbing with 3M Performance Finish got it off the driver's door, but there are some residual stains in the clear coat.
Not sure what I'll do on the clear coat stain - any ideas?
Not sure what I'll do on the clear coat stain - any ideas?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
3 inch random orbital polisher from Griot's garage and some lens polisher paste then 3 step prep and wax from Mequiars. The polish is amazing. Clay is good for pulling debris out of the painthowever, not sure about a stain that might have eaten into the clear coat. Never hurts to try though. Just function of time and ah little mo money.
mo money.
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
hey!....was googling around and stumbled across this. who wants to be the
guinea pig with this vendor? it doesn't mention the autodim, but I'm intrigued
by the low cost.
guinea pig with this vendor? it doesn't mention the autodim, but I'm intrigued
by the low cost.
