Mirror - Fix or Replace?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
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From: Charleston, SC
GL450
Mirror - Fix or Replace?
I'm helping someone fix up a W210. It has a broken driver's side mirror. Everything is fine except the black ring has cracked off, and the glass anti-glare sandwich is delaminating.
I'm debating taking it apart, cleaning between the glass pieces, and then caulk/epoxy sealing it back together. I understand the autodim will no longer work.
Is this a bad idea? Should I just buy a new non-dimming glass replacement?
I'm debating taking it apart, cleaning between the glass pieces, and then caulk/epoxy sealing it back together. I understand the autodim will no longer work.
Is this a bad idea? Should I just buy a new non-dimming glass replacement?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 301
Likes: 23
1997 E300D
There is supposed to be a gap between the pieces of glass and it is filled with a thick liquid that somehow performs the auto dimming function. The mirror is also heated. I can understand why one might just buy a non-auto dimming mirror glass, as some of them are as low as $25, while the best price I found on a heated autodimming one was $220. You can also find some that simply stick on the old mirror glass. I would not be surprised if you would get multiple immages if you were to try to epoxy the glasses together, buy I have not tried it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 5
From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Buy the replacement from Autohaus for around 324$. That was my price two years ago and $600 from the dealer plus they charge half hour labor to put in which you can easily do yourself. You cannot laminate to two together and the chemical between the pieces performs the dimming function. Be careful of the silver coating on the outside of the glass if you attempt to clean it. These coatings are surface applied and not behind the glass like most others.
