Alas, after only 2+ months, my new (leased) 2008 E350 has it's first injury. A few days ago (after parking in a not-so-nice neighborhood the previous evening) I noticed that the driver-sided mirror has a 3 cm vertical scratch. I'm not really sure when it occured and could have happened in my parking garage or elsewhere. It's defintely real and not something superficial. Who knows if it was accidental or intentional. It doesn't really affect the use of the mirror but obviously it pains me to see it. I would appreciate some input on:

1) How much should it cost to replace/repair?
2) How does such a repair work for a lease?
3) Would most people repair it?
4) If it's not repaired, what are the consequences at the one-year check-up or at lease termination?
5) How often does this kind of thing come up?

I'm in the 3rd month of a 39 month lease. I will post a picture when I can.

 

How deep is the scratch? If it's only superficial scratch, sometimes if you apply and polish it with a rubbing compound and then wax it thereafter, it will remove or hide the scratch.

 

I think he means the scratch is on the mirror glass. Three centimeters is barely over 1 inch, and that auto-dimming mirror glass is probably not cheap. I would not repair it on a rented car.

 

Anything less than the size of a credit card is overlooked upon return therefore, unless it impairs vision there is no need to repair.

 

Good to know. But does anyone have an idea what it costs to repair? If not, I can certainly speak with the dealer...

 

Is it the glass or the plastic housing?

 

Definitely the glass from what I can tell. I called my sales agent who will look at it when I take it in.

 

Left the car at the airport for a week. Came back and notice the crack was much bigger. Now a size that I feel must be replaced/repaired. Has a yellowish tint along the crack... any ideas?

Separately, having some trouble getting my iphone book to be accessed via car... used to work long ago... any ideas?

Thanks.

 

The yellowish tint is the fluid that produces the auto dimming effect seeping into the crack. An autodimming mirror glass goes for $400 or more.

 

It might not be a lot of help but just for reference.My gf's C320 04 mirror got hit.Complete housing trashed,minor scratch on the door panel $1200

 

that's a harsh increase over 210 autodimmer. i replaced one with new, wide
angle (curved) mirror, autodim for $100. maybe they use some super goo now.

 

The price for the driver side on my CLK was $365

 

Dealer was awesome. Since truly here was no (known) accident and based on how it looked and what they found, replaced it without charge. On ultraclose inspection the mirror looks a bit different (faint 5 mm border of faintly different color) but overall who can complain.... the issue is now resolved in my mind. Go MB White Plains!!!